While here, you can swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico at one of Miramar Beach’s many public beaches. Sunbathe on the soft sand or take a walk along the beach to enjoy the stunning scenery.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking.
Booking a last-minute trip to Miramar Beach?
If so, we have you covered. Here are some top recommended hotels and accommodations!
Top Tours in Miramar Beach
Banana Boat Ride At Miramar Beach (Ride A Banana Boat Along The Emerald Coast!)
Private Guided Tour (4-Hour Excursion In Miramar Beach)
Luxury Private Yacht Excursion (Full Day Private Adventure At Miramar Beach)
Top Hotels In Miramar Beach
Hotel Effie Sandestin – (Top-Rated Hotel Near Miramar Beach)
TOPS’L Tides III – (Best Budget Hotel In Miramar Beach)
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa – (Top Rated Resort Nearby Beach)
Residence Inn Sandestin – (Mid-Range Hotel Located At Grand Boulevard)
Looking To Get Around In Miramar Beach?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗
10 Best Things To Do In Miramar Beach, Florida
Here are some of the best things to do in Miramar Beach! Whether it’s a week long vacation or just a place to spend your day, this list has you covered!
1. Miramar Beach Regional Access
This Gulf Beach is in the heart of Scenic Gulf Drive and has amazing clear waters and soft white sand.
Spend the day at the beach and soak in the sun while here, or you can do one of the water activities that are offered, including parasailing and jet skiing.
Miramar Beach is a public access and has a big parking lot, but it will fill up, especially between May-August, so come as early as possible.
There are also some parking spots along Scenic Gulf Drive.
Pompano Joe’s Restaurant is right on the beach and there are other oceanside restaurants within walking distance!
James Lee Park is technically in Destin, but is another great public beach and is just over a mile away on Gulf Drive.
Amenities here include picnic tables, pavilions, restrooms, and a playground.
2. Village Of Baytowne Wharf
The Village of Baytowne Wharf is a must-see for anyone visiting Miramar Beach.
This vibrant town center is home to shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as shopping, dining, and watching the sunset over the bay.
There’s also plenty of things to do for the kids, including Adventure Land Playground, Baytowne Carousel, and Blast Arcade & Laser Maze.
Other family activities here include a zipline, ropes courses, a golf challenge, and more. Go here for additional details.
Events throughout the year such as the Wine Festival and live music will keep the adults entertained.
Shops here include a ladies boutique, candy stores, a soap and skincare store, clothing stores, an art gallery, jewelry store, fishing gear store, and more.
Bars and restaurants at The Village of Baytowne Wharf include Another Broken Egg Cafe, Drunken Goat Saloon, Hammer Heads Bar & Grill, Roberto’s Pizzeria & Sports Bar, Slick Lips Seafood & Oyster House, and many more.
Baytowne Wharf is the perfect place to spend a day or evening during your visit to Miramar Beach!
Photo Credit: Rainforest Blacklight Golf & Arcade
3. Rainforest Black Light Golf & Arcade
Rainforest Black Light Golf and Arcade is a great place to have fun and stay active during your visit to Miramar Beach.
This family-friendly attraction features black light mini golf, arcade games, and a laser maze.
There’s also a snack bar with food and drinks available for purchase. Rainforest Black Light Golf and Arcade is the perfect place to go for a few hours of fun!
While here, grab dinner at the Melting Pot, which is in the same complex. This restaurant is known for their cheese fondues.
4. Take A Ride On Scenic Gulf Drive
Scenic Gulf Drive (also known as Scenic Highway 98) is a beautiful drive with views that runs along the coast of Miramar Beach for about 5 miles.
If you want to escape the Highway 98 traffic for a little while when traveling from Destin to Miramar Beach, this short route takes you along the ocean and past seafood restaurants on the water, condos, and lots of sparkling white Gulf sand.
This route provides stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and the town’s beaches. Scenic Gulf Drive is the perfect way to see all that Miramar Beach has to offer!
5. Play At Miramar Beach Golf Courses
Be sure to check out all of the different golf courses during your visit to Miramar Beach!
The Links Golf Club Miramar Beach is a must-visit for any golf enthusiast.
This 18-hole course offers a challenging game for players of all skill levels. The club also has a pro shop, driving range, and putting green.
Other popular golf courses in Miramar Beach include Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Emerald Bay Golf Club, and Baytowne Golf Club.
6. Topsail Hill State Preserve
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is an area highlight for any nature lover. This state park features a variety of hiking & biking trails, camping, fishing spots, and scenic viewpoints.
The park features large sand dunes, which is where Topsail Hill gets its name from!
Visitors can also enjoy a range of activities such as picnicking, bird watching, and swimming at the beach.
