Azure

Azure is a gated, Mediterranean-style condominium resort on the Gulf side of Okaloosa Island at 1150 Santa Rosa Boulevard, near the island’s Boardwalk end. Completed in 2005, it has 137 residences in six-story buildings set on more than 500 feet of white sand beach, with a boardwalk of about 515 feet leading across the dunes to the water.

Azure is built around larger condos. Floor plans are three-bedroom and four-bedroom units of about 1,150 to 1,790 square feet, with nine-foot ceilings, upscale finishes and large balconies where guests often watch for dolphins. Most residences have direct Gulf views, and each has its own storage unit for beach gear.

The shared amenities are resort scale. There are two Gulf-front pools, one heated, and two spas, along with a children’s spray park, an exercise room and an arcade. The property has a gated entry and covered parking. Some rental companies include beach chair and umbrella service and extras such as passes to local golf or water parks, depending on the unit.

The beach at Azure is the powdery white sand and clear emerald water of eastern Okaloosa Island. The Okaloosa Island Boardwalk with its restaurants and shops is close by, as is the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park and the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier. Destin, with its harbor, fishing charters, golf and shopping, is a short drive across the East Pass bridge, and downtown Fort Walton Beach is a short drive across the Brooks Bridge. Being near the Boardwalk end of the island means dinner, ice cream and summer fireworks are a short walk or bike ride away, while Azure’s own long boardwalk keeps the beach just a few minutes from the pool.

Azure suits families and multigenerational groups who want a big condo with three or four bedrooms and resort-style pools in a gated setting. The spray park makes it a practical pick for families traveling with young children. Because units are large and the amenities are extensive, Azure is popular during spring break and summer, so booking early helps. Covered parking and individual storage make it easy to bring bikes, wagons and beach gear. Brooks and Shorey, Coastal Vibe Vacations and individual owners are among those renting units here. The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is roughly a half-hour drive.