Emerald Towers West

Emerald Towers West is a six-story condominium building on the Gulf side of Okaloosa Island, set on Sundial Court just off Santa Rosa Boulevard. Built in 1997, it holds only 44 units, so it has a quieter, low-density feel than many of the island’s bigger complexes. A short walkover leads from the building straight onto the sand.

Floor plans include one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom condos. Listings show one-bedroom units of about 900 square feet, two-bedroom units of about 1,145 square feet and three-bedroom units of about 1,500 square feet, with a larger three-bedroom, four-bath layout of roughly 2,200 square feet. Private balconies face the Gulf, and many units have unobstructed water views.

Shared amenities are simple and practical: a large community pool that is heated, a barbecue grill area, a private beach boardwalk and elevator service to every floor. The small number of units means the pool deck and beach area rarely feel crowded, even in summer.

The beach at Emerald Towers West is classic Okaloosa Island, with white quartz sand and clear green water. Neighboring Gulf-front buildings on Sundial Court include Emerald Isle, Summerlin and South Beach. Local restaurants such as Fudpucker’s and Old Bay Steamer are a short drive away, as are the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier, the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park and the Boardwalk. Destin’s harbor and shopping are across the East Pass bridge, and downtown Fort Walton Beach is a short drive across the Brooks Bridge. Sundial Court is a short, quiet side street off Santa Rosa Boulevard, so traffic is light and the walk from car to sand is short, which is welcome when unloading coolers, chairs and umbrellas for the day.

Emerald Towers West suits couples and families who prefer a smaller building with direct beach access over a large resort with extensive facilities. The mix of one-bedroom through three-bedroom units makes it easy to match a condo to the size of the group. When comparing listings, look at the floor and whether the unit is on an end, since corner condos gain side views along the beach. Parking is on site, and the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is roughly a half-hour drive. Several rental companies manage units here, so extras such as beach chairs differ by booking.