Are you looking for the best public beaches in Destin, Florida for your vacation?
Destin, Florida has been a top Summer destination for families, honeymooners, and foodies for many years now.
The stunning views, quaint beach towns, lively outdoor scenes, and perfect weather all create the best conditions for a warm and sunny vacation to remember.
As the city continues to develop, we’re seeing more opportunities for tourists to explore new areas like different beaches and new restaurants that continue to open the area up to more travel.
Today, I’m taking you through a list of 10 of the best public beaches in Destin, Florida.
You’ll find beaches on this list that cater to different needs and wants, like water activities, solitude, and amenities.
No matter what your perfect beach vacation looks like, I’ve got the right beach right here for you!
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Guide to the Best Public Beaches in Destin at a Glance:
- Henderson Beach State Park: Gorgeous emerald waters and white sands that stretch for miles along one of the state’s last remaining coastal scrubs
- Eglin Matterhorn Beach: Hidden gem tucked away from the crowds where you can get that much needed beach escape to unwind
- Crab Island: Known as one of the most popular beaches in Destin Florida, this is the place to go for some boozy fun
- Princess Beach: This Destin beach is perfect for small families who want to spend time away from tourists and noise
Keep reading to find out why these are my favorite public beaches in Destin!
1. Henderson Beach State Park
We’re starting off our list of best beaches in Florida with a strong contender.
This family-friendly beach in Destin is absolutely stunning with its gorgeous emerald waters and white sands. Be sure to make some time for a refreshing stroll along the sea line, they have some of the softest sand that you will ever feel under your feet.
Why We Love This Public Beach in Destin, Florida
Henderson Beach State Park is a protected piece of land that stretches for miles and includes fishing, nature trails, bicycling, and 60 different campsites that all connect to the beach.
This area was created as a way to protect and preserve the wildlife and natural habitats on one of the state’s last remaining coastal scrubs.
We recommend starting on a nature hike, setting up a picnic afterward, and then ending up on the beach to play in the water while watching the sunset.
Making it one of the best public beaches in Destin, Florida!
What to Know Before You Go
Do know that although pets are allowed on the nature trail, they are not allowed on the beach or at the playground areas.
There are overnight accommodation fees but for people going for the day, all you need to pay is the $6 vehicle fee for up to 8 people in one car.
For those needing assistance, free beach wheelchairs are available if needed.
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2. Miramar Beach
If you crave a good beach town as we do, you’ll love Miramar Beach.
It features beautiful beach roads to drive through, beachside resorts and homes, surf shops and boutiques, and restaurants to accommodate hungry guests after a day out in the sun.
Why We Love This Public Beach in Destin, Florida
If you’re looking for water activities to entertain yourself, you can rent a jet ski, go parasailing, or make some friends while playing a round of beach volleyball.
What to Know Before You Go
Beach access is easily found on the Scenic Gulf Drive and parking is right alongside the stairs to get down to the sand.
I recommend getting there early in the day, especially during the busy season in Florida when parking spaces can fill up quickly during peak hours.
3. Eglin Matterhorn Beach
This is an easily missed beach if you’re not paying attention to the scenic drive-in on Okaloosa Island.
This is because there are no buildings, shops, bathrooms, or boardwalks around this beach making it a quieter and more secluded location to spend the day.
Why We Love This Public Beach in Destin, Florida
The lack of amenities might draw the majority of people away towards other busier beaches, but the ones looking for an authentic escape and peace of mind, this is one we highly recommend.
This is one of the many reasons we love this beach in Destin, it is a bit of a hidden gem tucked away from the crowds and can give you that much needed beach escape to unwind.
What to Know Before You Go
There are two beach access locations to Eglin Matterhorn and both require a small hike to get down to the sand but once you’re there, peace and tranquility await you!
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4. James Lee Park Beach
This location, sitting on the Okaloosa county line, is a lovely mix between Eglin Matterhorn Beach and Miramar Beach in tranquility and amenities.
While it is a busier beach offering lots of parking, public restrooms, outdoor showers, yoga classes, surfing lessons and so much more, it still has a sense of stillness and calm giving everyone a chance to enjoy the beach their way.
Why We Love This Public Beach in Destin, Florida
Families will also love this beach because of its public playground that gives kids a chance to step away from the sand for a bit and make some friends on the slides.
You can also find several pavilions and picnic tables if you’re bringing a larger group with you for the day.
If you are looking to refuel but don´t want to say goodbye to the waterfront views then you can head over to The Crab Trap which is easily accessible from the beach. They are known for their fabulous sunset views of the Gulf and mouthwatering seafood.
What to Know Before You Go
There is lots of parking right by the beach, but the spots tend to fill up by early afternoon so plan accordingly!
5. Princess Beach
Another more secluded beach sitting on the Emerald Coast is Princess Beach.
Known for its peacefulness and smaller size, Princess Beach is perfect for small families who want to spend time away from tourists and noise.
Making it one of the best public beaches in Destin, Florida!
Why We Love This Public Beach in Destin, Florida
There are minimal waves on the water as well as a small playground for kids to play in, making it an ideal location for families with kids out and about for the day.
What to Know Before You Go
There are no amenities or services so keep that in mind when you plan your trip. You’ll need to find parking alongside the road on Hwy 98 or Miracle Strip Parkway.
