Top Rated Parks to Visit in Destin

"John C. Beasley Park was established in 1960, three years after the death of its namesake and who it’s named after, John C. Beasley. John C. Beasly was noted for being active in civic organizations and government, often including his donation of time and effort toward community advancement."

"This park near Miracle Strip Parkway has great picnic areas and is also great for walking your dog. Not only is it by the beach, it is also opposite the Gulf Island National Seashore. There are over 100 car parking spaces, meaning there should always be space for you to bring your own set of wheels."

"For those looking for a beautiful day outside, Liza Jackson Park offers 1,000 feet of scenic waterfront complete with pavilions and tables for picnics. Also, there are a number of outdoor play gyms for children, as well as a fishing pier and a boat launch."

"Panama City Conservation Park includes a dozen trails that range from a half-mile long to more than 10 miles; they’re popular with hikers, bird watchers, and amateur nature photographers. The park is comprised of nearly 3,000 acres, much of which is coastal wetlands that are so vital to shore preservation and home to a vast variety of plants and animals. Open daily from dusk until dawn, there are plenty of restroom and picnic areas, as well as a covered pavilion that’s available for rent for large group events like birthday parties and family reunions."

"At nearly 3,000 acres, Conservation Park is Panama City Beach’s largest, and it includes portions of pine forests and wetlands that are home to a variety of animals. The park features a dozen trails that wind their way through varied landscapes, and there’s a mile-long boardwalk as well. Many guests bring binoculars, and it’s common to see wildlife along the trails, especially in the low light morning and evening hours when they’re usually most active."

"There’s more to PCB than beach scenery, as you’ll discover while hiking through the beautifully-preserved wetlands at Conservation Park. This vast green space provides one of the most peaceful, nature-filled experiences on the Emerald Coast."

"139 Brooks St. SE Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547Phone: 1 (850) 833-9500. Fort Walton Beach Landing Park sits right on the water and offers a playground, a rock-climbing wall, and even a stage for the occasional outdoor concert or event."

"Type of Facility: 700 feet of water front, boardwalk, fishing pier,  and playground equipment. Type of Recreation: Passive, picnics, rest area, fishing, and special community events"

"Type of Facilities: 6 Pickleball courts, asphalt basketball courts, playground equipment, and picnic area. Type of Recreation: Free play games of tennis, pickleball and basketball, playground equipment, and picnic area"

"An 1133-acre stretch of marble-colored dunes rolling down to the water's edge, this state park's beauty is genuinely mind-blowing. The park sits nestled against the wealthy but down-to-earth community of Grayton Beach, home to the famed Red Bar and to the quirky Dog Wall – a mural on which residents paint portraits of their dogs. "

"This is the place to see what Florida looked like when only Native Americans lived here. One of the most scenic spots along the Gulf…"

"Recognized as an award-winning park, Frank Brown Park is the center of all things active in Panama City Beach. The area offers facilities to accommodate a variety of sports including baseball, softball, soccer, tennis, football, basketball, shuffleboard, gymnastics, and fishing. In addition, Frank Brown Park features a community center, playgrounds, a dog park, an aquatic center, and over twenty acres to host large scale events."

"All food is prepared fresh, cooked to order and served from a kitchen that is in full view. The menu offers a variety of foods with a breakfast focus and features multiple signature meals."

"Words and phrases like “mouth-watering, delicious, comfortable and festive” have all been used by previous guests to describe their time at Bayou on the Beach Café. With a full menu that includes lots of seafood, they’re particularly well-known for their seared, fresh tuna sandwiches, crispy hush puppies, and tangy bloody Mary’s. Portion sizes are larger than most guests can finish, and during tourist season as the sun’s going down, they offer live music, which adds to the already chill and trendy atmosphere."

"This New Orleans style eatery is Panama City Beach’s spot for seafood flavors straight out of the bayou. Mardi Gras happens every day with dishes like Cajun lump crab cakes, catfish and seafood muffulettas. The weekly crawfish boil during crawfish season bolsters the authenticity."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. Craft beer isn't the only thing we have on tap!. PUB GAMES: Cornhole, Beer Pong, Skeeball, Tabletop Shuffleboard, Big Jenga and Big Connect Four!"