The allure of the northwest coast of Florida is hard to ignore. Here, those travelers looking to step out of their daily routine and into a tropical escape will find all the right ingredients. Afternoons spent sipping a cocktail by the shoreline aren’t hard to find and for those that have a passion for shopping, dining, and Florida-inspired entertainment, the Emerald Coast promises to provide in abundance. This area of the state is also known for its world-class golf courses, beckoning to those travelers who can’t imagine a getaway with a set tee-time or two. However, it may be beach lovers that will find their imaginations most vividly coming to life when booking a trip this direction. When it comes to creating an itinerary that includes beach stops that are sure to inspire, be sure Crystal Sands Beach is at the top of your list of Destin beaches.
White Sands and Endless Things to Do In Destin FL
Crystal Sands Beach can be found at 2968 Scenic Gulf Drive in Miramar and a stop here is essential for those travelers to the Emerald Coast that just can’t get enough of afternoons soaking up the sun from the sand. Much as the name implies, this beach is known and loved for its stretches of sugar-white sands that are often compared to those Caribbean coastlines that are so pristine and unforgettable. Clear waters lap the shoreline at Crystal Sands Beach, one of the top Destin beaches, and if you come during the early morning hours, you’ll find that there’s plenty of tranquility to be enjoyed too.
This family-friendly beach becomes quite popular as the day stretches on with good reason. The combination of scenery and options for fun on the water makes it a convenient place to spend the day in style. If you’re in the mood to simply soak up the rays, sunbeds are available for rent while the options to bring your own beach gear to be enjoyed is always a possibility as well. Crystal Sands Beach is particularly popular amongst those visitors who enjoy time swimming, snorkeling and paddling their way through the day. Keep your eyes open for tropical fish and underwater plants that make for inspiring encounters along the way! Whether you’re looking for leisure or adrenaline-pumping fun, a day spent at Crystal Sands Beach is sure to please.
Beyond the Waves
While a vast majority of visitors to Crystal Sands Beach are drawn this direction in the name of sugar-white sands and crystal-clear waves, there’s a lot to see in the wave of coastal wildlife that can make the visit that much more exciting! Crystal Sands Beach is a beautiful place to come and enjoy time relaxing on the sand and under the sun, but it’s also a prime place for enthusiastic bird watchers to make the most of local and migratory species moving through during different times of the year. While northern mockingbirds and Great Blue Herons are always an exciting sight, those with a keen eye may get a glimpse of the rare Sprague’s Pipit or a Say’s Phoebe if they’re lucky and in the right place at the right time! Either way, it’s worth bringing your binoculars out for.
While watching for birds is often a favorite activity along the shoreline at Crystal Sands Beach, this area is part of a rich biological area that offers up options to get up close to incredible fish, turtles, mammals, reptiles, and plants too. Connecting with nature is easily done in a memorable way when you choose to spend a day or two at Crystal Sands Beach.
Proximity to Even More Outdoor Fun
For all of its unique beauty, intrigue, and options for spotting wildlife, part of the appeal of Crystal Sands Beach is its proximity to other inviting destinations where guests can round out their Emerald Coast journeys in a customized fashion. The iconic James Lee Park and Beach is a mere 1 mile from Crystal Sands Beach while Henderson Beach State Park is only a mile away as well! You can get to Miramar Beach in just 4 miles and Topsail Beach State Preserve is accessible just 9 miles away. If you’re looking to pair your time at Crystal Sands Beach with time enjoyed at Santa Rosa Beach, you’ll only have to travel 12 miles to do so. For travelers looking to make the most of Destin beach experiences with little ones in tow, knowing there are options to pick and choose different surroundings with ease at a moment’s notice can be a huge relief—especially when short attention spans are involved! For visitors who simply can’t wait to pack their beach-hopping itineraries with as many scenic options as possible, this is exactly what they’ve been hoping for all along. Wherever you land, it’s bound to be a beautiful day at the beach.
More to Enjoy on Beach Day in Destin
While time at Crystal Sands Beach is bound to be a highlight of your stay, all of that tanning, swimming, snorkeling, and scenery enjoying will surely leave you with an appetite to attend to eventually. Fortunately, this sunny locale isn’t far from some fantastic areas dining options that are perfect for pleasing the palate in true Florida style.
When you’re ready to get out of your beach chair and take a seat at a savory restaurant instead, Pompano Joe’s is a must! Located at 2237 Scenic Gulf Drive in Destin, Pompano Joe’s is a well-loved and lively seafood stop that features Caribbean-influenced fare that can be enjoyed from an outdoor patio overlooking the waves. Service here is notoriously friendly, and because its doors are open between 11:00 am and 9:00 pm, it’s an easy stop to fit into any beach-going schedule. Oysters, crab, calamari, and gumbo all grace the menu at Pompano Joe’s, but not trip this way is truly complete without ordering up a handcrafted cocktail to top off the savory post-beach moment. In the event that you arrive at Pompano Joe’s and the wait is a bit extensive (this is a popular stop after all) there’s no reason to worry. The restaurant features both an upstairs bar and a beach-level bar to sip time away while you wait for a table to be available.
Crab Trap Destin is another exciting eatery that’s not far from Crystal Sands Beach and would be a great choice for the entire family when you’re looking to refuel after a day of under the sun and on the sand fun! Located at 3500 Scenic Highway 98 East in Destin, Crab Trap is a spacious restaurant located right on the beach that offers up a rustic ambiance paired with friendly service standards. Take a seat inside or make the most of open-air patio dining and spend some well-deserved time watching the boats sail by as you make your way through the robust menu. Oysters, crab legs, tuna dip, fresh-caught fare, shrimp, and calamari are all delightful options—especially when you can combine the flavor with an amazing sunset view. The Crab Trap is open daily from 11:00 am until 10:00 pm and offers up a full kid’s menu for those that arrive to dine with little ones in tow too. The frozen daiquiris at this location come highly recommended, but it’s also hard to go wrong with a mouthwatering pina colada!
Savor Every Moment of Your Stay
Whether you’re here for the beach, shopping, dining or beyond, a trip this direction is always a great idea. Focus on the fun and let the team at The Breakers of Fort Walton Beach handle your accommodation details. Contact us for more information on lodging and things to do in Destin FL. Book Airbnb rentals in Fort Walton Beach here. Book our rentals with air conditioners in Fort Walton Beach here.
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