In this article, we look at some of the best stretches of sand in this section of Florida’s Emerald Coast.
Places such as Henderson Beach State Park, Miramar Beach, and lots more as we head on Scenic Highway 30A to Panama City Beach.
Let’s dive in!
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1. Henderson Beach State Park
Destin has all the top things to do on a family vacation! The city has amazing soft, white-sand public beaches on Florida’s Gulf Coast!
Henderson Beach is a state park complete with campgrounds, trails, and picnic areas- it’s also one of the best beaches in Destin, Florida, if not the best.
The park is known for its large, snow-white sand dunes, and is popular for hiking, bicycling, camping, and fishing. The hiking path is about 3/4 of a mile long.
They are open from 8 am- sundown, every day. They charge a fee of $4 if it’s one person in the vehicle or $6 per vehicle.
You will love this Destin beach and as you can see, it’s a great place to see a Florida sunset!
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2. James Lee Park
Located along beautiful Old Scenic Highway 98, James Lee Park is one of the most iconic beaches along the Gulf Coast.
One of the best free things to do in Destin, Florida, this beach has a big parking lot, picnic tables, pavilions, and restrooms.
It’s also a popular location to see a Gulf sunset and for weddings; there was even a wedding when I was here!
Many people talk about Crystal Sands Beach to the west of James Lee Park, but honestly, the parking is probably easier as you head east on Scenic Highway 98, and the scenery is just as nice if not better!
If you’re hungry while here, you’re in luck because the beach is right next to The Crab Trap, a seafood restaurant right on the ocean.
James Lee Park
3. Norriego Point
Norriego Point is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, directly across from Destin Harbor Boardwalk, and is known for snorkeling.
This is a serene, quiet beach with beautiful views of both Harborwalk Village and Destin’s East Pass, out to the Gulf of Mexico.
The beach splits off in two, with the protected sand dunes in the middle. (You can’t walk on or across any of the sand dunes).
To the right, it takes you along the stretch of beach across from Harborwalk Village.
If you walk straight ahead you’ll come to the East Pass. The beach then wraps around to the right with areas for swimming and great views of the Destin bridge, and even Crab Island.
The recommended swimming areas do not go out very far since the currents can get dangerous if you go out too far.
Norriego Point, with its stunning views and peaceful energy, reminds me a lot of Bean Point in Anna Maria Island.
It’s a perfect place to escape the bigger crowds of many of the other Destin beaches!
You do have to pay for parking here and for a few of the parking spots along Old Scenic Highway 98. You can just download the Passport App and parking is $5 for 5 hours.
Norriego Point
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
4. Crab Island
If you’re looking for an activity to do with the whole family or a group of friends while in Destin, this is it!
While a sandbar and not technically a beach, Crab Island is amazing with its crystal clear, emerald green water.
It’s close to Destin Harbor and one of the best things to do in Destin, Florida!
Crab Island is a popular sandbar hangout and a floating city with water slides, food boats, and drink stands.
You can also rent paddleboards and other toys here.
While they sell plenty of fruity drinks out on the island, the stores out at Crab Island don’t sell alcohol.
You can bring your own alcohol with you, though. We were able to bring some with us on our guided boat tour that we did.
The Best Ways To Get To Crab Island Are By Jet-Ski, Kayak, Paddleboard, Or Boat.
My family and I booked a pontoon ride with Crab Island Cruises. They took us around the harbor and showed us the area. However, there are plenty of other good local companies.
We went through the East Pass (at the Hwy. 98 bridge) and to a beach area across from Norriego Point, as part of our boat cruise.
Our group got off the boat and checked out the stunning beach, before heading to the sandbar.
We even saw some dolphins on the trip. I highly recommend a guided boat charter with a captain since they know the area waters well and will ensure you have a safe and entertaining trip.
They also bring many of the toys with for your day out on Crab Island so it eliminates that hassle.
5. Gulf Islands National Seashore- Okaloosa Island
Okaloosa Island has many fun attractions to visit while you’re in the Panhandle area.
Gulf Islands National Seashore is also fairly close to Destin Harbor and Crab Island.
This beach is operated by the National Park Service and is in different parts of Florida and also Mississippi.
The National Seashore has parking, restrooms, a picnic area, and a boat launch for kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.
