Miramar Beach

Birders should consider a visit to Topsail Hill Preserve State Park – about 5 miles east of Miramar Beach – to spot species like ospreys and threatened snowy plovers along 15 miles of trails. – Susan B. Barnes

Explore Miramar Beach

For a different seaside experience in the Destin area, head less than 10 miles east to Miramar Beach. The vibe in Miramar Beach harkens back to a classic beach town with surf shops, scenic roads, and tasty spots to eat.

Activities

Whether you enjoy lounging on the sand, playing beach volleyball, zipping across the water on a Jet Ski, or getting a bird's-eye view while parasailing, it's all here. Off the beach, you can play a round of golf, take to the courts for a tennis match, shop to your heart's content, or enjoy views of the Gulf on a bike ride along the area's first beach cruising zone.

Dune Lakes

Still, one of the highlights of spending time in Miramar Beach is visiting the area's 15 coastal dune lakes located just east. Found in very few places on Earth – including Australia, New Zealand, and Madagascar – these ecologically important lakes store and filter water. They have an average depth of about 5 feet and serve as habitats for plants and animals. A state park, like Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, is the best way to access these lakes.

Visitor Insights

Visitors who have spent time in Miramar Beach call it a terrific seaside community, though they warn of heavy traffic during busier seasons. For more information, visit the South Walton tourism board website.