A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
Centrally-located
You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
Discover nearby landmarks
Close to Saint Joe Beach
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8
Popular amenities
Onsite parking available
Kitchen
Washing machine
Air-conditioning
Barbecue
Fenced yard
Explore the area
St Joe Beach, FL
Saint Joe Beach
Place, Saint Joe Beach
8 min walk
Beacon Hill Park
Place, Beacon Hill Park
4 min drive
Mexico Beach
Place, Mexico Beach
6 min drive
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 3
1 Queen Bed
Convertible bed(s)
1 Queen Bed
2 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 2
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Bathroom 3
Outdoor shower
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
About this property
The Best Kept Secret on the Gulf =Newly Renovated 3BR St. Joe Beach House.
Just bring your clothes and food — we've thought of everything else.
O'Connell's Beach House is the ultimate unplug-and-unwind retreat on Florida's Forgotten Coast. This beautifully renovated, fully stocked 3-bedroom home sits on a quiet street directly across from the beach, giving you that rare combination of total privacy and unbeatable access to the Gulf. Room to spread out and relax.
With 1,800 sq ft of open, airy living space, 12-foot vaulted ceilings, and tile floors throughout (plus fresh carpet in the bedrooms), this home feels as good as it looks. The master bath features a brand new 72-inch open walk-in shower — the kind of upgrade that makes you feel like you're staying somewhere truly special. The kitchen has everything you need to cook like you're at home, and when you'd rather grill, the back deck with a gas grill overlooking the fenced backyard is ready for you. The Forgotten Coast's best-kept secret.
St. Joe Beach is the real deal — no high-rise condos, no overcrowded shoreline. Just sugar-white sand, crystal-clear Gulf water, and the kind of unspoiled natural beauty that's getting harder and harder to find in Florida. Dolphins, sea turtles, and shorebirds are regular visitors, and the relaxed pace here is something guests fall in love with immediately.
Everything you need is already here.
The storage shed out back is stocked with all the beach gear you could want — wagon, stroller, coolers, chairs, umbrellas, fishing poles, and a beach cart. Two kayaks are also available to rent on-site. Pull up with your family, unload, and you're ready to go.
Plenty of space — even for the boat. The large yard has room to park a boat or RV, making this an ideal base for anglers and water lovers. Full-service marinas with public boat ramps are just minutes away in both Port St. Joe and Mexico Beach.
Dining and fun within walking distance. Shipwreck Restaurant is a 5-minute walk, and a handful of great local spots are just 5–10 minutes by car. After dinner, come back and unwind on the screened front porch overlooking the tropical landscaped front yard — one of the most popular spots in the house.
Nearly 100 five-star reviews and a 9.8/10 rating say it better than we can: guests love this place and keep coming back. Families, friend groups, pet owners — everyone feels at home here.
Dates fill up fast on the Forgotten Coast. Check availability and make this your summer.
Add dates for prices
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds, gather used towels and store extra beds
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
NO LOUD HOUSE PARTY'S
Important information
You need to know
Property # 54267vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 12
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Port St. Joe
Located in Port St. Joe, this holiday home is near the beach. Mexico Beach and Constitution Convention Museum State Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Beacon Hill Park and Mexico Beach Park. Port Theatre Art and Culture Center and Frank Pate Park are also worth visiting. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and hiking nearby.
Is The Best Kept Secret on the Gulf =Newly Renovated 3BR St. Joe Beach House. pet-friendly?
No, only service animals are welcome at the property.
How much does it cost to stay at The Best Kept Secret on the Gulf =Newly Renovated 3BR St. Joe Beach House.?
As of 1 Aug 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Best Kept Secret on the Gulf =Newly Renovated 3BR St. Joe Beach House. on 30 Sept 2026 start from AU$1,064, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at The Best Kept Secret on the Gulf =Newly Renovated 3BR St. Joe Beach House.?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Best Kept Secret on the Gulf =Newly Renovated 3BR St. Joe Beach House.?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Best Kept Secret on the Gulf =Newly Renovated 3BR St. Joe Beach House.?
Checkout is at 9:00 AM.
Where is The Best Kept Secret on the Gulf =Newly Renovated 3BR St. Joe Beach House. located?
Situated by the sea, this holiday home is within 2 miles (3 km) of Saint Joe Beach, Beacon Hill Park and Windmark Beach. Mexico Beach is 2.2 mi (3.6 km) away.
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Great place to stay, just had a couple of issues that were addressed by the property manager in a reasonable time frame. Would definitely use this property again.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. The property is just as described. This property was very clean and stocked with everything you could think of. The host is very responsive and friendly, even helped us locate local things in the area to do. We would definitely stay here Again.
Dianna M.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 1 June 2026
Thank you so much!! Hope you will be back again soon!!!
Beautiful inside a hidden jem is correct. Easy to get to, clear instructions for entry, beach close by. Three blocks to the beach from this lovely home. We cooked every dinner in the home in the well stocked kitchen. Dishwasher available for easy clean up. Two bathrooms and hot water for each of us. Washer and dryer also on premises for guest. I didn’t see a broom but I used the vacuum while I was there. WiFi was good. One of my adult daughters still had to report to classes online while we were there. Great neighborhood very quiet and safe. We enjoyed our stay very much. I did forget to sign the guest book before I left I would like to say thank you for letting us rent your beautiful home it was very nice and comfortable.
