Condo

NEWLY LISTED! Welcome to The Escape Pod on Santa Rosa Sound by Fort Walton Beach

Photo gallery for NEWLY LISTED! Welcome to The Escape Pod on Santa Rosa Sound by Fort Walton Beach

A lake with a boat, dock, and trees.
A swimming pool with lounge chairs, a metal fence, and trees in the background.
A wooden pier extending into calm water with benches at intervals.
A grassy area with beach chairs, a green cooler, and a black bag near a dock by water.
A bird in flight over water with a dock and trees in the background.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • The great outdoors
    Guests love the outdoor space here.
  • Outdoor pool
    The outdoor pool is a refreshing retreat under the open sky - a rare gem in this area.
  • At the centre of it all
    Stay in a top rated central location, steps from the best attractions, dining, and entertainment.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Close to Santa Rosa Sound
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Outdoor pool
  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Mary Esther, FL
  • Place, Santa Rosa Sound
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Oak Tree Nature Park
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Santa Rosa Mall
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Airport, Fort Walton Beach, FL (VPS-Northwest Florida Regional)
    ‪22 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Spaces

Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

NEWLY LISTED! Welcome to The Escape Pod on Santa Rosa Sound by Fort Walton Beach

Enjoy being surrounded by nature in this 2 Bedroom condo directly on the Santa Rosa Sound. The back patio showcases views of magnificent cedar and live oak trees where many bird varieties (and lots of squirrels!) call home. Enjoy the serene view of the waters of the Santa Rosa Sound from the pool deck, beach access area, dock with bench seats, or one of the several seating spots near the water's edge. Pool and beach towels as well as beach chairs and a handy wagon make it easy to head out and explore nearby Fort Walton Beach, The Gulfarium Marine Park, Destin, Gulf Breeze Zoo, the Sea Turtle Conservation Center and Navarre Beach. A well-stocked kitchen makes eating in easy (although there are SO many delicious restaurant options minutes away!). Feel free to reach out to us during your stay – we’re happy to suggest local spots and eateries to check out!

This complex (and area) is a mix of residential owners/tenants and vacationers. If you are looking for a robust party or night scene, please check out nearby Destin or Pensacola. Pets are not allowed for short-term rentals in this complex, however there are small dogs of owners/year-round tenants that are required to be registered with the association, on a leash in any common areas, and display condo specific tags.
A coin/credit card common laundry area makes it easy to pack light and stay fresh.



Highlights:

Free WIFI available throughout the condo.

Condo is on the third (top) floor. No one above you! Close access to stairs and elevators.

Family Room has a 60” Samsung Smart TV on a swivel wall mount, comfortable couch, chairs, floor throw cushions, and ceiling fan. (Samsung TV channels included - home screen with app access allows you log in to any of your streaming/music services with ease)

The private patio with chairs and tables overlooks the courtyard. Your view is the canopy of old and twisted live oak and cedar trees where birds sing, and squirrels run the branches like their personal expressway. A great place to start the day with coffee or tea or end the day with a beverage! It’s vacation (wink wink!).


Bedroom 1:

King bed, dresser, closet, chair, and ceiling fan

Bedroom 2:

Queen bed, dresser, closet, desk and desk chair, ceiling fan.

Bathroom:
Handheld shower head (no tub), toilet, sink, lighted zoom makeup mirror, first aid kit



Kitchen:

Fully equipped kitchen with plastic and glassware, dishes, pots, pans, silverware, cooking utensils, drip coffee maker, French press, electric kettle, toaster, air fryer, microwave, range, oven, small crock pot, dishwasher, full size fridge, and fire extinguisher.


Additional Details:

Unit has smart lock access with a unique door code for your convenience and security. No need to keep track of keys at the pool or beach!

Your stay includes access to pool, pool restroom, beachfront on the Sound, waterfront, waterfront picnic areas and grills, sunrise/sunset/fishing dock, coin/card laundry room, parking for up to 2 vehicles.
Your stay includes bath towels, bed linens, pool/beach towels and blankets, 4 beach chairs, hard sided and soft sided cooler, and a burly collapsible wagon to tote it all to the pool and beach!

Laundry room entrance is behind the pool area and is open 24 hours a day via access code. Washing and drying costs $2 per load with coin, credit card, or app payment (laundry soap is not provided).
Pool restroom is located down the hall through the laundry room. Any children not fully potty trained are required to be in a swim diaper (a tight cloth/plastic version – disposable swim diapers are not allowed. Because they don’t work!).

Kayaks on property are not included in rental (they are all privately owned), however rental options for all sorts of water toys are available in nearby Fort Walton Beach. Tying up to community dock is allowed ONLY for loading and unloading of passengers living or staying at the complex. No tying up and leaving vessel allowed. Fishing from the dock is permitted with a valid Florida fishing license for anyone over 16 years old. For resident and non-resident license information visit myfwc.com

Bird Lover? Here are some frequently spotted varieties this season (Late May/early June):
In the Courtyard there are Cardinals, House Finches, Chipping Sparrows, Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmouse, Mourning Doves, Blue Jays, and a Red-bellied Woodpecker (who appears solo, but I am an amateur!). The patio of The Escape Pod puts you eye level with the tree canopy. If watching birds and squirrels sounds relaxing you have found your spot!
On the shoreline you are likely to spot our resident Great Blue Heron, most of us call Fred. There are also Egrets, Canada Geese, Brown Pelicans, and occasionally birds of prey. The neighbor two docks down has a pair of well occupied houses of tiny black birds who dance across the sky in swopping groups at dusk before returning to their houses on the boat dock.


