Best Beaches Near Destin 

What are the best beaches near Destin, FL? Check out these seven beautiful beaches near Destin. 

Situated in the Florida Panhandle, the beautiful city of Destin on the Gulf of Mexico is home to white sandy beaches, emerald green water, and spectacular views. Since spending all day at the beach is a popular activity for locals and visitors alike, it is no wonder that Destin is a sought-after vacation destination for ocean lovers. 

With miles of pristine coastline and up to 13 public beach accesses, spending time at the beach is not just a fun thing to do but a way of life. Considered one of the best places to live in Florida, Destin has no shortage of beautiful beachfront homes, local shops, sought-after neighborhoods, well-maintained parks, and waterfront restaurants.

Destin is the place to be whether you are interested in finding a quiet beach to relax or a lively beach that offers plenty of fun water sports activities. No matter if you are moving to Destin or planning out your next summer vacation to the area, this guide will highlight the best beaches in Destin with information about amenities and parking. 

Here are some of the best beaches near Destin 

Henderson Beach State Park 

Location: 17000 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin, FL 32541 

Amenities: 

• Restroom facilities 
• Shower facilities 
• Playground 
• Campgrounds 
• Campfire circles 
• Picnic pavilion
• Interpretive exhibit 
• Wheelchair accessibility 
• Pet-friendly nature trail

Parking: $6 per vehicle for two to eight people, $4 for a single-occupant vehicle, and $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, and holders of the Annual Individual Entrance Pass

Henderson Beach State Park is one of the best beaches in Destin for its magnificent blue-green water, laid-back atmosphere, and thirty-foot white sand dunes. This 200-acre frequented destination on the Emerald Coast is home to one of the last remaining coastal scrub areas in Destin and the Florida Panhandle, making it a must-visit for beachgoers and ocean lovers. 

Featuring a winding nature trail, up to 60 campsites, and wildlife viewing areas to admire the protected species of birds that live here, Henderson Beach State Park is a true treasure in Destin. Many families and adults that visit this beach park can be found participating in various outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, walking, camping, picnicking, swimming, beachcombing, and geo-seeking. 

Since there are plenty of amenities offered here, including parking, restrooms, and picnic pavillions, this state park is used frequently for community events, celebrations, family reunions, and even weddings. Open from 8 AM to sundown every day, Henderson Beach State Park offers a delightful change of pace from the large crowds and resort areas of other nearby beaches. Beloved for its peaceful atmosphere, make sure to visit this top-rated beachfront park the next time that you are in Destin. 

James Lee Beach 

Location: 3510 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541

Amenities: 

• Pavillion
• Picnic area 
• Picnic tables
• Public restroom facilities
• Shower facilities
• Public beach access 
• Playground

Parking: Free parking is available 

Providing easy and direct access to the beach, James Lee Beach in Destin is a beautiful beach and a sought-after destination for visitors and locals alike. Even though this beach can get busy sometimes, especially during the summer, holidays, and when the weather is nice, this public beach offers well-maintained amenities and facilities that are too good to pass up. 

Providing a tranquil and peaceful beach vibe, this beach is the place to visit if you are looking for unmatched views of the Gulf Coast, warm white sand, and clear, clean water. With proximity to many popular dining establishments, parks, shopping, and recreational activities, there is always something interesting to check out near the shoreline. 

Whether you want to picnic, sunbathe, build sandcastles, swim, or look for shells and wildlife, this beach is a go-to spot for families. Owned and managed by Okaloosa County, there are three pavillions, 41 picnic tables, nine dune crossovers, and 166 parking spaces that visitors can take advantage of. Since parking in the beach lot is known to fill up fast, it is best to arrive early to ensure a parking spot on the day that you plan to visit James Lee Beach. 

Miramar Beach 

Location: Walton County

Amenities: 

• Beach accesses 
• Water sports equipment rentals 
• Restroom facilities 
• Wash stations

Parking: Free parking is available at public beach access 

Miramar Beach is located 19 minutes from Destin and is one of the most diverse and exciting beach destinations in South Walton. Known to have fewer tourists than Destin, many people decide to visit Miramar Beach for its pristine warm sand, blue water, and stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. 

Often described as a hidden gem in the Florida Panhandle, Miramar Beach offers coastal elegance and the perfect dose of nostalgia that the whole family will enjoy. Featuring beautiful beachfront homes, award-winning restaurants, high-end beachside resorts, local shops, and plenty of fun things to do for all ages, it is no wonder that Miramar Beach is considered one of the best beaches near Destin. 

The perfect place for your next vacation, Miramar Beach provides endless outdoor recreation and fun in the sun, whether you like to go jet skiing, paddleboarding, boating, parasailing, kayaking, or swimming. Referred to as an eclectic beach town, the best time to visit Miramar Beach is in late spring when there are fewer crowds, the water is warm, and the temperatures range in the upper 70s and low 80s. 

If you are planning your next trip to this coastal favorite vacation spot, make sure to visit the Silver Sands Premium Outlets for high-quality shopping at a low price. Named a premier shopping destination along the Emerald Coast in Northwest Florida, this is where to stock up on apparel, accessories, houseware, and sporting goods near the beach. 

