Looking for the perfect beach to visit in Destin? There are 13 public beach areas in the city of Destin, Florida and they are all different sizes with different amenities.
This post will cover each one in detail with descriptions, tips, and photos so you can find your perfect beach in Destin.
13 public beach accesses might sound like a lot, but it’s actually not enough for the demand that is here in Destin. Some of the public beach areas are very small and sandwiched between condos with private beach, limiting how much space you can enjoy.
This is a big debate in Destin and in all of Florida because beachfront property owners also own the beach area in front of their place. The law says that the beach is private property up to the “mean high tide line” so basically the wet sand is public and the dry sand is owned by the business or residence in front of it.
The City of Destin has begun to address this concern by starting to buy back some private property and turn it into more public beach access. They recently scooped up 3 private homes surrounding the Crystal Beach access at Hutchinson Street and broke ground on that project in April of 2021 which is now complete. More details below in that section.
Staying at one of the beachfront condos in Destin with private beach access is the best way to ensure you have a good beach spot, but not everyone can do that so I wrote this article to help you locate the best public beach option for your needs.
Even if you do stay beachfront in Destin, this post can help if you don’t want to stay put at the beach where you are staying the whole time. There are different things to see at different beaches, so it can be fun to go exploring these different spots.
Wherever you choose to go, I recommend getting to the public beach early in busy season (March-October) so you can get a good spot, deal with less traffic, and have an easier time finding a parking place.
Below is an interactive map showing the exact locations of these public beach areas in Destin. The numbers on the map correspond to the descriptions of each beach area in this article
Is there a parking fee at Destin Beaches?
As of May 2023, the City of Destin charges $20 for 4 hours of parking at the public beaches, including street parking on Scenic 98 in Crystal Beach and Gulf Shore Drive on Holiday Isle. You can pay using the Passport Parking app.
1. Norriego Point Public Beach Access
Parking: Parking Lot + Street Parking
Outdoor Shower/Foot wash: Yes
Public Restroom Facilities: No (Restrooms are planned for the future)
Norriego Point is a white sand peninsula located at the end of Gulf Shore Drive on Holiday Isle in Destin. It differs from other beach areas in Destin because it is not directly on the Gulf of Mexico but rather one side is on Destin Harbor and the other side sits on the East Pass which leads out to the Gulf of Mexico.
The photo below shows where it is in relation to Harborwalk Village. Many people see it across the water from Harborwalk but are unsure of how to get over there.
The Norriego Point beach area has plenty of beautiful scenery and areas to walk around and explore. You can watch boats cruising by on the harbor and take in the view and sounds of Harborwalk Village.
The scenery is further enhanced by the sand dunes, sea oats and wooden fences all over Norriego Point which make beautiful backdrops to photos. You are bound to see plenty of blue heron and other birds out here as well.
There are some inlets of water protected by jetties here that make for nice calm swimming areas on the East Pass side. Many people also swim on the harbor side beach area but just be careful to watch for boats coming and going.
Norriego Point is a popular area for boaters who can beach their boats along the shore on the harbor side to hang out awhile.
Many people also come to Norriego Point by Kayak or Paddle Board. There is even a Water Taxi stop on Norriego Point so you can come or go from here to anywhere on Destin harbor.
Norriego Point is currently being reconstructed in phases of development. In phase 1, they added a large area of sand allowing for two extra swimming areas. They also added lifeguard stands. In phase II they planted sea oats and added beach fencing. The picture below is how it looked as of summer 2021.
*June 2023 update: Phase 3 construction has begun and the Norriego Point parking lot is blocked off for construction of the new marina. There is street parking available on Gulf Shore Drive but it will fill up faster now, so plan to walk a bit if you are planning to watch from Norriego Point. The walk out to the beach is also longer now because they have the front sand area blocked off and a guided path around the fence. It’s still an amazing place and worth the trouble if you are up for it.
Phase 3 plans for Norriego Point include adding public restrooms, picnic facilities, showers and drinking fountains, educational signage, an ADA shelter, additional paved parking, and a boardwalk around the point with three dune walkovers and a bird habitat.
