Are you visiting Florida’s Emerald Coast and looking for the best beaches near Destin?  If so, this post has you covered!

I love visiting Destin and there are beautiful beaches within the city, but there are also many beaches nearby.

The great thing about Destin is that it’s just an hour from Pensacola (to the west of Destin) and an hour from Panama City Beach (to the east of Destin).

Here are some of the best beaches near Destin, Florida to visit while you’re in the Florida Panhandle.

We’ll also include a few must-see beaches in Destin!

Best Beaches Near Destin

Here are 20 of the best beaches near Destin Florida!  I’ve also included free things to do in each of these Florida Panhandle cities.

aerial view of Pensacola Beach

Looking for more exciting activities in Pensacola Beach? Book this Sunset Cruise! 👈

 

There are many great beaches in Pensacola Beach but these are my favorites!

 

sunrise at Quietwater Beach with Ferris Wheel and skyscrapers

2. Quietwater Beach


Quietwater Beach is the perfect name for this beach since you won’t get the monster waves crashing in here.

This beach is on the Santa Rosa Sound side, not on the Gulf, so its calmer waters may be a better place to take the little ones.

It’s a pretty narrow stretch of beach so come early to grab a good spot.

white sands and blue water at the beach of Gulf Islands National Seashore

dune fence and sea oats on the dunes at Pensacola Beach

Free Things To Do In Pensacola Beach

When in Pensacola Beach, you need to visit the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk!

With water activities, lots of food, shops, and more, this is the ideal location for a day of fun.  It’s right next to Quietwater Beach.   

It’s also just across the street from Casino Beach, the Pensacola Beach Pier, and oceanside restaurants!

Take a look at the best restaurants in Pensacola Beach and nearby!

a sandy beach with chair lounges at Navarre Beach

Looking for an amazing adventure in Navarre Beach? Check out this Learn To Surf Tour! 👈

Okaloosa fishing pier in Fort Walton Beach, Florida in Panhandle, Gulf of Mexico on summer sunny day, two empty beach recliner lounge chairs umbrella

6. Okaloosa Island Pier

The Okaloosa Island Pier is an ideal beach spot in the city and also offers visitors the opportunity to take a walk on the pier and go fishing.

illuminated palms and the pier at Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier

 

Taking a trip to Fort Walton Beach? Book this Sunset Dolphin Watching Cruise! 👈

row of umbrellas and beach chairs on Destin Beach

Aerial view of Norriego Point in Destin Florida with cloud filled sky background

10. Henderson Beach State Park

Henderson Beach State Park (pictured above) requires a small fee to enter but is well worth it.

This park is visually appealing with its spectacular white sand dunes and offers a hiking trail, grills, camping, and the best views of the Gulf.

Free Things To Do In Destin

Strolling at Destin Harbor or Harborwalk Village and Destin Commons are both free to explore and have plenty of options for shopping and restaurants!

Looking for a unique beach day experience in the Florida Panhandle? Book This Crab Island Adventure In Destin! 👈

long stretch of Miramar Beach in Destin Florida

Miramar Beach

Next door to Destin, Florida is one of the nicest beach towns around Miramar Beach.

11. Miramar Beach Regional Access

Located off Scenic Gulf Drive, this road is fun to take a ride on and is filled with oceanside restaurants, condos, and of course a few miles of sparkling white beach.

Miramar Beach offers rentals such as parasailing and riding jet skis, or you can just stay and relax at the beach.

For lunch or dinner, Pompano Joe’s and Whale’s Tail are right at the beach and have grilled seafood and plenty of other casual options.

Free Things To Do In Miramar Beach

After hanging out at Miramar Beach, you can check out the shops at The Village of Baytowne Wharf or Silver Sands Premium Outlets.

beautiful sunrise at Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Santa Rosa Beach

The highlight of South Walton County, Santa Rosa Beach is a large stretch of coastline along Highway 30A with many of the area’s most beautiful beaches.

12. Topsail Hill State Park

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is almost 2,000 acres of nature trail preserve, picnic areas, camping, lots of wildlife, and of course an awesome beach with large white sand dunes.

It can be a lot of walking, but they have trams that take you through the park and to the beach.

Dune Allen Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Grayton Beach, and even Seaside, are all technically considered to be part of Santa Rosa Beach, but each of these small towns has its own uniqueness and fun areas that are worth exploring.

13. Dune Allen Beach

Just south of Topsail Hill, Dune Allen is an idyllic and less frequented vacation spot. The area is surrounded by coastal dune lakes and is well known for fishing.

Take a dip in the water and grab some food/drinks at Stinky’s Fish Camp or Vue on 30A.

Dreamy pink peach orange sunset in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida with Pensacola coastline coast cityscape skyline in panhandle with ocean gulf mexico waves, birds

14. Ed Walline Beach

Come to Ed Walline Beach and enjoy the white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere.

You’ll love the beach so much that you’ll want to tell all your friends about it! This beach is just across the street from lots of shops and restaurants.

Shunk Gully is a popular oyster bar with ocean views and Perfect Pig Grill and Fish House is known for its Southern cooking in a laid-back setting.

15. Blue Mountain Beach

Blue Mountain Beach is one of the most beautiful on the Emerald Coast.

It’s a popular destination for vacationers but remains low-key compared to Destin and Panama City Beach since it’s not as well known.

The Blue Mountain Beach Creamery is nearby and the perfect place to go for a treat after hanging out at the beach!

beach sand dunes at Grayton Beach in Santa Rosa Florida

16. Grayton Beach

Grayton Beach is known for restaurants such as Red Bar and Chiringo, which are just a block from the beach.  Try the lobster roll at Chiringo!

