Miramar Beach, Florida, is one of the true gems of the Emerald Coast—a destination known for its sugar-white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, family-friendly atmosphere, and incredible vacation rental options ranging from beachfront condos to luxury coastal homes. Located between Destin and Sandestin, Miramar Beach blends resort luxury with laid-back coastal charm. Visitors choose this area because it offers the perfect mix of beach relaxation, outdoor adventure, premier shopping, local dining, and Gulf Coast beauty.
Whether you're staying in Miramar Beach vacation rentals, Miramar Beach condo rentals, or Miramar Beach home rentals, this community offers an unforgettable Florida Gulf Coast experience. This comprehensive visitors guide highlights everything you need to plan the perfect getaway—top attractions, hidden gems, local restaurants, weather patterns, FAQs, packing tips, and more.
Why Visitors Love Miramar Beach
Miramar Beach receives high praise from visitors year after year for its unique combination of natural beauty, amenities, and convenience.
World-Class Beaches
Miramar Beach is famed for its powder-soft white sand and bright emerald Gulf waters. The beaches here are pristine, scenic, and perfect for:
- Swimming
- Paddleboarding
- Snorkeling
- Kayaking
- Shell hunting
- Sunset walks
- Beach photography
The water stays shallow nearshore, making it especially friendly for families with young children.
Abundance of Vacation Rentals
Whether you want a high-rise condo with Gulf views, a beachfront home steps from the sand, or a quiet residential retreat, Miramar Beach vacation rentals offer something for every group size and budget. Many rentals include pools, private balconies, updated kitchens, and walkability to shops and restaurants.
Central Location
Miramar Beach sits in the perfect spot—close to Destin, 30A, and Sandestin. Visitors can easily explore:
- Gulf of Mexico beaches
- Bayfront parks
- Golf courses
- Boat rentals
- HarborWalk Village
- Scenic Highway 30A
Everything is within a short drive.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere
Miramar Beach is quieter than downtown Destin but still close to attractions. Families love that they can enjoy peaceful beach days while staying near:
- The Track
- Big Kahuna’s Water Park
- Baytowne Wharf
- Gulf World
- Several state parks
Outdoor Recreation
The community offers great opportunities for:
- Biking
- Jet skiing
- Parasailing
- Fishing
- Golf
- Dolphin cruises
- Scenic photography
Miramar Beach also borders a large protected dune ecosystem that showcases Florida’s natural side.
Things to Do in Miramar Beach
With addresses and mileage from central Miramar Beach (S. Geronimo St & Scenic Gulf Dr).
1. Silver Sands Premium Outlets
📍 10562 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Miramar Beach, FL
📏 1.8 miles
One of the largest designer outlet centers in the United States. Visitors love shopping at more than 100 brand-name stores including Coach, Michael Kors, Nike, Columbia, Adidas, Crocs, and more. A great rainy-day activity.
📏 1.8 miles
One of the largest designer outlet centers in the United States. Visitors love shopping at more than 100 brand-name stores including Coach, Michael Kors, Nike, Columbia, Adidas, Crocs, and more. A great rainy-day activity.
2. The Village of Baytowne Wharf
📍 9100 Baytowne Blvd, Miramar Beach, FL
📏 4.0 miles
Located inside Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, this pedestrian village offers shops, restaurants, bars, zip lines, playgrounds, fireworks, and family events. A must-visit spot for nightlife and entertainment.
📏 4.0 miles
Located inside Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, this pedestrian village offers shops, restaurants, bars, zip lines, playgrounds, fireworks, and family events. A must-visit spot for nightlife and entertainment.
3. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
📍 7525 W County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
📏 8.4 miles
This stunning state park features hiking trails, coastal dune lakes, fishing, biking, birdwatching, and a quiet beach. Perfect for nature lovers wanting fewer crowds.
📏 8.4 miles
This stunning state park features hiking trails, coastal dune lakes, fishing, biking, birdwatching, and a quiet beach. Perfect for nature lovers wanting fewer crowds.
4. Miramar Beach Regional Access
📍 2375 Scenic Gulf Dr, Miramar Beach, FL
📏 0.7 miles
A popular, well-maintained public beach access with restrooms, showers, and adjacent dining at Pompano Joe’s.
📏 0.7 miles
A popular, well-maintained public beach access with restrooms, showers, and adjacent dining at Pompano Joe’s.
5. Surf Hut
📍 551 Scenic Gulf Dr, Miramar Beach, FL
📏 1.5 miles
A favorite beachfront restaurant where you can eat with your toes nearly in the sand. Great for lunch or sunset dinner.
📏 1.5 miles
A favorite beachfront restaurant where you can eat with your toes nearly in the sand. Great for lunch or sunset dinner.
