HAVEN BY THE SEA. 🌊🏖️☀️🏝️. Only 30 STEPS away from your PRIVATE BEACH
Little Haven, By The Sea — Only 30 Steps Away From Your Private Beach Unobstructed Gulf Views Experience the perfect coastal getaway at Little Haven By The Sea, a charming 1,257 sq. ft. townhome located directly on Scenic Highway 98. This two-story retreat offers breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Gulf of Mexico from both levels, blending “shabby chic” coastal decor with modern upgrades. Sleeps 6. Picture your mornings here: coffee on the upper deck as the sun rises over the emerald water, salt air drifting through the windows, and the sound of waves just steps from your door. That’s the Little Haven experience. Living & Dining • Cozy Interiors: Relax in a bright living room featuring a large flat-screen TV and comfortable furnishings. • Fully Equipped Kitchen: Beautiful stone countertops, crisp white cabinetry, and a full suite of housewares and appliances — including a brand-new full-size refrigerator. • Seating: The dining table comfortably seats six, with two additional spots at the breakfast bar. Bedrooms & Bathrooms • Master Suite (Upper Level): A King-size Sleep Number bed with premium bedding and a private balcony overlooking the emerald waters. Enjoy the brand-new, extra-large walk-in shower. • Guest Bedroom: Decorated in white cottage style, with a Queen bed and a Twin trundle bed to accommodate additional guests. • Convenience: 2.5 bathrooms — two full baths upstairs and a half-bath on the main level. • Flat-screen TVs in every bedroom. Outdoor Living & Amenities • Views for Days: Take in the salt air from the front porch swing or the expansive upper deck. • Beach Ready: Located right across the street from the white sands — only 30 steps away. Beach chairs, an umbrella, and toys are provided, so you can walk right out and set up. Rinse off afterward in the outdoor shower. • Essentials: Free Wi-Fi and a brand-new full-size washer and dryer. The Location The closest grocery stores are Publix, Winn-Dixie, and Whole Foods. For coffee, head to Bad Ass Coffee just east on Scenic Hwy 98, or Santos about a block west. Nearby restaurants include Captain Dave’s On the Gulf, Kenny D’s Beach & Grill, and Surf Hut. 3705 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, Florida 32541. Come fall asleep to the sound of the waves and wake up to the Gulf at your doorstep. Little Haven By The Sea is ready to welcome you home.
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Pets allowed: less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
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• Pet Check: As a reminder, please ensure all pet hair or tracks are cleared from furniture or bedding to avoid the additional cleaning fee.
• Trash: Please bag all trash and place it in the outdoor dumpster
• Thermostat: Please set the AC to 75
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Only accept guests with a 4 star review rating or higher. No smoking inside or on the decks,
Smoking is not allowed. If you have to smoke you must go to the boardwalk area. Or to the area located in the back the units.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 496497vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Destin
Located in Destin, this holiday home is near theme parks and near the beach. Destin Commons and Silver Sands Premium Outlets are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Miramar Beach and Destin Beaches. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at Bluewater Bay Tennis Center, or consider a night out at Club LA. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and hiking/biking trails nearby.
Fort Walton Beach, FL (VPS-Northwest Florida Regional) - 32 min drive
Restaurants
Pompano Joe's - 16 min walk
Crab Trap Destin - 14 min walk
Whales Tail - 3 min drive
Circle K - 3 min drive
McDonald's - 4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is HAVEN BY THE SEA. 🌊🏖️☀️🏝️. Only 30 STEPS away from your PRIVATE BEACH pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at HAVEN BY THE SEA. 🌊🏖️☀️🏝️. Only 30 STEPS away from your PRIVATE BEACH?
As of 2 August 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at HAVEN BY THE SEA. 🌊🏖️☀️🏝️. Only 30 STEPS away from your PRIVATE BEACH on 21 August 2026 start from NZ$1,627, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at HAVEN BY THE SEA. 🌊🏖️☀️🏝️. Only 30 STEPS away from your PRIVATE BEACH?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at HAVEN BY THE SEA. 🌊🏖️☀️🏝️. Only 30 STEPS away from your PRIVATE BEACH?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at HAVEN BY THE SEA. 🌊🏖️☀️🏝️. Only 30 STEPS away from your PRIVATE BEACH?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is HAVEN BY THE SEA. 🌊🏖️☀️🏝️. Only 30 STEPS away from your PRIVATE BEACH located?