As their website mentions, they do not recommend launching trailers at the boat launch.
Hours of the beach are 8 am- sunset.
See their website to keep up to date on fees and other information.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
6. John Beasley Park- Fort Walton Beach
A place with a lot of history, this public beach near Destin opened in 1960 and originally opened as a spot for blacks to go since they were being segregated from other local beaches.
Beasley Park is a nice beach retreat with picnic areas, shaded pavilions, and boardwalks that take you right down to the beach.
This beach is one of the best, free things to do in Destin, Florida, and is about 10 minutes away.
As is the case with many of the beaches in the area, Beasley Park is a good choice for weddings and events!
Beasley Park
2550 Miracle Strip Parkway SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
7. The Boardwalk On Okaloosa Island Beach And Pier
A little further into Fort Walton Beach than Beasley Park and National Seashore is one of my favorite public beaches near Destin, Florida- The Boardwalk Beach and Pier on Okaloosa Island!
As mentioned, Fort Walton Beach is about 10 minutes from Destin.
This place has everything for a day of fun, from the nice beach to the pier, to shopping and restaurants!
The Boardwalk hosts family-friendly events (like Pirate Shows!) throughout the summers.
The public beach is free and there is a playground, sand volleyball, water sprinklers, and restrooms nearby.
Enjoying the view from The Okaloosa Pier
It’s $2 to walk the pier. The pier has a store with fishing supplies, soft drinks, and candy. Fishing off the pier is $7 and $5 for kids, 12 and under.
Popular fish to catch here include Red Drum, Black Drum, Spotted Seatrout, Amberjack, and even Atlantic Sharpnose Shark!
From Memorial Day weekend until August, they have fireworks at the pier every Wednesday night. My family and I stayed for a quick fireworks show while we were here.
Enjoy one of the best attractions in Destin, Florida at the Boardwalk of Okaloosa Island!
The Boardwalk Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Looking for an activity in Fort Walton to do with family or friends?!
Try a Snorkeling and Dolphin Tour where you can see these creatures in their natural environment.
8. Miramar Beach
Great beaches, boating, fishing, and parasailing are just a few of the fun things that Destin and Miramar Beach, Florida have to offer. Here, you can do it all!
It was a perfect place to spend our day on the 4th of July!
My sister and her family rented a townhouse just a couple of blocks away from Miramar Beach so we spent quite a bit of time here on this trip.
We went to the main public beach, next to Pompano Joes. The beach is on Scenic Highway 98, which takes you along the coast. (This road is great to take a cruise on!)
This is one of the nicest public beaches in the Destin area, with its sparkling, white sand and incredible Gulf views. It’s a must-visit while you’re on the Emerald Coast.
The beach sells passes for parasailing and has other fun water activities here, including Banana Boat Rides.
There’s also a big, free parking lot for the beach and Pompano Joes. It does fill up fast during the peak months so come early for a spot!
Miramar Beach is about a 10-15 minute drive from Destin.
2237 Scenic Gulf Drive, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
9. Santa Rosa Beach
Santa Rosa Beach is one of the highlights of South Walton Florida and runs along Scenic 30A Highway.
Other cities/beaches that are right along this Gulf Coast road and are listed in this post include Grayton Beach and Seaside. Not listed are Dune Allen Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Watercolor, and Seagrove.
These beaches are nice because they seem a little quieter and the cities give you more of a small-town feel than Destin, but they still have a lot of activities to offer!
Santa Rosa Beach is located 30 minutes east of Destin, halfway between Destin and Panama City Beach.
This particular public beach is Ed Walline Beach Access and is right across the street from several restaurants, shops, and colorful art displays.
Ed Walline Beach has free parking, picnic areas, restrooms, and seasonal lifeguards.
Also, watch the people playing in the water or try to spot a dolphin from the second-level viewing platform that overlooks the beach!
Visit Santa Rosa Beach today!
Ed Walline Beach Access #39
4447 W County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
10. Grayton Beach
Grayton Beach is about 40 minutes from Destin, Florida, but these area beaches make it worth the trip!
The South Walton area has some of the most beautiful beaches in America and Grayton Beach is no exception.
It’s an artsy, authentic beach town that offers fun things to do around Destin. Grayton Beach also has great places to stay year-round with lots of charm and character you won’t find anywhere else in Florida!
