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Tropical backyard of Pensacola Oasis Vrbo rental in Pensacola, FL
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  • DestinationsUnited StatesFloridaPensacola

    11 Pensacola Vacation Homes Near The Sugar Sand Beaches

    William Stupp
    August 01, 2022

    Florida’s Panhandle is famous for pristine white beaches, the very vision of coastal idyll. The city of Pensacola is a small one with a vibrant downtown area along Palafox Street. There is absolutely no shortage of restaurants, bars, and interesting historical attractions.

    Videos by TravelAwaits

    Top sites in Pensacola include the National Naval Aviation Museum (located a few miles southwest of the city center), the historic and lively Seville Quarter, and the local lighthouse, which doubles as a museum. The local national park, the National Seashore, offers a whole slew of additional activities. There is, in short, lots to do.

    The area’s famous sugar sand beaches are found on the Gulf Islands, separated from the mainland by the Santa Rosa Sound and an array of bays. Santa Rosa Island (upon which the town of Pensacola Beach sits) is just about 1,000 feet wide, so guests are never more than a short walk from the sea. Visitors will have to decide whether they want front-door beach access or to be nearer to Pensacola’s non-beach attractions, almost all of which are on the mainland. Or you can move between both!

    To help you decide, here is a list of 11 great Vrbo vacation rentals in Pensacola. Some are on the island, others are not, but all are no more than a short drive away from the beach.

    Beach Haven$854/nightly avg

    Located in a small gated community in a quieter corner of Pensacola Beach, this fabulous home is a luxurious property from which to enjoy life on the Gulf. From the living room’s teak floors and decadent leather sofas to the ocean views gracing every bedroom, everything in the mansion suggests a glamorous lifestyle. The bathrooms are particularly grand.

    The home is just 100 steps from the sand, though beachgoers do need to cross a road. The community has a pool and a fishing pier that guests can make use of. 

    Dreaming of Pensacola Beach – your dream vacation awaits you
    60 reviews
    Private vacation home
    5 Bedrooms
    4 Bathrooms
    Top guest reviews
    Four adult couples enjoyed the long weekend for a birthday celebration! Great layout for sleeping and hanging out and enjoying a relaxing weekend at the beach. Beautiful views! Short walk across the street to the beach. The house had everything we needed and more!
    Beautiful vacation home; excellent amenities; beautif
    Loved the spaciousness of the house and nice decor. Convenient to beach, bay and pool. Just what our large family of adult children needed.
    Great property.. Great location.., Becky and Don we very responsive to any questions or issues!!
    Our stay was excellent! We had 13 of our family and we all had a great experience!
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    from USD 854
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    Casa De Grace$664/nightly avg

    Grand and spacious, this home on Lafitte Cove is an obvious choice for any family or medium-sized group looking to relax on Pensacola Beach. Lafitte Cove empties out into the Pensacola Sound, and the sandy beaches of the Gulf are just a few hundred feet away in the other direction.

    The backyard dock makes this property especially appealing for those looking to enjoy time on the water. Peg Leg Pete’s, a local favorite with live music every day of the week, is just steps away. The home is well furnished with the master bedroom being the definitive highlight.

    Dreaming of Pensacola Beach – your dream vacation awaits you
    29 reviews
    Private vacation home
    8 Guests
    4 Bedrooms
    5 Bathrooms
    Top guest reviews
    House was amazing. Had everything we needed. Owners were extremely nice and on top of things. They had bikes, beach chairs, etc for us to use. Usually when this happens they things that you might not want to use due to the condition they are in but all of these were extremely nice and wonderful to use. Especially loved the bikes. Location couldn’t have been better. Would highly recommend.
    Everything went smoothly
    Beautiful home and great location! We rented a boat for the week. It was nice to have the ocean and the dock to keep the boat! The owners were great and the house had everything!
    Excellent home and experience with the owners. Home is exactly as advertised and owners were very good to work with. Helped me with info on where to put boat in water and store trailer. Home is very well equipped with plenty of amenities and great location! Would definitely stay here again!
    I was able to see the ocean laying down from the bed in Master Bedroom- so nice to wake up to! Then walking out on the balcony to sit in a rocking chair was a great way to start each day. Each bedroom had its own private bathroom and there were so many outdoor and indoor places to gather with the family. We BBQ’d on the back patio, went on a dolphin cruise, walked to eat at Peg Leg Pete’s, rode bikes and so much more. Great vacation house.
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    from USD 664
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    Mid-Century Modern Home On The Sound$495/nightly avg

