Fort Walton Beach, FL (VPS-Northwest Florida Regional)
Airport, Fort Walton Beach, FL (VPS-Northwest Florida Regional)
22 min drive
Room options
About the neighborhood
Mary Esther
Located within a 5-minute walk of Santa Rosa Sound, this condo is within a 15-minute stroll of Oak Tree Nature Park. The condo includes a kitchen, a balcony, and a refrigerator.
Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) - 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
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire condo to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
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.
The condo is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and a balcony, and there's space to spread out with 2 bedrooms. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a coffee maker, and an ironing board.
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
1 accessible parking space
Elevator
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Smoking not allowed
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
Near a zoo
Near the bay
Near the marina
Things to do
Birdwatching nearby
Fishing nearby
Motor boating nearby
Snorkeling nearby
Swimming nearby
Theme park nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Safety features
No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
Garden
Unit size: 975 square feet
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 22
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
Pets
This property doesn't allow pets
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 are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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: 22
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
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 fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.
Frequently asked questions
What's there to see close to this condo?
This condo is located in Mary Esther and just steps from Santa Rosa Sound and Oak Tree Nature Park. You'll also find Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island and Miracle Strip within a short drive.
Will I be able to park at NEWLY LISTED! Welcome to The Escape Pod on Santa Rosa Sound by Fort Walton Beach?
Yes, there is wheelchair-accessible parking available.
Is this condo associated with a casino?
No, this condo is not connected to a casino.
Will I find an indoor pool at this condo?
No, this condo doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.
What amenities will couples enjoy at NEWLY LISTED! Welcome to The Escape Pod on Santa Rosa Sound by Fort Walton Beach?
Couples staying at this condo will appreciate amenities like a smart TV and a kitchen as well as an outdoor pool.
Does NEWLY LISTED! Welcome to The Escape Pod on Santa Rosa Sound by Fort Walton Beach have a hot tub?
No, this condo doesn't have a spa tub.
Does this condo provide breakfast?
No, this condo doesn't offer breakfast.
Will this condo allow pets to stay for free?
No, pets aren't allowed at this condo.
Does NEWLY LISTED! Welcome to The Escape Pod on Santa Rosa Sound by Fort Walton Beach have connecting rooms available?
No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this condo.
What is the closest airport to this condo?
The closest major airport to this condo is Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS), which is 12.5 mi away (24 minutes by car).
Can I book a room with a balcony at NEWLY LISTED! Welcome to The Escape Pod on Santa Rosa Sound by Fort Walton Beach?
Yes, every condo at NEWLY LISTED! Welcome to The Escape Pod on Santa Rosa Sound by Fort Walton Beach comes with a balcony and some offer water views.
NEWLY LISTED! Welcome to The Escape Pod on Santa Rosa Sound by Fort Walton Beach Reviews
Reviews
10
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.
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
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!