The Sunset Penthouse
WELCOME TO

The Sunset Penthouse

The Palms of Destin • Unit 11211

Welcome to The Sunset Penthouse, we're so glad you chose our home for your Destin stay. Kick off your shoes, pour your favorite drink, and step out to the balcony; those 12th-floor sunsets over the lagoon pool are the reason we fell for this home. We have tried to think of everything you will need for an easy, restful stay, and it is all in this guide. So settle in, make yourself at home, and as we like to say around here: play, rest, repeat.
— Marsha

Getting Here & Checking In

Address. 4203 Indian Bayou Trail, Unit 11211, Destin, FL 32541. We are on the 12th floor of Building 1 (East Tower) at The Palms of Destin.

Check-In: Express Kiosk by Reception
  1. At the resort reception (Front Desk, marked D on the resort map), use the Express Check-In Kiosk — also signed as the Key Nest locker — in the room next to reception.
  2. Select "Key Pick Up" and enter the 8-digit code from your check-in message to collect your keys, wristbands, and a parking pass.
  3. Take the East Tower elevator to floor 12 and find Unit 11211.

Check-in is from 4:00 PM; reception is staffed 9:00 AM–5:30 PM. Early check-in is available from $15 through your Guest Portal (based on availability).

Wi-Fi

Connect
Network: Palms#11211
Password: beachball11211

Parking

Park in the resort garage (C) — spaces are free and unassigned, so take any open spot after you check in. Let us know how many vehicles you are bringing so the Front Desk has the right number of passes ready. You get up to two passes (no trailers or boats), and the garage has 7 ft 5 in clearance — the third floor is uncovered. Overflow parking is available by Destin Brothers for a fee.

Your private penthouse patio — Gulf and resort views from the 12th floor.

Find Your Way

The marked route below runs from the parking garage to the Front Desk and on to the East Tower. Use the lettered legend to find every amenity.

Resort map

Your Home Base

A 2-bedroom, 2-bath penthouse that comfortably sleeps 6.

The king suite, living room, and a fully equipped kitchen.

Sleeping

Kitchen & Dining

Fully equipped: Keurig, electric kettle, drip coffee maker, toaster, blender, crock pot, cocktail shaker, dishwasher, plus all dishes, pots, and pans. Dining table seats 6. We leave a starter pack of kitchen detergent and trash bags.

Laundry

In-unit washer and dryer are in Bedroom 2, with a starter pack of laundry detergent. Linens and towels are provided.

Beach Gear (Included)

2 beach chairs, 2 beach towels, an umbrella with anchor, and beach toys are yours to use. The beach at June White Decker Park is a 0.5-mile walk.

Make a Splash

The 11,000 sq ft zero-entry lagoon pool — the largest in Destin.

Wear your wristband whenever you use the amenities, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Gate code 1532 opens the playground area — tennis, pickleball, basketball, and the grills. Borrow basketballs and paddles at the front desk.

Beach shuttle: a free shuttle to the public beach runs daily in season (parked out front) — confirm current hours with reception.

House Rules

Good to Know

Do I have to be 25 to book?
Yes — the primary guest on the reservation must be 25 or older.

Where do I park, and can I bring two cars?
Park in the resort garage; spots are free and unassigned. Two (or more) vehicles are fine — just tell us the count ahead of time so the Front Desk has enough parking passes.

Can I check in early?
Yes — early check-in is a paid add-on from $15 through your Guest Portal, subject to availability. Standard check-in is 4:00 PM.

Can I check out late?
Yes — late check-out is a paid add-on through your Guest Portal, subject to availability. Standard check-out is 10:00 AM.

What is the Wi-Fi?
Network Palms#11211, password beachball11211.

Need to change your dates?
Date changes go through the platform you booked on (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.), subject to availability. Reach out if you need a hand.

Can I add trip insurance?
If you did not add it when you booked, you can buy trip insurance through your Guest Portal.

