Our favorite beach area in Destin is this state park, which includes a 0.8-mile nature trail. There are also some excellent beachside campsites ($30), which include running water and electric hookups.
Henderson Beach State Park
Gulf Coast
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
17.27 MILES
An 1133-acre stretch of marble-colored dunes rolling down to the water's edge, this state park's beauty is genuinely mind-blowing. The park sits nestled…
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
9.68 MILES
There's some 1640 acres of natural beauty to discover at Topsail, including quiet white-sand beaches, sun-battered wetlands, sand pine scrub forest, a 2.5…
1.22 MILES
Although all of Destin's beaches are family-friendly, this beach is maybe a little more family-friendly, given the presence of restrooms, a picnic area…
7.14 MILES
This sub-section of gorgeous Gulf Islands National Seashore includes parking, beach access and a picnic area.
10.1 MILES
One of the most sacred sites for local Native American culture to this day, the 17ft-tall, 223ft-wide ceremonial and political temple mound, built with…
19.15 MILES
Inland from 30A on a peninsula jutting into Choctawhatchee Bay, manicured gardens and lawns front the 1800s estate home of the Wesleys, a wealthy Florida…
14.62 MILES
Towering a cloud-kissing (if by cloud-kissing we mean fog) 64ft-high, 'Blue Mountain' is supposedly the highest point on the pancake-flat Gulf Coast. Be…
22.48 MILES
Named for its eponymous coastal dune lake – a body of water that sits inland from the Gulf, but is connected to it – this park is rich in scrub oaks,…
Nearby Gulf Coast attractions
1.22 MILES
Although all of Destin's beaches are family-friendly, this beach is maybe a little more family-friendly, given the presence of restrooms, a picnic area…
2. Destin Boardwalk & HarborWalk Village
4.22 MILES
This tourist mecca of timeshare condos, boutiques, restaurants, nightclubs and a marina is worth a stroll, especially if you have kids. Most of the area's…
7.14 MILES
This sub-section of gorgeous Gulf Islands National Seashore includes parking, beach access and a picnic area.
4. US Air Force Armament Museum
9.08 MILES
One for military buffs. The exterior of this hangar-style museum, flanked by fighter planes, appears small, but inside are extensive weapons displays –…
5. Okaloosa Island Pier & Boardwalk
9.19 MILES
Stretching out almost a quarter of a mile into the Atlantic, this popular recreational-fishing pier is open 24 hours in the summer and is illuminated for…
6. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
9.68 MILES
There's some 1640 acres of natural beauty to discover at Topsail, including quiet white-sand beaches, sun-battered wetlands, sand pine scrub forest, a 2.5…
7. Indian Temple Mound & Museum
10.1 MILES
One of the most sacred sites for local Native American culture to this day, the 17ft-tall, 223ft-wide ceremonial and political temple mound, built with…
11.45 MILES
Simply one of the more pleasant beaches along South Walton, Dune Allen is a family-friendly slice of sand that's great for the kids, or adults who just…