This complex is a mix of residential and vacation use. Please note quiet hours are from 11:00pm to 8:00am. You’re on vacation. Sleep in!

Trailers, campers, and working equipment are not permitted to park in the complex.
Please note – as of May 2026 the common area walkways and balconies are undergoing repairs and resurfacing, with some balconies being closed during this time. The Escape Pod balcony remains open for use, and this will be updated if that changes.

Early Check-In and Late Check-out MAY be possible upon request, for an extra cost of $25/per hour as availability and cleaning schedule allows.

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 22
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 5234440vb
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, a first aid kit 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

Mary Esther

Located in Mary Esther, this condo is near theme parks and near the beach. Shoppers can check out HarborWalk Village, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Okaloosa Island Beach and Crab Island. Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park and Emerald Coast Science Center are also worth visiting. Looking to get your feet wet? Snorkelling, power boating and fishing adventures can be found near the property.
Map
Mary Esther, FL

What's nearby

  • Santa Rosa Sound - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Oak Tree Nature Park - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Santa Rosa Mall - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Regal Santa Rosa - 3 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Okaloosa Island Beach - 10 min drive - 8.3 km

Getting around

  • Fort Walton Beach, FL (VPS-Northwest Florida Regional) - 24 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Charleys Philly Steaks - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Panera Bread - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does NEWLY LISTED! Welcome to The Escape Pod on Santa Rosa Sound by Fort Walton Beach have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

How much does it cost to stay at NEWLY LISTED! Welcome to The Escape Pod on Santa Rosa Sound by Fort Walton Beach?

As of 3 July 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at NEWLY LISTED! Welcome to The Escape Pod on Santa Rosa Sound by Fort Walton Beach on 12 July 2026 start from NZ$395, 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.

Is NEWLY LISTED! Welcome to The Escape Pod on Santa Rosa Sound by Fort Walton Beach pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at NEWLY LISTED! Welcome to The Escape Pod on Santa Rosa Sound by Fort Walton Beach?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at NEWLY LISTED! Welcome to The Escape Pod on Santa Rosa Sound by Fort Walton Beach?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at NEWLY LISTED! Welcome to The Escape Pod on Santa Rosa Sound by Fort Walton Beach?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is NEWLY LISTED! Welcome to The Escape Pod on Santa Rosa Sound by Fort Walton Beach located?

Situated near the beach, this condo building is within a 10-minute walk of Santa Rosa Sound and Oak Tree Nature Park. Santa Rosa Mall and Regal Santa Rosa are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 4 out of 4 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 4 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

christy a.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Really enjoyed our stay, very clean and welcoming. Lots of kitchen supplies and extra. Loved where it was located on the bay, had coffee every morning under the oak trees by the pier
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

sophiatmurphy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great time to stay at this apartment. It’s so convenient on the location as well as the dock at the back with the swimming pool that my senior parents like the most after a few hours at the beach near by.Damara set up the room is nice with kitchen stuffs, the beach towels, chairs and stroller to help carry on are very thoughtful and helpful. The beds are our favorite after a fun day, we slept so well with comfortable beds.Thank you Damara for hosting us.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Debbie d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nicely updated condo that was clean comfortable well equipped and well supplied. Comfortable beds and roomy closets in large bedrooms, plush towels generous supplies and plenty of hot water in walk in shower, exceptionally well equipped and supplied kitchen, and close up view of birds and squirrels in gorgeous old trees from the balcony made for a wonderful stay. Damara, the owner, provided quick responses to my questions and detailed information on the location access and nearby amenities. I highly recommend this unit
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 19 June 2026
Thank you, Debbie! I am so glad you were comfortable and enjoyed your stay! I love to cook myself, so I am happy to hear you found the kitchen well stocked and supplied. I hope to welcome you back again soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gigi N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Don't be fooled by the older appearance of the building exterior! Know going in that the outside doesn't feel like a luxury getaway, but that is truly the only downside. The inside is beautifully updated and very well-stocked. My family of 4 (with 2 teenagers) had a wonderful stay! Our host thought of every detail when preparing this apartment for rental, and it is clear she did so lovingly. The apartment had everything we needed for a comfortable week, including beach chairs and nice thin beach towels that dry quickly. The beds were exceptionally comfortable and the A/C kept us plenty cool. While we thought we would be able to do laundry in the actual apartment (There is a community laundry room.) it turned out that we didn't need that after all. There are ample hooks lining the entryway to dry all of our wet towels, and a balcony with furniture to drape wet bathing suits to dry. Best of all, this apartment is absolutely centrally located to get the best of Navarre to the west, and Ft. Walton, Okaloosa, and Destin to the east. There are plenty of great restaurant options close by and a Target a few minutes down the road. The host is a joy to work with. She labeled things all through the property for easy maneuvering, and the whole apartment is impeccably clean. Give this property-away from the tourist chaos- a chance! You'll have a great vacation!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 19 June 2026
Thank you, Gigi! I am so happy your family enjoyed your stay at The Escape Pod. I agree - the location is central to all the best of our coastal area. Thank you for being great guests! I hope to welcome you back soon!

About the host

Hosted by Damara

Host profile image

Languages:

English
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