This public beach is nice and wide and offers soft, white sand, and clear blue Gulf waters.
While here, you’re also close to Grayton Beach State Park with camping, cabins, hiking/biking trails, bird and animal watching, boating, fishing, and a mile of beach!
Grayton Beach is an awesome place to visit while in Destin!
Hotz Avenue, Grayton Beach, FL, 32459
11. Van Ness Butler Jr Beach- Seaside
This is one of my new favorite beaches, not just near Destin, Florida, but anywhere!
Its picturesque views, beach houses, and old beach town feel make this place a memorable experience.
Van Ness Butler Beach is right at the edge of Watercolor and Seaside.
There is a free parking lot located at 20 Western Lake Drive, which is close to the beach and not far from activities in both Seaside and Watercolor! There are restrooms here, too.
The beach has bike racks, and lifeguards during peak season, and is free!
Seaside beaches are some of the most fun places to go! Seaside is about a 40-minute drive from Destin.
If the area looks familiar to you, it could be because the movie, The Truman Show was filmed here!
12. Russell-Fields Pier/Beach- Panama City Beach
Just an hour away from Destin, my family and I enjoyed some sun at the Panama City Beach Pier and Beach. There is a dog-friendly public beach right across the street from Pier Park.
Pets are also welcome at Pier Park, as long as they are in the outdoor areas and on a leash.
The pier and beach area was a nice place to go and hang out after seeing everything at Pier Park. The dog-friendly beach is just west of the City Pier.
There is no admission for the beach and we were able to park for free in the shopping area parking lot and walk over. There is also parking next to the beach.
The pier is one of the biggest around at 1,500 feet! It’s $4 to walk the pier and $7 if you want to go fishing.
Panama City Beach/Russell-Fields Pier
16201 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
Bonus: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
The beach is about a mile from the entrance, and you can take the tram if you don’t feel like walking!
The path to the beach (and Campbell Lake Bike Path) is paved, which makes it convenient for walking and biking.
There are 3 tram stations in the park that will pick up about every half hour. The rides are free.
Many people come here to camp, as they have tent camping, RV campsites, bungalows, and cabins. See online for costs and details.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
7525 West County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32549
Hours- 8 am until sunset every day
Fees- $4 per single-occupant vehicle, $6 per vehicle
Other State Parks Nearby Include:
Full List Of Public Beaches In Destin, Florida (And Nearby)
In Destin
Henderson Beach State Park
James Lee Park
Norriego Point
Crab Island (sandbar, only accessible by boat)
June White Decker Park
In Okaloosa Island (Fort Walton Beach)- 10 minutes from Destin
Gulf Islands National Seashore
John Beasley Park
The Boardwalk On Okaloosa Island Beach & Pier
Ross Marler Park
In Miramar Beach- 15 minutes from Destin
Miramar Beach Regional Access
In Santa Rosa Beach- 30-45 minutes from Destin
Ed Walline Beach Access
Topsail Hill State Park
Dune Allen Beach
Blue Mountain Beach
Grayton Beach
Grayton Beach State Park
Van Ness Butler Beach
Seagrove Beach
In Panama City Beach- 1 hour from Destin
Russell-Fields Pier/Beach
MB Miller County Pier
St. Andrews Park
Booking a last-minute trip to Destin?
If so, we have you covered. Here are some top recommended tours and experiences!
Top Tours in Destin
Crab Island Sandbar Adventure (Crab Island has been my favorite experience in Destin!)
Crab Island 12 Passenger Pontoon Boat Rentals (Half or full-day rentals)
Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise (one of the most beautiful cities to catch a sunset)
Tikis Harbor Lights Cruise (Fantastic Destin Harbor Nighttime Cruise)
Dolphin-Watching Speedboat Ride (Dolphin Watching Off The Coast of Gulf Mexico)
Top Hotels In Destin
Hotel Effie Sandestin – (Top Rated Hotel With Lots Of Activity Options)
The Grand Sandestin – (Best Rated Hotel In Destin)
Hyatt Place Sandestin – (Hotel Near Miramar Beach Destin)
Holiday Inn Express Destin E – (Highly Rated Budget To Mid Range Hotel)
Looking To Get Around In Destin?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗
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