Beaches in Destin and Fort Walton Beach

Destin

An oasis in the middle of Destin's development, the 208-acre Henderson Beach State Park (tel. 850/837-7550). east of Destin Harbor on U.S. 98, allows easy access to swimming, sunning, surf fishing, picnicking, and seabird-watching along its 1 1/2 miles of beach. There are restrooms, outdoor showers, and surf chairs for people with disabilities. The area is open daily from 8am to sunset. Admission is $6 per vehicle with up to eight occupants, $4 single-occupant vehicle, $2 per pedestrian or cyclist. Several good restaurants are just outside the park’s western boundary. Pets on leashes are allowed in the park, including the beach and campground.

The James W. Lee Park, between Destin and Sandestin, on Scenic Highway 98, has a long white-sand beach and overlooking it are covered picnic tables, a playground, an ice-cream parlor, and a seafood restaurant with great views.

Fort Walton Beach

Do your loafing on the white sands of Okaloosa Island, joined to the mainland by the high-rise Brooks Bridge over Santa Rosa Sound. Most resort hotels and amusement parks are grouped around the Gulfarium marine park on U.S. 98, east of the bridge. Here you'll find the Boardwalk, a collection of tin-roofed beachside buildings that have an arcade for the kids, a saloon for adults, covered picnic areas, a summertime snack bar, and a seafood restaurant. Just to the east, you can use the restrooms, cold-water showers, and other free facilities at Beasley Park, home of the Okaloosa County Visitor Welcome Center.

Across U.S. 98, the Okaloosa portion of the Gulf Islands National Seashore has picnic areas and sailboats for rent on Choctawhatchee Bay, plus access to the Gulf. Admission to this part of the national seashore is free.

Southern Walton County