Miramar Beach, Florida, makes it easy to combine beach days with outdoor adventures, shopping, and excellent dining. The most popular things to do in Miramar Beach include relaxing on its sugar-white beaches, taking a dolphin cruise, paddling the coastal dune lakes at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, shopping at Silver Sands Premium Outlets, playing golf at Sandestin, and spending an evening at The Village of Baytowne Wharf.
Spend the morning on the sand, take a dolphin cruise in the afternoon, and finish with fresh seafood or sunset views. When you need a break from the heat, nearby nature trails, outlet shopping, and indoor attractions offer plenty of alternatives.
Whether you’re planning a family vacation or a couples’ getaway, this Miramar Beach, Florida travel guide covers the best things to do in the area, from water sports to day trips, along with practical tips for choosing when to visit and where to stay.
Where Is Miramar Beach?
Miramar Beach sits on Highway 98 in Walton County, on Florida’s Emerald Coast. It’s tucked between Destin to the west and the 30A beach towns to the east.
The area is home to Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, so you’ll see that name a lot. Silver Sands Premium Outlets sits in the heart of Miramar Beach, a short drive from central Destin depending on traffic.
Pull up a Miramar Beach map before you go. Most of what you’ll want to do is along Highway 98, so getting around is easy. A car helps, since things are spread out along the coast.
Locals tend to think of Miramar Beach in two parts. Scenic Gulf Drive runs right along the Gulf, lined with condos, vacation homes, beach access points, and casual beach bars. Sandestin, farther east, is a large resort community with its own golf courses, marina, and The Village of Baytowne Wharf, so it’s the hub for most things to do near Sandestin. Staying along Scenic Gulf Drive keeps you close to the sand, while staying in or near Sandestin puts golf, dining, and evening fun closer at hand. In summer, traffic on Highway 98 can slow down between Destin and Sandestin, so choosing a rental near the activities you care about most can save a lot of time in the car.
Hitting the Beach in Miramar Beach
Let’s start with the obvious. The beaches here are the main event.
Expect soft, sugar-white sand. The water shifts from emerald to deep green depending on the light and the day. Miramar Beach has several public access points along its stretch of coast, so you don’t need to stay in front of a resort to enjoy the sand. Neighborhood, resort, and private beach access varies by property, so check how your rental reaches the beach before you book.
Go early if you want a quiet spot. Mornings are often calmer, and the water tends to be clearest before the wind picks up.
Bring a beach tent or umbrella, but check the rules first. Some resort beaches don’t allow canopies. Pack water and reef-safe sunscreen too. Before anyone swims, check the beach warning flags and current conditions, since surf and rip currents can change quickly, even on sunny days.
Water Activities and Boat Tours
If you only do one thing on the water, make it a boat trip. The Gulf is the reason most people come here.
Dolphin Cruises and Boat Tours
Dolphins are a regular sight along this coast. Cruises head out from Destin Harbor and Sandestin and usually run about 90 minutes to two hours. Many have shade, restrooms, and snacks, which helps with little kids.
Not sure which one to book? Our guide to the best dolphin cruises in Destin for families breaks down the options. It covers what each one offers and which ones suit younger travelers.
Morning trips are often cooler. Sunset cruises are great for couples and photos.
Kayaking, Paddleboarding, and the Coastal Dune Lakes
Here’s something many visitors miss. This stretch of Florida has rare coastal dune lakes, which are freshwater lakes that sit right beside the Gulf. There are only a handful of places like this in the world.
They’re perfect for paddling. The water is usually calm, and the scenery is wild. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park has a canoe and kayak launch on Campbell Lake, but the park doesn’t list on-site rentals, so bring your own board or check with a local outfitter first.
Beginners do well on the lakes. The Gulf is better for people who already feel steady on a board.
Jet Skis, Parasailing, and Fishing Charters
Want more speed? Jet ski rentals and parasailing are easy to find along the coast. Many operators run out of Destin Harbor, a short drive west.
Fishing is huge here too. Charters range from half-day trips to full-day deep-sea outings. Captains usually handle the gear and licenses, so you just show up and reel.
Book ahead in summer. Popular trips fill up fast, especially on weekends.
Outdoor Adventures and State Parks
You don’t need to stay on the sand all day. The parks nearby are some of the best in Florida. Protected coastal habitats and paved recreational trails offer alternatives to the beach, particularly for visitors who enjoy hiking, cycling, or birdwatching.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
This is a local favorite, and it’s easy to see why. The park covers about 1,600 acres. It offers more than 3 miles of beach and over 10 miles of trails, along with great birdwatching.
