Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park is a short stroll from this condo, and other popular attractions like Destin Beaches are within a mile (2 km). The condo includes a kitchen, a sofa bed, and a refrigerator.
Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park - 6 min walk - 0.4 miles
The Track Family Recreation Center - 8 min walk - 0.5 miles
Morgan Sports Center - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
Destin Beaches - 16 min walk - 0.9 miles
Henderson Beach State Park - 3 min drive - 1.8 miles
Getting around
Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) - 37 min drive
Restaurants
The Back Porch - 15 min walk
Subway - 8 min walk
Chick-fil-A - 4 min walk
Starbucks - 7 min walk
Pelican Beach Resort - 13 min walk
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire condo to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Catching Rays-Heated Pool-Family and Pet Friendly
Summary:
Discover the charm of Destin at Catching Rays! This inviting condo is nestled in a gated community, ideal for families. Enjoy the convenience of three pools, a tennis court, and a scenic turtle pond. With easy access to the beach, dining, and entertainment, you'll create lasting memories. Perfect for those seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure.
The Space:
**Important Information - Please Read Before Booking**
• We kindly ask that you read through our full listing and all of our house rules to ensure our space aligns with your vacation expectations.
• Inside, you'll find a clean, fun, and budget-friendly rental space that we've put a lot of care into.
• Please Note: This community was constructed in the 1970s and has a more dated exterior. There are exterior limitations of the property that are beyond our control.
• We understand this rental may not be the perfect fit for every traveler, and that’s why we aim to be transparent; so, you can feel confident and comfortable with your choice to stay here.
Catching Rays is a 1 bedroom condo with accommodations to sleep up to 6 guests. Our design and thoughtful touches will have you feeling right at home for a short stay, or you family vacation!
>> Key Features <<
• THREE newly remodeled community pools throughout the complex. The pool next to the tennis courts is seasonally heated.
• Freshly resurfaced tennis courts with Pickleball lines, just bring your gear!
• First floor unit, no stairs, no hassle with luggage!
• Feed the turtles in the pond, right around the building!
• Less than 1 mile to public beach access at June Decker Beach Trail, Destin Dog Park, Morgan Sportscenter, Big Kahunas, and The Track!
• Gulf Terrace Condominiums now offers electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, located near the laundry facility and tennis courts. No trips across town necessary, top off your battery just steps from your door.
• Your furry friends will love it here too! Our on-site dog park sits just beside Building 21, near the main Highway 98 entrance.
>> Where You'll Sleep <<
• King bed
• Two Twin trundle beds, easily moved through the condo
• Queen sleeper sofa
Read along for a quick layout of our space!
When you arrive, you'll walk right in to the living room that boasts a comfortable Queen sleeper sofa & two accent chairs for lounging. Our dining table seating 4 sits right by the windows in the open area right off the living room. With a wall of windows & sliding glass doors encompassing the living room, the natural light is incredible! We've added a brand new Roku TV that guests can feel free to login to their own streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, etc.) while traveling as well!
The kitchen area has an open concept to the living room for enjoying your meals and time together. We've stocked this kitchen with full appliances, dishes, bake ware, pots & pans, silverware, utensils, crockpot, blender, and a traditional coffee maker & Keurig! If you plan to cook during your trip, we encourage you to bring along any spices, condiments, & oils you may need as we do not provide any perishable or non-perishable items. We have an easy to use high chair, pack and play, kids cutlery, cups, and plastic dishes for our tiny travelers as well!
Directly off the living area you can find the bedroom with a memory foam King bed with an abundance of pillows for a comfortable nights sleep. Under the King bed are two memory foam twin trundle beds, that easily pull out on either side of the bed. A Roku enabled TV is perfect for relaxing in bed watching your favorite shows at the end of the day.
The bathroom offers a shower & tub to enjoy baths, soft towels, and plenty of space to get ready in. We’ve designed it with the comforts of home in mind - spacious, welcoming, and nothing like a cramped hotel bathroom.
Our laundry room offers guests the convenience of a full washer and dryer for use during your stay. No need to visit the laundromat!
You’ll also find charcoal grills throughout the community for guests to enjoy a relaxed cookout.
