Parks
Parks
Parks for Family Fun in Destin and Fort Walton Beach, FL
One of the great things about visiting the Emerald Coast, is experiencing all of the natural beauty this area has to offer. From the calm waters of the Choctawhatchee Bay, to the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the Destin-FWB area is home to tons of luscious landscapes and scenic views. With that being said, a trip to Destin and Fort Walton Beach provides the perfect opportunity to relax and reconnect with nature.
When it comes to connecting with nature, it doesn’t get much better than visiting a local park. Parks in Destin-FWB are not only a wonderful way to have fun in the great outdoors, but they also have a marvelous way of capturing the area’s natural beauty. A trip to the park is a sure-fire way to witness and appreciate the scenic splendor that the Emerald Coast has to offer.
Not only that, Destin-FWB parks are a ton of fun! From making a splash at a beach park situated along the gorgeous Gulf waters, to parks with playgrounds for an afternoon of family fun, the options are practically endless. Whichever Destin-FWB park you decide to visit, you’re sure to create magical family memories that will last a lifetime!
POPULAR PARKS IN DESTIN-FWB
Destin-FWB is known far and wide for is picturesque panoramic views that stretch far as the eye can see! With that being said, it probably comes as no surprise that there are an abundance of parks available to visit for those ready to take it all in. Locals and visitors alike love spending a family-friendly day at the park, as it’s a great way to make lasting memories with your favorite people.
Parks in Destin-FWB come in all shapes and sizes, as well, with something for all types of travelers! From parks with pavilions and grills for a family reunion or outing, to parks with playgrounds created with the little ones in mind, the options are limitless. Below are a few of the top Destin-FWB parks to choose from to get outside and enjoy some fun in the sun!
Clement Taylor Park
DESTIN
Outdoor enthusiasts will love Clement Taylor Park! This 3.55-acre park boasts scenic views of Crab Island, and amenities include a waterfront gazebo, pavilion, grill area, and playground; and that’s just to name a few!
Children's Park at Morgan Sports Center
DESTIN
The Children’s Park is located on the east side of the Morgan Sports Center. This park is fun for all ages, and offers picnic tables, as well as a variety of playground equipment to its visitors.
Mattie Kelly Park and Nature Walk
DESTIN
Mattie Kelly Park and Nature Walk offers luscious landscapes and scenic views. Visitors can explore this protected bayou ecosystem by taking a stroll through the boardwalk or down the fishing pier.
The Landing
FORT WALTON BEACH
The Landing boasts 700 feet of waterfront boardwalk, and is a popular destination for locals and travelers alike. Visitors to this picturesque park can enjoy live music on certain nights of the week, as well as amazing annual events like the Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival, the Native American Festival, and so much more!
Liza Jackson Park
fort walton beach
Liza Jackson Park is a scenic slice of paradise in Fort Walton Beach, FL, known for being home to a wide variety of fabulous flora and fauna. Informative signage along the boardwalk creates an entertaining and educational experience, as well.
Buck Destin Park
DESTIN
Buck Destin Park is a fan favorite among families in Destin and FWB. This park comes equipped with tennis courts, basketball courts, picnic tables, a playground, and more!
Ferry Park
FORT WALTON BEACH
Ferry Park is a popular spot in Fort Walton Beach for outdoor recreation as it has a one-mile fitness trail, disc golf course, four lighted tennis courts, a playground, and so much more! This picturesque park creates ample opportunity to reconnect with nature, and enjoy some fun in the sun.
Ross Marler Park
FORT WALTON BEACH
Ross Marler Park on Okaloosa Island is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors with your favorite people! This massive park features an outdoor field, playground, swimming area, boat launch, multiple covered pavilions, and more.
STATE PARKS ALONG THE EMERALD COAST
Destin-FWB is a nature-lovers paradise, as there are so many parks in the area that were established to protect the local nature. In fact, there are multiple state parks in Destin-FWB that provide visitors with pristine and untouched natural beauty you have to see to believe! A trip to the state park is a great way to witness the scenic sights this area has to offer, as well as native flora and fauna existing in its natural habitat.
Henderson Beach State Park is a spectacular state park located along the shores of the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico in Destin. Popular among locals and visitors alike, Henderson Beach State Park provides its guests with breathtaking views of rolling sand dunes, emerald waters, and so much more. Just be sure to take a stroll through the nature trail, as this park is home to the last remaining coastal scrub area in Destin, FL.
Just a little bit up the road in 30A lies Grayton Beach State Park, which is known for its beautiful beaches, awe-inspiring dunes, and rare coastal dune lakes. Coastal dune lakes are a natural phenomenon that can be seen in only four countries across the globe. State parks are a wonderful way to soak up the unique and splendid natural beauty that exists along the Emerald Coast, and make memories that will last a lifetime!
MORE DESTIN-FWB PARKS
DOG PARKS
There are plenty of destinations in Destin and Fort Walton Beach that you and your pup can enjoy together. The Destin Dog Park is a popular option, as this three-acre park has play areas for both small and large dogs, with each offering grassy areas, shade trees, and fresh water for your pet. Other pet-friendly Destin-FWB places to bring your canine companion include the Destin Commons, HarborWalk Village, The Village of Baytowne Wharf, and more!
BEACH PARKS
When visiting the Emerald Coast, a trip to the beach is a must. This area is known far and wide for its breathtakingly beautiful beaches with emerald water, white sand, and scenic views that stretch as far as the eye can see! The Destin-FWB area features five beachfront parks and 12 beach access ways for maximum beachside bliss.
BOAT LAUNCH AREAS
On Okaloosa Island, Ross Marler Park offers 20 boat trailer parking spaces and two boat ramps. In Destin, one can easily access the water from Joe’s Bayou Launch, as there are five boat launch ramps available to use for a small fee. Liza Jackson Park is another popular place to launch a boat in Fort Walton Beach, as boaters can set off for adventure in the scenic Santa Rosa Sound!
Destin-FWB Parks FAQ
There are two public tennis courts located at Buck Destin Park. They are open daily from 9:00am until dusk. For more information, please call the Destin Parks & Recreation Department at 850-650-1241.
The Destin-FWB area is a wonderful destination for pets! Popular parks to bring your pup to in Destin and Fort Walton Beach include the following: Liza Jackson Park, Destin Dog Park, Henderson Beach State Park, Oak Tree Nature Preserve, Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, Fort Walton Beach Landing Park, Central Bark at Uptown Station, and more!
Joe’s Bayou Boat Launch is a popular public boat launch located at 800 Beach Drive in Destin. They are open daily from dawn until dusk, and there is a $20.00 daily launch fee.
This will vary depending on the state park you are visiting, but most will charge $6.00 per vehicle to enter. Popular state parks in the area include Grayton Beach State Park, Henderson Beach State Park, and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park; and that’s just to name a few!
The Fort Walton Beach Landing Park, also known simply as The Landing, is a beautiful park located in the heart of downtown FWB. This is the place to be for Friday night concerts, movies in the park, farmers markets, holiday fireworks, and more!
