SeaCrest Condominiums

SeaCrest Condominiums stands on the Gulf side of Okaloosa Island at 895 Santa Rosa Boulevard, toward the quieter western stretch of the island between Fort Walton Beach and Destin. Built in 2000, the seven-story building holds about 90 condominiums on a site of nearly two acres, and a boardwalk leads from the property over the dunes to the sand.

Units are mostly two-bedroom and three-bedroom layouts, with a smaller number of one-bedroom homes. Sizes run from roughly 870 to about 1,470 square feet, and Gulf-facing units have private balconies looking over the water. Some upper floors also look back across the island toward Santa Rosa Sound, which makes for good sunset watching.

The standout shared feature is the pair of pools: an outdoor pool with a sunbathing deck and a heated indoor pool, which is handy on cool winter days or windy afternoons. SeaCrest also has a fitness center, a meeting room with a full kitchen, a barbecue and picnic area, landscaped grounds and covered parking. The association site lists free wireless internet in the common areas.

The beach in front of SeaCrest is the wide, white sand typical of Okaloosa Island, and this end of Santa Rosa Boulevard tends to be less crowded than the stretch near the Boardwalk. Sidewalks along the boulevard are popular for walking and biking. The Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier, the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park and the restaurants on the Boardwalk are a short drive east, and Destin Harbor is just across the East Pass bridge. From the upper floors, guests can see both the Gulf and the calmer water of Santa Rosa Sound on the island’s north side, where local outfitters rent kayaks and paddleboards.

SeaCrest works well for families and small groups who like a calmer setting with the option of an indoor pool, and for winter visitors who want a heated swim regardless of the weather. Its low-key location also appeals to guests who plan to split time between the beach and Destin’s harbor. Because rental programs differ, guests should check whether a unit includes covered parking, beach chairs or pool towels before booking. The step-free ramp to the beach is a practical plus for travelers with strollers, wagons or limited mobility, and the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is roughly a half-hour drive.