Ultimate Destin beach guide
Why Destin for a Beach Vacation?
When you close your eyes and dream about being at the beach, what do you envision? Chances are you are dreaming about looking out over crystal clear emerald green waters, fine white sand between your toes, and the sound of waves gently lapping at the shore.
There are few beaches in the real world that will do your dream justice. However, Destin’s beaches are ready and waiting to turn that dream into a reality.
This Ultimate Guide to Destin Beaches is going to tell you everything you need to know about our coastline and provide you additional resources if you want to dive deeper into any particular subject.
Let’s explore Destin’s beaches.
Where is Destin?
Nicknamed “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” Destin is located in the Northwest Florida Panhandle on the Gulf of Mexico. The town, along with its sugary white sand beaches and vibrant green waters, is situated on a gorgeous Peninsula between Fort Walton Beach to the west and South Walton, Florida to the east.
Getting to Destin’s and its coastline is simple. The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) has more than 50 non-stop flights to major airports across the country. If you happen to own a plane, you’ll be glad to know Destin also has a private airport right in the heart of town. If you want to drive (as most visitors do), find your way to the Emerald Coast Highway (US-98) and you can’t miss it.
What Beaches are in Destin?
Destin’s glittering white sand beaches and crystalline waters are the primary reason people from all over the world visit the area. Take a look at this beach cam to see for yourself why Destin’s shoreline has the reputation it does.
Destin’s beaches spread across six miles of the Gulf Coast. In addition to the many neighborhood boardwalks, there are 13 public beach access points between Norriego Point and James Lee Park. Learn more about Destin beach access points.
When to Visit Destin’s Beaches?
There is no bad time of year to visit Destin’s beaches. Your best bet is to pick a season depending on what you want to get out of your trip.
If you’re looking for quiet beaches, cool temps and great deals on lodging, winter might be the right time to visit.
If you’re looking for hot days full of swimming in the Gulf and don’t mind paying full price for accommodations, summer might be the ticket.
Let’s take a look at Destin’s beaches during each season of the year so you can get a better understanding of how each season shines.
Destin’s Beaches in Summer (Memorial Day weekend – End of August)
Average Water Temp: 85°
Average Air Temp: 88°
If you want to play in Destin’s emerald green waters, Summer is the best time of year to make it happen. With daytime temps hitting the high 90s, Destin’s beaches can be quite warm during the summer, especially when you factor in the humidity.
Luckily, there are plenty of cool coastal waters to temper the heat. Fourth of July celebrations mark the height of the summer months and the time when beaches will be at their busiest and vacation rentals at their most expensive.
Destin’s Beaches in Fall (Mid August – Late October)
Average Water Temp: 79°
Average Air Temp: 78°
Once kids are back in school, Destin’s beaches grow slightly less populated. Early fall days are typically still very warm but slip toward the mid-70s once September rolls around. With that said, swimming conditions are still ideal until just before Thanksgiving.
Destin’s Beaches in Winter (November – Mid March)
Average Water Temp: 63°
Average Air Temp: 62°
There’s a good reason snowbirds from northern states flock to Destin’s beaches during the winter months. Highs are usually in the 50s and sixties during the day and 40s at night making for extremely pleasant conditions.
With that said, for most, 50s and 60s is not swimming or sunbathing weather. However, this is a great time of year to explore relatively empty beaches and get to know the town of Destin and its surroundings in a way many never will.
Destin’s Beaches in Spring (Mid March – Memorial Day Weekend)
Average Water Temp: 70.2°
Average Air Temp: 75°
With Temps crawling back into the 70s, Destin’s beaches are traditionally very popular with families on spring break.
The only caveat is that water temps still remain cool, making the emerald green waters slightly less inviting to those looking to swim in the Gulf. With that said, there is still plenty of fun to be had on the beaches themselves. See our activities guide below for ideas.
Essential Destin Beach Information
Explore answers to some of the most common questions asked about Destin’s beaches.
Are Destin’s Beaches Public?
Yes and no. Some of Destin’s beaches are open to the public and others are private. See a list of access points to all of Destin’s public beaches. Are Destin’s Beaches Pet-Friendly?
