Destin’s Top 10 Best Beaches to Soak Up in the Sun and Have Some Fun!

Looking for the best beaches near Destin, Florida? You’re in luck – there are plenty of great options to choose from. Heck, these are some of the best beaches in the entire country.

Destin is located just south of Pensacola, Florida, and is perhaps best known for its consistent sportfishing. But it’s almost as well known for its long stretches of white sand beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. So, if you’re looking for a relaxing family destination where you can spend quality time together, with toes in the sand, look no further than the Emerald Coast. You won’t have to go very far to enjoy some of the best beaches and parks in Destin and surrounding area. 

Not all beaches are created equally, even on the Emerald Coast. Some beaches have more crowds, different services and are easier to access. Which is why this quick guide to some of the best beaches in Destin is handy for visitors and locals alike:

Crystal Beach

Crystal Beach is one of the most popular beaches near Destin. It’s known for its clear turquoise waters and white sand beaches. There’s also a boardwalk that runs along the beach

With its beautiful views and pristine waters, it’s no wonder that the Crystal Beach area has been among some of people’s favorites for years. This serene stretch lies directly south of Destin Commons-a perfect destination to spend your day in Florida!

Because of the beautiful stretch of shoreline, this beach offers a wide variety of activities including swimming, fishing, boating, surfing, parasailing, kayaking, jet skiing, paddle boarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, kiteboarding, windsurfing, sailing, tubing, and much more.

Henderson Beach State park

If you’re looking for a more secluded beach experience, consider visiting Henderson Beach State Park. This beach is located just outside of Destin and is less crowded than some of the other options. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing,

Henderson Beach State park is one of the most sought-after outdoor destinations in the Florida panhandle. The lovely park stretches out on over 200 acres of gulf coast seafront, centering on one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches around Destin. 

Beach bum’s will find themselves beelining for the park’s white sand beach to wade and swam in its warm waters. If you’re looking to take it easy, there are plenty of shady picnic tables where you can sit down and relax while enjoying the view.

Need a break from the beach and want to do something fun? There are several activities that you can partake in at the park including boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, kayaking, bird watching and much more. 

Norriego Point

As we mentioned before Destin, Florida is known for its beautiful beaches, family-friendly attractions, and warm weather. But there are some hidden gems that few people know about. One such gem is Norriego Point, located on the tip of Holiday Island, just east of Destin Harbor. This small peninsula provides a pleasant place to dock your vessel and relax.

The area is protected by a large dune system that extends out into the Gulf of Mexico, making it ideal for boaters seeking a quiet spot to rest up during their trip. Visitors can rent kayaks or standup paddleboards from local rental shops to explore the waters off the coast. A short ferry ride takes guests across the bay to the popular Destin Harborwalk and Harbour Walk Village.

Norriego Point is also home to several restaurants and bars where visitors can grab lunch or dinner before heading back to their boats.

James Lee Beach

James Lee Park is a stunning beachfront park in Destin that offers visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Located just off Highway 98, James Lee Park is the perfect spot for enjoying the sunshine and taking in the scenery.

James Lee Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Northwest Florida. 

With over 2,500 acres of shoreline, it stretches along nearly 16 miles of the Gulf Coast. The beach is part of the Choctawhatchee Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and is managed by the Walton County Parks & Recreation department. In addition to being a great place to spend time with family, James Lee Beach offers plenty of activities such as fishing, crabbing, boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, surfing, snorkeling, windsurfing and parasailing.

The beach is divided into four sections: North Shore, South Shore, East Shore and West Shore. Each section has different amenities and attractions. For example, the north side of the beach is home to the James Lee Beach Pavilion, while the south side features a large playground, volleyball court and boat ramp. The east side hosts the James Lee Park Pavilion and the west side includes a restroom building, shower house and concession stand. 

Crab Island

Looking to escape the coastal barrier islands? No trip to Destin or South Walton is complete without a boat ride to Crab Island. Located just offshore from the Destin Harbor boardwalk and harbor walk village, the small sandbar is home to some of the most beautiful beaches around the area. With clear blue waters, emerald green grass, and white sandy beaches, it’s easy to see why people flock 

here every day.

