Destin West - Okaloosa Island

Discover the Perfect Family Getaway at Destin West Beach and Bay Resort on Okaloosa Island

Planning a beach vacation for the whole family? Look no further than the Destin West Beach and Bay Resort, nestled on the stunning Okaloosa Island along the Emerald Coast of Florida. Known for its crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and a laid-back vibe, this resort is ideal for families looking to relax, enjoy fun activities, and explore the surrounding area. Whether you're soaking up the sun by the pool, dipping your toes in the Gulf, or indulging in some delicious coastal cuisine, you'll feel right at home here.

Is Destin West still a good resort in 2024? Based on my visit in July 2024, I say yes! I’ve been a returning visitor of the Destin West Beach and Bay resort since the summer of 2009 because of the diverse set of easily accessible activities and have stayed in all the buildings on the bay side except the Osprey. Let's dive into everything Destin West has to offer—from its fantastic pools and unique buildings to nearby dining and family-friendly activities!

The Resort: Pools & Amenities

One of the standout features of Destin West Beach and Bay Resort is its incredible selection of pools. The resort offers access to a 700-foot lazy river, which is perfect for floating the day away, and 2 mid sized pools on the Bay side, giving you stunning views of the Choctawhatchee Bay. Kids will love the waterfall pool (one of my favorites), while adults can unwind in one of the 2 hot tubs or get a little exercise in the largest on site pool on the beach side.

Guests also have access to the resort’s fitness center and picnic areas with grills, perfect for a casual cookout after a day of adventure. Whether you're looking to spend your days lounging by the water, exploring the area, or working up a sweat, Destin West has it all.

Relaxing in the lazy river

At night, the pool area is bursting with color!

The Resort: Beach

Getting to the beach from the Bayside involves using the sky bridge to cross the highway and a series of elevator rides. But the good news is it’s pretty easy and the entire trek only takes 10-15 minutes depending on your speed. One benefit of the beach side, is one of the pools goes under the complex so 1/2 of it is shaded. Once you’re there, you’re rewarded with pristine white sand and beautiful blue waters. One of my favorite things to do is go out at sunrise.

The Buildings: Heron, Sandpiper, Osprey, and Pelican

Destin West Beach and Bay Resort is divided into 2 sides - The Beach side and The Bay side. Each side has multiple buildings, each offering unique features and accommodation options. For this review, I’m just going to focus on the Bay side because this is the side I love the most and where I always stay because of all the water activities.

The beach side has the main beach condo complex and the studio suites which are 1 room units and pretty small, but good for couples or singles.

Here’s a quick summary - Sandpiper and Pelican are the older buildings on the bay side (and the ones you first see when you enter the complex) and the Heron (West side) and Osprey (Ease side) are newer. The Sandpiper and Pelicans are generally smaller and don’t have as much room as the other 2 complexes.

Following the image above from left to right, here’s a more in depth look at each building to help you choose the right one for your stay:

1. Heron Building

• Age: Built in 2006, the Heron building offers modern and spacious units.

• Floors: 6 floors, many with elevator access for convenience.

• Room Options: The Heron building features 2- and 3-bedroom condos, all equipped with full kitchens, washers/dryers, and large balconies. Most of the units offer direct views of the bay and the resort’s pools.

• Why Stay Here? If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with easy access to the lazy river and bay, Heron is a great option.

2. Pelican Building

• Age: Built in 2002, Pelican offers easy access to the beach side of the resort.

• Floors: 6 floors, with most units having views of the Gulf or pool area.

• Room Options: Pelican offers 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units, some with bunk rooms for kids. It’s the most family-friendly option if you want to be steps away from the beach.

• Why Stay Here? Stay at Pelican if you’re a beach lover who wants quick access to the Gulf and beachside pools.

3. Sandpiper Building

• Age: One of the older buildings, Sandpiper was built in the early 2000s but has been well-maintained.

• Floors: 6 floors with easy access to the central pool area.

• Room Options: 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom condos. Sandpiper units are spacious and offer excellent views of both the Gulf and the bay, depending on the side.

• Why Stay Here? Sandpiper is centrally located and perfect for families who want quick access to both the lazy river and the beach.

4. Osprey Building

• Age: Also built in 2006, Osprey is one of the newer and more luxurious buildings on the bay side.