Beach Flags & Emergencies
Surf flags: Green calm • Yellow moderate • Red high hazard • Double red = closed • Purple = marine life.
Text BEACH to 44144 for daily surf conditions.
Emergency: call 911
HCA Destin ER: 200 Tequesta Dr, Destin(850) 837-9194
Emerald Coast Urgent Care: 12598 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin(850) 654-8878
Fire extinguisher: under the kitchen sink.

Explore Destin

Destin earned its nickname — the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village" — from the deep Gulf passes and emerald water that once made it one of the best fishing towns in the country, and it still runs on sugar-white sand, impossibly green water, and long golden evenings. Whether you want a boat, a beach chair, or a plate of just-caught seafood, here are our favorites.

Guest Perks — Show These Codes
Bart Rockett's Magic & Comedy Show — $10 off with code Guest10
In the showroom at The Palms (4207 Indian Bayou Trail) • shows at 7 PM, with 4 PM matinees on select Sundays • magicdestin.com
Cruisin' Tikis boat cruises — 20% off with code COMPASS20
Salty Endeavors fishing & cruises — 10% off with code COMPASS10

Henderson Beach State Park

★ 4.7
approx. 2–3 mi • 6–8 min drive

A mile of protected, undeveloped shoreline where sugar-white quartz sand meets that signature emerald water — blissfully uncrowded next to the resort beaches. Spread out a towel, follow the boardwalk nature trail through the sea oats, and watch for dolphins that swim startlingly close to shore. New for 2026: day-use visitors need a reservation (starting May 15) — book ahead.

“This is our favorite beach in Destin — quieter than the resort, and we have watched dolphins swim right up to the shore.”

Find it: 17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin(850) 837-7550floridastateparks.org

Fast facts: Sugar-white quartz sand + boardwalk nature trail • Dolphins often swim close to shore • Clean showers, pavilions, low crowds • Reservation required to enter (new for 2026)

HarborWalk Village

★ 4.5
approx. 3–4 mi • 8–10 min drive

The waterfront boardwalk at the heart of the harbor: charter docks where the day's catch comes in, local shops, seafood with a view, and live music as the sun goes down. It is also the launch point for nearly every dolphin cruise, fishing charter, and zip line in town.

“We always end a Destin day here — grab seafood on the water and stay for the sunset over the harbor.”

Find it: 10 Harbor Blvd, Destinemeraldgrande.com/harborwalk-village

Fast facts: Waterfront boardwalk on 15 pet-friendly acres • Dining, shops, and live music • Sunsets and seasonal fireworks • Launch point for cruises, charters, and zip lines

Dolphin Cruises & Deep-Sea Fishing

Destin Harbor • approx. 8–10 min drive

Two of the best afternoons in Destin start at the same harbor docks. Climb aboard a narrated dolphin or sunset cruise — fins often surface within minutes of leaving the dock — or book a deep-sea charter and reel in snapper, grouper, or mahi with a seasoned captain. Air-conditioned boats, family-friendly crews, and a fish-cleaning welcome back at the dock make it effortless for first-timers.

“Even if you have never fished, book a morning charter — the kids still talk about the one they reeled in.”

Find it: Top-rated operators: Southern Star Dolphin Cruise, (850) 837-7741 • AJ's Water Adventures, (850) 837-2222 • Sea Blaster, (850) 654-6888

Crab Island

approx. 10–12 min drive, then by boat

Just past the Destin Bridge the Gulf shallows turn turquoise and waist-deep, and a floating city of boats, rafts, and music springs up each day. Anchor a pontoon, drift on a float with a cold drink, and grab lunch from a floating vendor. Reachable only by boat — the kind of afternoon people plan whole trips around.

“Rent a pontoon for the day and anchor at Crab Island — it is the most fun you will have on the water.”

Find it: By boat from Destin Harbor • Pontoon rentals: Dockside Watersports, (850) 269-0903boatrentalsindestin.com

The Track Destin

★ 4.3
approx. 1–2 mi • 4–6 min drive

Classic family fun: the Wild Woody wooden go-kart track spirals three-and-a-half stories into the air before dropping you back down, surrounded by bumper boats, mini-golf, kiddie rides, and a packed arcade. Tracks geared to every age.

