The Florida Panhandle is famous for its sugar-white sand and emerald Gulf waters. One large neighboring resort community draws millions of visitors each year with its golf courses, marina, and dozens of restaurants. But staying inside that resort comes at a cost. Nightly rates for a standard room often run high, and mandatory daily fees can push a short getaway past what many families want to spend. Vacation rentals inside that complex can be even more expensive during summer months.
The good news is you do not need to stay inside the big resort to enjoy the Emerald Coast. Just minutes away, the same beautiful beaches and sunny Florida weather are available at a fraction of the price. TOPS’L Beach & Racquet Resort offers spacious condos, villas, and townhomes with full kitchens and private balconies, all set on a 52‑acre gated property that sits directly on the Gulf of Mexico. TOPS’L gives you exceptional value without sacrificing the beachfront luxury you came for.
Our guide explains the smartest places to stay near the popular resort area, why TOPS’L is the best option, and how to save money while still enjoying a first‑class beach vacation. Ready to book? Browse all properties here to find your perfect match.
The Smart Option: Stay Nearby, Not Inside
You can enjoy everything the Emerald Coast offers without paying premium prices for a cramped hotel room. TOPS’L Beach & Racquet Resort stands out as the best combination of value, location, and amenities.
TOPS’L sits on Highway 98, just a few minutes east of the main resort entrance. The property borders both the Gulf of Mexico and the Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, giving you direct beach access plus miles of nature trails. The 52‑acre property is fully gated, providing security and exclusivity that matches or exceeds what the larger resort offers.
TOPS’L specializes in apartment‑style vacation rentals. Each unit includes a full kitchen, separate living and dining areas, in‑unit laundry, and a private balcony or patio. For families, this layout makes a real difference. You can prepare breakfast before heading to the beach, store leftovers from dinner, and spread out across multiple bedrooms instead of cramping everyone into a single hotel room. Check the to see exactly where each neighborhood sits within the resort.
TOPS’L offers a wide range of rental options, from cozy studios to sprawling multi‑bedroom villas. You can match the accommodation to your group size and budget.
Oceanfront stays at TOPS’L give you direct Gulf views and immediate beach access. Waking up to the sound of waves and walking onto the sand within minutes is an experience the big resort cannot match unless you book one of its premium beachfront units, which come with much higher price tags.
Condos at The Tides provide a classic beachfront high‑rise experience, with sweeping Gulf views, private balconies, and easy access to resort pools and dining. Condos at The Summit sit at the resort’s highest elevation, offering panoramic coastal views and a quieter setting.
For larger groups, Grand Villas feature four bedrooms, open layouts, and outdoor patios perfect for family dinners. Large group stays accommodate extended families or multiple couples traveling together, with generous living areas and full kitchens.
Villas at Captiva offer a landscaped community setting with private patios. Rentals at The Dunes provide a nature‑focused retreat within the gated resort. Villas at Tennis Village place tennis enthusiasts right next to the resort’s world‑class racquet complex.
For budget‑conscious travelers, value stays provide comfortable accommodations at lower rates, and resort studios work well for couples or solo travelers who do not need multiple bedrooms.
Top floor rentals deliver the best Gulf views and added privacy. Courtside stays are ideal for guests who plan to spend significant time on the tennis courts. Garden villas offer a quiet, residential feel away from the busier beachfront towers.
The common thread across all TOPS’L rentals is space. Unlike standard hotel rooms where a family of four may feel cramped, TOPS’L units give everyone room to breathe. A full kitchen alone can save a family hundreds of dollars on dining over the course of a week.
Enjoy Exclusive Amenities Reserved for Our Guests
TOPS’L packs an impressive array of amenities onto its 52 acres. Many of these would cost extra at the neighboring resort but are included with your TOPS’L stay.
Beach access is private and exclusive to resort guests. TOPS’L sits on a gorgeous stretch of Gulf‑front beach, with paved walkways and a free shuttle to help you move between your unit and the sand.
Tennis and pickleball are a major focus. TOPS’L is recognized as one of the top tennis resorts in Florida, with 12 Rubico clay courts, 10 of which are lighted for evening play. The resort offers certified professional instruction, clinics, and organized tournaments throughout the summer. Learn more at the TOPS’L tennis resort page.
Swimming pools include multiple options: a beachfront pool with Jacuzzi and sauna, a children’s pool for younger guests, an indoor‑outdoor pool at Club TOPS’L, and additional pools scattered across the property. Visit the Club TOPS’L page for details on fitness and wellness offerings.