Crab Island 

Location: Destin, Florida 

Amenities: 

• Floating vendors 
• Alcohol permitted

Parking: Crab Island is only accessible by boat 

Crab Island is a super cool place to visit and is recognized as one of the most popular attractions in Destin that has been featured on HGTV and Good Morning America. Since Crab Island is essentially a sand bar located south of the Marler Bridge in Destin, this famous Island can only be accessed by boat, kayak, or other watercraft. 

Rising in popularity over the years, many boaters love to visit Crab Island for its popular social scene, music, food, and entertainment. Attracting nearly 1,000 visitors daily, many locals and vacationers travel to this unique Island to lay out in the sun, wade in the sand bar, swim, and hang out with friends and family. 

As one of the best things to do in Destin, Crab Island provides a unique experience that is different from any other beach in the area. A relatively unknown destination for new travelers spending their vacation in Destin, Crab Island is the place to be for those searching for an affordable day on the water. 

Featuring many vendors that sell food, services, and products, many mini stores can be found along the Island that sell anything from sunscreen to cheeseburgers. Not only can kayaks, paddleboards, and jet skis be rented at the Island, but there are even water trampolines and slides that visitors can take advantage of. 

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park 

Location: 7525 W. County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 

Amenities: 

• Restroom facilities
• Shower facilities
• Pet-friendly
• Visitor center 
• Concessions 
• Restaurant 
• Canoe and kayak launch 
• Picnic pavilion 
• Water fountain
• Cabins 
• Campgrounds
• Playground

Parking: $6 per vehicle for two to eight people, $4 for a single-occupant vehicle, and $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, and holders of the Annual Individual Entrance Pass 

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is a beautiful state park in Santa Rosa Beach that is found only ten miles east of Destin off U.S. 98. Spanning 1,640 acres in northwestern Florida, this go-to state park offers quiet secluded beaches, sail-like dunes, and emerald green waters. 

Open from 8 AM to sundown 365 days a year, this beloved beach on the Gulf of Mexico is surrounded by freshwater dune lakes, towering pine forests, sandy scrublands, and wetlands. Recognized as a paradise for bird-watching and hiking, many people that visit Topsail Hill Preserve State Park love to watch the sunset and enjoy going fishing, hiking, camping, biking, picnicking, paddling, geo-seeking, swimming, walking, and running. 

Named after the majestic dunes that resemble a topsail, many endangered species of plants and wildlife can be spotted here. Providing lots of amenities and miles of walking trails, spending the day at this beachfront state park is a great experience perfect for adventure seekers and outdoor lovers. Make the journey to Topsail Hill State Park today. 

Fort Walton Beach 

Location: Okaloosa County 

Amenities: 

• Incredible views
• Beach accesses 

Parking: Free parking is available 

Found in the Florida Panhandle adjacent to Okaloosa Island lies Fort Walton Beach. This small Florida city is only 17 minutes from Destin and is an ideal vacation destination for families since it offers a relaxed and low-key beach experience. Often less crowded than the beaches in Destin, Fort Walton Beach provides bright white sand, sparkling waters, and plenty of room to spread out and have a good time. 

Best known for its various popular attractions on the Gulf Coast, visitors can relax near the water, play a round of golf at a world-class golf course, dine at a delicious restaurant, stay at a friendly-family resort, or check out one of the many museums, public parks, and aquariums. From deep sea fishing opportunities to craft breweries near the oceanfront, visitors will always have new things to do when in Fort Walton Beach. 

Norreigo Point 

Location: Destin, Florida

Amenities: 

• Two public beach access points 
• Outdoor shower 

Parking: 25 parking spaces are available 

Norreigo Point in Destin is located near the end of Holiday Isle and is a gorgeous sandy beach that faces Destin Harbor on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. A perfect place for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and boating due to its calm waters created by the Destin Jetties, this go-to beach destination is ideal for families and beachgoers who are looking for a nice and relaxing day by the water. 

Open from dawn to dusk every day, there are two public beach access points with plenty of parking that visitors can take advantage of. Watched over by lifeguards, this safe beach offers an unforgettable experience where your kids can wade in the water and play in the soft white sand. 

Offering sunset and dolphin cruises, underwater excursions, and watersport rentals, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your trip to Norreigo Point. Whether you enjoy shelling, jet skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, or boating in your own personal watercraft, Norregio Point is the place to be. 

FAQs 

Here are some common questions about the best beaches near Destin. 

What is the nicest beach in Destin? 

Destin is home to some of the best beaches in Florida, including Henderson Beach State Park, Miramar Beach, and James Lee Beach. 

What beach has the clearest water in Destin? 

Henderson Beach State Park and Panama City Beach are known for their crystal-clear waters and white sand. 

What is the least crowded beach in Destin? 

Miramar Beach is 20 minutes from Destin and is constantly recognized for its smaller crowds compared to other beaches in the area. 

What time of year is the water clearest in Destin? 

The water in Destin is the clearest during the summer, specifically during the month of July, which is ideal for swimming and participating in water activities. 

The Best Beaches Near Destin - Final Thoughts

If you are moving to Florida in search of a fantastic city near the coast, then Destin might be the place that you have always dreamed of. Featuring unique and beautiful beaches with tons of wildlife viewing opportunities, sand dunes, and fantastic offshore fishing, it is no wonder that so many people are deciding to call Destin home. Contact the experts at UpHomes when you are ready to start your home search in Destin.