The walk from the cottage to the Gulf
How far the beach really is from Sugar Sand Cottage, which way to go, and what to take, with the route marked on an aerial of Destin Pointe.
The question we hear most is how far the beach is. The honest answer: about eight to ten minutes on foot, through the neighborhood, with nothing to cross but quiet streets.
The route
The aerial above shows it. The X is the cottage, at the end of the row of houses on the lake. From the front door, walk up to the street behind the row, follow it along the lake, then turn down the road past the beach club. The path ends at the private Gulf beach access, a wooden walkover over the dunes onto the sand. Pool #2 on the map is the beach club pool, right next to the walkover.
The other way to the sand
There is a second beach access, through the dunes near the East Pass, about seven minutes from the house, where Destin Harbor and the Gulf meet. There is no beach service on that side, so take the chairs and umbrellas we keep at the house.
What to take, and what is waiting
From mid-March through October, your stay includes one umbrella and two chairs, set up for you at the Gulf access by La Dolce Vita. Tell the attendant the house name and yours. Extra sets can be reserved with them directly.
Destin Pointe has no beach shuttle, and its HOA does not allow golf carts, e-bikes or electric scooters, so most guests walk. Hand-drawn wagons are waiting at the house for the beach gear, and pedal bikes can be rented through La Dolce Vita.
Please stay on the walkovers
The dunes are being re-nourished, so please stay on the walkovers and the marked paths, and keep bikes off the dunes and the beach.
A little farther
Norriego Point, with its calm, protected water on the harbor side, is about fifteen minutes on foot. It is good for small children, paddleboards and snorkeling.