Fire Pit on Blue Mountain

A four-minute walk from a quiet Gulf beach access point, this house on 30A is built around the kind of outdoor living that makes a week feel twice as long. The private pool sits in a fenced garden, with a fire pit and alfresco dining area for unhurried evenings under the trees. Inside, the three-level layout gives everyone room to breathe – and the third-floor lounge, with its Gulf views, tends to be where people end up after dark. A complimentary low-speed vehicle and four bikes make exploring the wider 30A stretch effortless.

Home truths:
* One of the bedrooms sleeps up to four guests in two single-over-single bunk beds – we think this room is best suited to children.
* You'll need to bring your own beach towels as bath towels aren't allowed be used outside.
* While the home can sleep up to ten people, the maximum occupancy is eight guests.
* The lead guest must be at least 25 years old.
* Walton County rules prohibit leaving any chairs, umbrellas, or personal items on the beach overnight.
* If you're planning to fish during your stay, anyone over ten years old needs a Florida state fishing licence – unless you're joining a chartered fishing trip. Licences are easy to pick up through Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation before you arrive.
* Between May and October, sea turtle nesting season is active on the beach directly outside. You'll be asked to keep all lights off balconies and porches at night, close the blinds on any Gulf-facing windows, and use only red-covered torches on the sand.