10 Best Beaches in Destin

James Lee Beach is one of the largest public access beaches in Destin. Located on the eastern end of the city, this famed destination offers pristine white sands that draw tourists and locals alike. Several dune walkovers will take you straight to the water, where the turquoise waves greet you with their gentle splashes.

A full set of amenities are also at your disposal to make the best out of your beach day. Covered pavilions and picnic tables provide the perfect setup for a beach lunch, and the restrooms offer convenient changing areas. A playground is also available to make the day easy and fun for the whole family.

June White Decker Park provides a beautiful swath of sugar sand right off Scenic US Highway 98. Bordered by private beaches from neighboring hotels and resorts, this small park is a popular spot to pitch a beach chair and soak in the sun, or simply take a stroll and admire the seaside view.

If you want to take a dip in the emerald waters, the park’s well-maintained restrooms and showers will come in handy. There is also a bike rack on site, making this an ideal stop to add to your cycling trail.

Henderson Beach State Park encompasses a protected strip at the heart of Destin’s coastline that preserves the local ecosystem. The snow-white sands within the park’s border stretch for more than a mile, and you’ll be greeted with dunes that tower as high as 30 feet. A nature trail and boardwalk connect the beach to the preservation’s many other featured sites, including the last remaining coastal scrub area in Destin.

For wildlife lovers, Henderson Beach State Park is also popular for watching migratory shorebirds, dolphins, and sea turtles. Should you feel like a longer stay on the beach and a full immersion in nature, check out the campground for a secluded weekend retreat.

O’Steen Beach is a picturesque spread of sandy shores on the west end of Destin. Aside from the classical beach fare, one of its key features is the Destin jetties – huge man-made boulders jutting out into the water as protective gateways for the East Pass channel. Over time, these structures have turned into the perfect base for artificial reefs, attracting a variety of fish that makes the area perfect for snorkeling.

Also, thanks to the jetties acting as a breakwater, the waves at O’Steen are generally calm, which is an added bonus for beginner swimmers. So, grab your gear, bring on the kids, and enjoy an easy day with the whole family.

Norriego Point is located near the end of Holiday Isle. Wedged between the Destin Harbor on one side and the East Pass on the other, it is protected from the gulf currents and offers calm waters perfect for swimming. Top that with a beautiful vista and rolling dunes of powdery sand, you’ll get one of the best destinations for basking under the sun or wading into the gentle waves.

If you are a bird lover, you might enjoy the chance of spotting great blue herons and ospreys here. You can also watch the numerous boats cruising by or beach your own at the shore and throw down a towel whenever you need a sunbath.

Crab Island is a sandbar located just past the Destin Bridge. Once an actual island and now eroded away by the gulf, this special attraction boasts emerald-green waters spectacular for swimming and snorkeling. Its shallow shores provide easy access for boats, marking it a popular location to moor for bay fishing and catching rays.

The island is one of the most sensational social spots treasured by both locals and tourists. You can grab a snack or drink from floating food vendors and restaurants, ride a jet ski, or take it easy with a cruising excursion. If you’re in for something more active, kayaks and paddleboards are available for rent as well.

John Beasley Park is a picturesque beauty just a few miles west of Destin. With the iconic white sands and turquoise water, dazzling sunshine, and plenty of opportunities for spotting seabirds and dolphins, it offers the classic experience along the gulf that you’ll be sure to remember.

The park’s wide range of amenities adds a boost to the overall experience. A plethora of parking spaces makes it more easily accessible than many other destinations, and one of the pavilions can be reserved in advance.

Crystal Beach offers just what its name suggests – crystal-clear water and gleaming sugar sand. Located off Scenic US Highway 98, it is a public access beach with breathtaking scenery and convenient amenities packed all in one.

Thanks to its relatively small size, Crystal Beach is a quiet and peaceful destination undisturbed by crowds. If you want to decompress after a busy city day, it is the ideal place to plant your beach umbrella, dip your feet in the sand, and simply enjoy the ocean breeze.

Princess Beach is a hidden gem just a couple of miles west of Destin. If you’re looking for a pristine beach with a no-frills experience, this is the spot for you. Away from vacationers and rows of umbrellas, Princess Beach is one of the most secluded beachfronts that will make you feel like you have the whole place to yourself.

The tranquility and peacefulness don’t come at the price of sacrificing the gorgeous view. As soon as you arrive, you’ll find sparkling water hugging the shoreline, tucked behind powdery tall dunes. So lay out a towel and take your time to enjoy this slice of paradise.

Eglin Matterhorn Beach is on Okaloosa Island, west of Destin. It is one of the only beaches in the area offering an unobstructed view of the ocean. There are no buildings nearby, nor vendors or boardwalks. The only thing you’ll see is the enormous expanse of alabaster sand, spanning as far as you can see into the distance.

The crowds are also relatively thin here, thanks to its rustic character. If you prefer quiet surroundings with nothing but nature for your beach day, look no further than this low-key retreat.