Multiple publications, including Travel and Leisure, Forbes, and Southern Living to name a few, have written about the beauty and majesty that is the Emerald Coast. It’s hard to beat a view of the sugar white sand and sparkling emerald water. Whether you want a front row seat with your toes in the sand or you prefer watching the waves roll in from your beachfront balcony, there are numerous spots in Destin and along scenic 30A where you can experience the beauty that is the Gulf of Mexico.
Henderson Beach State Park
Some of the best views in Destin can be found at Henderson Beach State Park. With pristine beaches, 30-foot white sand dunes and warm Gulf waters, the natural beauty of the Emerald Coast is always within sight. Bring a comfortable beach chair and watch the waves roll in all day long!
Norriego Point
Located at the west end of Holiday Isle, Norriego Point is a white sand peninsula that offers views of the Destin Harbor and East Pass, which leads to the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can watch the boats cruise by, look for dolphins and peek over at Crab Island. When you’re ready for a change of scenery, continue walking toward the Destin Jetties, where you will find people fishing, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
Destin Harbor Boardwalk
For the best view of “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” take a walk along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. Stretching almost a mile from Destin Yacht Club to HarborWalk Village, the boardwalk parallels the harbor and offers easy access to local fishing charter boats, outdoor retail vendors, great restaurants, and a variety of water activities. It’s a great place to watch boats cruise by, wait for the sun to set or keep an eye out for dolphins.
Grayton Beach State Park
In addition to the famous Gulf Coast beaches, Grayton Beach State Park also features four miles of trails through a coastal forest and a rare Coastal Dune Lake. Whether you want to relax on the beach or paddle on Western Lake, the whole family will enjoy the views and activities available at this outdoor oasis along 30A.
Scenic 30A Beach Accesses
You don’t need to walk on the sand to enjoy breathtaking beach views. Most of the public beach access points along 30A are at a higher elevation than the coastline, so you can take in sweeping views of the turquoise water.
Rooftop Restaurants
There are several restaurants along scenic 30A that boast beautiful rooftops. Enjoy dinner with a view and sip on a refreshing cocktail as you watch the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico. A few favorites include Pescado in Rosemary Beach, Havana Beach Bar and Grill in Rosemary Beach, and Bud and Alley’s in Seaside.
Beachfront Balconies
While being out and about is exciting and the views are gorgeous, you can also witness the glory from the privacy of your own beachfront balcony. My Vacation Haven offers multiple properties that come with a beach view. All that is missing is you!
*all information is deemed accurate but subject to change