Situated near the beach, this holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Miramar Beach and James Lee Park. James Lee Beach and Shore at Crystal Beach Park are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Very nice stay! Great communication with the host!! Absolutely loved the front porch swing! Will stay again most definitely!
Tracy C.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 2 August 2026
Thank you so much for the lovely review! We’re so glad you had a great stay, and that front porch swing is definitely one of our favorite spots to relax too! It was a pleasure communicating with you, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to Little Haven By The Sea for your next visit! 🌿✨
Our host was simply amazing. With the tropical storm, 2 of our days were forced to find something inside and she sent several recommendations. The decor was great, The view was great. All around great!
Kevin S.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 2 August 2026
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We were so sorry that the tropical storm disrupted a couple of your beach days, but we’re thrilled you were still able to make the most of your time here and enjoy the area. It was an absolute pleasure hosting you, and we’d love to welcome you back to Little Haven By The Sea anytime—hopefully with 100% sunshine next time! ☀️
The home was beautiful with a perfect view. We even saw dolphins from the balcony! Darlene was a great host. She checked on us several times. I will definitely stay here next time.
Melanie H.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 2 August 2026
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! Spotting dolphins right from the balcony is always such a magical bonus, and I'm so glad you got to experience that! It was a true pleasure host-checking in with you and making sure your stay was perfect. I’d love to welcome you back to Little Haven By The Sea anytime! 🐬🌊✨
Host has made some nice improvement to the property.Nice, comfortable stay. No better place due to view of thewater and convenience to local eateries.
Warren S.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 6 May 2026
Hi Warren,
Thank you so much for the kind words and the wonderful review! I am so glad you enjoyed the updates to the property and found the location convenient for local dining and taking in the water views.
I also wanted to sincerely apologize for a mistake on my end regarding your guest rating. I accidentally mixed up your stay with another guest and mistakenly gave you a poor rating. You were actually a fantastic guest, and I’ve reached out to see if I can have that corrected to reflect your actual stay. I believe they are going to remove it.
I would love to host you and your wife again anytime! You are welcome back at "Little Haven By The Sea" whenever you’re ready for another coastal getaway. ☀️🏖️☀️🏝️
Perfect view of the ocean! The host was amazing. The unit was very nice. Had everything for the perfect stay.
Joan L.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 2 August 2026
Thank you so much for the glowing review! We are so glad you loved the ocean views and had everything you needed for a perfect stay. Providing a seamless and memorable coastal getaway is always our goal! It was an absolute pleasure
Fabulous stay with great views and location! Darlene was absolutely fantastic to deal with. She truly cares about your stay and wants you to have the best time you can. Darlene is very quick to respond if you send her any messages of any kind. I would not hesitate to come back to her property in the future! Thank you Darlene, we greatly appreciate you having us!Ron
Ron W.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 2 August 2026
Thank you so much for the fantastic review, Ron! It was a absolute pleasure hosting you, and I’m so glad you enjoyed the views and location. Knowing that you felt well cared for and had a wonderful time truly means the world to me. You were a fabulous guest, and I’d love to welcome you back to Little Haven By The Sea anytime! 🌊✨
Darlene is fantastic! Communicated so well throughout the stay. Check in was a breeze! The house is cute as can be. It is very clean and the kitchen is so well stocked. Sharpest knives I’ve ever used at a rental! The master bedroom is large and new as is the bathroom. The view of the ocean every morning was such a treat. There is ample space for everyone. The second bedroom is medium size w a large closet. The full bath off of the bedroom is clean and large. It is close enough to restaurants to walk. We went to Sandos which is literally around the corner and they have great sandwiches during the day. The tiki bar is fun and you can just walk home. Really wonderful stay. Highly recommend.
Laila M.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 14 April 2026
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! I am thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the unobstructed views of the Gulf and found the house to be a 'cute' and comfortable home base for your stay.
I really appreciate you mentioning the kitchen and the master suite; I take a lot of pride in making sure the home is well-equipped and clean for every guest. It’s also great to know you were able to take advantage of the location ☀️Sandos and the tiki bar are definitely local favorites for a reason!
It was a joy communicating with you, and I would love to welcome you back to Little Haven By The Sea anytime. Wishing you many more happy travels!