    With mid-century modern homes all the rage nowadays, demand for this beautiful home is quite high. It is located right on the sound, meaning the Gulf beaches are about 1,000 feet away. A private sandy beach can be found just behind the home and a comfortable balcony overlooks the water.

    There’s a lot to be said about the timeless stylishness of mid-century design, and this property is a fine example of that classic and sophisticated style. A rare choice for a beach house, this is a unique way to visit Pensacola beach.

    Dreaming of Pensacola Beach – your dream vacation awaits you
    8 reviews
    Private vacation home
    8 Guests
    4 Bedrooms
    3 Bathrooms
    Top guest reviews
    Rating Details:The property manager was very helpful.The vacation rental was spotless.I was very happy with the location.I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.Reviewer Comments:We had a wonderful stay at 1753 Ensenada Dos! Location was great, not too far from shops and restaurants, but out of the way enough to not feel crowded. The rental was stocked very well with whatever you could need. PBH staff was very courteous and helpful. We will definitely be renting from them again!
    Rating Details:The property manager was very helpful.The vacation rental was spotless.I was very happy with the location.I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.Reviewer Comments:We had a wonderful stay at 1753 Ensenada Dos! Location was great, not too far from shops and restaurants, but out of the way enough to not feel crowded. The rental was stocked very well with whatever you could need. PBH staff was very courteous and helpful. We will definitely be renting from them again!
    Rating Details:The property manager was very helpful.The vacation rental was spotless.I was very happy with the location.I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.Reviewer Comments:Awesome
    This was the perfect spot for our family trip. Separate spaces for different family members. Everything we needed. Private beach area was great for my 5 year old niece and calm water for her to play. Walking distance to the gulf side beach.
    Rating Details:The property manager was very helpful.The vacation rental was spotless.I was very happy with the location.I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.Overall, I recommend this vacation rental.Reviewer Comments:We enjoyed our stay at 1753 Ensenada Dos. It was very relaxing and I loved the beautiful sunsets. Our own private beach area was so nice sitting out and enjoying the beautiful view. House had everything needed for a week long vacation. The screened in porch was my favorite place to sit and enjoy the beautiful veiw.
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    from USD 495
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    Pensacola Oasis$343/nightly avg

    With plenty of privacy and a luscious outdoor space complete with pool, this beautiful home just outside of downtown Pensacola is another great option for travelers ready for fun in the sun. Downtown is just a short walk away and the unforgettable beaches of the island are accessible via the nearby bridge. The bayou meets the sea nine blocks to the west.

    The home is historic and it shows in the lovely neo-Victorian vibe which echoes throughout the home, from the clawfoot bathtub to the high ceilings and doorframes. 