“The Wild Woody go-karts are a rite of passage — go at dusk when it all lights up.”

Find it: 1125 US Hwy 98, Destin(850) 654-4668funatthetrack.com

Big Kahuna's Water Park

approx. 1–2 mi • 4–6 min drive

More than 40 water attractions — plunging slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river built for drifting the afternoon away — plus splash zones for little ones and 54 holes of mini-golf next door. A full-day, all-ages escape (seasonal).

“A guaranteed hit with the kids when they need a break from the sand.”

Find it: 1007 US Hwy 98 E, Destin(850) 837-8319bigkahunas.com

Destin Commons

approx. 4–5 mi • 10–12 min drive

The Emerald Coast's premier open-air shopping and dining: 80-plus shops and restaurants, an AMC cinema, bowling, and a play lawn for the kids. The rainy-day backup and the relaxed evening out, rolled into one.

“Our rainy-day plan — shops, a movie, and dinner all in one easy stop.”

Find it: 4100 Legendary Dr, Destin(850) 337-8700destincommons.com

Closest to Home
Groceries & pharmacy
Walmart Supercenter (0.4 mi) 15017 Emerald Coast Pkwy(850) 650-0341
Walgreens (0.5 mi) 977 Hwy 98 E(850) 650-4538
CVS Pharmacy (0.5 mi) 797 Hwy 98 E(850) 837-8111
Publix (2.1 mi) 4425 Commons Dr E(850) 837-9094
Target (2.5 mi) 853 Harbor Blvd(850) 650-7525
Beach
June White Decker Park beach (0.5 mi walk) 1950 Scenic Hwy 98

More to Explore

On the water
AJ's Water Adventures 116 Harbor Blvd, Destin(850) 837-2222
Dolphin cruises, snorkeling trips, and sunset sails from the landmark AJ's dock.
Sky High Parasailing 404 Harbor Blvd, Destin(850) 797-7315
Parasail high above the harbor and Gulf; the emerald water is even better from the air.
Happy Life Cruises 316 Harbor Blvd, Destin(850) 861-1705
A slow paddlewheel riverboat cruise around the harbor with dinner served aboard; time it for sunset.
Arts & culture
Air Force Armament Museum 100 Museum Dr, Eglin AFB(850) 882-4062
Free admission; walk among historic warplanes, including an SR-71 Blackbird.
Destin History & Fishing Museum 108 Stahlman Ave, Destin(850) 837-6611
How a tiny village became the World's Luckiest Fishing Village; vintage boats and record catches.
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation 4323 Commons Dr W, Destin(850) 650-2226
Outdoor concerts and festivals at the Cultural Arts Village; check the seasonal calendar.
Rainy day
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park 1010 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Bch(850) 243-9046
Dolphin and sea lion shows plus up-close animal encounters at one of the oldest marine parks in the country.
Silver Sands Premium Outlets 10562 Emerald Coast Pkwy W, Miramar Bch(850) 337-0628
More than 100 designer outlet stores; the big bargain-hunting day out.
Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl & Grill 4251 Legendary Dr, Destin(850) 269-6100
Under-the-sea themed bowling and burgers inside Bass Pro at Destin Commons.
Gulf Coast Escape Room 34 Harbor Blvd, Destin(850) 460-8760
Themed 60-minute escape rooms on the harbor; a hit with teens.
Urban Air Adventure Park 14081 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin(850) 398-4729
Indoor trampolines, climbing walls, and ropes courses to burn off stormy-afternoon energy.
More beaches & parks
Norriego Point Gulf Shore Dr (Holiday Isle), Destin
Calm, jetty-protected swimming and snorkeling where the harbor meets the Gulf.
Clement Taylor Park 131 Calhoun Ave, Destin
A quiet white-sand beach on the calm bay side; shady picnic spots and gentle water for little kids.
Captain Leonard Destin Park 101 Calhoun Ave, Destin
A small bayfront park with a boardwalk and fishing dock at the Destin family homestead site.
Eden Gardens State Park 181 Eden Gardens Rd, Santa Rosa Bch(850) 267-8320
An 1897 mansion amid moss-draped oaks and manicured gardens; a lovely half-day trip about 40 minutes east.

