Spring in to savings with our Spring promo happening now! Click Here!

Top 5 Emerald Coast Beaches

Emerald Coast Beaches

Few destinations can match the natural splendor of the Emerald Coast of Florida. Our stretch of coastline, aptly named after its pristine emerald-green waters, beckons families seeking an unforgettable beach vacation. Stay with Gibson Beach Rentals and access beautiful Emerald Coast beaches near your vacation rental in Destin, Miramar Beach, or Panama City Beach. Spend your Florida getaway sunbathing, swimming, paddling, snorkeling, and fishing at some of the most beautiful beaches in the country!  

1. Henderson Beach State Park

Henderson Beach State Park is one of the largest and best beaches on the Emerald Coast, located in Destin. Spend time at the family-oriented beach and enjoy swimming, sunbathing, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The park offers amenities like grills, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, restroom facilities, and shower stations to make your time at the beach a breeze!

 

Please use caution swimming here since lifeguards are not provided and adhere to the warning flags indicating swimming conditions. 

2. John C. Beasley Park

John C. Beasley Park is located in Fort Walton Beach and offers beautiful white sand beaches to complement your water adventures. The park is popular for swimming, fishing, sunbathing, wildlife watching, and sunset viewing. Amenities include pavilions, restrooms, and guest parking spaces. You can also find fantastic restaurants and family-friendly entertainment nearby after your day on the beach!

3. James Lee Park

James Lee Park offers a fantastic, family-friendly beach in Destin! Enjoy activities such as swimming, beachcombing, and fishing. Amenities include nine dune walkovers, pavilions, picnic tables, parking spaces, playgrounds, restrooms, and showers. This beach is an excellent alternative if you don’t want to pay for Henderson Beach!

4. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is in Santa Rosa Beach and offers three miles of pristine beaches. Have fun at the beach swimming, fishing, beachcombing, biking, suntanning, and wildlife watching! While you are here, you can also explore 15 miles of hiking trails, paddle the Gulf of Mexico, enjoy a picnic at Campbell Lake, and have fun at the playground.

5. Grayton Beach State Park

Also located in Santa Rosa Beach, Grayton Beach consistently ranks as one of the best beaches in the country! Take your family to the one-mile white sand beach, ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and surf fishing. During your visit, we recommend hiking the 4.5-mile trail, paddling the coastal dune lake, keeping an eye out for wildlife, and having a picnic together. 

Stay at Emerald Coast Beachfront Vacation Rentals

Book your getaway and discover the best Emerald Coast beaches for yourself! We recommend our properties within the TOPS’L Beach & Racquet Resort and Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Both resorts are beachfront and offer direct access to our beautiful white sand beaches. Please read our Beach Tips and FAQs for more information, and book your Florida beach getaway today!

Published by Sarah Reinke
Friday, September 29, 2023