Destin Florida is the Closest you'll get to the Caribbean without leaving the mainland. Obviously we are not trying to give you a lesson in geography, 'cause we'd be a little off base. However, this is the best way we know to describe the emerald green, crystal clear water. And the sand - it is actually better than you'll find in the islands, the whitest sand you'll find anywhere. Sounds too good to be true? Don't take our word for it, ya'll come on down and see for yourself.

The Destin Florida area offers a number of public access points for its guests to enjoy the world's most beautiful beaches. In addition to the larger public access areas listed below, the greater Destin - Fort Walton Beach area offers six beach mini-parks featuring ADA accessibility, showers and bathrooms are here for all to enjoy. Below we offer a quick reference guide and photos for each of the main beach access areas:

Henderson Beach State Recreation Area
17000 Emerald Coast Parkway, Destin, FL

Offers more than 6,000 feet of shoreline right on the Gulf of Mexico. The largest public beach area in Destin, named for the land's previous owners, who sold the land to the state of Florida in 1983. Fishing, swimming and picnic facilities. Open Daily from 8 a.m.- sunset. Fee for day-use area.

James Lee Park Public Beach
Old Highway 98

Located on Scenic 98 (old Hwy. 98) just down the road from the Destiny beachside community, this public beach offers something for the whole family. In addition to the great stretch of beach, the pavilion offers a playground for the kids (pictured), snack bar, restrooms and the Crab Trap restaurant. The parking is very convenient to accessing the beach and facilities, but you had better get their early to get a spot.

Miramar Public Beach
Old Highway 98

A little farther down scenic Hwy. 98 you'll find the public beach access at Miramar Beach. This is almost to the place where scenic 98 meets back up with Highway 98. Miramar also offers public parking (though it too could use many more spaces) and a small restroom facility.

The Beach @ the Pass
Highway 98 at the foot of the Bridge

Just BEFORE you cross the bridge at Destin Pass, you'll find what is generally the least crowded and arguably the prettiest of Destin's beaches. While it lacks the sprawling beachfront area of the other public access areas in Destin, it offers the best scenery and makes for a nice little hike to the end of the pointe (opposite Destin Pointe). The shot here gives you a view of Destin from this spot.