By Marie Babin Team
Just east of Destin, Miramar Beach combines Gulf views, golf, and shopping along a short stretch of U.S. Highway 98. It's home to high-rise condos, beach neighborhoods along Scenic Gulf Drive, and the communities inside Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Because it sits in Walton County rather than Destin's Okaloosa County, it also comes with its own local rules and services. Here's our guide to living in Miramar Beach and what to know before you make a move.
Key Takeaways
- Miramar Beach is an unincorporated community in Walton County, about seven miles east of downtown Destin.
- Miramar Beach Regional Beach Access and Miramar Park offer public access to the Gulf.
- Walton County's Leave No Trace ordinance treats personal items left on the beach overnight as abandoned.
- Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort spans 2,400 acres with 72 holes of golf.
Where Miramar Beach Fits on the Coast
Miramar Beach sits along U.S. 98 about seven miles east of downtown Destin and is home to Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. It's a census-designated place in unincorporated Walton County, with a population of 8,002 in the 2020 Census.
Scenic Gulf Drive runs closer to the water than U.S. 98, passing beach neighborhoods, parks, and public accesses. Along U.S. 98, you'll find high-rise condos, shopping centers, and restaurants.
Scenic Gulf Drive runs closer to the water than U.S. 98, passing beach neighborhoods, parks, and public accesses. Along U.S. 98, you'll find high-rise condos, shopping centers, and restaurants.
Miramar Beach at a Glance
- Located in unincorporated Walton County
- About seven miles east of downtown Destin
- Scenic Gulf Drive for beach neighborhoods and access points
- A mix of condos, single-family homes, and resort communities
Beach Days on Scenic Gulf Drive
The main public entry point is Miramar Beach Regional Beach Access at 2375 Scenic Gulf Drive. Nearby, Miramar Park is free to use and has three Gulf access points, including one that's ADA accessible.
Water activities are easy to find, too. Stand-up paddleboarding, parasailing, and guided snorkeling trips are all available along this part of the Gulf.
Water activities are easy to find, too. Stand-up paddleboarding, parasailing, and guided snorkeling trips are all available along this part of the Gulf.
Ways to Enjoy the Beach
- Start your day at Miramar Beach Regional Beach Access
- Use the ADA-accessible entry at Miramar Park
- Try stand-up paddleboarding on calm mornings
- Book a guided snorkeling trip
Know the Leave No Trace Rules
Living near the beach in Walton County means following the county's Leave No Trace ordinance. Personal property left on the beach between one hour after dusk and one hour after sunrise is considered abandoned unless the owner has a county permit.
Items left under or attached to public beach walkovers are also removed, and anything removed can't be recovered. Beachfront property owners and renters can place items in a neat bundle at the toe of the dune.
Items left under or attached to public beach walkovers are also removed, and anything removed can't be recovered. Beachfront property owners and renters can place items in a neat bundle at the toe of the dune.
Leave No Trace Basics
- Pack up chairs, umbrellas, and toys by one hour after dusk
- Store items neatly at the toe of the dune if you live on the beach
- Keep items away from public beach walkovers
- Contact Walton County about permits for larger items like sailboats
Golf, Tennis, and Baytowne Wharf
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort covers 2,400 acres with frontage on both the Gulf and Choctawhatchee Bay. It offers four championship golf courses with 72 holes in total, along with 15 tennis courts.
The resort is also home to the Village of Baytowne Wharf, a 28-acre pedestrian-only village next to the marina. Its shops, restaurants, and bars make it an easy choice for an evening out.
The resort is also home to the Village of Baytowne Wharf, a 28-acre pedestrian-only village next to the marina. Its shops, restaurants, and bars make it an easy choice for an evening out.
Recreation Highlights at Sandestin
- Raven, Burnt Pine, The Links, and Baytowne golf courses
- 15 hard and clay tennis courts
- Shops and dining at the Village of Baytowne Wharf
- A marina on Choctawhatchee Bay
Shopping and Everyday Conveniences
Shopping is close to home in Miramar Beach. Silver Sands Premium Outlets sits along U.S. 98, and Grand Boulevard offers an outdoor mix of shops and restaurants nearby.
Travel is convenient too. Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport serves the area with commercial flights, and U.S. 98 connects Miramar Beach with Destin to the west and South Walton's beach communities to the east.
Travel is convenient too. Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport serves the area with commercial flights, and U.S. 98 connects Miramar Beach with Destin to the west and South Walton's beach communities to the east.
Everyday Highlights
- Silver Sands Premium Outlets on U.S. 98
- Shopping and dining at Grand Boulevard
- Easy access to Destin along U.S. 98
- Commercial flights from Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport
FAQs
What is living in Miramar Beach like?
Living in Miramar Beach means easy Gulf access, golf and tennis at Sandestin, and shopping along U.S. 98. Housing ranges from high-rise condos to single-family homes and resort communities.
Is Miramar Beach part of Destin?
No. Miramar Beach is an unincorporated community in Walton County, while Destin is a city in Okaloosa County. Miramar Beach sits about seven miles east of downtown Destin along U.S. 98.
Where is the main public beach access in Miramar Beach?
Miramar Beach Regional Beach Access is at 2375 Scenic Gulf Drive. Miramar Park also offers free Gulf access, including an ADA-accessible entry.
Contact the Marie Babin Team About Living in Miramar Beach
Miramar Beach offers beach access, recreation, and everyday conveniences in one stretch of the coast. Finding the right home comes down to how you want to spend your time, from the beach to the golf course.
If you're thinking about buying or selling in Miramar Beach, reach out to the Marie Babin Team, and we'll help you find a home that fits the way you want to live on the coast.
If you're thinking about buying or selling in Miramar Beach, reach out to the Marie Babin Team, and we'll help you find a home that fits the way you want to live on the coast.
