Whether your inspiration to visit Destin comes from the sparkling waters of the Emerald Coast or a Florida Georgia Line song, there’s a fun-filled beach vacation waiting for you here. This guide will help you make the most of your stay, covering everything from what to pack to where to park. Here are all the helpful tips you need to make your visit to Emerald Grande memorable and stress-free.
What to Pack for a Trip to Destin
Destin’s weather can be unpredictable and change quickly, making packing a little tricky. When preparing your suitcase, it’s good to have options so you can adapt to the elements. Here are a few essentials:
Clothing:
- Lightweight, casual day outfits (e.g., shorts and tank tops).
- Swimsuits, beach cover-ups, and sun protection like a hat and sunglasses.
- Flowy dresses, perfect for summer!
- Casual evening wear (most places have a casual dress code).
- Flip flops/sandals.
- Lightweight, waterproof jacket.
- Activewear if you like to keep fit on vacation.
Electronics:
- Phone (though who needs a reminder for that?).
- Waterproof camera—we love GoPro’s!
- Charging cords and a portable charger for your on-the-go days.
Beach Equipment:
- A beach bag or wagon.
- Your kids’ favorite beach toys.
- A small cooler.
- Sunscreen!
- A good book.
Groceries/Homewares: Our rooms are fully furnished condos, complete with a full kitchen, washing machine, and dryer, so you won’t need to bring much at all. If you have specific kitchen items you prefer to cook with or a favorite coffee maker, it can be a good idea to bring those along.
For groceries, we have a range of stores nearby, and most will deliver to our property. Here are a few options within 10-20 minutes of Emerald Grande:
- Winn Dixie
- Target
- Walmart
- The Fresh Market
- Publix
How to Get to the Beach from Emerald Grande
Emerald Grande offers a complimentary boat shuttle to our private beach, fully stocked with chairs and umbrellas. To get there from your room, take the elevator down to P1 and follow the yellow footprints that lead to the heart of HarborWalk Village. From there, turn right until you see Harry T’s lighthouse—the boat shuttle is located behind it.
Our boat shuttle runs every 30 minutes from 9 AM to 6 PM during peak season.
During check-in, we’ll ask if you’d like to use our beach and pool towels. If so, we’ll provide you with towel cards that you can swap for towels at our beach shuttle or at the pool. At the end of your stay, simply return the cards to the front desk to avoid any charges for missing towels.
How to Make the Check-In Process Stress-Free
After a long travel day, we know you’re eager to get into your room and relax. Our Guest Services team strives to make your check-in process as smooth as possible. Here are a few tips to make it even easier:
- Photo ID and Payment: Have a photo ID and credit/debit card ready—we can only check in the person whose name is on the reservation.
- Vehicle Information: Take a photo of your vehicle’s license plate(s), as you’ll need this information to register for parking.
- Guest List: Know the names of everyone staying in the room with you.
- Check-In Time: While we do our best to have your room ready as soon as possible, check-in time is between 4 PM and 6 PM.
- Questions: Feel free to ask our Guest Services Representatives any questions you might have to ensure your stay is stress-free.
What Amenities Do You Have Access To at Emerald Grande?
- Easy access to HarborWalk Village—events, activities, shopping, restaurants, and tours all within walking distance.
- Private beach access with chairs and umbrellas.
- Indoor and outdoor pools.
- Adult and family hot tubs.
- Add-on experiences available, like beach bonfires with s’mores!
- On-site parking.
- Concierge services.
- Room service.
- Full-service bellmen.
- Full-service spa.
- Grand Vista Bar & Grill and pool bar.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi.
- 24-hour front desk and security.
- Business center.
- Fitness center.
Where to Park at Emerald Grande
Parking in Destin can be hard to find, especially during the busy season. As a guest of Emerald Grande, you can park anywhere on the property. We have a 5-story parking garage as well as outdoor parking lots.
Most of our parking areas are open to the public as well. For our guests, we recommend parking on the P4 and P5 levels of the parking garage, which are exclusively for our guests and require a room key to access. These levels are usually less crowded than the shared public areas, especially on busy event days.
At check-in, we’ll provide you with a parking pass to place on your dashboard, identifying you as a guest and ensuring you won’t be charged for parking.
When Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Destin?
Summer is peak season in Destin, when the town comes to life with gorgeous beach days, summer events, and fireworks shows. All that entertainment brings peak season crowds.
To avoid large crowds, it’s best to travel at the start or end of summer and avoid major holidays. Some of the busier times are worth the crowds, though, such as during the iconic Destin Seafood Festival and Fishing Rodeo. These events alone draw huge crowds, and for good reason. If you’d like to visit during this time, book early!
Winter in Destin is when the town gets a much-needed rest. It’s chillier, quieter, and some tour operators close down during this time. However, if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway, it’s a great choice. And let’s face it—a winter day at the beach is better than being stuck in the snow!
We hope this guide helps you prepare for your stay at Emerald Grande. If you have any more questions, just give us a call—we’re always happy to help.