Waterfront Living in Destin with Realtor Kersten Bowman
Owning on the waterfront is a dream worth living! As with any dream, it takes work to find the right path for you. The Destin area is surrounded by many forms of water. Let's take a quick look at just a few of the many options that are here for you.
Bayfront Properties
Bayfront homes in Destin offer breathtaking views of Choctawhatchee Bay. Depending on the orientation of your home, you can enjoy stunning sunsets year-round. The Bay’s shallow waters near the shoreline make it ideal for swimming, jet skis, and pontoon boats. However, boats with deeper drafts may find navigation challenging in certain areas.
​
Bayfront properties are perfect for those who love entertaining, as friends and family can easily visit by boat. During the summer, water depths typically reach 3-4 feet, while winter months can bring much lower water levels. It’s important to note that Bayfront homes may experience stronger storm surges due to high winds and open water exposure.
Bayou Living
If deep water access is a priority, Bayou properties offer a distinct advantage. These homes are tucked away in coves behind the Bay, providing calm waters and deeper depths for larger fishing boats and yachts. While you may sacrifice wide open views for a smaller, more secluded setting, the Bayou is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Dolphin pods, bird watching, kayaking, and paddleboarding are all common activities here.
​
One consideration for Bayou properties is bridge height, as the area does not have opening bridges to accommodate taller vessels. Additionally, some areas further back into the Bayous may have marshy, mucky floors that aren’t ideal for swimming.
Canal Properties
Canal-front properties provide a peaceful waterfront living experience with easy boating access to larger bodies of water. These homes typically offer lower maintenance than Bayfront or Bayou properties and are less prone to storm surge. Docks are often installed horizontally, maximizing space for boats while allowing for smooth traffic within the canal.
​
While canals offer a quiet atmosphere, they lack expansive views and may have limited privacy. The still waters of canals can attract wildlife such as water snakes, alligators, and mosquitoes, making regular property maintenance essential.
Other Waterfront Options
Destin is home to a variety of other waterfront options, including:
-
Harbor Properties – Vibrant atmosphere with direct access to the Gulf.
-
Gulf Front Homes – Breathtaking views and immediate beach access.
-
Santa Rosa Sound – Calm, scenic waters perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding.
-
Creeks & Lakes – Serene freshwater options for those seeking privacy and tranquility.
Find Your Waterfront Dream Home with Kersten Bowman
Whether you're searching for a Bayfront estate, a quiet canal home, or a deep-water Bayou retreat, Kersten Bowman is here to guide you every step of the way. With her local expertise in Destin’s waterfront real estate market, she’ll help you navigate the unique opportunities each property type has to offer.
​
Contact Kersten today to start your journey toward owning your dream waterfront home in Destin, Florida!
