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.
Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach is the perfect destination for those who want to enjoy a mix of both city and coastal living.
With plenty of waterfront restaurants and shops, as well as a beautiful beach and pier, you’ll never run out of things to do.
If you’re looking for some outdoor adventure, there are plenty of nearby parks and hiking trails.
There are many great beaches in Pensacola Beach but these are my favorites!
1. Casino Beach
Casino Beach is one of the best beaches to visit in the Florida Panhandle. Its sugar white sands and the Pensacola Beach Pier, make this a great place to see in the area.
The beach is also a popular spot for entertainment and music concerts. There’s plenty of parking spaces in the giant parking lot.
Grab a bite to eat and have a drink at Crabs or The Dock.
Come bring your furry friend to this amazing, soft-sand Gulf beach, but remember to keep your dog on a leash.
Pensacola has a couple of dog-friendly beaches- there is also Dog Park East on the eastern part of the city, as you head out of town towards Navarre Beach.
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.
3. Gulf Islands National Seashore/ Opal Beach
Gulf Islands National Seashore is located in different parts of the region, but the beach that I’m referring to is between Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach.
This is a fun ride to take with several miles of beach and sand dunes on both sides of the road.
With lots of places to pull off the road and park, Gulf Islands National Seashore has miles of incredible white-sandy shoreline and sparking calm waters.
This is an excellent area to hang out and escape the crowds.
4. Park West Beach
For another awesome beach in the area, look no further than Park West. Park West is next to the Fort Pickens entrance and has public beach access points on both the Gulf and Sound sides.
The Gulf side even has a section of beach that’s dog-friendly. Come bring your furry friend to this amazing, soft-sand Gulf beach, but remember to keep your dog on a leash.
Pensacola has a couple of dog-friendly beaches- there is also Dog Park East on the eastern part of the city, as you head out of town towards Navarre 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!
Navarre Beach
Navarre Beach is the optimal mix of relaxation and exploration. The city is even referred to as Florida’s Most Relaxing Place!
Here, you can enjoy the best of both worlds with their waterfront restaurants, Marine Park, and watch sea turtles at the Sea Turtle Conservatory.
And if that’s not enough for you, there are also artificial reefs which make for great snorkeling and diving.
5. Navarre Beach
Navarre Beach has one of the longest piers around at over 1,500 feet and is an exceptional location for spotting wildlife, fishing or just relaxing at the beach.
Free Things To Do In Navarre Beach
Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve in nearby Gulf Breeze is a nice place to get away from the crowds, get into nature, and explore the trails!
Best Florida Panhandle Beaches: Fort Walton Beach
Okaloosa Island is the oceanside area of Fort Walton Beach. The city is just a few miles west of Destin and has excellent dining options, entertainment, and shops.
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.
7. Beasley Park
For a quieter beach retreat, Beasley Park is a short distance away with pavilions and picnic tables.
Walk the short boardwalks to the beach and emerald waters.
Free Things To Do In Fort Walton Beach
The Boardwalk At Okaloosa Island is right next to the pier and beach area, and is a nice way to spend the day!
This entertainment hub is filled with oceanfront restaurants, local stores, and souvenir shops.
They also do movies at the beach on occasion and fireworks in the summer.
Take a look at The Best Things To Do At The Boardwalk Okaloosa Island!
Beaches In Destin
Destin, Florida is a popular vacation destination and is known as the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village, but the city of Destin is also famous for its emerald green water and pure white-sand beaches.
This charming town in the Florida Panhandle is the perfect place for anyone looking for an amazing getaway.
Destin has something for everyone, from beautiful Destin beaches and world-class golf courses to delicious seafood restaurants and shopping malls.
8. James Lee Park
James Lee Beach Park is located off of Scenic Gulf Drive at the border of Destin and Miramar Beach and is known for its beautiful Gulf sunsets.
This beach has a playground, pavilions, and picnic tables. If you’re looking for food while here, the Crab Trap is right next door!
9. Norriego Point
Norriego Point is across from the Marler Bridge by Crab Island and is located where the bay waters flow into the Gulf of Mexico.
If you’re looking for a nice, peaceful beach, Norriego Point is a great spot.
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! 👈
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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! 🚗