South Bay by the Gulf

South Bay by the Gulf is a Gulf-front condominium community on Highway 98 East in the heart of Destin. Unlike the high-rises nearby, it is a low-rise complex of townhome-style condos spread over landscaped grounds, with more than 300 feet of private beach on the Gulf of Mexico.

The community dates to 1974 and has 109 units, according to county and association records compiled by Emerald Coast Condo Map. Rentals are mainly two- and three-bedroom townhomes, typically with the kitchen and living area on the ground floor and bedrooms upstairs. Units include cable television and in-unit washers and dryers.

Shared amenities are unusual for a Destin beachfront complex. The grounds include a five-acre freshwater fishing lake, two swimming pools with two kiddie pools, tennis courts, shuffleboard, beach volleyball and barbecue pits. Seasonal beach service is available.

Rental descriptions note that restaurants and shopping are within walking distance, and the complex sits close to the Highway 98 attractions that draw families to Destin, including Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park and The Track family fun park. HarborWalk Village and the Destin Harbor, with charter fishing, dolphin cruises and waterfront dining, are a short drive west, and Destin Commons is a few minutes east.

South Bay by the Gulf suits families and groups who prefer a townhome layout with separate sleeping floors over a high-rise elevator building. The lake, courts and multiple pools give kids and adults plenty to do on site, and the long private beach frontage makes it easy to spread out on the sand.