PLEASE read our house rules in detail before booking. We take time to put important information here that we need each guest to take into consideration when booking our home. While not all items listed may apply to your stay, we host guests of various group compositions so we must list all rules that could apply to a trip. Thank you for your understanding!
Guest Access:
• You’ll receive keyless entry instructions at 4PM CST on the day of your arrival for a smooth, hassle-free check-in.
• Please note this unit is in a shared building, not a standalone home.
• Community amenities, such as the pool and other shared spaces, are available for all guests and residents to enjoy.
The Neighborhood:
• Gulf Terrace Condominiums are located in the heart of Destin, just minutes away from a variety of dining, shopping, and local hotspots.
• You’ll be less than a mile from June White Decker public beach access, Big Kahuna’s Water Park, and The Track Family Fun Parks, making it easy to enjoy all the area has to offer!
• Our complex offers the convenience of two entrances! The main entrance takes you directly onto Destin’s main highway, while the side entrance lets you exit onto a side street with a stoplight, perfect for avoiding traffic when the town gets busy.
Getting Around:
• During busy times it can be easier to take an Uber, Lyft, or taxi to avoid dealing with traffic and parking. The town is fairly easy to navigate, as most everything to do is directly off the main road through in either direction!
Other Things to Note:
• This is a first-floor unit, so you may hear noise from neighboring units. While we do our best to provide a peaceful stay, some factors such as community activity and neighboring guests are outside of our control. Please note this unit is part of a shared building, not a stand-alone home.
• Linens and beach towels are provided. A courtesy supply of essentials (toilet paper, paper towels, soap, trash bag, dish and laundry detergent) is included. For longer stays or larger groups, please bring any additional supplies you may need.
• Please note that beach equipment and beach supplies are not provided.
• Trailer, RV, box truck, or watercraft parking is not permitted in the complex. HOA towing fees apply for any violations.
• As this is a residential complex, a 10PM noise ordinance is in effect. Excessive noise, parties, illegal activity, or disturbances are not permitted at any time.
• All stays with house-trained pets must be disclosed at booking, as a $50 pet fee applies. We allow a maximum of 2 dogs. Pets must be crated when unattended, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after them indoors and outdoors. Pets are not allowed on furniture.
• ADA-recognized service animals are exempt from the pet fee, but Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are not. Please note that providing false information about a service animal is against state law, so we appreciate your honesty.
• While this condo isn’t directly on the beach and the beach is not visible from the unit, public beach access is just a short ¾-mile drive away. We do not have a gated or private beach access at this location.
• This is a mixed community with both full-time residents and short-term guests. Building exteriors are being updated gradually, which is outside our control, but we’ve created a cozy, comfortable space inside for your stay.
Interaction with Guests:
Thank you for choosing to book with us at My Destin Beach Vacation! We are a small business that's locally owned & operated, available to assist you before and during your stay. Please take a moment to review our listing in full, as it includes important details about our place, including the location, amenities, and many other FAQ. If you need further support, the quickest way to get in touch is to message us directly through the booking platform that you've booked your trip on.
Our team is available during standard business hours. Messages sent late at night may be addressed the following morning, but we'll respond as soon as possible!
The condo is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and space to spread out with a separate bedroom. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a sofa bed, and a coffee maker.
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
Electric car charging station
Unit size: 738 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25
Check-out
Check-out before 10:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
• All guests must read our listing description in full before booking. This home may not be a good fit for everyone, so we want to ensure you have ...
Pets
This property welcomes pets
Service animals exempt from fees
Children and extra beds
Children allowed: ages 0-17
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 25
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit.
Property is also known as
669ae632cc4a9b00102bdb29
Frequently asked questions
What can I see around this condo?
This condo is located in Destin, a short 7-minute walk from Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park and also 18 minutes on foot from Destin Beaches. You'll also find Henderson Beach State Park and Destin Harbor Boardwalk within a short drive.
Is there parking available at this condo?
Yes, there is electric car charging available.
Is this condo associated with a casino?
No, this condo is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this condo?
No, there is no indoor pool at this condo.
