The Emerald Coast is full of beautiful nature, but nothing trumps the gorgeous shoreline here. No trip to our area is complete without spending at least one day on the sand under the warm sun. Keep reading to discover the best beach in Destin for families to kick back and relax on during your trip!
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Discover the Best Beach in Destin for Your Family
Henderson Beach State Park
Henderson Beach State Park features over 6,000 feet of sandy white beach, shifting sand dunes, and a nature trail. Head to one of the corners of the beach to enjoy smaller crowds. Throughout the year, you can experience everything from fishing clinics to ranger programs. If you visit during the fall, you’ll find a carpet of wildflowers and beach morning glories covering the sand. There is an entrance fee of $6 per car.
Crystal Beach
You’ll find public beach access points with varying amenities up and down Scenic Highway 98. Some feature free roadside parking, pavilions, and showers or restrooms. Venture down towards The Crab Trap restaurant, and you’ll find all the above at Crystal Beach.
Pack a picnic or visit the beach bar where you can grab a drink and watch the waves roll by. Be mindful of the parking down in this area, though, as it gets hectic in the summertime, and spots are hard to come by throughout the day. Prepare to get out there early in order to secure your spot. The area of Crystal Beach near The Crab Trap also has showers and bathroom facilities, making it easy for the whole family to wash up and stay fresh.
Crab Island
If you’re searching for one of the hottest places to be in the Destin area, look no further than Crab Island. While this technically isn’t a beach, this sand bar near the Destin Bridge is the best beach in Destin for lively happenings. You’ll need a boat to get here, though! Renting a pontoon boat or kayak is really the only way to access Crab Island, making it one of the most unique places to spend an afternoon on the Emerald Coast.
Locals and visitors alike enjoy the variety of entertainment and music at Crab Island. Visit during major holidays, and you’ll be a part of the biggest floating party anywhere around. You can have a family-friendly day out here as well. Join the kids on a giant inflatable slide, go snorkeling, or just relax on deck.
Norriego Point
Accessible by water taxi or by a bit of a hike on foot, this picturesque white sand peninsula is a must-visit. Norriego Point is the best beach in Destin if you want to enjoy snorkeling in a secluded area. While you don’t have to deal with the crowds you’ll find at most beaches in the area, you can sit along the East Pass and Destin Harbor and watch the boats flow in and out of the bay. We recommend bringing some activities, food and drink, and a good book so you can relax and enjoy an entire day here. If you’d like to swim or snorkel, look for the inlets of water protected by jetties for calm waters.
Book Your Harmony Beach Rental
Head back to your Harmony Beach Vacations rental after a fun-filled day on the sand! Our selection of homes and condos in Destin and 30A offer fantastic locations and amenities at rates that won’t burn a hole in your wallet.
Start planning your Destin vacation today by booking one of our properties! We look forward to welcoming you to the Emerald Coast.