For more information on the Norriego Point Restoration Progress Update, check out this article I wrote: Norriego Point Restoration Project Update
2. O’Steen Public Beach Access
Parking: Street Parking
Outdoor Shower/Foot wash: Yes
Public Restroom Facilities: No
O’Steen Public Beach is accessed through a walkway off Gulf Shore Drive just north of Norriego Point. Be prepared for a bit of a walk through the sand from the street parking out to the beach (video of the walk further down).
O’Steen Beach is where you will find the Destin Jetties, which are huge boulders stretching out into the water. The jetties are also a popular fishing spot and the rocks make beautiful backdrops for photos.
The swimming area next to the jetties is the best snorkeling in Destin so bring your mask and snorkel with you if you have it.
The summer crowds in this area might seem confusing since there is limited parking and it’s a decent walk but that’s because most people arrive to this beach by boat from Destin Harbor.
O’Steen beach is where Emerald Grande Resort brings their guests over by boat shuttle. It is also a popular spot for snorkeling excursions by local companies.
I made a time lapse of the walk so you are prepared for it if you decide to visit at O’Steen Beach:
3. Calhoun Beach Access
4. June White Decker Park Public Beach
5. Silver Shells Public Beach
Parking: Large Parking Lot
Outdoor Shower/Foot Wash: Yes
Public Restroom Facilities: Yes
The next three public beach access points are all accessed from the same parking lot so I put them together. Below is an aerial photo showing the layout of this beach area.
This is a popular beach area in Destin so although the parking lot is big, it can still be tough to find parking in the summer if you don’t get out here early.
The parking lot here is also shared by the Back Porch Restaurant and the Candymaker sweet shop and café. I think June White Decker Public Beach Park is one of the best public beaches in Destin because of the large grass area with several beach walkover.
This is a beautiful and convenient beach area with amenities such as restrooms, outdoor showers, bike racks, grills, and a playground.
2023 Update: This area (and all Destin beaches) are getting more and more crowded every summer season and the condos around this spot are roping off their areas and even putting guards at the beach.
The public beach area for these 3 spots has been roped off to one area and it gets pretty tight between Memorial Day and mid-August. Either get there early to get your spot, or go to nearby Henderson Beach State Park instead (see next section).
6. Henderson Beach State Park Public Beach Access
Parking: Large Parking Lot
Outdoor Shower/Foot Wash: Yes
Public Restroom Facilities: Yes
Henderson Beach State Park is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Destin. It is one of the only beach areas where you will not be have condo buildings all around you. This makes it feel more like a natural beach setting.
There are many amenities at Henderson Beach State Park beach access, including a campground, picnic pavilions, grills, a playground, and a nature trail.
There is a small fee to use the Henderson Beach State Park area but it’s worth it for what you get here, especially now that the City of Destin has started charging parking at the other beach access points anyway.
Currently, the cost for day use is $6.00 per vehicle but you can check their website for up-to-date information about fees, facilities, and camping.
Besides a beautiful beach area, Henderson State Park also has a 0.75-mile nature trail. You can see the Gulf of Mexico from the highest point on the nature trail
Dogs are permitted on the Henderson Beach State Park nature trail but they are not allowed on the beach. For more information about traveling with your dog in Destin check out this article I wrote: Dog Friendly Vacationing in Destin
Henderson Beach State Park also has a campground that accommodates both tent and RV camping. I have been camping there several times and always really enjoy it.
7. Shirah Street Public Beach Access
Parking: Small Parking Lot + Limited Street Parking
Outdoor Shower/Foot Wash: Yes
Public Restroom Facilities: No
Shirah Street is one of the smaller public beach areas in Destin as you can see from the aerial photo above. The public area is a small stretch so get there early if you want a spot near the water.
The nice thing about the Shirah Street public beach access is that it’s a very short walk to the sand if you get one of the six parking spots in the lot.