    Dreaming of Pensacola – your dream vacation awaits you
    8 reviews
    Private vacation home
    8 Guests
    3 Bedrooms
    4 Bathrooms
    Top guest reviews
    Where do I start….. The decor was something out of Better Homes and Gardens. Eclectic, fun, interesting and quirky. The art is something you will talk about, especially the pirate over both mantels. Fully stocked. Awesome coffee bar. Many places to sit gather and enjoy your vacation. Easy access to anywhere since it is just north of the traffic area. Easy 5 mins drive to downtown. Walk to the best BBQ around. The pool area was fun and private. The bedrooms were comfortable, each with its own floor fan. Bathrooms were stocked with plenty of towels and toiletries. All bedroom upstairs, master with access to the balcony which was so peaceful and fun. Parking was easy. No worries about where to park. There is street parking one block west. Easy access for loading and unloading.Bri and Drew were amazing. Thank you both so much for making our wedding weekend memorable!!
    Very nice
    We weren’t able to enjoy the pool and deck due to weather, but we made good use of the cozy TV room to watch movies, play toys and do a bit of yoga out of the rain!It is a beautiful house with lots of playroom or space for everyone to have a reading nook. Michelle
    This property has it all. Location, privacy, oasis in the back yard, amenities. We had everything we needed. The coffee drinkers loved the coffee bar. The keypad door was super convenient and we felt very safe. The decor is so unique and special. We agreed that we could stay in a “modern farmhouse” decorated house any time. It was so fun to check out the art work and experience the surprise of how each room was decorated. We had events that we needed to attend each day and the house was perfectly located. Everywhere we needed to be was a quick drive. We could have walked if it wasn’t 100 degrees (!). On the one day we didn’t need to be at an event, we jumped at the chance to stay at the house all day. We enjoyed the back yard the entire day. It was bliss. A much needed respite and a perfect place to take it. And my final note is to say that Drew and Bri were great. Very accommodating and always available.
    Very nice house, convenient to downtown!
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    from USD 343
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    Pet-Friendly Home Near The Dog Beach$475/nightly avg

    As anyone who’s ever taken their pet to the shoreline knows, dogs enjoy beaches even more than most people do. Give your hound an extra special treat by staying at this Pensacola Beach home. The dog beach is less than a mile away, and there’s a human beach a short walk away. 

    The home has views of both the Gulf and the sound that separates the island from the mainland. It boasts an abundance of bedrooms of all kinds for your family to spread out in.

    Dreaming of Pensacola Beach – your dream vacation awaits you
    1 review
    Private vacation home
    12 Guests
    5 Bedrooms
    2 Bathrooms
    from USD 475
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    Palafox Palace$487/nightly avg

    Built in 1885, this historic apartment in the heart of Pensacola is great for a group that’s just as interested in exploring the urban delights of Pensacola as they are spending time on the beach. The building is just around the corner from the beachbound bus stop.

    The apartment itself is something special (and not just because it’s old). Extravagantly decorated and full of character, it offers much better access to attractions like the aviation museum compared to properties on the beach.

    Dreaming of Pensacola – your dream vacation awaits you
    52 reviews
    Apartment
    6 Guests
    3 Bedrooms
    2 Bathrooms
    Top guest reviews
    We absolutely loved the stay! I know it’s a tad more expensive than a normal stay, it will not disappoint!
    This was a great location very personal contact with Deborah and the space was exactly what we need to get work done together and relax in the evening. We had the donuts nearby two days in a row and don’t regret it!
    This property is amazing! Great space for family to gather with room for everyone. Well stocked and beautiful. Great location in the heart of downtown. Walking distance to food, shopping, and entertainment. Amazing balcony overlooking Palafox! Would definitely book again!
    Amazing property and property manager. Deborah makes it feel like home!
    Property is ideally located for Downtown activities and nightlife. It is wonderfully decorated and has everything you need for a fantastic stay.
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    from USD 487
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    Bell(e) Of The Beach$713/nightly avg

    Just one house down from a quiet stretch of sugar sand beach, this light-filled home is a gift to beach lovers. The home has high ceilings, particularly in the stunning multi-level living room. The main balcony straddles the width of the home and there is a second, smaller outdoor area attached to the top floor master bedroom. The other two bedrooms are a second king and a kids’ room with two bunk beds.

    The home comes equipped with four bikes and all the gear you’ll need to enjoy the beach. Guests will need to ascend one flight of stairs to reach the main level of the home. 