Thanks to its shallow waters, crab island has become a hotspot among locals and tourists alike to swim, snorkle, and enjoy a few beverages in the emerald green waters. There are no public transportation options to reach Crab Island from Destin; you’ll either need to rent yourself a pontoon boat or take part in an organized tour.

Blue Mountain Beach

Looking for a quick escape from the hustle and bustles of life? Head to Blue Mountain Beach, one of the most popular beaches in South Walton for its unique atmosphere and breathtaking scenery.  The beach is located on Highway 30A, just east of Grayton Beach State Park, between Destin and Panama City Beach, this serene beach is lined with lupine flowers that make it stand out as one-of-kind destination in South Walton!

With over two miles of shoreline, Blue Mountain Beach provides plenty of space for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. The beach is also a great place to take a walk or ride your bike along the scenic Timpoochee Trail. Visitors will find a variety of shops and restaurants near the beach, as well as public restrooms and showers.

Miramar Beach

Located nine miles east of Destin, Miramar Beach reminds us of a classic Florida beach city. This laidback destination offers visitors a variety of fun things to do including jet skiing, parasailing, shopping, dining, and much more.

Besides splashing around the pristine water, shopaholics can drop some Benjamins while browsing over 100 designer outlets at the nearby Silver Sands Outlet Center.

With over 100 designer outlets, the Silver Sands Premium Outlets is one of the largest in the United States.

Okaloosa Island Beach

Located on Okaloosa Island, just south of downtown Fort Walton Beach, John Beasley Park offers visitors a great place to relax and enjoy nature. With a beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico, you won’t want to miss out on what this park has to offer.

This beach is a favorite spot among locals and tourists alike. This is because it boasts clean sand and crystal clear waters. You’ll love how easy it is to walk along the shoreline and take in the views. There are even plenty of parking spaces available.

There’s something special about being on the water. Whether you like sailing or fishing, you’ll find many opportunities to do both here. In addition to the boat rentals, you’ll also find kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkel gear. Plus, you’ll find a beach club where you can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas.

You’ll definitely want to bring your food and drinks along while enjoying the scenery. If you’re looking for a spot to eat, there are several options nearby. For example, you can choose to dine at the picnic tables or sit inside the pavilion. Either way, you’ll be able to enjoy the view and the ambiance. 

Navarre Beach

Situated on a long and narrow barrier island, Navarre Beach is a beautiful destination with plenty of things to do. This beach is known for its emerald green waters and white sand beaches. It’s also a great place for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and kayaking.

The stunning Navarre Beach is an hour away from Destin and perfect for day trips. It’s located between the Navarrese Marine Park, which protects its natural resources; as well as Gulf Islands National Seashore with its picturesque views of nature up close!

Visitors will find that the island is about seven miles long and three miles wide. There are also several public beach access points located along the island.

In addition to its many amenities, Navarre Beach is also home to the Gulf Islands National Seashore. This national park offers visitors a chance to explore nature and learn about the area’s history.

Grayton Beach State Park

Located in South Walton, Grayton Beach State Park is a 2,000-acre state park that features a variety of activities for visitors. With over four miles of coastline, the beach is great for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and kayaking. The park also has a playground, picnic areas, and a nature trail.

This state park is one of the most popular in Florida. And it’s no wonder why – with its sugar-white sand beaches and emerald green waters, it’s easy to see why people love it here.

As you can see, beaches are one of the best things about living or traveling to Destin, Florida. The clear turquoise waters and white sand beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and just relaxing.

Now that you know all about the best beaches near Destin, Florida, what are you waiting for? Start planning your beach vacation today! The perfect beach vacation awaits you in beautiful Destin, Florida. 

Let us help make it memorable by providing the best accommodations possible! Have a look through our great selection of vacation rentals in Destin! we’ve got something that’ll suit any traveler’s needs perfectly – just waiting to be booked today!

3 Common questions about beaches near Destin, Florida