Guide to the 10 Best Public Beaches in Destin, Florida (2023)

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!

Keep reading to learn about the Best Public Beaches in Destin, Florida with white sands and hotels at sunrise

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.  Which means if you click on certain links, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

1. Henderson Beach State Park 

We’re starting off our list of best beaches in Florida with a strong contender.

Keep reading to learn about the Best Public Beaches in Destin, Florida Henderson Beach State Park

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. 

Why We Love This Public Beach in Destin, Florida

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. 

Keep reading to learn about the Best Public Beaches in Destin, Florida Henderson Beach State Park

We recommend starting on a nature hike, setting up a picnic after, 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

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.

Book your perfect beach house TODAY with VRBO!

2. Miramar Beach 

If you crave a good beach town as we do, you’ll love Miramar Beach.

Keep reading to learn about the Best Public Beaches in Destin, Florida View of Miramar Beach from hotel room

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. 

Keep reading to learn about the Best Public Beaches in Destin, Florida Emerald Water of Miramar Beach

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.

3. Eglin Matterhorn Beach 

This is an easily missed beach if you’re not paying attention to the scenic drive-in on Okaloosa Island. 

Keep reading to learn about the Best Public Beaches in Destin, Florida Eglin Matterhorn Beach

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. 

Keep reading to learn about the Best Public Beaches in Destin, Florida Eglin Matterhorn Beach with wedding set up on the sand

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!

Get up to 83% off of the Destin, Florida tours and attractions with Groupon TODAY!

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. 

Keep reading to learn about the Best Public Beaches in Destin, Florida James Lee Park Beach wedding decorated on sand

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.

Keep reading to learn about the Best Public Beaches in Destin, Florida James Lee Park Beach

You can also find several pavilions and picnic tables if you’re bringing a larger group with you for the day. 

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. 

Keep reading to learn about the Best Public Beaches in Destin, Florida Princess Beach at sunset

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.

Get your Weekend Hotel Deals from as low as $45/night TODAY!

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! 

Keep reading to learn about the Best Public Beaches in Destin, Florida Crab Island

Why We Love This Public Beach in Destin, Florida

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. 

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. 

Keep reading to learn about the Best Public Beaches in Destin, Florida Crab Island on a sunny day

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!

Keep reading to learn about the Best Public Beaches in Destin, Florida Crab Island Instagram Page.
Crab Island Instagram Page

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. 

Keep reading to learn about the Best Public Beaches in Destin, Florida John Beasley Park

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.

Keep reading to learn about the Best Public Beaches in Destin, Florida John Beasley Park

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. 

Keep reading to learn about the Best Public Beaches in Destin, Florida Topsail Hill Preserve State Park sand dunes

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. 

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.

Keep reading to learn about the Best Public Beaches in Destin, Florida Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

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.

Want DAILY Florida Travel Photos? Follow Florida Hipster on Instagram TODAY!

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.

Keep reading to learn about the Best Public Beaches in Destin, Florida Crystal Sands Beach

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. 

Keep reading to learn about the Best Public Beaches in Destin, Florida Crystal Sands Beach

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 highest-elevation beaches.

Keep reading to learn about the Best Public Beaches in Destin, Florida Blue Mountain Beach neighborhood

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. 

Keep reading to learn about the Best Public Beaches in Destin, Florida Blue Mountain Beach at sunrise with beautiful blue home on the right

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.

Keep reading to learn about the Best Public Beaches in Destin, Florida wonderful homes on coastline

Plus, you can also explore nature trails, coastal dune lakes, and the beach town that brings all of the fun together.

Get up to 83% off of the Destin, Florida tours and attractions with Groupon TODAY!

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. 

Keep reading to learn about the Best Public Beaches in Destin, Florida beautiful hotel on the beach

This Florida beach town is jam-packed with popular restaurants, boutique shopping, wildlife interaction opportunities, and exciting water activities!

10 Best Beaches in Destin, Florida
Save This Image for Later on Pinterest!

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!

Leave a Comment