Unfortunately, Destin’s beaches are not fit for fiddo and fluffy. Pets can, however, lounge with you on the patio of a Gulf-front vacation rental. Learn what you need to know about bringing pets on your next Destin vacation.
Why Are Destin’s Beaches So White?
Destin’s alabaster beaches are made out of quartz crystal sediment carried into the Gulf by the Apalachicola River. That bright white sand combined with naturally occurring algae in the Gulf give the waters of the Emerald Coast its signature color and clarity.
[[{"fid":"32397","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"South Walton Beach Destin","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"South Walton Beach Destin"},"type":"media","link_text":null,"field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"South Walton Beach Destin","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"South Walton Beach Destin"}},"attributes":{"alt":"South Walton Beach Destin","title":"South Walton Beach Destin","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]
Do Destin’s Beaches Have Seashells?
Yes, Destin’s beaches do have shells, although they are generally very small and only found sporadically. However, a day trip to Panama City’s Shell Island is worth considering if you are a shell seeker.
Can you Walk or Play on the Sand Dunes in Destin?
Please do not play or walk on Destin’s scenic sand dunes. The rolling dunes you see all over Destin’s beaches are one of the towns primary defenses against severe weather and storm surge. When storms roll through, sediment from the dunes gets pulled into the gulf and help absorb the energy of the storm surge. And, they are home to lots of coastal flora and fauna. They take decades to develop and can easily be flattened by human traffic.
How Big are the Waves on Destin’s Beaches?
Destin’s waves can go from almost non-existent to around eight feet tall depending on variables like time of day, wind, beach location, and more. Waves are at their largest on windy days and can disappear on hot days when there’s no wind to be found. There are plenty of surf breaks around Destin and boogie boarding is possible on most of its beaches.
Are There Piers on Destin’s Beaches?
There used to be a pier in Destin until a storm wiped it out in 1975. Unfortunately, it was never rebuilt, but you can still see pieces of it where it once was. Today you will have to make the short trip to the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier in Fort Walton Beach to find the nearest piers.
Are There Boardwalks on Destin’s Beaches?
Henderson Beach State Park has a boardwalk that weaves through its sweeping dunes out onto the beach. The Destin Boardwalk does not pass any beaches on its route through the Destin Harbor.
Can you Have Bonfires on Destin Beaches?
Bonfires are not allowed anywhere on Destin’s beaches. However, they are allowed in neighboring Walton County with a permit.
Is Alcohol Allowed on Destin Beaches?
Alcohol in plastic containers is allowed. Glass containers and underage drinking are not permitted, and drinking should be avoided in the middle of the day when it can contribute to heat exhaustion. Please enjoy responsibly and always designate a driver.
Can You See Whales and Dolphins from Destin’s Beaches?
Yes, visitors regularly see Dolphins playing in the waves right off the coast. Whales, on the other hand, are spotted far less frequently, although whale sightings do happen. And, sea turtles like to visit Destin’s beaches to nest from May through October. No matter what wildlife you come across on or near Destin’s beaches, please respect it by giving it space.
Where to Eat and Drink on Destin Beaches?
There are dozens of places to eat and drink while soaking Gulf views. Here are some standbys where you can’t go wrong.
Pompano Joe’s
Honored as one of “the world’s best beach restaurants” by the Travel Channel, Pompano Joe’s treats diners to Caribbean-influenced seafood, tropical cocktails, cold beer, and great views.
The Back Porch
Grilled and fried Gulf seafood is the go-to at this beachside eatery and oyster house. Dine inside with views of the gulf or enjoy a drink down while soaking them in from a beach chair in the sand.
Captain Dave’s on the Gulf
Roll in off the beach and sit down to a delicious seafood meal at Captain Dave’s. Its airy dining room has been offering up outstanding fried, grilled, and broiled seafood since 1968. All of which come with a side of Gulf views.
Destin Beach Activities
There are endless activities to participate in on Destin’s beaches. The best part is that many of them are free or next to free.