Is Catching Rays-Heated Pool-Family and Pet Friendly a good place to stay for couples?
With a stay at this lakeside condo, couples will appreciate amenities like a kitchen in each condo unit plus kitchens and lake views in some.
Are there hot tubs at Catching Rays-Heated Pool-Family and Pet Friendly?
No, there isn't a spa tub at this condo.
Does this condo include breakfast service?
No, this condo doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this condo allow pets to stay for free?
Although pets can't stay for free, they are welcome at this condo.
Are there connecting rooms at this condo?
No, this condo doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.
What is the closest airport to this condo?
The closest major airport to this condo is Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS), which is 24.6 mi away (37 minutes by car).
Are there rooms with balconies at Catching Rays-Heated Pool-Family and Pet Friendly?
No, there aren't any condo units with balconies at Catching Rays-Heated Pool-Family and Pet Friendly.
Catching Rays-Heated Pool-Family and Pet Friendly Reviews
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 6 out of 8 reviews
10 - Excellent
6
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 8 reviews
8 - Good
2
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 8 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 8 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 8 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
9.8/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
8/10 Good
Martin S.
Dec 2, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Wasn’t happy about the bugs inside kitchen and bath. Something to look into seriously.
Martin S.
Stayed 24 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
Melissa O.
Nov 8, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
I was very pleased with this property. On the outside it looks old but it was very clean and very quiet. Great location close to beach access, restaurants and things to do. Pet friendly and had the basics I needed. I would
Melissa O.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Tawnya J.
Aug 18, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
This is a nice condo on the 1st floor. Bonus - no stairs for bad knees. It was bigger than we thought. We had 6 full grown people and small dog and we had plenty of room. We stayed 4 nights. The access instructions were clear and easy. We are arrived to a clean already chilled space. Yay for A/C in the summer! The couch/chairs/beds are comfy. TVs in the living room/bedroom. Wi-Fi was easy to connect to. There was bedding/pillows for all the beds. But if you need extra, be sure to bring along with you. We took advantage of the kitchen and cooked breakfast and dinner a few times. We also used the washer/dryer. It's a stackable apartment size so had to do a couple of loads to equal a normal full sized load. Very close to the pool and tennis courts but it was pretty quiet when we were there. We did utilize the sliding door to go back and forth to the vehicles since it faced the parking lot and the front door is on the interior side. We were able to park 2 vehicles right outside of the condo. The back entrance off Airport Rd was very convenient to come and go from the complex. This place is centrally located to everything in Destin. The complex is right behind (walking distance across the turtle lake) to Shake's Custard. Yum! And if you forgot anything, Wal-Mart is less than 2 miles away. Communication with Matthew was prompt and attentive. He addressed all of our questions quickly. I would recommend this place if you are planning to visit Destin. We enjoyed our stay!
Tawnya J.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Vanessa D.
Jul 6, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect location
Close enough to everything you need and would want to do. About a 20 min bike ride to the public beach. We really enjoyed ourselves!
Vanessa D.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
8/10 Good
Amber D.
Apr 16, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful get away
Loved how close u are to everything. Its just beautiful and it gets quiet when its needed!! Thanks again
Amber D.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Susan P.
Apr 12, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Our trip
Thank yiu for the rental. It was great, and a very good location.
Susan P.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Arely R.
Apr 2, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Family spring break
Catching Rays vrbo condo was a great choice for my family and Dog. Arrived Late at night and were were welcomed into a lit up condo. Access and instructions to access gate were very simple. The place was stocked with enough to get you by in case you were prepared. Enough towels for the whole family and roll out beds for the kiddos. Very clean place was a big plus for me and we tried to leave it as clean as we found it! Heated pool right across our place and another regular pool one building down and another pool behind if you took the bridge across! This place also had a cute little kennel just like ours at home to put our small dog in when the couple times we were not able to take her with us! Truly appreciate the check in messages to see if we needed anything. I would recommend and rebook this property when in Destin again!
Arely R.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kathryn H.
Nov 16, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect condo
We really enjoyed our stay. Very short walk to the beach and short drive to the main strip. Only sad we could stay for one night before we had to hit the road back to NC. We’d love to come back!