destin public beach

Beaches in Destin: Public Beach Access and What you need to know

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If you’re looking for an affordable, family-friendly beach destination with plenty of activities, look no further than Destin, Florida! Even though Destin public beach access can be a little tricky to find, we’ve got all the tips and you’ll be enjoying the sun and surf in no time.

The facilities are clean and well-maintained, and the views are absolutely breathtaking.  

Destin, Florida is an amazing place to go for a swim, sunbathe, or just take in the incredible views. The staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming, and the facilities are top-notch.

I highly recommend checking it out for yourself!

Is Destin Beach a Private Beach?

The private property protects not the whole beach in Destin but the vast majority of it.

The bulk of Destin’s six miles of beach is privately owned, which makes it difficult for the city to obtain more property on the beach for public use. Despite these challenges, the city of Destin has been making efforts to purchase additional land on the beach.

The local government of Destin has committed $9 million worth of revenue from the local choice half-cent sales tax.

In comparison, the local government of Okaloosa County has promised $13 million worth of revenue from the county bed tax toward land purchases as part of the entire plan.

The city has recently acquired several properties and is getting ready to extend the number of beach accesses that are now available due to this endeavor.

Read More: Public Beaches in Destin Florida

Are Destin Beaches Open to the Public?

Visitors who do not stay in a Gulf-front condo or area with a tricked private beach are guided to any of the city’s public beach entrances.

This is the case even though the beaches in Destin are accessible to the public.

In principle, this seems like a straightforward problem to solve; nevertheless, it means that a significant number of the millions of tourists who come to Destin but don’t live in beachfront residency have almost no beach access.

The Daily News has measured the distance of Destin’s beaches and found that only 1.4 miles are accessible to the public. This was done by measuring at the public beach entrances and looking at property assessor documents.

You can access less than half a mile worth of public beaches by using the nine public beach entrances located in the Crystal Beach and Scenic Highway 98 areas of the city.

Is Destin’s Public Beach Access Up to Par?

Destin Sunset Beaches

Is the Beach at Sandestin Public?

The beaches in Destin are famous for their powdery white sand and incredibly beautiful water.

Despite Destin’s widespread notoriety as a leading destination for anglers, the area’s beaches consistently rank among the most stunning.

Although not all of the beach accesses in Sandestin are open to the public, the following beaches provide some of the greatest public beach access in Sandestin.

Read More: Fort Pierce Beach: 5 Hypnotizing Beaches to Visit

Norriego Point

Norriego Point in Destin, Florida is a hidden gem on the Emerald Coast. This beautiful spot is perfect for a day of relaxing on the beach or exploring sand dunes and nature trails. The area is also great for fishing, boating, and windsurfing.

The white sand peninsula known as Norriego Point may be found near the terminus of Gulf Shore Drive on Holiday Isle in Destin, Florida.

It is distinct from other beach sites in Destin because it is not located immediately on the Gulf of Mexico; rather, one side of it rests on Destin Harbor, and the other side stands on the East Pass, which connects to the Gulf of Mexico.

This makes it a unique beach location in Destin.

So whether you’re looking for a day of adventure or a peaceful place to relax, Norriego Point is the perfect destination.

O’Steen Public Beach

A walkway located just north of Norriego Point provides access to O’Steen Public Beach. This pathway may be found off Gulf Shore Drive.

O'Steen Public Beach Destin Florida Public Access

O’Steen Public Beach is one of the best places to enjoy the sun and surf in all of Florida. With its wide variety of activities,

O’Steen Public Beach has something for everyone. From swimming and sunbathing to fishing and kayaking, there’s no shortage of fun to be had at this beach.

From the street parking out to the beach, you will have a bit of a walk in the sand, so make sure you are prepared for that.

So pack your sunscreen and your swimsuit and head on down to O’Steen Public Beach for a day you won’t soon forget!

Henderson Beach State Park

Henderson Beach State Park is one of the most beautiful state parks in Florida. It is located on the Emerald Coast, and it is known for its sugar-white sand beaches and clear blue waters.

The park also has a nature trail, dune walkovers, and picnic pavilions. You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and picnicking at Henderson Beach State Park.

The park also has a playground, shuffleboard courts, and a group campsite.

There is little question that Henderson Beach State Park is among the top beaches in the Destin area. It is one of the few coastal sites where you will not be surrounded by condominiums or apartment complexes.

Because of this, it has more of the atmosphere of a natural beach scene.

Does Miramar Beach Have Public Access?

The beach in Miramar does allow public access. Miramar Beach is a bustling and varied beach town that offers something for everyone, thanks to its extensive array of eateries and activities.

The primary entrance point for the public beach is situated right next to Pompano Joe’s Seafood Restaurant. This access point provides free parking and access to bathrooms and wash stations.

Additionally, there are public beaches just beside Seascape Resort. In addition, at the easternmost point of Scenic Gulf Drive, just opposite Amalfi Coast, new public beach access has been constructed.

The next year will see the construction of restrooms and more parking spaces.

Traveling along Scenic Gulf Drive will allow you to take in breathtaking vistas of the coastline while also providing access to some of the area’s most popular eateries and watering holes!

Read More: 9 of The Best Beaches in the Beautiful Florida Keys

Where Do You Park for Miramar Beach?

The community’s central point is Miramar Beach Public Beach Access at Pompano Joe’s. There is something for everyone. Miramar Beach has everything you need. The beach has free parking and toilets. There will be additional parking and restrooms.

Accessible to those with disabilities, Miramar Beach Regional Access also provides parking, toilets, beach wheelchairs, and lifeguards throughout the busy summer months.

The Miramar Beach Regional Access may be found on Scenic Gulf Drive (old 98) just next to Pompano Joe’s Seafood.

This access point offers a parking lot on the north side of Scenic 98 and a good deal of parking along the gulf front. It is a popular parking lot that sees a lot of action throughout the year.

Are All Beaches in Florida Public Access?

destin beach

Access rights on beaches may be owned by individuals and private user organizations and the federal government, state and municipal governments, and property trusts.

According to a beach access study commissioned by Sarasota County in 2014, sixty percent of Florida’s coastline is owned by private parties. In Sarasota County, that number is eighty percent.

After Covid-19, and the closing of the county’s public beaches, people lost the opportunity to freely wander along with the remaining twenty percent of our coastline.

The boundary in the sand denoting what portions of the beach are public and what portions are private is, at best, unclear.

This is a significant issue. The majority of Floridians and guests of our state are unaware that their freedom to walk on our cherished beaches may soon be restricted.

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