Grayton Beach State Park is one of the most popular beaches visitors love, as well.

Free Things To Do In Santa Rosa Beach

Stop by the Gulf Place shops and restaurants across from Ed Walline Beach.  You can also see the Artists at Gulf Place!

beautiful Florida Panhandle Beach Homes

Seaside

Just west of Grayton Beach is Seaside, Florida, which is a small resort town with a laid-back feel, and it’s easy to walk around and explore.

The Scenic Highway 30A beaches in this area are world-famous for their sugar-white sand and crystal-clear waters.

Because of the picturesque views all around and colorful cottages just off of the water, I think that Seaside beaches are some of the prettiest not just in the Panhandle, but all of Florida.

17. Van Ness Butler

Van Ness Butler is right at the border of Seaside and Watercolor.

With plenty of private and free parking areas, public restrooms, downtown restaurants, and shops within walking distance, Seaside is the perfect place to spend the day!

18. Seagrove Beach

Next to Seaside is Seagrove Beach, 2 miles of amazing Gulf Coast shoreline that’s filled with cottages.

Take a stroll along the beach or swim in the water; the area beaches also offer sandcastle building and many great water activities. 

Free Things To Do In Seaside

Seaside isn’t a big community but nearby towns such as Watercolor are within walking distance.

Visit the Seaside town square which offers Farmer’s Markets, and different events throughout the year.  

Also, grab some food at the row of airstream trailers right on Highway 30A!

 

long shot down the crowded beach in Panama City Beach, Florida

Panama City Beach

One of the most popular cities in the Florida Panhandle, if not the most popular is Panama City Beach!

Panama City Beach has it all Miles of the best white sand beaches in the Florida Panhandle, nature preserves, several fishing piers, and waterfront restaurants make PCB the perfect place for your next beach vacation.

19. Russell Fields Pier

Russell Fields Pier is a hidden gem right across the street from the fun at Pier Park.

Here, you can hang out at the beach or for a small fee, walk the pier, or spend the day fishing on it.

You can even take your four-legged friend to the beach next to the pier, Dog Beach.

Morning light on the MB Miller County Pier and Gulf of Mexico, in Panama City Beach, Florida

20. MB Miller County Pier

MB Miller County Pier is just a few miles west of the city pier and is another great spot to spend the day at the beach or walk the pier.

Both piers are around 1500 feet long.

Free Things To Do In Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach has Pier Park, which is an outdoor shopping center filled with shops, restaurants, games, and entertainment.

 

Check Rates For The Magic Moments Resort And Kids Club 👈

Beachside Street Parking, Panama City, Florida

Frequently Asked Questions 

 

What Is The Florida Panhandle Known For?

The Florida Panhandle is known for its amazing Northwest beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, with white sand and emerald green waters.

This stretch of Florida is roughly 200 miles long and gets its name from you guessed it, being shaped like a panhandle, and is attached to the main part of Florida.

Cities in the Panhandle that were covered in this post include from west to east, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Seaside, and Panama City Beach.

What Are The Least Crowded Beaches In The Florida Panhandle?

If you’re looking for secluded beaches in the Florida Panhandle, these beaches are a little quieter and less crowded, and make a perfect spot for a day at the beach!

√ Gulf Islands National Seashore

√ Beasley Park

√ Dune Allen Beach

Where Is The Clearest Water On The Florida Panhandle?

This area of the Florida Panhandle isn’t referred to as the Emerald Coast for nothing!

These beaches have bright, white sand and spectacular clear waters. And in my opinion, Destin has the clearest waters, particularly around Crab Island.

Here, the water is emerald green as the Choctawhatchee Bay waters meet the Gulf of Mexico.

Destin is home to James Lee Park, Norriego Point, and Henderson Beach State Park, and all are great beaches with crystal-clear waters.

Is Pensacola Beach Or Destin Better?

I’ve had a lot of great time in both areas and as fun as Pensacola Beach is, I think Destin is better.

Not only do I feel that Destin has the clearest waters, but I feel that there is just more to do in the area.

Destin has the advantage of being closer to Fort Walton Beach, Miramar Beach, the cities on Highway 30A, and Panama City Beach.

Each of those cities has so much to do, as well!

Final Thoughts: Beaches Near Destin   

As you can see, there are many amazing beaches near Destin, Florida in the United States.

 

Happy travels!

 

 

Booking a last-minute trip to Destin?  

If so, we have you covered.  Here are some top recommended tours and hotels!

Top Tours in Destin FL

Original Cruisin Crab Island Adventure – (Half-Day Cruise from Destin to Crab Island)

Jolly Dolphin Cruise and Scenic Bay Tour – (High Rated Pensacola Beach Cruise)

Hydrojet Dolphin Cruise – (Explore Destin Coastline On a Hydrojet)

Private Chartered Boat Slide – (Explore the Waters of Destin and Crab Island)

Shell Island Snorkel & Dolphin Catamaran Cruise– (Top-Rated Cruise from Panama City Beach)

Top Hotels & Accommodations in Destin FL

Hotel Effie Sandestin – (Highly Rated Hotel In Destin)

TOPS’L Tides III – (Recommended Hotel In Miramar Beach)

Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach – (Top Rated Nearby Beach Hotel)

SpringHill Suites by Marriott – (Beachfront Hotel In Panama City Beach)

Looking To Get Around In Destin Florida

Check out rental car rates here! 🚗