Miramar Beach, FL

Miramar Beach is a beach community in southwestern Walton County, right next door to Destin, with a long run of Gulf-front condos and rental homes. It is a practical base: public beach parking, plenty of places to stay and a short drive to both Destin Harbor and 30A.

Where is Miramar Beach?

Miramar Beach lies due east of Destin along US 98, across the Okaloosa and Walton county line, and it is on Central time. Many people assume it is part of Destin, but it has its own ZIP code and falls under Walton County. Scenic Gulf Drive runs along the beach side, and US 98 carries traffic east toward Santa Rosa Beach and Panama City. Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) is about 30 to 40 minutes away via the Mid-Bay Bridge, and Northwest Florida Beaches International (ECP) is about 45 minutes east.

Things to do in Miramar Beach

The beach is the main event. Miramar Beach Regional Beach Access and Scenic Gulf Drive Regional Beach Access both have parking and restrooms, with lifeguards nearby in season. Miramar Beach is one of 16 beach neighborhoods in South Walton, which together cover about 26 miles of Gulf shore. The Scenic Highway 98 Trail, about three miles long, is a paved path for walking, running and biking. Shopping is a big draw too, with outlets and an outdoor lifestyle center along US 98. Henderson Beach State Park is just over the line in Destin, and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is a short drive east for tall dunes and quieter sand.

When to visit Miramar Beach

Spring and fall are the easiest seasons for parking and traffic. In summer, US 98 between Destin and Sandestin moves slowly, so plan beach trips early in the day and use the regional accesses, which fill first.