    Dreaming of Pensacola Beach – your dream vacation awaits you
    23 reviews
    Private vacation home
    10 Guests
    3 Bedrooms
    3 Bathrooms
    Top guest reviews
    This property was amazing! From the time of booking to departure, the communication was great. Donna was an amazing host and met me at the property for a tour. The property had everything we needed. I can’t say enough about the property. We spent 98% of our stay the property. The balcony was great. Love the master bedroom shower and tub. I loved the hammocks. So many great amenities. I definitely will return. I was able to cook daily and had everything I needed onsite
    We had an excellent time – the house is stunning, spacious, in an excellent location and the hosts were very responsive and helpful.
    Perfect location and the home was beautiful
    This was a wonderful week. The home was as advertised. Close to the beach, comfortable, and well kept.
    Our family of 5 enjoyed our stay in this spacious, light-filled house which seems almost new. The owners have thought of everything to make your vacation easy. We especially loved all the beach items downstairs like plenty of beach chairs, a big beach umbrella, and an awesome rugged wagon. The huge porches are a dream with an ocean breeze and plenty of comfortable furniture. The path to an uncrowded beach is just a few steps away. We love what a family area this is – no partyers. The listing is a little confusing with the number of bathrooms. There are 2 full bathrooms, 1 half bath, and a shower for rinsing off on the ground level. We wished we could’ve made the AC a little less cold especially in the upstairs bedrooms. Donna is an excellent property manager with friendly, helpful communication. We hope to rent this house again!
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    from USD 713
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    Bayfront Manor$299/nightly avg

    Another great option on the mainland, this newly built home is just a 5-minute walk from Seville Square and Palafox Street. Great Gulf beaches and the National Sea Shore Visitor Center are about 10 minutes away by car. The house has every amenity from a wine fridge to bikes and video games.

    Each of the three bedrooms has plenty of privacy, space, and smart design elements. On the whole, the home is a great find for a small group keen on spending time in the city and beach alike. 

    Dreaming of Pensacola – your dream vacation awaits you
    104 reviews
    Private vacation home
    6 Guests
    3 Bedrooms
    3 Bathrooms
    Top guest reviews
    The host were amazing and the house was perfect!! No need to pack anything extra the house is fully stocked with everything! I highly suggest booking this house! On a quiet street in Pensacola with water views.
    Everything was great I’d definitely stay again
    The property was great for a friend getaway. Great location, close to restaurants and the beach.
    Absolutely loved this house and the beautiful town it’s located in! We had a blast
    Great location, great property. No complaints!
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    from USD 299
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    Waterfront Paradise On The Bayou$475/nightly avg

    With manicured grounds and brilliant views of the bayou and bay, this waterfront home in Pensacola is a genuine treasure. Just a few blocks away from the heart of downtown and the bridge that carries visitors to the beaches of Santa Rosa Island, it has a great location for those looking to get around.

    The home was recently redesigned, something readily apparent in the immaculate decor. There’s room for 10 guests across four bedrooms. The distribution of rooms makes it great for families with children, while members of smaller groups can enjoy having bedrooms to themselves.

    Dreaming of Pensacola – your dream vacation awaits you
    8 reviews
    Private vacation home
    10 Guests
    4 Bedrooms
    2 Bathrooms
    Top guest reviews
    Our adult children joined us for this stay to visit our new grandchild. The property was exactly as stated ; very clean and well equipped. We were able to have a family meal with no shortage of cooking essentials. The pool was very clean and the views lovely. Very quiet and pleasant neighborhood but easy access to anything we needed.
    Beautiful house, perfect location, easy access to everything you could want in Pensacola with the peace of being surrounded by water. Pool was a perfect touch! House was stocked with everything you could need and the furniture was incredibly comfortable! Heaters in the bathroom were an awesome luxury too! Thanks for a fantastic week!
    Great location with a pool and dock for fishing. Family of 8 had a great time with plenty of room for our R&R.
    The house was exactly as listed. Clean and ample accommodations. Great location convenient to everything in Pensacola. Will plan to be back again.
    This home is BEAUTIFUL! The owner was great communicating and made the check in/out process super smooth. I will be back here if I ever get the chance!
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    from USD 475
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    The Surf Shack$526/nightly avg

    Just a few hundred yards from the bridge that connects Pensacola Beach to the mainland, this freestanding house is within walking distance of many of the bars and restaurants seen by visitors when they first arrive on the island. There’s a queen bedroom and small common area/kitchen on the main level. The upstairs portion (accessible via a spiral staircase) has a queen bedroom and sofa bed, making it better for children or younger guests.