The beach is obscured by large white sand dunes and finding the small dirt path to turn on might be a little difficult. But once you find it, gorgeous turquoise waters await you and your loved ones.
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6. Crab Island
Known as one of the most popular destinations in Destin Florida that’s also been featured on HGTV and Good Morning America, Crab Island makes for a really good time if you’re looking for some boozy fun!
Of course, you don’t have to drink but with floating bars sitting on very shallow waters of the Gulf Coast alongside obstacle courses and a raised sandbar, you’ll definitely be wanting to partake in all the fun.
Why We Love This Public Beach in Destin, Florida
It is an incredibly fun and unique way to get out and enjoy the beach in Destin and have a blast out on the sandbar. It is busiest from during the peak season of Memoria Day Weekend to Labor Day weekend and after lunch, you can expect to see it fill with boats and happy people.
What to Know Before You Go
To get to Crab Island, you’ll need to grab a boat, rent a pontoon or go by an excursion like kayaking or jet skiing.
The allure of Crab Island is the shallow waters sitting at most at 4 feet making it easy to move through the waters to other friendly tourists, floating food vendors, and bars around you.
This location is also family-friendly and is open 24/7 making it one of the best public beaches in Destin, Florida!
If you are going to Crab Island with the family we recommend going out in the morning before the adult afternoon fun kicks into gear.
There are no bathrooms on Crab Island and many of the vendors on the water only take cash so plan accordingly.
7. John Beasley Park
Another popular option on Okaloosa Island, John Beasley Park is nestled quite comfortably around lodging, dining, and tons of shopping centers.
Parking fits over 200 vehicles and the beach ramps make it easy for disabled visitors to enjoy the beautiful waters on the pristine beach.
Why We Love This Public Beach in Destin, Florida
There are 2 dune walkovers, 2 large pavilions, 12 picnic tables, and vending machines for some quick snacks.
What to Know Before You Go
You can rent the pavilions for $100 with a $50 refundable deposit.
If you get hungry for some real food, you’ll be close to some of the island’s most popular eateries like Crab Trap and Tripp Tide Beach Bar.
8. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Topsail Hill is known for its rare dune lakes that are teeming with coastal ecosystems and wildlife.
The state park includes pine forests, scrubland dunes, and wetlands that stretch 3 miles across beautifully blue waters and white sand beaches.
Why We Love This Public Beach in Destin, Florida
There are 22 campsites, many RV sites, cabins, and camps for glamping as well as a new bathhouse under construction that’ll open soon to the public.
They also have rentals so you can get out and enjoy the water with kayaks, SUPs, and canoes and there are even ranger programs if you want to get involved a little bit more.
What to Know Before You Go
The only fee you’re paying here is $6 per vehicle with up to 8 persons in one car.
For disabled guests, there are trams to the beach, elevated boardwalks, beach wheelchairs, and several campsites created with easier access and comfort.
No alcohol, glass, fires, or animals are allowed on these beaches.
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9. Crystal Sands Beach
With some of the clearest waters guests have seen in the U.S., Crystal Sands Beach is in the heart of the Destin, Florida area.
Just wait until you see it for yourself with the clean snow-white sand beach and peaceful vibes. this public beach in Destin is a beautifully relaxing spot.
Why We Love This Public Beach in Destin, Florida
It sits as an ideal beach for every member of the family to enjoy, except for our furry friends who have to stay back on this one.
This is a great option for people who enjoy paddle boarding, snorkeling, and swimming alongside the shoreline.
What to Know Before You Go
You can rent a sunbed for $30 or bring your own gear and lay out wherever you’d like.
I do recommend getting there early as this is one of the more popular beaches and fills up pretty quickly as the sun rises for the day.
With tons of restaurants, water activities, and ways to connect to the nature and wildlife surrounding the beaches, you won’t have a hard time finding things to do on Crystal Sands Beach.
10. Blue Mountain Beach
I’m ending the list with a balance of activities and relaxation on Florida’s Gulf Coast’s highest-elevation beaches.
Blue Mountain Beach is named for its high sand dunes that get covered in rare blooms of Blue Lupine flowers during parts of the year.
Why We Love This Public Beach in Destin, Florida
This beach sits within a small community, making it more intimate and family-friendly, although everyone is encouraged to go to this beach.
What to Know Before You Go
You can find an ice cream shop, natural food stores, a bakery, and bike rentals for those active guests.
Plus, you can also explore nature trails, coastal dune lakes, and the beach town that brings all of the fun together.
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My Final Thoughts on the Best Public Beaches in Destin, Florida
For families, foodies, partygoers, and kids from all over the country, these beaches won’t disappoint on your next trip to the coastline in Destin Florida.
This Florida beach town is jam-packed with popular restaurants, boutique shopping, wildlife interaction opportunities, and exciting water activities!
I can’t recommend enough to you the Destin coastline for all of your summer, sun, and beach needs this year.
Until next time, Happy Florida Travels Hipster!
About the Author
My name is NikkyJ. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves exploring all the hidden gems of Florida!
I was born and raised in Leesburg, Florida which attributes to my passion about for this amazing state.
I want to show you how you can create your own memories while discovering the Sunshine State!
Connect with me on Instagram!
(Original Article Date: March 17, 2023/Updated on March 22, 2024)