The Emerald Coast is a tantalizing place for travelers to kick back, relax, and embrace the best of vacation life at all times. The best Emerald Coast beaches are perfect for those with a passion for beach hopping their way through a stay. With so many options available when it comes to scenic shorelines, narrowing down the list can be the trickiest part. The following are the top five beaches on the Emerald Coast that you’re not going to want to miss out on the next time you’re here.
The Best Emerald Coast Beaches
Whether you’re on Emerald Coast getaways with a group of friends or looking to make the most of time under the sun with family, a stop at John C. Beasley Park in Fort Walton Beach is a must. Located at 1550 Miracle Strip Parkway, this beautiful and inviting location is a great place to dig your toes into the sand and soak up the rays in style. It’s a wonderful beach park for making the most of sand dunes, comprehensive facilities, and picnic areas with pavilions for those moments when an al fresco meal near the water is what would hit the spot. It’s a popular place for locals and guests alike to enjoy watching the sun rise and set and comes complete with a beach volleyball court and playground for little ones to enjoy as well. A trip to John C. Beasley Park can also include plenty of fishing, surfing, and snorkeling too.
Spend a Sunny Afternoon at James Lee Park in Destin
If your Emerald Coast getaways have you lingering around Destin, make sure to take some time to explore James Lee Park while you’re in the area. Found at 3510 Scenic Highway 98 this public beach is sometimes referred to as Crab Trap Beach as it’s within easy reach of The Crab Trap. This is one of the largest beaches in Destin and provides plenty of space for beachgoers to enjoy access to nine dune walkovers, plenty of picnic tables, easy parking options, and three pavilions too. Whether you’re enjoying the waves or settling into the sand, James Lee Park is a beach destination where it’s easy to linger longer than you originally planned.
Add Crystal Beach in Destin to Your Itinerary
Another fantastic beach stop to add to your itinerary when you’re spending time around Destin is Crystal Beach. Easily found at 2980-2996 Scenic Highway 98, Crystal Beach is known for its tantalizing sands, easy access to blue waters, and rustic atmosphere as well. Those who are looking for a bit more tranquility will often find Crystal Beach is less crowded year-round than other beaches on the Emerald Coast in and around Destin too. Coming early to Crystal Beach is always recommended for those who are in the mood to make the most of a spectacular sunrise from the sand. It’s also a prime place to spot dolphins from the shoreline between late spring and the end of summer. If your beach day has led to an appetite to attend to, Crystal Beach isn’t far from the eateries of Destin Commons.
Relish Time at Wayside Park in Fort Walton Beach
A Fort Walton Beach favorite to be sure to enjoy while you’re in town is Wayside Park. Located at 1450 Miracle Strip Parkway, Wayside Park sprawls across 40 acres of terrain and provides guests with access to stunning beaches on the Emerald Coast that stretch alongside 3 miles of coastline. There’s an iconic fishing pier here that’s fun to stroll as well as volleyball courts and a kids’ playground on-site. Many visitors come to make the most of photographing nature thanks to the fact this beach is home to sea turtles, herons, pelicans, and dolphins that occupy the waters.
Have a Day on the Sand at Henderson Beach State Park
Back over in Destin, beach enthusiasts will find their fill of fun at Henderson Beach State Park. Situated at 17000 Emerald Coast Parkway, Henderson Beach State Park is open year-round from 8:00 am until sundown and is only $6 a vehicle to access. Here, the sand stretches out seemingly endlessly and the terrain is dotted with nature trails to explore as well as picnic tables for savoring the moment under the open sky. From opportunities to view impressive sand dunes to afternoons spent lingering on the shoreline, the options here are easy to customize.
Book Your Florida Adventure Today
Enjoy an Emerald Coast Stay that’s one-of-a-kind every time you book accommodations through The Breakers of Fort Walton Beach. Our team is here to handle the details so that our guests can focus exclusively on the Florida fun ahead. Enjoy the luxury, comfort, and style you deserve when you make The Breakers of Fort Walton Beach your home away from home the next time you’re in town. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting lineup of property options and to start planning your next trip this way!
