Welcome to your home at Crystal Shores! We're Trent & Denise Rae, and we're thrilled to host you at our little slice of the Emerald Coast.
We originally created this home as our own escape to the Emerald Coast — a place to unwind, feel the salt air, and enjoy the charm of a quiet neighborhood just steps from the beach. We quickly realized the Florida sun burns a lot brighter when it's shared, so here we are — welcoming guests to experience the same joy we feel every time we visit.
This guide is your go-to resource for everything during your stay — from WiFi passwords to beach tips to the best local restaurants.
Ground Rules: This is our personal home, not a hotel or resort. Please treat it with care, as if it were your own. The house is non-smoking indoors. Pets are not permitted. Quiet hours are 10 PM – 8 AM.
Before You Leave Home
Packing List — Beach Essentials
We supply bath & hand towels, linens, and basic kitchen staples. Here's what to bring with you:
Beach towels (we provide bath towels only)
Sunscreen & aloe vera
Beach chairs & umbrella (or rent from a Gulf-front vendor)
Cooler & reusable water bottles
Swimsuits & cover-ups
Comfortable walking shoes / sandals
Light layers — evenings can be breezy
Rain jacket (afternoon Gulf storms pop up quickly)
Groceries & specialty foods (nearest Publix is ~5 min away)
Gulf Coast Weather
Destin enjoys a subtropical climate with warm winters and hot, humid summers. Afternoon thunderstorms are common from June–September but typically pass within 30 minutes.
From VPS, take FL-85 South → merge onto US-98 East → turn south onto Ocean View Dr. The house is on the right.
Tip: If arriving after dark, use GPS to navigate directly to 4452 Ocean View Dr. The house number is clearly marked.
Arrival & Check-In
Check-in: 4:00 PM | Check-out: 10:00 AM
Access & Entry
Crystal Shores uses a smart lock with a unique access code provided to you before your stay.
Your door code: Provided upon booking
Parking
Parking is in the driveway only — there are two spaces available.
Important: Do not park on the street or on the side of the driveway. Violations will result in a $150 fine.
Orientation
When you enter the house:
Left: Kitchen and dining area
Straight ahead: Living room with Gulf views
Right hallway: Master suite and additional bedrooms
Laundry closet: In the hallway between bedrooms
Beach Access
The beach is a short walk from the house. Beach chairs and umbrellas can be rented from Gulf-front vendors during peak season.
Please note: No glass containers are permitted on the beach. This is a county ordinance and carries fines.
Around the House
Kitchen
The kitchen is fully equipped with everything you need to prepare meals — from pots and pans to a blender, toaster, and coffee maker (Keurig & drip). Coffee pods and basic condiments are provided as a welcome courtesy.
Dishwasher: Standard — just press Start when full.
Oven/Stove: Glass-top electric range. Please use flat-bottom cookware only.
Microwave: Above the stove. Use the ventilation fan button when cooking on the range.
Garbage disposal: Switch is on the wall near the sink. Run cold water while operating.
Heating & Cooling
The house has central A/C controlled by an Ecobee smart thermostat in the hallway, with sensors in key rooms to help maintain a consistent, comfortable temperature throughout the home. As part of our commitment to energy efficiency, the system is set to smart schedules that balance comfort and conservation — please keep it set to 72–76 °F during your stay to prevent excessive energy use and potential system freeze-ups.
Tip: If you feel the A/C isn't keeping up, make sure all exterior doors are fully closed. Even a small gap lets in significant humidity and warm air. The Ecobee sensors help detect hot spots, but open doors work against the system.
Washer & Dryer
The home features a GE Profile All-in-One Washer/Dryer Combo (4.8 cu. ft.) located in the laundry closet. This is a single unit that both washes and dries — no need to transfer clothes between machines.
How to Use
Load clothes — don't overpack; leave room for items to tumble freely.
Add detergent — place a detergent pod directly in the drum (not the dispenser). Pods are provided under the bathroom sink.
Select a cycle — turn the cycle knob to choose:
Wash + Dry — washes and dries in one continuous cycle (easiest option, ~3–4 hours)
Wash Only — if you prefer to hang-dry delicates
Dry Only — to tumble-dry items that are already clean
Press Start — the door locks automatically. Don't open mid-cycle.
Tips: The Wash + Dry cycle takes longer than a traditional separate washer and dryer — plan accordingly. For best drying results, wash smaller loads. The unit is ventless and uses heat-pump technology, so no external vent is needed.
Grill
A gas grill is available in the back yard for your use.
Grilling Tips
Open the lid before turning on the gas.
Turn on the propane — the valve on the tank turns counter-clockwise to open.
Ignite — turn a burner knob to "Light" and press the igniter button. Wait for the flame to catch.
Preheat — close the lid and let the grill heat for 10–15 minutes.
Cook & enjoy!
When you're done: Turn all burner knobs to Off, then close the propane tank valve (clockwise). Use the grill brush (hanging on the side) to scrape the grates while they're still warm. Please leave the grill clean for the next use.
Trash & Recycling
Trash bags are under the kitchen sink. Bins are located in front of the garage:
Black can — regular trash
Green can — recycling (cans, bottles, cardboard, clean paper)
Please take trash out before it accumulates — the Florida heat can create odors quickly.
WiFi, Internet & TV
WiFi Network
Network name: Provided upon booking
Password: Provided upon booking
The house has high-speed internet. If you experience connectivity issues, try unplugging the router (located near the TV in the living room), wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in.
Smart TVs
The TVs in the home are Google TVs with access to all popular streaming apps — Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and more. You can sign into your own accounts directly on the TV.