A tram usually runs from the day-use parking area toward the beach, which is handy with coolers and kids. Construction on a new visitor center has moved the tram stop, so check the park’s current notices before you go. The park’s namesake dune is a ship’s-sail shape that rises above the water.
Trails start at the day-use lot and split off from there. Bring bug spray in warmer months, and plan to arrive early. Hours are 8 a.m. until sundown, and admission is $6 per vehicle.
Henderson Beach State Park
Henderson Beach is just up the road in Destin, so it makes a great add-on. It’s known for rolling dunes, clear water, and a calmer feel than the public beaches.
One thing to know before you go. Since May 15, 2026, the park has required day-use reservations for entry, including for Florida State Parks annual pass holders. Pedestrians and bicyclists don’t need one, and campers show their camping reservation instead. You can book up to 60 days in advance, and there’s no additional reservation fee. You simply pay the standard admission online when you book, which is $6 for a vehicle with two to eight people. The park opens at 8 a.m. and closes at sundown.
Biking the Timpoochee and Scenic 98 Trails
Biking is one of the easiest ways to see the area. The paved Timpoochee Trail runs along Scenic 30A just east of Miramar Beach. The Scenic Highway 98 Trail is a flat, paved route that’s good for families.
Rentals are easy to find, and many come with helmets and baskets. Ride in the morning if you can. The Florida sun gets strong by midday.
Shopping at Silver Sands and Grand Boulevard
Shopping is a big draw here. Both Silver Sands and Grand Boulevard are mostly outdoor, walkable centers, so bring an umbrella if showers are in the forecast.
Silver Sands Premium Outlets has more than 100 stores. You’ll find brands like Kate Spade, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Tory Burch. It’s open-air, so you’ll walk outside between shops, and there’s plenty of parking.
Hours vary by day, season, and holiday, so check the center’s website before you go.
Grand Boulevard feels different. It’s a walkable, open-air town center with boutiques, restaurants, and the AMC Classic Boulevard 10 movie theater. It’s a nice spot for an evening stroll after a long beach day.
Locals often shop at Silver Sands in the morning, then head to Grand Boulevard for dinner.
Where to Eat in Miramar Beach
Miramar Beach has a lot of great food, from casual beach spots to dressy dinners. Seafood is the star, and you’ll see fresh Gulf catches on most menus.
For a nice night out, Grand Boulevard has a strong lineup. Emeril’s Coastal, Tommy Bahama Restaurant, and Grimaldi’s Pizzeria are all there. Grimaldi’s works well with kids, and Emeril’s is better for a special occasion.
The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin, one of the most popular Miramar Beach attractions, is another good bet. It has a long list of restaurants and bars, and it’s lively at night.
Not sure where to start? Ask your host. The best restaurants in Miramar Beach are often small spots that don’t look like much from the road. Reservations help during spring break and summer.
Best Things to Do with Kids in Miramar Beach
Miramar Beach is great for families, and many of the best Miramar Beach family activities are close to the sand. The beaches are wide, and the sand is soft, so kids can play for hours.
Here are a few easy wins:
- Take a dolphin cruise, since kids love spotting fins
- Ride the tram at Topsail Hill (when it’s running) and look for birds and crabs
- Ride the carousel at Baytowne Wharf
- Try the Blast Arcade or the Baytowne Adventure Zone’s zipline and ropes course
- Rent bikes and ride a flat, paved trail
Pack snacks and extra water. Shade is limited on the beach, so a pop-up tent can save the day, where it’s allowed.
Rainy-Day and Indoor Activities
Florida weather can turn fast. A pop-up storm doesn’t have to end your day.
Silver Sands is a good plan B, since you can duck into shops as showers pass, though you’ll walk outside between stores. At Grand Boulevard, you can catch a movie at the AMC Classic Boulevard 10 or settle in for a long lunch. At Baytowne Wharf, the Blast Arcade & Laser Maze is a fun indoor stop for kids.
You can also book a spa day. Some afternoon showers pass quickly, but always monitor local weather conditions.
Golfing in Miramar Beach
Golf fans are in the right place. Sandestin has four championship courses. Baytowne, The Raven, and The Links offer tee times to the public and resort guests, while Burnt Pine is a semi-private course open only to members and registered Sandestin resort guests.
Tee times fill up in spring and fall, so book early. Summer rounds start at sunrise to beat the heat, and twilight rates are often a good deal.
You don’t have to be a pro. Many courses welcome casual players, and Sandestin offers lessons. Courses close for routine maintenance a few times a year, so check the schedule when you book.
Day Trips from Miramar Beach
You can see a lot without driving far. Here are a few easy ones.
- Destin Harbor. Fishing boats, restaurants, and shops are a short drive west, depending on where you’re staying and traffic. It’s good for a sunset walk.
