Last Updated on March 31, 2024

Miramar Beach is a beautiful coastal town in northwestern Florida. In this post, we’ll look at the best things to do here in Miramar Beach!

The city isn’t as well known as its neighbor Destin, but Miramar Beach holds its own with its white sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and clear blue waters. 

Personally, I prefer Miramar Beach (Regional Beach Access) over most of Destin’s beaches. 

Visitors to Miramar Beach can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, fishing, kayaking, and exploring the town’s shops and restaurants along the ocean.

Let’s dive in with the best things to do in Miramar Beach!

 

Planning A Trip To Miramar Beach? 

Book This √ Dolphins, Fishing, And Swimming Tour

 

 

 

 

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! 

 

If you’re looking for things to do in Miramar Beach, Florida, look no further than the 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.

 

 

 

Photo Credit: Rainforest Blacklight 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.

 

There are a variety of great golf courses located in Miramar Beach. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced golfer, there’s a course for you.

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.

Just a short drive from Miramar Beach, Topsail Hill State Preserve State Park is in Santa Rosa Beach, and is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle!

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.

Photo credit – Flickr by Grand Boulevard

An evening at Grand Boulevard in Sandestin Florida.

Snorkeling is a great way to explore the underwater world of Miramar Beach and South Walton.

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 skis, as well as boat tours and fishing charters.

 

If you’re looking for some more excitement in the water, try a Banana Boat Ride with your group! 

 

 

The Zoo Gallery has been around since 1979 and is a must-see for any art enthusiast and animal lover.

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!

Destin bridge and Destin hotels under a blue winter sky
aerial view of the beach and houses in Florida 30A

Photo Credit – Axe & Ice Cream – GCAH – Miramar Beach

delicious and colorful food and ice cream served in GCAH - Miramar Beach
My family and I hit the beach while on our Crab Island boat cruise!

My family and I hit the beach while on our Crab Island boat cruise!

Another awesome place to visit for more things to do near Miramar Beach is Crab Island. At low tide, this submerged sandbar becomes a wild and wonderful watery festival.

Boats flock to the blue-green waters of the sandbar, while visitors and locals wade through the shallows visiting floating venues.

You can visit a snack shop for boiled peanuts, get burgers, hop aboard a general store, nab some hand-scooped ice cream, and splurge on jet ski rentals. 

Alternatively, simply float on an inner tube and enjoy the fun vibes, warm water, and gorgeous surroundings.

Crab Island is so much fun! Any trip here is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Beach lovers will have good reason to adore Crab Island.

Wondering how to get there? My top pick is this Crab Island Tiki Boat Tour.

You’ll hop aboard a tiki-bar-themed vessel and cruise out to Crab Island. Snorkel, swim, relax, and enjoy this unique United States destination.

The Tiki Crab Island Sandbar Adventure is a fun, leisurely way to experience the sandbar.

The captain provides a cooler, ice, cups, and shot glasses. You can bring your own drinks and snacks if you want to.

Find more information on the Tiki Crab Island Sandbar Adventure.

Dolphin jumping in the waters on a boat tour from Miramar beach

 

 

Where Is Miramar Beach, Florida?

Miramar Beach is located in northwestern Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico.

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

Miramar Beach is a Florida coastal community in between Destin and Panama City Beach

 

 

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.

What Are Other 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

 

How Far Is Miramar Beach From Destin?

Miramar Beach is located adjacent to Destin in Florida, making it more accessible.

Typically it takes around 10 minutes of driving time to Miramar Beach from Destin.

As you can see, Miramar Beach is a beautiful coastal town with plenty to offer visitors.

From its white sand beaches to its attractions at The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Miramar Beach is a mix of relaxation and fun entertainment. 

For lots more to do in the area, check out The Best Attractions & Beaches in Destin!

 

 

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Miramar Beach is a beautiful city on Florida's Gulf Coast with great beaches

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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! 🚗