Where to Eat

Destin runs on fresh Gulf seafood. Here are our picks.

Seafood on the Water

Dewey Destin's 9 Calhoun Ave, Destin(850) 837-7575
Seafood straight off the boat at the founding family's waterside shack; get the fried grouper.
AJ's Seafood & Oyster Bar 116 Harbor Blvd, Destin(850) 837-1913
The harbor classic: oysters on the half shell, live music, and charter boats unloading next door.
Boshamps 414 Harbor Blvd, Destin(850) 424-7406
Shrimp and grits and oysters overlooking the harbor; a lawn out back for the kids.
Harbor Docks 538 Harbor Blvd, Destin(850) 837-2506
A local institution since 1979; Gulf seafood plus surprisingly serious sushi.
Louisiana Lagniappe 775 Gulf Shore Dr, Destin(850) 837-0881
Upscale Creole and Gulf seafood with sunset views over the lagoon; dinner only and first come, first served, so go early.
Pompano Joe's 2237 Scenic Gulf Hwy, Miramar Bch(850) 837-2224
Caribbean-flavored seafood right on the sand; Gulf views from every seat.

Breakfast & Brunch

Another Broken Egg 755 Grand Blvd, Miramar Bch(850) 424-3416
Polished brunch with a long menu; the lobster and brie omelette has a following.
Ruby Slipper 34902 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin(850) 660-7100
New Orleans-born brunch; bananas foster pain perdu and morning cocktails.
Cafe Destin 985 US-98 E, Destin(850) 424-6777
The friendly neighborhood breakfast spot, a few minutes' drive from the resort; big plates, quick service.
Donut Hole 635 Harbor Blvd, Destin(850) 837-8824
A Destin institution; join the line for donuts, stay for a full Southern breakfast.

Fun & Family

Fudpucker's 20001 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin(850) 654-4200
Burgers with a side of alligators: the free Gator Beach park downstairs keeps kids busy.
McGuire's Irish Pub 33 US-98 E, Destin(850) 650-0000
Boisterous Irish pub papered in signed dollar bills; famous steaks and 18-cent Senate Bean Soup with any meal.
Margaritaville 76 Harbor Blvd, Destin(850) 460-7700
The Buffett classic on the HarborWalk boardwalk; live music, frozen drinks, water views.
Marina Cafe 404 Harbor Blvd, Destin(850) 837-7960
The dressed-up night out: refined Gulf seafood above the harbor lights.

Coffee & Sweets

Maas Coffee Roasters 4014 Commons Dr W, Destin(850) 600-0207
Small-batch local roaster near Destin Commons; the serious espresso stop.
Beignets & Brew 302 Harbor Blvd, Destin(850) 424-6587
Hot beignets under a snowdrift of powdered sugar, steps from the harbor.
Kilwins 4142 Legendary Dr, Destin(850) 460-7868
Fudge made in the window, waffle cones, and ice cream at Destin Commons.
Bruster's Ice Cream 4655 Gulfstarr Dr, Destin(850) 269-2920
Fresh-churned ice cream five minutes from the resort; the after-dinner run.
Parlor Doughnuts 1083 US-98, Destin(850) 786-2494
Craft layered doughnuts with a flaky, croissant-like crumb; worth the detour.

Right Here at the Resort

The Blue Lagoon Beach Club On-site at The Palms(850) 351-0600
Coffee, poolside lunch, Italian dinner, and cocktails — without leaving the resort.

Before You Go

Check-out is by 10:00 AM (late check-out is available through your Guest Portal, subject to availability). A few quick things before you head home:

Need Help During Your Stay?
Host: message Marsha through the booking app, or text/call if it is urgent.
Resort Security: 850.737.3617

We hope you enjoy every sunset. — Marsha