8. The Shores at Crystal Beach Public Beach Access
Parking: Small Parking Lot + Limited Street Parking
Outdoor Shower/Foot Wash: Yes
Public Restroom Facilities: Yes
The Shores at Crystal Beach public access area has restrooms and a large beachfront picnic pavilion. This beach is right across the street from Camille’s which is a popular sushi and pizza restaurant in the Harbor Docks family.
It is another one of the very small public beach access points in Destin but it has recently been expanded to bring it from 67 feet of public beach area to approximately 250 feet.
The expansion of this public beach started in April of 2021 with the destruction of the first of three buildings that the City purchased to tear down for more beach area. You can read more about this expansion project on the City of Destin website here: https://www.cityofdestin.com/626/Gateway-to-Crystal-Beach
9. Crystal Beach Drive Public Beach Access
Parking: Limited Street Parking
Outdoor Shower/Foot Wash: No
Public Restroom Facilities: No
As you can see from the above aerial photo, the parking lot for the Crystal Beach Drive public access is not as convenient as other closer ones.
This is also one of the smallest public beach spots in Destin and it is a narrow walkway down to the beach which can be awkward if you are carrying a lot of beach chairs and supplies.
The Crystal Beach Drive access has Soleil fine dining restaurant right next to it (located inside the Inn at Crystal Beach) if you want to take a break and enjoy drinks, lunch or dinner with a beautiful beach view from their outdoor patio.
790 on the Gulf Restaurant used to be in this spot but they moved to Highway 98 near Walmart.
10. Barracuda Street Public Beach Access
Parking: Limited Street Parking
Outdoor Shower/Foot Wash: No
Public Restroom Facilities: No
Barracuda Street Public Beach access is located between the Townhomes at Crystal Beach and Capri by the Gulf making it one of the smallest beach access points in Destin. Seven unrestricted curbside parking spaces are available for this area on Scenic Highway 98.
Barracuda Street beach access has a longer and more narrow walkway to the beach than some of the other areas and the parking is limited.
11. Pompano Street Public Beach Access
Parking: 3 Car Parking Lot + Street Parking
Outdoor Shower/Foot Wash: Yes
Public Restroom Facilities: No
The most unique thing about the Pomano Street Beach area is that there are still huge pilings from the old Crystal Beach pier down by the water. The pier came down in a hurricane in the 70’s but the pilings still make for pretty and unique photographs.
Pompano Street Public Beach Access is not the biggest beach access in Destin but it’s not the smallest either. It has a cute gazebo at the entrance to the beach and a lot more street parking then some of the other options along Scenic Highway 98.
12. Tarpon Street Public Beach Access
Parking: Street Parking
Outdoor Shower/Foot Wash: Yes
Public Restroom Facilities: No
Tarpon Street Beach Access is again one of the smaller public areas and it has a somewhat long walkway which includes a staircase down to the beach. Sometimes I prefer these beaches that are a little more difficult to access because they will usually be less crowded.
13. James Lee Park Beach Access
Parking: Large Parking Lot
Outdoor Shower/Foot Wash: Yes
Public Restroom Facilities: Yes
James Lee Park Public Beach Access is the largest public beach access in Destin with 3 covered pavilions, 41 picnic tables, 9 dune walkovers, a playground, restrooms with changing rooms, and 166 parking spaces.
The entire area surrounds the Crab Trap restaurant so you also have a good lunch or dinner option there as well. There are a lot of parking spots here but they fill up fast in summer.
I hope this post helps you find the perfect public beach in Destin, Florida!
Be sure to comment below if you have any questions or feedback. I love hearing from you and prefer to answer questions on here so my answers can help others as well. Don’t forget to subscribe to my email list so you don’t miss any posts!
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Hi, I’m Sarah–the creator, writer and photographer behind this site. I sell prints, books, journals, and calendars all made from my Emerald Coast photography and I also manage a few vacation rentals on beautiful Holiday Isle in Destin if you want me to be your helpful, knowledgeable host when you visit.
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Do all of these beaches have chair rental operators out on the beach?
Can chairs be requested prior to coming out?
Operator company names?