Destin Beach Games and Activities
Pretty much any beach game or activity is going to be just a bit better when it takes place right next to the emerald green waters of the Gulf. Some of the best games you will regularly see people on Destin’s beaches include:
- Bocce Ball
- Frisbee
- Kan Jam
- Spike Ball
- Volleyball
- Bags / Cornhole
- Ladder Toss
- Horseshoes
- Polish Horseshoes / Beersbee
- And more!
Paddleboarding, Surfing, and Kayaking
Stepping off the beach and into the waves is a great way to spend a hot day on the coast. The waters right off Destin’s beaches offer ideal conditions for surfing, paddleboarding and sea kayaking.
There are numerous surf and water sports shops along the coast, and in the marina, that offer surfboards, paddle boards, and sea kayak rentals. Pop into one to get info on where the best breaks are or to find out where you might want to paddle. If you are a total beginner, it might be worth signing up for a lesson our booking a guided tour.
Snorkeling, Deep Sea Diving, and Snub
With roots as a fishing village, it should come as no surprise that Destin’s beaches have great snorkeling, scuba diving, and even Snuba diving. Yes, Snuba diving. A combination of the snorkeling and scuba that doesn’t require a diving certification.
While you can walk out into the ocean on any Destin beach and find intriguing aquatic life, the beaches near the rocky reef at Jetty East are going to offer the best conditions for snorkeling. So bring your snorkel or hook up with a local outfitter to rent well-sanitized gear.
Surf Fishing
Just a cast away from Destin’s beaches are dozens of species of fish that can play a starring role in your next meal or story about the big one that got away. Anglers can try their hand at catching Pompano, Redfish, Southern Kingfish, Gulf Kingfish, and other species all along the coast. The best time to fish from Destin’s beaches in the busy season is during the early morning and at dusk when beaches aren’t as crowded.
A saltwater fishing license is required for all anglers fishing from Destin’s beaches.
If surf fishing isn’t for you, there are multiple fishing piers within driving distance of Destin.
Destin Beach Safety
Destin’s beaches are relatively safe compared to many beaches around the world. With that said, every beach poses potential risks that can be easily managed through education and the use of caution.
Destin’s Beach Safety System: Double Red, Red, Yellow, Green, Purple
Destin’s beach flag system was designed to help visitors and locals understand what kind of water conditions they can expect during their visit to the beach. Flags are posted at beach access points and each flag color indicates the following:
Green: Good to go. Calm conditions that are inviting for the average swimmer.
Yellow: Exercise mild caution. Light surf and currents exist.
Red: Exercise extreme caution. Rough conditions, surf, and serious currents.
Double Red: Stay out. Water is too dangerous to enter and off limits.
Purple: Dangerous marine life in the area. Typically jellyfish.
[[{"fid":"32393","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Destin Beach Flag Warnings","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"Destin Beach Flag Warnings"},"type":"media","link_text":null,"field_deltas":{"2":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Destin Beach Flag Warnings","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"Destin Beach Flag Warnings"}},"attributes":{"alt":"Destin Beach Flag Warnings","title":"Destin Beach Flag Warnings","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"2"}}]]
Before you and your family or travel companions hit the beach during your next visit, make sure you are acquainted with the beach flag warning system to ensure you have a trouble-free trip.
Lifeguards
Okaloosa County, the county Destin calls home, does offer seasonal lifeguards at public beach accesses from the second Saturday in March until the end of October. Lifeguard hours vary depending on the time of year and the amount of daylight.
Rip Tides / Rip Currents
Riptides are one of the more serious threats anyone playing in the waters off Destin’s beaches might encounter. These fast-moving ocean currents can pull swimmers out into the Gulf. Should you get stuck in one, swim parallel to shore until you stop getting pulled out. And, no matter what you do, don’t panic.
[[{"fid":"32394","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Destin Rip Currents","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"Destin Rip Currents"},"type":"media","link_text":null,"field_deltas":{"3":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Destin Rip Currents","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"Destin Rip Currents"}},"attributes":{"alt":"Destin Rip Currents","title":"Destin Rip Currents","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"3"}}]]
Aquatic Pests - Sharks, Stingrays, Jellyfish
There are only three types of sea life you want to avoid in the waters around Destin: jellyfish, sharks, and stingrays.