It’s about a mile walk to the beach from the entrance of the park, but you can take the trolley to and from the beach, if you don’t want to take the hike!
If you’re looking for another park, Jolee Island Nature Park is the perfect place to spend a day exploring the natural beauty of Miramar Beach!
This park is home to a variety of plant and animal life, as well as a nature trail. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic in the park or go fishing. There is a playground for the kids’ to play at, as well.
7. Grand Boulevard At Sandestin
Grand Boulevard at Sandestin is a fun place to visit in Miramar Beach, just a short drive from the rest of the things to do in the city.
This outdoor shopping center features a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as hotels and a movie theater.
There are upscale restaurants here such as Emeril’s and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, and chain fast food such as Jimmy John’s and Starbucks.
Visitors can also enjoy a range of activities such as arts, dinner and shows, live music, festivals, and farmers markets.
The Grand Boulevard Farmers’ Market is every Saturday from 9 am-1pm and is year-round!
Grand Boulevard is the perfect place to spend a day or evening during your visit to Miramar Beach!
8. Try Snorkeling At The Dolphin Reef
There are a variety of snorkeling spots located along the coast, including the South Walton Dolphin Reef.
Here, the marine life is plentiful with coral, varieties of fish, jellyfish, and more.
Other Water Activities In Miramar Beach
Parasailing
One of the most popular things to do in Miramar Beach is parasailing!
This is a great activity for both adults and children alike, and there are plenty of reputable companies in the area, where you can safely enjoy this thrilling activity.
Miramar Beach Parasailing offers parasailing right from Miramar Regional Beach Access behind Pompano Joe’s.
They have fun tour options where they take you out early in the morning so you have a better chance of spotting dolphins or you can go at sunset, as well.
Fishing
Fishing is another popular activity in Miramar Beach, and there are many different ways to enjoy it.
You can go deep sea fishing, charter a boat for a private fishing trip, or simply drop a line at Choctawhatchee Bay or the beach.
No matter how you choose to fish, you’re sure to have a great time doing it in Miramar Beach!
Visit Nearby Destin Harbor Boardwalk
The Destin Harbor Boardwalk is a must-see spot when visiting Miramar Beach.
This unique boardwalk offers rentals such as paddleboards, jet ski’s, as well as boat tours and fishing charters.
9. The Zoo Gallery
This place features a variety of artwork depicting animals from all over the world. The gallery has a gift shop, which sells a range of animal-themed items.
Here, you can also find jewelry, furniture, pottery, and t-shirts.
With locations in nearby Grayton Beach and Destin, make sure you stop by The Zoo Gallery when in the area!
10. Enjoy Waterfront Dining
There are a variety of great restaurants located in Miramar Beach. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, there’s something for everyone.
Some of the most popular restaurants in Miramar Beach include Pompano Joe’s, The Crab Trap (pictured above), and Surf Hut.
Crab Trap is just a short drive from Miramar Beach in Destin next to James Lee Park.
Other waterfront options in Miramar Beach include Whale’s Tail, Royal Palm Grille,
If you’re looking for a casual burger place on the beach with fruity drinks, Barefoot’s Beachside Bar & Grill is a nice choice.
And if you want more restaurants nearby in Destin, check out these epic restaurants to try!
These restaurants are some of the best in Miramar Beach!
Still looking For More Things To Do In Miramar Beach?
AMC Classic Movie Theatre
Emerald Coast Wine Cellars
Thrills Laser Tag & Arcade
Alvin’s Island- Beachwear and souvenirs
Escapology Escape Room
Gulf Coast Axe Throwing
Miramar Beach- FAQ’s
Where Is Miramar Beach, Florida?
It’s about 9 miles east of Destin and 38 miles west of Panama City Beach. The town is easily accessible by car, with Highway 98 running through it.
Photo Credit Google Maps
Which Is Better- Miramar Beach Or Destin?
Destin may be the better known city, but Miramar Beach definitely holds its own against Destin!
In fact, these cities are really interconnected and Miramar Beach is basically just an extension of Destin.
I’d say Destin has a little more to do, but the cities are so close to each other that you can do activities in both places, no matter which city you decide to stay!
They’re also similar in terms of road traffic, clear Gulf waters, and awesome restaurants.
Free Things To Do In Miramar Beach
√ Miramar Beach Public Beach Access
√ The Village Of Baytowne Wharf
√ Take A Ride On Scenic Gulf Drive
√ Grand Boulevard At Sandestin
√ Zoo Gallery
Final Thoughts: Things To Do In Miramar Beach, Florida!
As you can see, Miramar Beach is a beautiful coastal town with plenty to offer visitors.
From its sugar-white sand beaches to its clear turquoise waters, there’s something for everyone in Miramar Beach. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
For lots more to do in the area, check out The Best Attractions & Beaches in Destin!
