The Local Tip : Top 5 Best Beaches in Destin.

The Local Tip : Top 5 Best Beaches in Destin

Alright y’all, check this out. Imagine surfboard racks on bicycles, teenage legs that don’t get sore, and long afternoons trying to get home before the street lights turned on. I grew up in this town, so there isn’t a beach for 20 miles in either direction that I haven’t explored. Trust me, I know all the best spots, and I’m going to share them with you. You Lucky Dawg

#5 June White Decker Public Beach Access

Now this beach comes in at the bottom of my favorite beaches, but keep in mind I kept this list short on purpose. For a public beach, this one is great. You have close up parking, lifeguards on patrol, The Back Porch Restaurant and Bar, and bathroom facilities. If you have littles and want a decently safe Gulf-side beach day, this is the place to go 100%.

June White Decker was a Destin, Florida resident known for owning “June’s Dunes,” a local business, and for her strong advocacy for environmental and animal protection organizations. A public beach park in Destin was named in her honor due to her community contributions. Thank you, Mrs. June.

#4 Gulf Islands National Seashore Park

This is where I take my kids. My boys are both under 4 years old, and this is the our Sunday after church spot. It’s not on the Gulf, this beach is bayside, but with that same sugar white sand. No rip-tides or dangerous currents, no boat traffic, and plenty of space to stretch out. Paved parking lot and bathroom facilities. On windy days this spot is a favorite for kite surfing. If you’re a decent angler, you may be able to find a drop-off that has trout or redfish hiding in the shadows. Stop by Half-Hitch Tackle and ask them what kind of hook and bait you need… What, you want ALL my secrets?

#3 The Okaloosa Island Pier and Boardwalk

Many summer afternoons were well spent chasing waves and frisbees on this beach. This place has everything. Drinks, food, ice cream, beach stores, the fishing pier, volleyball tournament, live bands, EVERYTHING. The pier is worth the $2 fee to walk. Next door is the Gulfarium too, definitely a must-do for kids.

#2 The Grass Flats or “Shell Beach”

Ok so I’m not really supposed to be tellin y’all about this one, but I think I have enough clout around here to get away with it. You need a boat to get to this beach, and if you’re not familiar with the local waters I STRONGLY urge you to hire a captain. Tides and weather can change quickly so you need a guide to stay safe. However, it’s 2nd on my list for a reason, I promise you it is worth the work. Lots of shells hide in the seagrass beds, along with scallops, hermit crabs, and thumb-sized seahorses. Remember! If you see a seahorse, DO NOT touch them. They are delicate and can be broken.

#1 The Matterhorn

Here is the wild beach. There are no lifeguards here and it is a long walk from the fence to the water. DO NOT climb on the dunes. What you will find here is the wild way of nature along the rolling sandy dunes of Okaloosa Island. Sea grass, broken shells, big sand crabs, fish bones bleaching, and a peak at what my great great grand daddy John Maltezos found when he moved here from Greece, so long ago. Untouched. This beach is my favorite of all time. It’s where I learned to surf for the first time. It’s where I found a love for the sand piper bird and the sea oats, the sand that squeeks underfoot and scrub oak canopies – a perfect hiding spot for a quick kiss with that special person. Plan half a day here, because there is so much beach to explore. Bring supplies, it gets hot out there. If you want a beach away from the crowd. Go here and don’t tell nobody I was the one who sent ya.