Thank you for choosing to stay at Haven By The Sea! I’m so glad you found it cozy and peaceful. One of the unique advantages of being in a smaller complex is the sense of tranquility it provides compared to larger condominiums. I truly hope you’ll visit again—you’re always welcome! Warm regards,
Darlene🏖️☀️🏝️
I’ve stayed at several VBRO places, and without a doubt Darlene is the best host ever. Any questions or concerns I had, she was quick to reply or call. Place was very clean, has gorgeous views, excellent location.
Tim J.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 October 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was such a pleasure hosting you, and I’m delighted to hear you enjoyed the views, the cleanliness, and the location of Haven by the Sea. I truly appreciate your kind words and hope you’ll visit again soon for another relaxing stay.
I noticed you gave a 4-star rating — if there’s anything I could improve to make your next visit a full 5-star experience, I’d love to know. Your feedback means so much and helps me make every stay even better!
Great experience great view host communicated wellWe will be back
Jason G.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 May 2025
Thank you so much for the kind words! I’m so glad you enjoyed the view and had a great stay at my Little Haven By The Sea. It was a pleasure hosting you, and I truly appreciate your thoughtful review. You’re welcome back anytime!!☀️I would love to have you again!
The condo was so convenient to the beach and restaurants which makes it a must stay next year.Darlene reach out to make sure we had everything we needed twice and when we ask to stay an extra day she was glad to accommodate us. Overall it was a very enjoyable experience. Thank you Darlene for sharing your home with us .
Bobby G.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 27 August 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! 🌴☀️ I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed the beautiful Gulf views and found the condo so convenient to everything. It was truly my pleasure to check in and make sure you had everything you needed, and I’m glad I could make your stay a little longer too! Knowing you had a wonderful experience means the world to me. 💙 I would be so happy to welcome you back anytime, looking forward to your next visit!
Darlene
The condo location is excellent. The condo includes everything needed for a fun and enjoyable vacation experience. Very nice views of the Gulf, which is directly in front of the unit.
Denny B.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 25 April 2021
Thank you for visiting my Little Haven by the Sea!!
That view is Spectacular isn’t it?
I hope you will come again
Darlene
We very much enjoyed our stay at this property. Location was fabulous! Beach access was so close and chairs and umbrella were provided which were appreciated. Front porch swing and 2nd floor balcony were wonderful. Two restaurants are within easy walking distance. Darlene was a great host and responded quickly.
Deborah K.
Stayed 28 nights in Feb 2025
About the host
Hosted by Darlene Santamour
Hi, I’m Darlene! I’m a nurse practitioner and yoga instructor, and I split my time between a few places I love — a condo in the city of Birmingham, Alabama, a mountain lake house in Highlands, NC, and a lake house on Lake Logan Martin, where you’ll find me boating and soaking up the water whenever I can. When I’m not on the water, I’m usually in my garden tending flowers and vegetables, or catching up with friends over a game of Mahjong or Canasta. But most of all, I treasure time with my 11 grandchildren. Hosting Little Haven By The Sea lets me share a little piece of the coastal peace I love so much — I hope you leave feeling as refreshed as I do every time I visit.
Why they chose this property
When I first stood on that upper deck and watched the sun sink into the Gulf, I knew this was the one. The views here are the kind you don’t get tired of — every sunset feels like the first time, and mornings bring that same emerald water bathed in soft light. It wasn’t just the view, either. It was the quiet stretch of Scenic Highway 98, and knowing the beach was only 30 steps away — close enough to wander over for a sunrise walk in your pajamas. I wanted Little Haven to feel like a cozy retreat rather than just another rental, which is why I leaned into a “shabby chic” coastal style that feels warm and lived-in. My first morning coffee on that balcony, watching the water change color, is still one of my favorite memories — and it’s the experience I hope every guest gets to share.
What makes this property unique
What truly sets Little Haven apart is the unobstructed Gulf view from both levels — most townhomes on this stretch only offer that from the top floor. You can watch the sunset from the porch swing downstairs or the private balcony upstairs, and either way, nothing blocks the water. Add to that being just 30 steps from the sand, and you get a rare combination: true walk-to-the-beach convenience with a full, unobstructed water view most guests only dream of. We’ve also paired that view with recent upgrades — a brand-new walk-in shower, full-size washer/dryer, and refrigerator — so the comfort matches the setting
• The dual-level view itself (upstairs and downstairs) is genuinely the standout selling point — most listings only have one vantage point • The “shabby chic” decor gives it a distinct personality vs. the generic beachy-modern look most rentals default to • Sitting right on Scenic 98 with walkable coffee shops on both sides is a nice small-town-charm detail
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests