Discover The Best Public Beaches In Destin Florida

Destin is a popular vacation with its crystal clear waters and sugar-white sand. It’s a popular vacation destination which is why it’s important to know where the public beaches in Destin Florida are located.

Located in Okaloosa County, one of the biggest draws to Destin are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The city of Destin is a great place for a getaway and has plenty to keep you busy while on vacation.

Below is a table of contents for this article. If you are looking for a certain beach, you can click directly to it below.

I have also included additional information for this part of the Florida Panhandle to help you plan your vacation.

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Overview Of Public Beaches In Destin Florida

From Henderson Beach State Park to James Lee Park, you have your pick of public beaches to choose from in Destin.

Each beach has its own unique features, such as picnic areas, outdoor shower, volleyball courts, playgrounds, public restrooms, plenty of parking spaces and some with free parking. Many beaches offer wheelchairs for those that would like to use them.  

Some beaches even offer water sports rentals, such as jet skis and paddleboards. Whether you’re looking to relax on the sand or get active in the water, there’s a public beach in Destin that’s perfect for you.

The Beauty of Florida Panhandle Beaches

Florida Panhandle beaches are known for their beauty, and Destin is no exception. The beaches in this area are some of the most picturesque in the state, with crystal clear waters and sugar-white sand. 

The sand dunes you see before you step onto the white-sand beaches are so pretty and wild looking. Be sure to keep to the dune walkovers to protect these dunes from damage.

​Most but not all Destin beaches have public beach access points. Below are a few highlights about the different beaches:

Emerald Coast

The Emerald Coast is a stretch of coastline that runs from Pensacola to Panama City Beach. It is known for its emerald green waters and pristine beaches. 

The beaches in this area are some of the most beautiful in the world, with soft sand and clear water that is perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

It is also a popular destination for beach weddings with the emerald waters of the Gulf Coast as a backdrop.

Scenic Highway

Grab an ice cream cone and enjoy the journey! The Scenic Highway is a 24-mile stretch of road that runs along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico and is one of the best places to see most of the beaches along the Panhandle..

It is known for its stunning views of the water and the surrounding landscape. Watch for a parking lot near the beaches and parks where you are literally steps away from the beach area, including Henderson Beach State Park and James Lee Park.

Definitely slow down on your drive along the Scenic Hwy and take in all the beautiful sights.

Sugar-White Sand

Destin’s beaches are known for their sugar-white sand, which is made up of pure quartz crystal.

The sand is soft and fine, and it reflects the sun’s rays, making the water appear even bluer. It is perfect for building sandcastles and taking long walks along the shore.

Crystal Clear Waters

The waters off the coast of Destin are crystal clear, with visibility up to 100 feet in some areas.

This makes it the perfect place for snorkeling and scuba diving, as visitors can see a wide variety of marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and colorful fish.

White Sand Beaches

Destin is home to some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the world. The sand is soft and powdery, and it stretches for miles along the coast.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities on the beach, including sunbathing, swimming, and beach volleyball.

Shallow Waters

The waters off the coast of Destin are shallow, which makes them perfect for families with young children. The water is calm and gentle, and there are plenty of opportunities for wading and playing in the waves.

Public Beaches In Destin Florida

The Destin area is known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. With over 24 miles of coastline, visitors have a variety of public beaches to choose from, it is one of the most visited beach destinations in the United States. 

Many of these beaches also have public beach accesses. Be sure to watch for the signs. Be aware, there are some private beaches. Watch for signs.

Once you catch your first glimpse of the top beaches on the Florida Panhandle, you will see why it is the perfect spot for a relaxing vacation.

Here are some of the most popular public beaches in Destin:

Henderson Beach State Park

Located in the heart of Destin, Henderson Beach State Park is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

The park features over 6,000 feet of shoreline, picnic areas, and nature trails. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and sunbathing on the park’s white sand beaches.

Miramar Beach

Miramar Beach is nearby and a quiet and peaceful beach located just east of Destin. The beach is known for its clear waters and soft, white sand.

Visitors can rent beach chairs and umbrellas, or bring their own gear. The beach is also home to several restaurants and shops.

Okaloosa Island

Okaloosa Island is a barrier island located just west of Destin. The island features over 7 miles of beaches, including the popular Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and water sports on the island’s beaches.

