Something for everyone....
Family Activities & Entertainment
The property's location is perfect.... it truly can't be beat! There are so many fun things to do, all of which are within walking distance or a very short drive. A lot of other beach homes are in areas where there aren't many things to do, other than hang out at the beach. This isn't the case with Gem By The Sea. It is a 2 block walk to the #1 rated beach in the continental U.S. (U.S. News), and you can also walk to a great shopping/dining/entertainment area called Destin Commons-- and it is a 10 minute walk (see the map to the right). A water park and mini-golf are a couple of the fun family activities that are near the house, and they are only 3.5 miles away. For those who are interested in golf, the Regatta Bay Golf and Yacht Club and Kelly Plantation Golf Club, both of which are open to the public, are both within 2.5 miles. Deep sea fishing and all water sports such as jet skiing, paddle boarding, boat rental, sailing charters, etc. are within 5 miles. There truly is something for everyone, and you will undoubtedly fall in love to the house and the charming family friendly Crystal Beach neighborhood.
Additional information about a few of these fun activities is provided below.
BEACH SAND SCULPTURES (Sandcastle Lessons)
A winner for the Tripadvisor 2020 Travelers' Choice awards, mobile SandCastle Lessons offer an experience everyone will love. Your SandCastle Coach will usually meet you on the closest public beach accesses. Learn to build an (approx.) 3 1/2-foot tall sand tower! Gain “SandCastle Success” while you create a bit of “SandCastle Envy” on the beach. It's not just a SandCastle Lesson - It will become a vacation memory to last a lifetime.
https://beachsandsculptures.com
BIG KAHUNA'S
Big Kahuna's is primarily a water park, with over 40 water attractions. The park also features several thrill ride attractions and a mini golf course.
CRAB ISLAND A winner for the Tripadvisor 2020 Travelers' Choice awards, Crab Island is one of Destin's top summertime destinations. It has been photographed and aired on national networks and shows such as HGTV and Good Morning America, published in various travel magazines, and featured in publications across the globe. Some say Crab Island is the main reason Boating Magazine named Destin one of the ‘Top 10 Places to Live and Boat’ in the United States in 2020.
See what makes Crab Island so unique
DESTIN COMMONS
A winner for the Tripadvisor 2020 Travelers' Choice awards, this 500,000 sq ft open air "lifestyle" center offers great shopping, dining and entertainment. There are 90+ stores and restaurants including Uncle Buck's Fishbowl bowling alley and a AMC IMAX movie theater.
GRAND BOULEVARD
Grand Boulevard has become the premier destination for those looking to enjoy exclusive boutiques and eateries, renowned national retail brands, a wide mix of specialty services, as well as a coastal culture and entertainment. Aside from shopping and restaurants, you will also discover The Grand Boulevard Farmers Market (Saturdays from 9am to 1pm)
KELLY PLANTATION GOLF CLUB AND REGATTA BAY GOLF & YACHT CLUB
Both are rated as the top courses in the Destin area. Kelly Plantation is a par-72, 7100-yard and Regatta Bay is a 6900-yard, par-72 course. Both courses have views of the Choctawhatchee Bay.
More information about Kelly Plantation from Tripadvisor
More information about Regatta Bay
THE TRACK
The Track features fun for the whole family with five go-cart tracks, two mini-golf courses, blaster boats, bumper cars, Fat Daddy's Arcade, and more.
More information from Tripadvisor
WET-N-WILD WATERSPORTS
They offer a variety of activities including parasailing (seemingly their most popular activity), boat rentals, jet ski rentals, fishing charters and Crab Island & Dolphin Tours. Wet-n-Wild Watersports is a winner of the Tripadviser 2020 Travelers' Choice awards.
Nearby Food & Dining
There are so many great places to eat within a short distance of the house that it is difficult to list them all. Several are shown on the map and additional information is provided below.
Note that this is only a representation of a few of the nearby options. A far more comprehensive list will be provided to guests in the "welcome book"
SARAH K'S GOURMET
If you want to cook fantastic food at home, but without any hassle, check out Sarah K's. It is a block from the house. Here you can get pre-packaged ready-to-cook gourmet food (crab cakes are their specialty).
ANOTHER BROKEN EGG CAFE
A fantastic option for breakfast.
CAMILLE'S AT CRYSTAL BEACH
The restaurant is located across from the beach, only a couple of blocks from the house. Among other things, they serve thin crust pizza, seafood, sushi, breakfast, coffee, local beer and wine. It is a recipient of the 2020 Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice award.
More information from Tripadvisor
FIRST WATCH
Located in Destin Commons, First Watch is a great option for breakfast and brunch, but also serves lunch.
790 ON THE GULF RESTAURANT
Seafood with a Cajun accent, this is a good option for Sunday brunch and dining with a view of the gulf. It is located in The Inn at Crystal Beach, just down the street from the house.
BONEFISH GRILL
A chain restaurant that is seafood-oriented, but also serves steaks.
MILLER'S ALE HOUSE
A local restaurant and sports bar across the street from Destin Commons. For the beer lover, there are over 75 beer varieties.
ROCK N ROLL SUSHI
"American-style" such with a lot of really interesting choices.
