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:

• Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort: The Links
• Seascape Golf Beach & Tennis Resort: Seascape
• Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort: Baytowne

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 Life Cool Cryotherapy Health & Wellness Center. Or, for a truly special treat, bring the spa to your vacation home with Anara Emerald Coast. Enjoy a poolside massage, reflexology session, and more in the comfort of your vacation home.

11. Go Wine Tasting

If you’re a wine lover, you’re in for a treat in Miramar Beach. Enjoy some wine, cheese, and charcuterie at The Wine Bar. Sip and shop at Emerald Coast Wine Cellars, which features local wines made from Muscadine grapes. Score a great vintage at Vinti’j Food & Wine, where you can sip some wine, savor a chef-crafted meal, and browse the boutique for that perfect bottle to take back to your vacation rental.

If you’re visiting in the spring, the South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival takes place just minutes from Miramar Beach and is a must-do!

12. Explore the Local Art Galleries

Miramar Beach and the greater Destin-Fort Walton Beach area are home to numerous art galleries, artist workshops, and showrooms. Browse one-of-a-kind pieces at the Emerald Coast Fine Art Gallery. Immerse yourself in eclectic animal-themed works at The Zoo Gallery.

Or, get creative on your own at the Miramar Beach Creative Campus, where you can take art classes, ceramics workshops, and more.

13. Take a Sunset Cruise

The Emerald Coast is known for its striking sunsets, and there’s no better way to enjoy one than on a sunset cruise. You’ll find plenty of options for sunset cruises sailing out of Destin Harbor and other nearby marinas. Some even include champagne, dinner, and dancing. A sunset cruise can be the perfect way to end your day in beautiful Miramar Beach.

AJ’s Water Adventures and SunVenture Cruises are two excellent options.

14. Explore Miramar’s Nature

The Miramar Beach area is full of beautiful parks, nature preserves, and trails to explore. Hike the sand dunes and enjoy the ocean views at Topsail Hill Preserve. Explore historic sites and blooming flowers at Eden Gardens State Park. Grab your camera and look for wildlife at the Coffeen Nature Preserve, home to deer, bald eagles, foxes, alligators, armadillos, and more.

Make a day of it with a trip to Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, just about 30 minutes away from Miramar Beach. Hike through rocky pinelands, kayak on the Bayou, and if you’re lucky, you may spot some alligators and wading birds.

15. Kid-Friendly Fun

If you’re traveling with little ones, there are plenty of things for kids to do in this gem of a beach town and its surrounding areas. Kids of all ages will enjoy the many beaches, parks with playgrounds, and waterparks. You can also pop over to Okaloosa Island for a visit to the Gulfarium Marine Park or the thrills of Wild Willy’s Adventure Zone.

You’ll find kid-friendly restaurants, ice cream shops, mini-golf, bowling, laser tag, and more when you need a break from the sun. For some one-of-a-kind family fun, book a ride on the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise, perfect your sandcastle-building skills at Beach Sand Sculptures, or try your luck on the ropes course and zipline at Baytowne Adventure Zone.

Stay and Play in Miramar Beach

Whether you’re planning a relaxing retreat, a group golf getaway, or a fun-filled family beach vacation, Legacy Beach Homes has everything you need to plan your perfect stay.

Enjoy thoughtfully curated vacation homes with pools, private beach access, and luxury amenities for even the biggest families — our homes sleep up to 26 guests!

Book your stay now for the ultimate Miramar Beach vacation!