If you thought Destin couldn’t get any better, we’ve got some big news for you! A new public beach park is coming to Destin’s Crystal Beach neighborhood. This means more space to plant your sun umbrellas, more sand in which to wiggle your toes, and just all-around more fun.

Earlier this month, the City of Destin and the Okaloosa County Commission approved a plan to buy nearly three parcels of beachfront property near the Crystal Beach neighborhood. Almost 350 feet across, the parcel acreage totals 2.04 acres, while the beach acreage totals approximately 1.04 acres. The three parcels of land are next to the intersection of Tarpon Street and Scenic Highway 98. The Trust for Public Land negotiated the purchase for a little over $14 million and is slated to close in November.

While it’s still early in the process, there are big plans for this piece of land. AKA an awesome beach park called the Tarpon Beach Park! Following the property acquisition, Okaloosa County and the City of Destin will work out designing the park. The project will be similar to that of the nearby Shore at Crystal Beach Park, which has a parking area, pavilion, picnic tables, restrooms, and showers.

The new beachfront park will help the densely populated Crystal Beach neighborhood have more room on the beach. Both locals and visitors will benefit from the improvements. Not only will it provide enhanced beach access, but it will also offer a geographically balanced number of parks in the area that are walkable and boost the accessibility of waterfront amenities. 

And we’re, of course, excited for the increased opportunities to have a memorable beach vacation right here in Destin! Interested in reserving a stay near the new park? Browse our available Crystal Beach Rentals to find one that’s right for you!

Keep reading: 7 Reasons to Visit Crystal Beach