15 Best Things to Do in Miramar Beach
With sugar-white sand, turquoise waters, and nearly endless sunshine, Miramar Beach is one of the most gorgeous vacation destinations on Florida’s Emerald Coast. While you may never want to leave the beach or your beachfront vacation home (and we can’t blame you), there’s so much more to do in this seaside paradise. Whether you want to soak up some sun, explore nature, play a round of golf, shop, or enjoy the local cuisine — this is your travel guide to Miramar Beach! 1. Enjoy the Beaches Of course, spending some time with your toes in the sand tops our list of things to do in Miramar Beach. It’s home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Florida Panhandle with its turquoise waters and gorgeous Gulf views. Enjoy lounging beachside, swimming, or just taking a stroll on that sugary soft sand. While days at the beach are fun, don’t forget about the evenings too. Catching the gorgeous glow of a sunset over the Gulf of Mexico is a must-do while vacationing in Miramar Beach! 2. Play a Round of Golf Miramar Beach and the surrounding areas of Destin and Fort Walton Beach are home to plenty of places to tee off. You’ll find dozens of golf courses with gorgeous greens, challenging features, and even some with ocean views. Enjoy playing a round of 9, 18, or even 36 holes — or just hit up the driving range to work on your backswing. You can also book private golf lessons with expert instructors at local Golf Clubs. Whatever kind of golf you want to play, you’ll find it just minutes from your vacation home in Miramar Beach. These are some of the most popular: 3. Get Out On The Water The clear waters are calling, and you must go! If you’re up for an adventure, you’ll find plenty of water sports in Miramar Beach, including kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, and much more. Want to explore what’s beneath the waves? Grab your snorkel mask and check out one of the artificial reefs that are just offshore and teeming with marine life. This is also a great opportunity to go on a dolphin tour! Sunshine Destin offers sunset and dolphin watching expeditions. You can also visit the nearby beaches of Destin, Grayton Beach, or Santa Rosa Beach. All are just minutes away and offer more gorgeous beaches, snorkeling reefs, and watersports. 4. Shop the Grand Boulevard Miramar Beach is a shopper’s paradise. From high-end fashion to one-of-a-kind handmade goods, you’ll find it all. Browse over 110 stores at the Silver Sands Premium Outlets with brands like Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, and Calvin Klein. Or, stroll the chic boutiques of Grand Boulevard for high-end accessories, one-of-a-kind jewelry, and luxury housewares. There are also tons of charming beach shops, souvenir stores, and antique sellers found around the Miramar Beach and Greater Destin-Fort Walton Beach area. You never know what treasure you might find to commemorate your vacation! 5. Go Fishing With Destin, known as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village,” as your next-door neighbor, there’s no shortage of places to reel in your next big catch. Of course, you can fish the waters right on Miramar Beach, but if you want to head offshore, there are plenty of fishing charters in Destin. The waters of the Gulf of Mexico are home to a wide variety of fish, including mahi-mahi, grouper, tuna, snapper, and many more. You can also head to the Okaloosa Island Pier, which stretches over 1,200 feet into the Gulf water and is an excellent spot for fishing. The pier store sells everything you need for a day of fishing, from fishing licenses to bait and tackle. 6. Bike The Scenic Highway 98 Trail A favorite among locals and visitors alike, the Scenic Highway 98 Trail is a three-mile stretch of pedestrian trails that connect Miramar Beach and Destin. The trail winds through several different neighborhoods and beach access sites. You can walk, jog, or skate this trail, but a favorite local pastime is to bike it. Don’t worry — you’ll find plenty of bike rental options around the area! 7. Take a Trip to Crab Island Less than 30 minutes west of Miramar Beach, you’ll find the floating paradise known as Crab Island. While not actually an island, Crab Island is a sandbar just off the Destin Harbor known for its incredibly clear, blue-green water. Here, you’ll find scores of boats, floating restaurants and vendors, and one big party on the water. You can reach Crab Island by renting a boat, taking a tour, or hopping on the Crab Island Shuttle. 8. Find Endless Fun on The Grand Boulevard With an endless array of shops, restaurants, live shows, and a movie theater – The Grand Boulevard is the epicenter of entertainment near Miramar Beach. You’ll find everything from luxury stores to unique boutiques, plus pop-up markets, craft fairs, farmer’s markets, and more. When hunger hits, you’ll find every type of cuisine, from cafes and casual bites to seafood, steaks, and fine dining. Be sure to check the events calendar; from concerts to festivals, there’s always something happening on The Grand Boulevard. 9. Visit Okaloosa Island Just about 30 minutes west of Miramar Beach, you’ll find Okaloosa Island, which has more gorgeous beaches and fun things to do. The Okaloosa Island Boardwalk is the perfect place to shop, dine, catch some live music, or just grab some ice cream and stroll the boardwalk. Or, take a walk out onto the pier for epic views and a chance to some truly amazing sea life. Sharks, dolphins, stingrays, and more are commonly spotted swimming in the waters below the pier. 10. Have a Spa Day In the mood for some pampering? The Miramar Beach area boasts several spas where you can unwind and recharge. Enjoy a signature massage, body wrap, or facial at Emerald Sanctuary Spa. Try a cutting-edge treatment with cryotherapy, red light therapy, or hydromassage at Ain’t