How to Plan a Beach Vacation to the Gulf Coast ~ Southern Vacation Rentals
The time has come to plan your beach vacation! We bet you’re already dreaming about sun, sand, and sea. The beach is calling, and you’re headed there! But wait – before you can pack your beach bag, you’ll need to get all your ducks in a row. That means deciding on your budget, choosing your destination, party size, and more. Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Consider this your official guide on how to plan a beach vacation to the Gulf Coast. It’s a lot easier than you think! By creating your own how-to checklist, you’ll be one step closer to the beach vacation of your dreams. Plus, some of our favorite Gulf Coast vacation rentals to help you narrow down the search!
Determine Your Party Size & Budget
Knowing how many people are coming along on your beach vacation will help everything else fall into place. Maybe you’re just looking to plan a getaway with your significant other, or maybe you’d like to bring along extended family. A large beach home will ultimately cost more than a cozy one-bedroom condo for two, which goes hand in hand with determining your budget. Your budget is much more than just the cost of your rental. It also includes travel, food, and activities.
Got your party size and budget squared away? Great! Now, onto the next part.
Where Do You Want to Go?
When planning a beach vacation to the Gulf Coast, you’ll likely be hard-pressed to decide on a location. There are so many great places to visit for your beach vacation! Fortunately, we manage vacation rentals all along the Gulf Coast, from Panama City Beach, Florida to Gulf Shores & Fort Morgan, Alabama. Each area has something unique to offer – maybe you want to visit Destin’s emerald green waters, or you’re drawn to the eclectic downtown life in Pensacola. If you vacation on 30A, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a completely different place. Visit our Gulf Coast Guide for a curated look at each of our areas.
When Do You Want to Go?
It’s no secret that summer is the most popular time of year to take a beach vacation, but fall is becoming an increasingly popular time as well. So many areas along the Gulf Coast host local fall events to attract visitors in what is known as the “off-season.” Events like the Destin Fishing Rodeo, Shrimp Festival in Gulf Shores, and the Harvest Wine & Food Festival on 30A attract larger crowds each year. The beauty of visiting in the fall is that you can still enjoy warm weather and clear skies while benefitting from great rates on Gulf Coast vacation rentals and fewer people on the beaches.
Also, if you’re planning to travel with kids, you’ll want to make sure your vacation dates align with their school schedules. That’s why summer and fall breaks are the most popular times of year to travel. With no school in session during those times, the beaches are more popular than ever.
Finding the Best Vacation Rental
When it comes to finding the best vacation rental in Destin, Pensacola Beach, or Gulf Shores, we’ve got an inventory to suit everyone’s needs! If you’re looking for a large beach home in Navarre Beach, Just Beachy is the place to be. This five-bedroom home sleeps 16 guests, so it’s perfect if you want to travel with a group of friends and family. Featuring high-end craftsmanship and a kitchen that will make your jaw drop, Just Beachy is the place to be! Plus, it’s just a few steps away from the beach, with the Sound at the rear of the home as well.
If you prefer a condo with resort-style amenities, Adagio on Scenic 30A is the place to be. Our Adagio vacation rentals are some of the most luxurious accommodations on Scenic 30A, as the resort is complete with an 8,000 square foot lagoon pool, spa, and more. There is even another pool that overlooks the beach, so you can still enjoy the view while you swim! Each Adagio vacation condo comes with the comforts of home in an upscale setting that is designed to please.
Or, if you’ve got family-fun in mind, our vacation condos at Waterscape Resort have something for everyone! This is the premier family-friendly vacation spot in Fort Walton Beach, offering an incredible interior-facing pool, lazy river, and so much more. Plus, with over 500 feet of white sand to enjoy, adults and kids will feel right at home at Waterscape in Fort Walton Beach! Our condos at Waterscape sleep anywhere from 4-10 guests with 1-3 bedrooms. With Downtown Fort Walton Beach and Destin both just a short drive away, this is the premier vacation destination!