The home also includes YouTube TV for access to local channels and live programming — including news, sports, and network TV. Just open the YouTube TV app from the home screen.
Remote tip: Use the Google TV remote for all functions. If the TV doesn't respond, try pressing and holding the Home button to wake it. For live TV, open the YouTube TV app — no cable box needed.
Please sign out of any personal streaming accounts before checkout.
Owner & Maintenance
Crystal Shores is privately owned and managed by Trent & Denise Rae. We're here to help — reach out anytime during your stay.
If something isn't working properly during your stay — plumbing, A/C, appliances, etc. — please contact us right away. We'll coordinate with local maintenance to resolve it as quickly as possible.
Emergencies: For fire, medical, or police emergencies, always call 911 first. Then notify us so we can help coordinate.
Safety & Rules
House Rules
No smoking indoors. If you enjoy alternative flavors (vapes, e-cigarettes, etc.), please step outside and be mindful of neighbors.
No pets — this is strictly enforced due to allergies and insurance.
Quiet hours: 10:00 PM – 8:00 AM. Be considerate of the neighbors.
Max occupancy: 10 guests. No parties or events.
No glass on the beach — Okaloosa County ordinance.
Lock all doors and close windows when leaving the house.
Report any damage immediately — accidents happen and we appreciate honesty.
Destin's beaches use a colored flag system to communicate water conditions. Always check the flag before entering the water.
Green — Low hazard, calm
Yellow — Medium hazard
Red — High hazard, strong surf
Double Red — Water closed
Purple — Marine pests (jellyfish)
Beach Rules
No glass containers on the beach
No fires or fireworks on the beach
Leave no trace — carry out everything you bring
Stay off the sand dunes and sea oat grasses (protected habitat)
Respect sea turtle nesting areas (May–October). Keep lights off at night near the beach.
Pets are not permitted on Destin public beaches
Your Local Area Guide
Restaurants We Love
Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii
Hawaiian-inspired coffee shop with specialty lattes, cold brews, and pastries. Great for morning fuel before the beach. ~5 min drive.
Beach Camp Brewpub
Craft brewery with creative pub fare, a rooftop bar, and Gulf views. Family-friendly with a fun, laidback vibe. ~8 min drive.
Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House
Upscale-casual harborside dining with incredible sunset views. Known for fresh Gulf oysters, seafood platters, and craft cocktails. ~10 min drive. View Menu
Captain Dave's on the Gulf
Toes-in-the-sand beach bar and grill right on the water. Casual, fun, and perfect for lunch or sunset drinks. ~5 min drive.
McGuire's Irish Pub
A legendary Destin institution since 1977. Famous for steaks, their own microbrews, and dollar bills wallpapering every inch. ~12 min drive. View Menu
Pascalli Kitchen + Bar
Italian/Mediterranean fine dining with a coastal twist. Handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and an excellent wine list. ~8 min drive.
Kenny D's
Great food, fun atmosphere, and karaoke on Wednesday nights. A local favorite for bar fare and good times. ~8 min drive.
Sea Market — Fresh Fish Destin
The best fresh fish market in Destin. Real fishmongers cut Gulf seafood in-house daily — snapper, grouper, shrimp, and more. Perfect for cooking at your rental. Ask John for cooking tips! ~5 min drive. Visit Website
Sandos Beachside
Coffee and creative sandwiches downstairs (Tue–Sun 7am–3pm), then head up to the rooftop bar for drinks and sunset views in the evening (11am–9pm). On Old 98. ~5 min drive. View Menu
Camille's at Crystal Beach
A Crystal Beach favorite for breakfast and brunch — great food with a neighborhood feel. Get there early, especially on weekends, because it fills up fast. ~3 min drive. View Menu
Grocery & Essentials
Publix
Full-service grocery store ~5 min away. Great deli subs and bakery. Closest option for daily needs.
Walmart Supercenter
Everything under one roof — groceries, household items, beach gear. ~10 min drive.
Whole Foods Market
Organic and specialty groceries. Located near Destin Commons. ~12 min drive.
Crab Island — Iconic sandbar in the middle of the harbor. Accessible by boat or pontoon rental.
Deep-sea fishing charters — Destin is the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village." Book a half-day or full-day trip from the harbor.
Paddleboarding / Kayaking — Rentals available at the harbor and along the beach.
LIV Adventures — Bike & Golf Cart Rentals
Our go-to for bike and golf cart rentals. They deliver right to your door and have gear for the whole family. Mention Trent and Denise sent you and save 10%. Book Online
Book Experiences
Looking to make your trip unforgettable? Browse and book top-rated Destin activities directly.
Check-out time: 10:00 AM. Please have the house vacated by this time so our cleaning team can prepare for the next guests.
Departure Checklist
Start the dishwasher with any remaining dirty dishes
Take out all trash to the bins in front of the garage (black = trash, green = recycling)
Leave used towels in the bathtub(s) — do not leave on counters or floor
Strip the beds — leave sheets piled on each bed (do not remake)
Turn off all lights, fans, and the TV
Set the thermostat to 78 °F
Close and lock all doors and windows
Sign out of any streaming accounts on the TVs
Check for personal belongings (under beds, in drawers, in the yard)
Lock the front door — it will auto-lock when closed
Leave Us a Review
We hope you had an amazing stay! If you loved your time at Crystal Shores, we'd be grateful for a review — it helps future guests find us and helps us keep improving.
As a past guest, you're eligible for a 5% loyalty discount on your next stay when you book directly through our website. Plus, you skip the Airbnb service fees — saving up to 20% total.
Mention your previous stay when booking. A $250 deposit holds your dates.