June White Decker Beach Park

June White Decker Park is a beautiful pick of public beaches In Destin Florida located on Okaloosa Island. The beach is known for its clear waters and soft, white sand. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and picnicking on the beach.

Norriego Point

Norriego Point is a secluded beach located at the end of Gulf Shore Drive in Destin. The beach is known for its calm waters and stunning views of the Destin Harbor. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and kayaking on the beach.

Crab Island

Crab Island is a sandbar located in the middle of the Destin Harbor. The island is a popular destination for boaters and features crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding on the island.

John Beasley Park

John Beasley Park is a small beach located on Okaloosa Island. The beach is known for its clear waters and soft, white sand. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and picnicking on the beach.

James Lee Beach Park

James Lee Beach Park is a popular beach located in the heart of Destin. The beach features several public access points to the more than 3,000 feet of shoreline, picnic areas, and volleyball courts. 

Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and sunbathing on the beach. Ample parking as this park has 170 parking spaces. Definitely a great spot to hit during peak season.

Blue Mountain Beach

Nearby Blue Mountain Beach is a quiet and peaceful beach located just west of Destin. The beach is known for its clear waters and soft, white sand. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and hiking on the beach.

Destin Harbor

Destin Harbor is a popular destination for boaters and features several public beaches. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and water sports on the harbor’s beaches.

Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach is nearby and a popular destination as it features over 27 miles of beaches. The beach is known for its clear waters and soft, white sand. It can be quite crowded depending on the time of year.

Fort Walton Beach

Nearby Fort Walton Beach is a popular destination for families and features several public beaches. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and water sports on the beach.

Grayton Beach State Park

Also, nearby is Grayton Beach State Park is a popular spot not only for beach lovers but for nature lovers too.

This park features over 2,000 acres of pristine beaches and nature trails. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and hiking on the park’s beaches.

Spend the day! Plenty of picnic tables, bike racks, and the parking area is close to make it easier for carrying everything to the beach.

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is a quiet and peaceful beach located just west of Destin. The pristine beach is known for its clear waters and soft, white sand. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and hiking on the beach.

Santa Rosa Beach

Santa Rosa Beach is one of the closer beach towns to Destin and a popular destination for families and features several public beaches. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and water sports on the beach.

Crystal Beach

Crystal Beach is a quiet and peaceful beach located just east of Destin. It is also a PRIVATE beach. Crystal Beach access is available to the public at Shirah Street Access.

Keep in mind there is very limited parking in this area as the beach is controlled by the HOA for the condos. Umbrellas, etc. must be rented through the beach service.  

You can walk a bit where you will be on public land and the beach by the shoreline is also public.

Navarre Beach

Navarre Beach is a nearby popular destination for families and features several public beaches. Quieter than some of the other public beaches.

Activities and Water Sports At Public Beaches In Destin Florida

Destin’s public beaches offer a wide range of activities and water sports for visitors of all ages. From jet skiing to hiking nature trails, there is something for everyone.

Jet Ski

Jet skiing is a popular activity at Destin’s public beaches. Visitors can rent jet skis from various rental companies in the area. Jet skiing is a thrilling experience that allows visitors to explore the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Kayak/Canoe

Kayaking and canoeing are great ways to explore the natural beauty of Destin’s public beaches. Visitors can rent kayaks and canoes from local rental companies or bring their own.

There are several kayaking and canoeing trails nearby in the area, including the Choctawhatchee River and the Blackwater River.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is a fun and exciting way to discover the underwater world of Destin’s public beaches. Visitors can rent snorkeling gear from local rental companies or bring their own.

There are several snorkeling spots in the area, including the East Jetties and the Okaloosa Island Pier.

Hike Nature Trails

Hiking nature trails is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Destin’s public beaches.

Visitors can explore the area’s diverse wildlife and plant life on several hiking trails, including the Timpoochee Trail and the Henderson Beach Nature Trail.

The trails offer breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico and the surrounding landscape.

Destin’s public beaches offer a variety of activities and water sports for visitors to enjoy. Whether visitors prefer to explore the water or the land, there is something for everyone to experience and enjoy.

NOTE: If you want warm temps including water temperature, the best time to visit is during the summer.