Are the condos truly beachfront — no road to cross?

Yes — and this matters more than most people realize. Pelican Beach Resort sits directly on the Gulf of Mexico. From your unit you take the elevator straight down to the resort pools and then step onto the private beach. There is no road to cross, no parking lot to walk through, no "beach access" path. You are on the beach. This makes it genuinely safe and convenient for families with children.

Where exactly is Pelican Beach Resort in Destin?

Pelican Beach Resort is located at 1002 US Highway 98, Destin FL 32541 — right on the Emerald Coast. It's approximately 5 minutes from Destin HarborWalk Village, directly across from Big Kahuna's Water Park, and a short drive from Destin Commons, Whole Foods, and the best local restaurants on the Harbor. It's centrally located without being in the crowded heart of town.

Can you actually see dolphins from the balcony?

Frequently, yes. The Gulf dolphins at Destin are wild and active, particularly in the early morning hours. From the 7th floor (Unit 707) and the 10th floor (Unit 1006), guests regularly spot dolphins swimming close to shore. Morning coffee on the balcony with a dolphin sighting is one of the most commonly mentioned highlights in our guest reviews. It's not guaranteed — they're wild animals — but it happens more often than you'd expect.

What's the difference between Unit 707 and Unit 1006?

Both are 1-bedroom, 2-bathroom Gulf-front condos sleeping up to 6, with identical amenities. The building faces directly west toward the Gulf, so both units get the same stunning sunset view — the primary difference is height. Unit 1006 on the 10th floor gives a wider panoramic sweep of the coastline. Unit 707 on the 7th floor puts you closer to the pools and beach. If the view is your priority, choose 1006. If you prefer being one elevator stop from the beach, 707 is perfect.

What's included in the condo?

Both units include: full kitchen (refrigerator with ice maker, stove, oven, dishwasher, microwave, full kitchenware); washer and dryer; high-speed WiFi throughout; Smart TVs with full cable package; air conditioning and heating; large furnished balcony with Gulf views; 2 beach chairs, beach umbrella, and a cooler for your use. All linens and towels provided. Both units are renovated and upscale — no dated resort furniture.

How many guests can stay?

Each unit sleeps up to 6 guests comfortably: king bed in the master (2 guests), queen bed in the second bedroom (2 guests), and a queen sofa sleeper in the living room (2 guests). There are 2 full bathrooms in each unit. These are 1-bedroom condos — not a hotel room. You have a full home for your family or group.

How many pools does Pelican Beach Resort have?

Three pools total: two outdoor Gulf-side pools including a zero-entry pool with views of the Gulf, plus one indoor heated pool that is open year-round. There are also two hot tubs, a kiddie pool, and a sauna and steam room. The indoor heated pool is a significant advantage — it means Pelican Beach Resort is enjoyable even on cooler days or for off-season visits.

Is there a Tiki bar and restaurant on site?

Yes — but it's worth setting expectations: it's a small, charming beach bar, not a loud nightclub. It serves food and drinks during beach hours with a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. Evenings at Pelican Beach are genuinely quiet — the Tiki bar noise does not carry up to the 7th or 10th floor. Beyond the Tiki bar, there's an on-site market for basics and a small restaurant. During peak season, you can order food delivered directly to your beach chair.

Does Pelican Beach Resort have EV chargers?

Yes — EV chargers are located on the roof level of the resort parking garage. Parking at Pelican Beach is free. Charge overnight without leaving the resort. One less thing to plan around on a road trip in an electric vehicle.

What other resort amenities are available?

Pelican Beach Resort amenities include: private beach with seasonal beach service, fitness center, sauna and steam room, tennis courts, pickleball courts, gas grills with outdoor seating, laundromat on every floor (coin and card), vending machines, and 24/7 front desk and security. It's a full-service resort, not just a building with a beach.

What happens if something breaks during our stay?

Destin Condo Getaways has on-site maintenance available — if anything comes up during your stay we can intervene right away. You don't have to wait days for a response or deal with a distant management company. This is one of the real advantages of booking with an independent boutique owner versus a large property management company. Direct contact, fast response, problems solved.

Ready to check availability? Destiny Blue — our AI concierge — can check your dates, compare units, and get you a booking link in seconds.

Can you see the 4th of July fireworks from the balcony?

Not from the balcony — the fireworks are launched from the Destin Harbor area, which isn't in direct sight line from Pelican Beach Resort. The best spot is HarborWalk Village, about 5 minutes away. It's absolutely worth the short trip — the Destin 4th of July fireworks show over the harbor is spectacular and one of the best on the Gulf Coast. Book early if you're planning a 4th of July stay, it's the busiest week of the year.

What should I bring that the condo doesn't have?

The condos are fully equipped but guests sometimes wish they'd brought spices and olive oil — if you're planning to cook seriously, throw a few basics in your bag. Everything else is covered: full kitchen, beach chairs, umbrella, cooler, towels, linens. The on-site market can cover most basics you forget, and Target and Winn-Dixie are both about a 1-minute drive away.

What's the closest grocery store?

Both Target and Winn-Dixie are less than a 1-minute drive from Pelican Beach Resort — essentially across the street. You can stock up on arrival without spending half your first afternoon in a supermarket.

What's the best restaurant near Pelican Beach Resort?

Mimmo's Destin Ristorante Italiano is directly across the street and walkable — outstanding Italian food and a local favorite. For fresh Gulf seafood, HarborWalk Village (5 minutes) has numerous waterfront restaurants with dockside views. Destin is genuinely a great food town — you won't struggle to eat well.

What surprises first-time Destin visitors most?

Two things consistently: the beaches are genuinely shocking. People who haven't been to the Emerald Coast before are not prepared for how white the sand is and how vivid the turquoise water looks — it doesn't look real in person. The second surprise is summer traffic on US-98 during peak season. If you're driving somewhere in July or August, plan for it. The beach is worth it.

Are there vending machines and conveniences on site?

Yes — Pelican Beach Resort has vending machines on the floors stocked with sodas, snacks, and even phone cables and common forgotten items. There's also a small on-site market for groceries and essentials, and a small restaurant. During peak season, beach food service means you can order food delivered directly to your spot on the beach. Between the on-site amenities and the stores right across the street, you genuinely never need to go far.

How do I save money on a Pelican Beach Resort condo?

Book directly through destincondogetaways.com instead of Airbnb or VRBO. Platform fees on those sites add 14–20% to your total cost. Direct booking eliminates those fees entirely. Use discount code DESTINY at checkout for an additional 10% off. You'll also get faster, more personal responses from the owner directly — not a call center.

What is the best time of year to visit Destin?

Peak season is June through August — Gulf water temperatures reach 84°F, the water is its signature emerald-turquoise color, and the beach scene is at its most lively. Shoulder seasons (April–May and September–October) offer excellent weather, far fewer crowds, and meaningfully lower nightly rates. Winter visits are surprisingly enjoyable for those who don't need warm Gulf water — the indoor heated pool is open year-round, the resort is peaceful, and rates drop significantly. Destin's white quartz sand beaches are beautiful in any season.

Are pets allowed?

Units 707 and 1006 are pet-free properties in line with Pelican Beach Resort's guidelines. For special accommodation requests, please contact us directly at destincondogetaways.com prior to booking.

Is there an AI assistant to help with booking?

Yes — Destiny Blue is the AI concierge for Destin Condo Getaways, available 24/7 on every page of the website. Ask her your travel dates and she'll check real-time availability, compare the two units, provide direct booking links with the 10% discount applied, and answer any questions about the resort, Destin, restaurants, activities, or your stay. She's available via the chat bubble on destincondogetaways.com at any hour.