Jellyfish - A nuisance more than anything else, jellyfish can sneak up on you given their translucent nature. Fortunately, most jellyfish stings can be easily addressed by rinsing with salt water and then apple cider vinegar.
Sharks - Sharks only bite humans when they mistake them for fish, which makes shark attacks extremely rare. However, to be on the safe side, don’t swim at dusk or dawn, at night, or when water is cloudy from churned up sediment. Sharks can’t see well in these conditions and could mistake part of you for a fish. Stay close to shore and avoid wearing yellow bathing suits and shiny jewelry.
Stingrays - Stingray stings are uncommon. To ensure you don’t get stung, shuffle your feet along the sandy ocean bottom to avoid stepping on a stingray, startling it, and getting stuck.
The Sun
Don’t ruin your beach vacation by getting a blistering sunburn on day one of your trip. It’s been known to happen and can be easily prevented thanks to SPF 30+ sunscreen, moisture-wicking long sleeve shirts, hats, umbrellas, and avoiding the beach in the middle of the day. Don’t let clouds or the cool gulf breeze trick you into thinking you are safe from the sun’s UV rays.
Bad Weather
Florida’s tropical weather can change pretty quickly. Typically, you will be able to hear and see weather rolling in, and when you do, it’s important to get out of the water and off the beach. Lighting can strike miles from where it originates. The upside of fast moving weather is that it usually leaves just as quickly as it arrives, letting you get back to the beach and your good times.
It’s not a bad idea to check the forecast at the beginning of each day and plan your beach time accordingly.
Additional Beach Safety Information
Parents
If you are a parent bringing your kiddos to the beach, there are few extra considerations like floaties and extra sunscreen you will want to take into account. Read these beach tips for parents and prepare accordingly.
Up-To-Date Destin Beach Safety Info
In addition to checking the weather before heading to the beach, it’s worth taking a peek at the Destin Beach Safety Facebook Page which is regularly updated from March through October.
Destin Beachfront Vacation Rentals
Now that you know just about everything you might want to about Destin’s beaches, there is one last thing you should take into account. The easiest way to access Destin’s beaches is by reserving a vacation rental right on one during your next visit.
And while you can’t go wrong staying just about anywhere on the coast in Destin, a beachfront rental is going to offer the most picturesque and charming vacation experience possible.
Here are the various types of beach-front vacation rentals you can choose from during your next trip to the Emerald Coast.
Destin Beachfront Townhomes
Located along Scenic Gulf Drive, Destin’s beachfront townhomes offer stunning views of the Gulf’s green water and white sand beaches. They also provide unparalleled access to all the activities mentioned above.
The beaches in front of Destin’s townhomes are usually less crowded than public beaches and those in front of large condo buildings.
Beachfront Condos
Destin’s beachfront condos are usually located in larger buildings or towers, which can often provide stunning views that homes and townhomes can’t. Many of them also offer amenities other types of accommodations don’t, like pools, gyms, and beach umbrellas and chairs.
Destin Beachfront Homes
Beachfront Homes in Destin offer the most privacy of any type of vacation rental in the area. Many have pools and most have amazing views that you will be able to enjoy throughout your entire trip.
If you want great beach access and a bit more room for you and your family or travel companions to spread out, a beachfront home is probably going to be the ticket.
Where are the best Beachfront Vacation Rentals in Destin?
Trying to pick the best beachfront vacation rentals in Destin is tough because everyone’s taste is different. Some love the privacy offered by a vacation home and others love the views from the top of a condo building.
While it ultimately comes down to personal preference, here are 10 of the most viewed beachfront vacation rentals in Destin.
Come Visit!
Destin’s beaches are eagerly awaiting your next trip. When you are ready to come enjoy them, and turn that dream we talked about into a reality, book a vacation rental through Ocean Reef Resorts. With hundreds of vacation rentals to choose from, we look forward to helping you find one perfectly suited to your needs.