- 30A beach towns. Grayton Beach, Seaside, and Rosemary Beach are close, and each has its own look. Grayton is laid back, while Seaside is colorful and walkable.
- Panama City Beach. It’s about an hour east, depending on your starting point and traffic, with a lively pier and plenty of attractions.
- Pensacola. It’s a longer drive west, so plan for a full day, but the historic downtown and naval aviation sites make it worth it.
Check traffic first. Highway 98 can back up in summer and on holiday weekends.
Best Time to Visit Miramar Beach
The best time depends on what you like.
Spring and fall are a sweet spot. Days are warm, crowds are smaller, and prices are often lower. April, May, September, and October are popular with locals.
Summer is peak season. It’s hot, busy, and full of energy, and the water feels like a warm bath. Highs often hover around 90, so plan for early mornings and late afternoons.
Winter is quiet. It’s too cool to swim for most people, but it’s great for golf, biking, and long walks.
Remember that hurricane season runs from June through November. Check the Miramar Beach weather forecast before you travel, and consider travel insurance for late summer trips.
Where to Stay in Miramar Beach
You’ve got plenty of options, from big resorts to private homes. For families and groups, a vacation rental usually makes the most sense. You get a full kitchen, more space, and a place to rinse off after the beach. When choosing one, look at beach access first, since some homes and condos have resort or private beach access while others use nearby public or neighborhood access points. Then think about which activities you’ll visit most and how much summer traffic you want to deal with.
Gulf Style Rentals is a boutique, locally owned company that manages homes from Destin to Panama City Beach. It’s ranked #2 for Guest Ratings in Destin & Miramar Beach (AirDNA’s 2026 Best Management Companies), and its local team knows these neighborhoods well. Here are three Miramar Beach options to give you an idea of what’s out there.
Majestic Sun at Seascape Resort. These Gulf-view condos sit directly across Scenic Gulf Drive from the beach, with a variety of condo sizes and layouts available through Gulf Style Rentals. Majestic Sun has a Gulf-view outdoor pool with two hot tubs and an indoor heated pool. There’s also a fitness center, plus tennis and pickleball courts on the Seascape grounds. Details vary by unit, so check the individual listing before you book.
Hidden Dunes Beach and Tennis Resort. This gated, 27-acre resort has three pools (two heated seasonally), a toddler pool, and three hot tubs. It also has a large tennis and pickleball center and a catch-and-release fishing lake. The beach is right there, with no roads to cross. Silver Sands is about a mile away, so shopping is easy.
Frangista Beach. Gulf Style Rentals manages several vacation homes near one another in this Scenic Gulf Drive neighborhood, many with private pools, plus wide sidewalks that are great for walks and bike rides. That makes Frangista Beach a natural fit for extended families, reunions, wedding groups, and friends traveling together who want to stay close while still having their own space. Each household can book its own home and still be just down the street from everyone else. Availability varies by property and dates, so book early and ask the team which nearby homes are open. Beach access details vary by home, so check each listing. Pompano Joe’s, The Whale’s Tail, and Royal Palm Grille are all nearby.
Many Gulf Style Rentals homes include extras like a coffee bar, beach gear, or a pack-n-play, but amenities vary by property, so confirm the details on each listing. You can browse all of the Miramar Beach vacation rentals and compare homes side by side.
Booking directly may help guests avoid certain third-party platform fees, and the local team at Gulf Style Rentals can help you compare homes, understand beach access, and find the right fit for your group, whether that’s one condo or several homes close together. Spring break and summer fill up early, so lock in your dates as soon as you can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Miramar Beach the same as Destin?
No, they’re separate communities, but they sit side by side. Miramar Beach is in Walton County, just east of Destin. It’s a bit quieter and more spread out, and Destin is just a short drive west.
Is Miramar Beach good for families?
Yes. The beaches are wide with soft sand, and there’s plenty for kids to do. Dolphin cruises, bike trails, the Baytowne Wharf carousel, and arcades keep everyone busy. Just check the beach flags before anyone swims.
What is the best time of year to visit Miramar Beach?
Spring and fall are the best for most people. You’ll find warm weather, fewer crowds, and better rates. Summer is great if you love heat and a busy beach.
What is there to do in Miramar Beach when it rains?
Shop Silver Sands between showers, catch a movie at Grand Boulevard, or head to the Blast Arcade & Laser Maze at Baytowne Wharf. Some afternoon showers pass quickly, but always monitor local weather conditions.
How far is Miramar Beach from Destin?
Miramar Beach borders Destin to the east, so the drive is short. Exact distance and drive time depend on where you start, and Highway 98 traffic can add time in summer, so plan ahead.