Beautifully decorated and comfortable. We had 6 adults and 2 kids and plenty of room. Having a washer/dryer is a must for beach vacations. This property did t disappoint. Close proximity to the beach and restaurants.
Great for a family that likes to cook and eat together.
If you enjoy time with your family and like cooking and spending time around the dinner table this is a great place to stay. The wide open kitchen is with cooking appliances and the large dining table and bar will accommodate a full house and then some.
This home was a great place for our family to stay while on vacation. The home was clean and the location was reasonably close to a nice public beach access. There was fenced in back yard where our dogs could play off leash.
The location was central to where we wanted to be. Everything we needed was stocked. Quiet neighborhood. Just seconds from the beach. My family felt comfortable and safe. We loved every minute. We will keep an eye out for this property for our next trip down here. Thank you guys for making our trip a wonderful experience.
This property is amazing! It’s located on a very quiet street with a short walk to the beach. The home was immaculately clean and stocked with anything you might need. Our host was very helpful when we had a question. We highly recommend this property for your vacation!
We will be renting again for our next beach vacation!
We had a few mishaps, just makes the stories more interesting!, but everything was resolved quickly. It is a good walk from the beach, the golf cart is great for hauling back and forth. There was a lot of thought put into this rental to make a great vacation for any visitors. We would definitely recommend and stay again.
This listing was spot on. When I say the owner has covered everything, they have everything covered. Yes, it's 2 1/2 blocks from the beach, and there is a golf cart available for rent. Storage building with chairs and floats, Grill, and well-stocked kitchen. Our family will defiantly stay here again. The owner answered all my questions in a timely manner. Great stay and St Joe Beach was beautiful and not crowded. Can't wait to come back.
Maria's place was great! Her home was stocked with everything you think you might need. She really means it when she says just bring your clothes and food. Very spacious, stayed cool inside the whole time without any adjustments to the thermostat and nice neighbors. The beach experience was the best one yet. Not crowded at all no matter the time of day.
We had a wonderful time this week! The house is very spacious and had everything we needed. It’s a 3 block walk to the beach. It was hot but doable! There were more people on the beach than the last time we were in this area five years ago but you still have plenty of elbow room. The only problem is the week went by too fast! We love this area and can’t wait till we can get back!
The house was in a good location close enough to the beach for an easy walk or very short drive. Having the beach chairs, wagon, umbrellas, ect onsite was a big plus and saved us from having to pack all that extra stuff for our group. The beds are ok comfort wise, and if you moved most objects on any counter you could see where things dont always get cleaned thoroughly. If you have small children (2 or less, we had our 9 month old) then you need to be really careful because the house has some raised tile with sharp edges (fire place)in the living room that was a constant scare for a crawling/learning to stand child. Overall it was a decent stay. The neighborhood and neighbors were very friendly.
It was close to the beach, maybe 3 blocks. So. very close, and they had a golf cart so you basically just drive down the street and in 5 minutes you're swimming. In addition to the beach creatures, I also enjoyed the frogs, turtles, and raccoons that came out at night. There is construction going on still in the area but if your looking for a quiet beach vacation this is the place. Plus, panama city beach is about 45 minutes away if you need that other stuff. The house was stocked and we didnt need to bring anything but our personal stuff. The owner called and checked in on us the first night. The whole family enjoyed the stay.
David R.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 22 June 2023
What great guest to have!! Thank you staying with us! Hope you return soon!
The home was great but for two issues
1. The closet in the bedroom had a stinky smell that spreads across if AC is not running.
2. The first bathroom door was not locking, so whoever using the bathroom was not feelojgnt much comfortable.
If the twoinor issues are taken care off, this is a great place to stay and owner was very prompt in responding to question's
Ravi K.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 June 2023
The master bedroom closet is a cedar closet so that is what you were smelling. Thanks for letting me know about the lock issue- will be fixed today.
This is an older mobile home that is kept very clean. It was comfortable and had EVERYTHING we needed and more. I have stayed in high-end homes/condos that were not as well stocked. The home owner has thought of everything. Check-in was a breeze. We walked the two blocks to and from the beach with no problem. There was ample parking for the family and the boat.
My only suggestion would be a 10:30 check out time. Packing up everything and getting the kids out the door by 9 was challenging.
We had a wonderful time and would definitely stay here again.
the house was wonderful very roomy fully supplied homey comfortable nice, i mean just great; the cart was slow it worked good just slow, had lot of beach equipment everything worked as should, out side the grass had not been cut it was high black seeds getting on wifes long dress; but with beach wear not bad justs looks bad; there was paper on the grown at the outside trash cans but we cleaned it up; And that is not the owners falt; that would be the vebo rentals job; and the Cleaning folks -and no i did not ask for any kind of reimbursement, i even lift the sat evening rather than sun morning; but this is a great place to stay 3 blocks from beach
When we arrived and opened the door we were all talking at the same time .. it’s beautiful clean well stocked comfy homey and more than we expected . Thank you for a beautiful home and everything we needed . Sitting on the porch quiet and peaceful not far from the beach and chairs umbrellas were provided ! Enjoy your stay
Cathy S.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 1 July 2026
Thank you so much for staying at my home. I hope you return soon and do your girls trip that you talked about. Be sure to tell your friends and family all about it. Thanks, Maria.