You’ve seen the photos. That iconic skybridge stretching over Scenic Highway 98, connecting a massive teal-trimmed building to a private slice of sugar-white sand. It’s a landmark. If you’ve ever driven down the coast toward Sandestin, you can’t miss it. Honestly, Surfside Resort Destin FL is one of those places that people either swear by for twenty years or overlook because they’re distracted by the newer, flashy high-rises popping up every weekend.
But here’s the thing about the "old guard" of Destin-area condos. They were built when developers weren't trying to squeeze 400 units into a postage stamp. At Surfside, the floor plans are actually big. Like, "we can actually breathe in here" big.
Miramar Beach is technically where Surfside sits, though everyone just says Destin. It’s a nuance that matters for your GPS and your traffic expectations. You aren't in the middle of the harbor madness, but you’re close enough to smell the fried shrimp at the Back Porch if the wind hits right.
The Skybridge Factor and What It Actually Changes
Most people hate crossing the street in beach gear. It's a vibe killer. Carrying a cooler, three umbrellas, and a toddler across Highway 98 is a workout no one asked for. That’s why the skybridge at Surfside is basically the MVP of the property. It’s private. You walk out of the pool deck, over the traffic, and you’re on the sand.
It sounds like a small detail. It isn't.
When the 2:00 PM rain cloud rolls in—as it always does in Florida—you aren't dodging cars to get back to the room. You just walk. The resort also keeps a beach service setup there, which is standard for the area but still worth noting. You get the chairs. You get the umbrella. You get the view of the Emerald Coast without the stress of the crosswalk.
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The Layout: Big Balconies or Bust
I’ve stayed in enough Destin condos to know that a "balcony" is often just a ledge where you can stand and contemplate your life choices. Surfside is different. The balconies here are huge. Most of them wrap around, giving you this massive outdoor living space that actually fits a table and chairs.
The building is angled. This was intentional. It maximizes the "Gulf view" even for units that aren't technically "beachfront." Because the building sits slightly back and is elevated, you’re looking over the top of the dunes. It’s a panoramic situation. If you’re a morning coffee person, the sunrise over the water from the 12th floor is worth the price of admission alone.
Let’s Talk About Royal Palm Grille
Most resort restaurants are... fine. They’re convenient. But Royal Palm Grille, located right inside Surfside, actually draws locals. That’s usually the litmus test for whether a place is good or just a tourist trap.
They have a sushi bar that is surprisingly legit. The "Yum Yum" roll is a crowd favorite, but if you want to feel like you’re actually at the beach, get the local catch. They also do a beach bonfire on Friday and Monday nights (weather permitting) that’s open to the public. You can grab a drink at the bar, walk down to the sand, and sit by the fire. It’s one of those "only in Destin" moments that makes the vacation feel like it actually started.
There’s also an air of nostalgia here. It doesn't feel like a sterile hotel lobby. It feels like a beach vacation from 1998, but with updated interiors. Most of the units are individually owned, so the decor varies. One unit might have "shabby chic" vibes while the next is ultra-modern with quartz counters. Check the listing photos carefully.
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The Sports Deck and Other "Not-Beach" Things
Sometimes you get "beached out." It happens. Salt in the hair, sand in the shoes—eventually, you want a hard surface. Surfside has this massive sports deck. We’re talking tennis courts, pickleball (because it's 2026 and everyone plays pickleball now), basketball, and a fitness center.
The pool is heated seasonally. That’s a big deal if you’re visiting in March when the air is 70 but the water is a crisp 55. There’s also a sauna and hot tubs. It’s a self-contained ecosystem. You could realistically park your car on Saturday and not touch it again until the following Saturday.
- The Spa: There’s an on-site spa (Surfside Spa) if you need a massage after carrying all those boogie boards.
- The Hair Salon: Yes, there is literally a hair salon in the building.
- Security: It’s a gated situation with 24/7 security. It feels safe.
Why Some People Get This Place Wrong
The biggest misconception about Surfside Resort Destin FL is that it’s "far" from the action. People see it on a map and think they’re disconnected. In reality, you’re about three minutes from the Silver Sands Premium Outlets. You’re five minutes from Baytowne Wharf.
You’re also right next to some of the best walking paths in the county. Scenic 98 has a dedicated pedestrian path that runs for miles. If you’re a runner or just like to walk and look at the houses you can’t afford, this is the prime spot.
Is it the newest? No. Henderson Beach Resort or some of the new builds in 30A have that "fresh paint" smell. But Surfside has the space. It has the infrastructure. It has the view that isn't blocked by a new construction project.
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Realities of the Miramar Beach Location
Traffic on 98 can be a nightmare in July. Let's be honest. If you're trying to get to HarborWalk Village at 5:00 PM on a Tuesday, give yourself forty minutes. Miramar Beach is its own vibe—it's a bit more relaxed than downtown Destin but more active than the quiet stretches of Santa Rosa Beach.
The beach at Surfside is private, but remember that "private" in Florida means the area above the mean high-water line. You’ll still see people walking along the shoreline, but you won't have random people setting up their tents right in front of your rented chair. That privacy is a luxury during the peak of summer when the public beaches look like a sea of umbrellas.
What to Look For When Booking
Since these are condos, your experience depends heavily on the property manager or the individual owner. Some use big companies like Vacasa or Wyndham; others are on VRBO or Airbnb.
- Check the Floor Level: Anything above the 4th floor starts to get that "wow" view.
- Confirm Beach Service: Most rentals include two chairs and an umbrella, but always double-check the fine print. Saving $50 a day on rentals adds up.
- End Units: These have the wrap-around balconies. If you can snag a corner unit, do it. The extra natural light makes the living room feel twice as big.
The Verdict on the Surfside Experience
If you want a cookie-cutter hotel room where you eat breakfast in a windowless room, go somewhere else. Surfside is for the family that wants a kitchen, a laundry room (crucial for salty towels), and enough space to not kill each other after three days of togetherness.
It’s about the convenience of the skybridge. It’s about the sunset dinner at Royal Palm Grille. It’s about being able to see the dolphins from your balcony while you’re still in your pajamas.
It’s a classic for a reason. In a town that is constantly tearing things down to build bigger and bluer, Surfside stays consistent. It’s reliable. And honestly, when you’re shelling out for a Florida vacation, reliable is exactly what you want.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay:
- Book early for June/July: This building hits 100% occupancy fast during the summer months.
- Request a "West-Facing" Unit: If you want those iconic Florida sunsets from your balcony, the west side of the building is where the magic happens.
- Hit the Grocery Store First: There’s a Whole Foods and a Publix nearby. Stock the fridge immediately so you don't have to leave the "resort bubble" once you've settled in.
- Join the Bonfire: Even if you aren't staying at the resort, the Royal Palm Grille bonfires are the best way to meet people and enjoy the Miramar Beach atmosphere without a cover charge.