Sandpiper Cove

The Sandpiper is all about the casual beach lifestyle, as evidenced by the large beach mural encompassing an entire wall in the registration office. Units are scattered across 43 acres, so the families and couples who frequent the resort tend to be spread out as well. Water is the main attraction here, with a long expanse of white sand beach, five pools, and slips where some guests dock their boats. The small golf course is wedged in between units, so golfers often are seen walking the beautifully landscaped grounds that are lined by stately palm trees. Overall, it's a peaceful place that feels worlds away from the bustle of big cities. 

The beachfront resort is located on Gulf Shore Drive, just off Highway 98, east of Destin. It's a quiet setting that’s surrounded by other resorts and vacation rental communities, with the closest restaurant about a four-minute walk and others within seven to 10 minutes by car. Units are spread out quite a bit, and guests staying in condos closest to the highway must walk a few minutes to reach the beach. There are dozens of shops and restaurants nearby, plus a Walmart Supercenter only six minutes away by car. Many attractions are within easy reach along Highway 98. 

• Three-minute drive to Big Kahuna Water Park
• Four-minute drive to Destin Harbor
• Five-minute drive to Henderson Beach State Park
• 12-minute drive to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure
• 15-minute drive to Silver Sands Premium Outlets
• 17-minute drive to Fort Walton Beach
• 30-minute drive to the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport
• 60-minute drive to Panama City Beach
• 75-minute drive (approximately) to NW Florida Beaches International Airport

Rooms at the Sandpiper are what you’d expect from a beachside condo complex. The individually owned and decorated units generally emphasize a casual, beach lifestyle look, with lots of bright shades of blue, yellow, and green with white accents. Wicker furniture and glass tables are common, as is nautical-theme artwork. Beige tile is most frequently seen for flooring in these spacious, home-like units, but carpeting and even nice hardwood floors are used in some. Most -- but not all -- units include washer/dryer sets, and all have full kitchens. Other common amenities include multiple flat-screen TVs with cable access, sleeper sofas, and dining tables. Some units have upscale aspects such as granite counters, leather chairs and sofas, stainless steel appliances, and glass-enclosed walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads. On the flip side, units exist with decidedly dated styles that are most commonly seen in the kitchens and bathrooms. Also, while most of the condos are generally clean and well maintained, several guests have reported general cleanliness and maintenance issues, such as stained carpets, worn-out mattresses, and dirty floors. Options range from Studios to Three Bedrooms and are priced and offered by view -- beach, golf course, lake, canal, etc. Views from the covered decks can be lovely, but others offer limited or rather pedestrian views. 

The extensive features at this sprawling resort are a major draw for guests. They include a par-three, nine-hole golf course, six tennis courts (three lighted), five outdoor pools (two heated), three whirlpools, and a boat slip rentals/launch area on the canal. Umbrellas, chairs, kayaks, paddle boards, and boogie boards are available for rent at the private beach. Rick’s Sand Trap Beach Bar & Grill serves casual lunches and dinners, and the Louisiana Lagniappe specializes in fresh seafood at dinner. The registration office sells souvenirs such as T-shirts and coffee mugs. Ample free parking is available on site, and there are grills, picnic tables, and vending machines near the beach. There's also a tennis complex with adjacent shuffleboard courts. Guest laundry facilities are available on site for those who don't have washers and dryers in their condos. Pets up to 30 pounds are welcome in select units for a surcharge. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, but some guests have reported spotty connections in their rooms.