• Floors: 7 floors with premium views.

• Room Options: 2- and 3-bedroom units, many of which come with expansive balconies. Osprey condos tend to be larger and more luxurious, with updated kitchens and high-end furnishings.

• Why Stay Here? If luxury and space are your priorities, Osprey is an ideal choice, especially for larger families or groups.

Where Did We Stay?

View off the back deck from our room.

For this trip, I decided to try something I’ve not done before and that is, stay in a Lanai room. The Lanai suites have an expansive outdoor patio and kitchen area with a grill and are located on the ground level with a small “backyard” with your own gated fence that leads to the lazy river walking path. This turned out to be the perfect location for us since our daughter is almost 3 years old. The link below will take you to the unit that we stayed in on VRBO. It was recently remodeled and contains brand new everything. It was immaculate and had the most well stocked kitchen we’ve ever stayed in, and we travel and do rentals a lot! Super impressive. Since I failed to get any actual shots inside the condo, here are a few shots from the VRBO listing below! Absolutely amazing unit!

** VIEW THE VRBO LISTING FOR THE PELICAN UNIT WE STAYED IN **

Would I rent a Lanai Room again?

In the past, I’ve always gotten penthouse suites or close to the top just because I like the views from up high. Also, don’t have to worry about people above you making noise and that coming through the ceiling. The location of this particular unit was literally perfect for us and the outdoor kitchen and having your own private grill is a huge bonus because we love to cook so much. One disappointing thing was people up above us, some had thrown trash down and there were some cigarettes that had been discarded from above as well. So we had to clean trash off the patio every day. It was actually kind of gross. I noted that on the Heron side, those lanais seemed to be a little more protected maybe. Plus many also had a private hot tub too. Much like the penthouse suites where you’ll also get your own grill and hot tub.

To sum it up, the main perk of the ground floor lanai suite is easy access to the pools without having to wait for elevators - which can be a big deal in the busy summer season. But if you prefer to be up high and want your own grill and hot tub, I’d say stick with a penthouse suite. If that stuff doesn’t matter to you, then pretty much any unit will be a winner and you will have an awesome time at Destin West.

While the Pelican Lanai was pretty convenient, next time we return to Destin West, I will in all likelihood be booking a Heron or Osprey penthouse suite.

Nearby Restaurants

Okaloosa Island is filled with fantastic dining options. Whether you're craving fresh seafood or a casual family-friendly spot, there’s something for everyone. While we enjoy cooking our own food at the condo, sometimes it’s also enjoyable to go out for a meal. On this trip we visited 3 restaurants that were only a short drive from Destin West.

1. Stewby’s Seafood Shanty

• Stewby’s Seafood Shanty (427 Racetrack Rd NW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547) is a beloved local seafood joint that offers fresh, simple, and affordable seafood dishes in a casual, laid-back environment. It’s a hidden gem, especially for those seeking a more authentic, no-frills seafood experience. This was our first time visiting this restaurant and we absolutely loved the food and atmosphere. I had the fried grouper plate and it was super tasty! Highly recommended! We went around 4 PM and it was already extremely busy, so keep that in mind.

2. Asiago’s Skillet

• Asiago’s Skillet (110 Amberjack Dr, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548) is a breakfast spot that’s well-known for its hearty, delicious breakfast dishes and welcoming, cozy atmosphere. If you’re craving a savory breakfast or brunch in the Emerald Coast area, this is one of the top spots to hit. This was our first time visiting here for breakfast and we were not disappointed! I had the French toast and bacon and it was some of the best I’ve had. We went around 8:30 AM and it was already very busy, but there was no wait.

3. Crab Trap

• The Crab Trap (1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548) is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, great views of the Gulf, and delicious coastal cuisine. It’s a go-to spot for tourists and locals alike, offering fresh seafood and beach vibes in a relaxed setting. We sat in a corner booth and had great views of the gulf. My blackened grouper plate with fries and a baked potato was very good!

Wrap-Up

Destin West Beach and Bay Resort on Okaloosa Island is the perfect blend of relaxation, family fun, and luxury. With so many pools, amenities, and building options to choose from, you’ll find something to suit everyone in your group. Plus, the surrounding area offers some of the best dining and family activities along the Emerald Coast.

Pack your sunscreen, gather your loved ones, and get ready for a memorable beach vacation!