Fitness and wellness facilities include a large fitness complex with steam room, sauna, and locker rooms. The resort offers yoga and aerobics classes for a nominal fee, along with massage therapy and spa services.
On‑site dining includes Blue Dunes Grille for casual lunches, Ocean Club for dinner, and Club Tiki for drinks and snacks by the pool. The resort also offers supervised children’s activities and babysitting services, giving parents time to relax on their own.
For reference, the large neighboring resort charges a mandatory nightly fee to access comparable amenities. At TOPS’L, those fees are not tacked on to every night’s stay. Book direct with TOPS’L Lodging to secure the best rates and on‑site support.
Location: Near Everything, Without the Noise
TOPS’L sits at 9011 Highway 98 West in Miramar Beach, placing you within easy reach of everything the Emerald Coast has to offer.
The main entrance of the big resort complex is just a few minutes west on Highway 98. You can drive to its popular dining and entertainment village for dinner or live music and be back at your quiet TOPS’L condo in under 10 minutes. This proximity means you never miss out on the area’s best restaurants and activities. You simply avoid paying premium prices for your lodging.
Grand Boulevard Town Centre is a 15‑minute walk from the resort entrance. This open‑air shopping and dining destination features casual and upscale restaurants, boutique shops, a movie theater, and seasonal events. It is an easy evening outing for families.
Silver Sands Premium Outlets, the largest designer outlet center in Florida, is a two‑mile drive from TOPS’L. The center offers more than 100 stores with significant savings on name‑brand merchandise.
For nature lovers, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is directly adjacent to the resort. The park offers more than three miles of untouched beach, coastal dune lakes, and hiking and biking trails. You can walk from your TOPS’L unit into the park without getting in a car.
Destin’s harbor, with its deep‑sea fishing charters, dolphin cruises, and waterfront restaurants, is a 15‑minute drive west. Watercolor and Seaside, the iconic planned communities along Scenic 30A, are a 20‑ to 30‑minute drive east.
Three airports serve the area. Destin‑Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) is about 35 minutes away. Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) is about 45 minutes away. Pensacola International Airport (PNS) is roughly 1 hour 45 minutes. For detailed driving directions, visit the getting here page.
For travelers seeking even more savings, check our specials page for current discounts like 20% off summer stays with promo code TOPSL20.
Ready to experience TOPS’L for yourself? Browse all properties and book your stay today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far is TOPS’L from the main resort area? Ans: TOPS’L is located on Highway 98, just a few minutes east of the large neighboring resort’s main entrance. You can reach the dining and entertainment village in less than 10 minutes by car.
Q: Does TOPS’L have beach access? Ans: Yes. TOPS’L sits directly on the Gulf of Mexico with 600 feet of private beach reserved exclusively for resort guests. Paved walkways and a free shuttle provide easy beach access.
Q: Is TOPS’L more affordable than staying inside the big resort? Ans: Generally, yes. TOPS’L offers competitive nightly rates without mandatory daily fees. The full kitchens in each unit also help families save significantly on dining costs. Check our specials page for current savings.
Q: Does TOPS’L offer pet‑friendly rentals? Ans: Pet policies vary by individual unit. Not all rentals allow pets. Check the specific property listing before booking. Service animals are always welcome.
Q: What is the minimum age to book a rental? Ans: Guests must be at least 25 years old to rent a property at TOPS’L. Review the complete rental rules and policies before booking.
Q: What is the best time of year to visit Miramar Beach? Ans: June through August offers the warmest weather and most activities, but rates are higher. May and September offer pleasant conditions with lower rates and smaller crowds.
Your Affordable Emerald Coast Getaway Starts Here
The large neighboring resort is spectacular, but you do not need to stay inside it to enjoy everything the Florida Panhandle has to offer. TOPS’L Beach & Racquet Resort delivers the same sugar‑white sand, emerald Gulf waters, and sunny weather at a better value. With spacious condo units, full kitchens, private balconies, and a full suite of on‑site amenities, TOPS’L gives you room to spread out and money left over for experiences.
When you book direct with TOPS’L Lodging Company, you are booking with the only on‑site property manager at the resort. That means faster support, accurate listings, and the peace of mind that comes from dealing with a team that lives and works right here on the property.
Do not pay premium prices for a cramped hotel room. Choose space, value, and a truly relaxing beach vacation at TOPS’L. Browse all properties or check current specials to secure your stay. Your Emerald Coast escape is waiting.
