There are 13 public beach areas in the city of Destin, Florida and they are all different sizes with different amenities.
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Norriego Point is very popular with the locals due to its close proximity to the Destin Harbor restaurants and activities. One of the most popular ways to visit this location is to rent pontoons or seadoos from various rental companies in the harbor.
Princess BeachThis little-known gem is located on Okaloosa Island just west of the Destin bridge. Princess Beach is one of the more secluded beaches along the Emerald Coast. If you're looking to escape the crowds on other beaches, Princess Beach is the spot for you.
After the sun sets, the beach is a whole new playground!Bring a bucket and some red flashlights (the red light protects local sea turtles) and search for ghost crabs scurrying across the sand.
Experience The Beach At NightSome of the beaches in Destin are open to the public 24/7, so you can venture out to see the ocean in the moonlight. You can also visit the Beach Bar at the Royal Palm Grille – they offer a free bonfire on the beach every Friday evening! The festivities begin at sunset.
Harbor District Parking DetailsBEACH PARKING: Residents without a pass, as well as visitors, will pay a rate of $20 per 4 hours for beach parking. HARBOR DISTRICT PARKING: Residents without a pass, as well as visitors, will pay a flat rate of $15 for all day parking.
Miramar Beach, FloridaThere are nine public beach access points in Miramar Beach that are within walking distance of Pompano Joe's, The Crab Trap, and Surf Hut restaurants. The public beach access points have free parking either in small lots or along Scenic Gulf.
According to www.destinbeachvacationrentalsinc.com, alcohol is allowed on the beach, but not in state parks. Similar to Gulf Shores and Pensacola, glass is not allowed. Public beaches in the Destin area that are operated by Okaloosa County have separate rules and regulations. NO GLASS on the beach.
The main public beach access is located next to Pompano Joe's Seafood Restaurant and features free parking, restrooms and wash stations. There are also public beaches across from Seascape Resort.
Sand Crabs are your answer! Sand Crabs are usually only out at night and they are ghostly white and can only be spotted with flashlights. They are quick little creatures as well.
After the sun sets, the beach is a whole new playground!Bring a bucket and some red flashlights (the red light protects local sea turtles) and search for ghost crabs scurrying across the sand.
Spring Weather in DestinThere will be some nice beach days if the sun is shining but if it's overcast, most will find it too cold to enjoy. It does warm up significantly in April and early May and it starts to become more comfortable to swim in the Gulf of Mexico.
Destin will see the highest crowds during the summer and traffic is heavy, especially in the evenings and all day on the weekends. As far as the summer tourists go, the crowd will consist of mostly families with children and there will be no shortage of activities and events aimed towards them.
When To Go. Destin is typically a summer destination. Families enjoy coming to the beach during spring, summer, and fall breaks, but it's a little-known secret that fall (September-October) is the best time to come, when the crowds have thinned but the weather-and water-are still warm.
Well-appreciated by people in the know, Norriego Point is usually relatively less crowded than other beach hotspots in Destin. If the thought of a sugar-sand sun-worshipping session or serene beach walk sparks a smile, then a getaway to Norriego Point is just what the doctor ordered.
Furthermore, here in Destin, Florida we have incredibly fine white quartz sand lining our shores making the perfect backdrop for light to penetrate, further exaggerating whatever molecules, phytoplankton or algae are left in the water, bringing out the dominant color.
Lose yourself in the crystal-clear waters of Destin's Henderson Beach State Park, where the sugar-white sands create a stunning contrast against the emerald-hued Gulf of Mexico.