Destin Beaches

There are twelve public beach access locations in Destin.  We have our favorite spots depending on the time of year.  Parking and traffic during the summer season (Memorial Day-Labor Day) are very important factors to consider when choosing where you’ll set up camp for the day. 

The safest bet is Henderson Beach State Park.  There is plenty of parking and is centrally located in town .  A nominal fee of $6 is required for parking and entrance. 

All Destin public beach access locations (from west to east):

• Norriego Point Public Beach Access – limited parking in lot, access to jetties, good for fishing and snorkeling

• O'Steen Public Beach Access – limited on-street parking, short walk to east jetty for fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving

• Calhoun Public Beach Access – decent amount of public parking, water sports rentals, bars and restaurants available within walking distance

• June White Decker Public Beach Park – adjacent to Calhoun Beach entrance
• Silver Shells Beach Public Beach Accesses – same as June White Decker entrance

• Henderson Beach State Park – fishing, hiking, pavilion, full beach facilities

• Shirah Street Public Beach Access – minimal parking
• Shore at Crystal Beach Public Access & Park – minimal parking
• Crystal Beach Drive Public Beach Access – minimal parking
• Barracuda Street Public Beach Access
• Pompano Street Public Beach Access – decent amount of parking.  Pompano Joes Restaurant provides food and beverage relief
• James Lee Park Public Beach – ample parking

Click on the map below for the full sized image.

The beach access points along old Highway 98 are quite similar in that parking is very limited.  These include Crystal Beach, Barracuda, Shore at Crystal Beach and Shirah Street.  If you are able to walk or bike to these beaches then they are worth the trip.  Don’t expect to drive and find a good parking spot during the summer season.  If you want to visit a beach along the old highway, then Pompano and James Lee Beach are better options as they have parking lots.

Calhoun, Silver Shells and June White Decker are essentially the same location with each entrance about 50 feet apart.  The parking lots serve all three entrances and to be honest, I’m not sure why these are considered separate. 

June White Decker beach is our personal favorite as it offers all that we require for a full day at the beach.  You can take a short walk towards Henderson Beach for some fishing, rent some kayaks or sea runners, have a cocktail at the Sand Bar or some food at the Back Porch.  Bring your own snorkel gear and emerge yourself in the underwater world that is very lively in this location.

If you stay until sunset, there’s a good chance dolphins will swim by to say hello.  There are full shower and bathroom facilities as well. 
There is ample parking that can get pretty tight during the summer season so as always, be sure to get there early to set up camp.  This also goes for beach real estate as tents, shelters and umbrellas will be plentiful so secure your spot before noon.