Gulf Dunes

Gulf Dunes is a Gulf-front condominium complex at 376 Santa Rosa Boulevard, on the eastern part of Okaloosa Island’s condo row near the Boardwalk. Completed in 1999, it consists of two six-story buildings, East and West, with 102 units in total on about 425 feet of private shoreline. A private boardwalk leads from the pool deck over the dunes to the beach.

Floor plans include one-bedroom units of about 760 to 980 square feet, many with hallway bunks; two-bedroom units of about 1,160 square feet with a separate bunk room; and three-bedroom units of about 1,390 square feet that sleep eight to ten. All units have spacious balconies with open beach views, and the fifth and sixth floors have nine-foot ceilings. Rental companies also market some combined four-bedroom configurations.

Shared amenities include two beachfront pools, one of them heated from November through March, a fitness center, a tennis court, barbecue grills, outdoor showers, elevators and covered and uncovered parking. Brooks and Shorey Resorts, one of the larger local rental companies, has an on-site office here, and many guests receive beach chair service through their manager.

The beach in front of Gulf Dunes is Okaloosa Island’s white sand and clear emerald water. The Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier and the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park are roughly a 12 to 14 minute walk, and the Boardwalk is about 15 to 20 minutes on foot. Nearby restaurants include AJ’s Oyster Shanty, Stewby’s Seafood Shanty and The Gulf. Destin’s harbor and shopping are a short drive across the East Pass bridge. Being this close to the Boardwalk area means guests can walk to dinner and to the summer fireworks shows held nearby, while the complex’s own stretch of shoreline is only a few steps from the pool deck.

Gulf Dunes suits families with kids, thanks to the bunk rooms and two pools, and groups who want to be within walking distance of the pier and Boardwalk. The one-bedroom units with bunks are an efficient option for small families. When booking, check whether a unit is in the East or West building and which floor it is on, since views and walking distance to each pool differ. Sunset Resort Rentals and other companies also manage units here alongside Brooks and Shorey.