10 Best Beaches in Destin, Florida

Destin, Florida is a well-known vacation destination for families. Its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico make it an ideal location for a family vacation. The white sands and emerald-green waters of the area provide families with the perfect backdrop for sunbathing, swimming, and a range of water activities.

In this blog post, we will explore the ten best beaches in Destin, Florida for families to enjoy.

Henderson Beach State Park

Henderson Beach State Park is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area, making it an ideal destination for families. The park has more than 6,000 feet of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. If you’re interested in fishing, the park has a fishing area where you can catch a variety of fish.

The park has plenty of amenities, including picnic areas, restrooms, and showers, making it an excellent option for families. The entrance fee is $6 per vehicle and is open from 8 am until sundown.

Crystal Beach

Crystal Beach is a beautiful and popular family-friendly beach located in the heart of Destin. The beach is well-known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful white sands. The shallow entry point of the beach is ideal for children, making it perfect for wading in the water.

The beach has plenty of amenities, including showers, restrooms, and picnic areas, making it a perfect destination for families to spend a day. Additionally, the beach is situated in close proximity to several local restaurants, shops, and attractions. There are some free parking spots (very limited free spots) and it’s open year-round.

Miramar Beach

Located a short distance from Destin, Miramar Beach is another great destination for families. This beach is renowned for its beautiful emerald-green waters and white sands. With plenty of amenities like restrooms, showers, and picnic areas, this beach is an excellent option for families looking for a beachfront vacation rental.

Visitors can enjoy a range of water activities such as jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding. The beach is also home to several resorts and hotels, making it an ideal location for families to stay. The beach is open to the public with free parking and is accessible all year.

James Lee Park

James Lee Park is located just outside of Destin and offers a more secluded experience. The park is an ideal location for families who want to get away from crowds. The beach is well-known for its crystal-clear waters and white sands, making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing with your family.

The park has several amenities, including picnic areas, restrooms, and showers, making it a great option for families. Additionally, the park has several sand volleyball courts and a playground for children. The park is open from 7 am until sundown with a $5 parking fee (as of 2/23).

Okaloosa Island

Okaloosa Island is another great beach for families to enjoy the water. The beach is well-known for its emerald-green waters and white sands. With several amenities like restrooms, showers, and picnic areas, families can enjoy a comfortable day at the beach.

Visitors can also participate in a range of water activities like kayaking, parasailing, and paddleboarding. The beach is open to the public with free parking and is accessible year-round.

The Crab Trap Beach

The Crab Trap Beach is home to The Crab Trap restaurant, which serves fresh seafood and other delicious dishes. The beach is well-known for its crystal-clear waters and white sands and offers several amenities like restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. Families can enjoy their meal by the water or on the beach while enjoying the beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, the beach is ideal for swimming and sunbathing, making it perfect for families. This location is on Okaloosa Island near The Boardwalk, Okaloosa Island. The Crab Trap in Destin is located at James Lee Park.

Gulf Islands National Seashore

Located just outside of Destin, Gulf Islands National Seashore is a great beach for families who want to explore nature. The beach is well-known for its beautiful white sand and crystal-clear waters. The park has plenty of amenities, including restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. The park is a great place to explore nature and enjoy a day at the beach with your family.

Visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as hiking, bird watching, and swimming. The park also offers ranger-led tours for families to learn about the local wildlife and ecosystems. The entrance fee varies depending on your vehicle and visit purpose, and the park is open from sunrise to sunset.

Santa Rosa Beach

Santa Rosa Beach is a great option for families who want to enjoy a more laid-back experience. The beach is well-known for its beautiful white sand and crystal-clear waters. The beach has several amenities like restrooms, showers, and picnic areas, making it an excellent option for families to spend a comfortable day.

Visitors can also participate in a range of water activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling. The beach is home to several resorts and hotels, making it an ideal location for families to stay. Santa Rosa Beach is free to park and is open year-round.

Grayton Beach State Park

Grayton Beach State Park is a great option for families who want to experience the natural beauty of Destin. The beach is well-known for its emerald-green waters and white sands. The park has several amenities like picnic areas, restrooms, and showers, making it a great option for families.

Visitors can also explore the park’s hiking trails and nature walks, making it an ideal location for families who want to explore the local ecosystem. Additionally, the park has several sand dunes and freshwater lakes that offer visitors stunning views. The entrance fee is $5 per vehicle, and the park is open from 8 am until sundown.

Destin Harbor Boardwalk

Although not a traditional beach, the Destin Harbor Boardwalk is an ideal location for families to enjoy the water and have fun. The boardwalk is located on the harbor and offers visitors several shops, restaurants, and activities to enjoy.

Visitors can take a dolphin-watching tour, rent a boat, or even go parasailing. The boardwalk also has several places to sit and enjoy the beautiful views of the harbor. Additionally, the boardwalk is home to several events and concerts, making it an excellent option for families. The boardwalk is free to enter and is accessible year-round.

Destin, Florida offers a range of beautiful beaches that are ideal for families. Whether you’re looking for a beach with plenty of amenities or a more secluded experience, Destin has it all. With crystal-clear waters and white sands, the beaches in Destin are sure to impress. So pack your sunscreen, towels, and beach toys and head to Destin for a fun-filled family vacation.

Ready to start packin? Grab my easy beach packing list!