    This is a no-frills home in an excellent location for those who want to be on the beach and close to restaurants all while being able to get back to the mainland without much fuss.

    Dreaming of Pensacola Beach – your dream vacation awaits you
    21 reviews
    Private vacation home
    6 Guests
    2 Bedrooms
    2 Bathrooms
    Top guest reviews
    Nice shack. Nothing fancy. Very small kitchen with limited counter space. No curtain on kitchen window so if anyone is staying at the hotel next door they can see you from their balcony. Also this makes the kitchen quite warm with sun hitting it. Great bed and art work. Loved the top deck except the outdoor lights on the side of the top deck did not function. Didnt use the upstairs loft. Stairs were too narrow and a bit dangerous to traverse. I hit my head on the metal stairs one time when trying to access the thermostat. Ouch! Loved that it was a short walk to the beach and that there was an outdoor shower for rinsing off the sand. Although it is pet friendly there is no place for the doggos to do their business due to so many sand burs! I think the property could use some lawn maintenance. The local fauna was overtaken by weeds and sand spurs. We still had fun. Clearest water, white sugary sand. So many jelly fish near shore though. We saw dolphins from the beach. We went to the dog beach and water was pristine and beautiful and only spotted one jelly fish.
    I already did a review for this online.
    Perfect place for our family of four. Our boys loved the upstairs portion of the Surf Shack. The beach is right across the street. Take the sidewalk in between the two houses on the other side of the road or the beach access by the hotel right across the street. Walk to the convenience store if you need something. Good restaurants right across the street. The upstairs deck has a great view and the downstairs deck provided some shade. Air conditioning was nice and cool. Wifi was great. Will definitely book again.
    My family loved this place! It was so nice to just walk across the street to the beach.
    Need alittle more cooking pots, not sure if I was responsible for bringing more paper products such as toilet paper. Had one roll in each bath?
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    from USD 526
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    Lago Bonito Studio Apartment$148/nightly avg

    There are lots of ways to enjoy time on the beach. Family and friends are great, but spending quality alone time with your significant other is something else entirely. This studio 2 minutes from the beach is a great way for couples to take in the joys of beach life on Santa Rosa Island. 

    Small, clean, and smartly furnished, it has everything two people could need. The space sits above a garage that guests can use and is attached to a townhome. 

    Dreaming of Pensacola Beach – your dream vacation awaits you
    4 reviews
    Private vacation home
    2 Guests
    1 Bedroom
    1 Bathroom
    Top guest reviews
    This property is exactly what is shown in the pictures. It’s cozy and for my wife and I it was a perfect size for an extended weekend getaway.
    This property could have been an adorable little place. Space was fine for two people. The sofa was terribly nasty and stained( we would not sit or lay anything on it) the tv channels are extremely limited and seem to be sharing with several other people. I think we may have gotten two different networks the entire time there and was frequently kicked off. The air conditioning wasnt nearly cool enough even for a small place. For the cost it would be a no for us on a second time. The host Carey was however very nice
    The property had hassle free parking with a short walk and easy access to the beach. Beach area was nice and private. It is perfect for a couple that just needs a clean simple place to sleep. Wasn’t happy about how the check in process was delayed due to waiting on the property inspection we could not get early check in and we actually entered after the allowed check in time . The inspector was still inspecting the property after we finally received the key code . Overall it was a good experience and I would stay there again
    Short walk to the beach.
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    from USD 148
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    Needs ideas about what to do while vacationing in Pensacola, Florida? Check out:

    • 12 Delicious Restaurants To Try In Pensacola, Florida
    • 11 Amazing Things To Do In Beautiful Pensacola, Florida
    • 6 Best Hikes Near Pensacola, Florida

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