Thanks
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for n
The public beaches do not usually have chair rentals that I’m aware of. I don’t know of any companies who bring it out to you but I will update it I hear of that!
Although James Lee Park is in the City of Destin it is owned by Okaloosa County and rented to the Crab Trap management affiliates. Destin has no jurisdiction. ie code enforcement, trash problems, or cleaninesy of Public Bath rooms.
Wow!! Thank you for this super informative and helpful guide to finding public beach access.
Glad you found it helpful, thank you for the comment!
Good information, thank you
Such helpful information, our family is coming in 2 weeks and it’ll be our first time, so thank you!
We are wanting to go to Henderson Beach and wondering if there are any food vendors on the beach or a restaurant that is within walking distance. Do you happen to know that?
There are no food options right there at Henderson State Park Beach but you could walk about a half mile along the sand to the west and be at the Back Porch Restaurant or a half mile to the east and be at 790 on the Gulf Restaurant. Have fun!
Do you have an article or info similar to this about the beaches themselves? AKA: Mirimar, Crystal, Santa Rosa. We are going to rent property and want to be close to a beach, but are concerned about wading area/drop offs in the ocean and being close to shops and restaurants. Thank you
No but that’s a great idea for a post. I will work on writing one because I have a lot of thoughts on that subject. Make sure you are on my email list if you want to be notified 🙂
I am thrilled to have found this site, I am a beach lover but have not gone in many years…..long story. Recently I began to find pictures of beaches and put them on my computer and I love it. In the beginning I came across this beaches in my area as private beaches (and believe me they are not gorgeous beaches – they are bay and river beaches). This put me on the trail and I found the information on the mean high tide. The state I first referred to has a law that people cannot claim private access – they must abide by the mean high tide. But they don’t. I made my way to the Destin area and was incensed to read about all the private access and how little public access there is – even if you are paying for a nice hotel.
This was just yesterday and frankly I am incensed about the whole private beach thing. They need to change the laws that people who buy ocean front homes are not able to block people from using those beaches. I am glad to see they are taking back some of that private beach access. The state I was referring to is Maryland with small river chesapeake bay beaches and I have sent emails to several depts in the townships where these people (and others) are claiming private beach. They don’t own the water and they should not be able to own the sand or pebbles etc – whatever the mean high tide mandates. Thanks much and I have subscribed to your site and look forward to updates etc from you!
Best
Rose Tierney
Hi Rose, I’m glad you are enjoying my site. The public/private beach thing is a huge issues here and not one I foresee changing since all this beachfront property has been bought up. Luckily there are still some nice beach areas who don’t enforce in this way such as Pensacola Beach, Okaloosa Island and Navarre. They have a lot of public beach. Hopefully Destin will at least continue with their efforts to buy up more.
Hi there! Love love love all your information. I recently moved to the panhandle in September 2020 so I’m still learning.
I am most interested in the two swimming coves near the jetties. Will the water taxi drop you closer to the cove to avoid the long walk? I’ve been there once and parked in the five dollar parking lot and it was such a long walk to the coves. But they’re so beautiful!!
The water taxi won’t go on the side with coves but they will drop you off on the harbor side and you can walk across. It’s the same distance as going from the parking lot though. I agree they are fun but definitely a bit of a walk!
Hi Jenni, the water taxi does not go to that side of the harbor. There are plans to build a boardwalk walkway around Norriego Point but it’s not clear when since it got delayed. The only way to get to those right now is the walk through the sand.
Thanks so much for this info !
we will be staying at the caribbean dunes on woodward street and are wondering if henderson state park access is walkable ?
Is there a physical seperation from where shirah ends and henderson beach starts ?
or can we just walk right up on the shoreline/ beach instead of parking ?
You can walk along the shoreline to get to Henderson Beach State Park from the beach. You might see some private beach signs from the Henderson resort along the way, but just keep walking. They can’t stop you from walking at the waters edge. You also have the Shores at Crystal Beach access right there near your place. You might prefer that spot since it’s much closer.They have expanded it a lot