6. Destin Commons
📍 4100 Legendary Dr, Destin, FL
📏 6.1 miles
Outdoor lifestyle center featuring shops, restaurants, movie theater, splash pads, and seasonal events.
📏 6.1 miles
Outdoor lifestyle center featuring shops, restaurants, movie theater, splash pads, and seasonal events.
7. Baytowne Adventure Zone
📍 9100 Baytowne Blvd, Miramar Beach, FL
📏 4.1 miles
Zip lines, a ropes course, rock climbing, and kids’ activities set in a picturesque bayfront village.
📏 4.1 miles
Zip lines, a ropes course, rock climbing, and kids’ activities set in a picturesque bayfront village.
8. Golfing at Seascape Golf Course
📍 112 Seascape Dr, Miramar Beach, FL
📏 1.0 miles
A classic 9-hole course known for its beautiful scenery and challenging layout.
📏 1.0 miles
A classic 9-hole course known for its beautiful scenery and challenging layout.
9. Whale’s Tail Beach Bar & Grill
📍 1373 Scenic Gulf Dr, Miramar Beach, FL
📏 0.8 miles
A beachfront icon—perfect for a meal with Gulf views.
📏 0.8 miles
A beachfront icon—perfect for a meal with Gulf views.
10. Dolphin Cruises from Destin Harbor
📍 102 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL
📏 7.5 miles
Daily wildlife cruises with frequent dolphin sightings; great for families.
📏 7.5 miles
Daily wildlife cruises with frequent dolphin sightings; great for families.
Weather Guide for Miramar Beach – Month-by-Month (Paragraph Format)
Miramar Beach features warm Gulf Coast weather year-round, making it an excellent destination in any season.
Winter (December–February) is mild, with highs in the low to mid-60s and lows in the 40s. Gulf water temperatures stay in the low 60s, offering quiet beach walks, fishing, shopping, and dining without summer crowds.
Winter (December–February) is mild, with highs in the low to mid-60s and lows in the 40s. Gulf water temperatures stay in the low 60s, offering quiet beach walks, fishing, shopping, and dining without summer crowds.
Spring (March–May) is one of the best times to visit. Temperatures climb from the low 70s in March to the low 80s in May. Water temperatures warm into the 70s, making swimming comfortable by mid-April. Spring brings blooming landscapes, great fishing, and perfect beach weather.
Summer (June–August) is peak season. Highs reach 88–92°F, lows stay in the mid-70s, and Gulf water is wonderfully warm at 82–85°F. Expect long sunny days, occasional afternoon showers, and lively beaches. This is the best season for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and family fun.
Fall (September–November) is stunning. Highs drop from the upper 80s in September to the low 70s by November. Gulf water remains warm through late October. Fall provides fewer crowds, pleasant breezes, and some of the best sunset views of the year.
Miramar Beach enjoys an average of 225+ sunny days per year, making it one of Florida’s most reliable beach destinations.
Five Closest Restaurants to Central Miramar Beach
1. Pompano Joe’s Seafood House
📍 2237 Scenic Gulf Dr, Miramar Beach, FL
📏 0.7 miles
Cuisine: Caribbean-style seafood, beachfront dining, famous for its coconut shrimp.
📏 0.7 miles
Cuisine: Caribbean-style seafood, beachfront dining, famous for its coconut shrimp.
2. The Whale’s Tail Beach Bar & Grill
📍 1373 Scenic Gulf Dr, Miramar Beach, FL
📏 0.8 miles
Cuisine: Seafood, burgers, bar favorites; popular breakfast spot with Gulf views.
📏 0.8 miles
Cuisine: Seafood, burgers, bar favorites; popular breakfast spot with Gulf views.
3. Royal Palm Grille
📍 1096 Scenic Gulf Dr, Miramar Beach, FL
📏 1.1 miles
Cuisine: Sushi, seafood, American classics; ocean-view dining.
📏 1.1 miles
Cuisine: Sushi, seafood, American classics; ocean-view dining.
4. Surf Hut
📍 551 Scenic Gulf Dr, Miramar Beach, FL
📏 1.5 miles
Cuisine: Southern coastal cuisine with Gulf views, casual family atmosphere.
📏 1.5 miles
Cuisine: Southern coastal cuisine with Gulf views, casual family atmosphere.
5. Fat Clemenza’s Italian
📍 12273 US Hwy 98, Miramar Beach, FL
📏 2.4 miles
Cuisine: Traditional Italian, upscale dining, award-winning pasta and wood-fired pizzas.
📏 2.4 miles
Cuisine: Traditional Italian, upscale dining, award-winning pasta and wood-fired pizzas.
How to Access the Beach in Miramar Beach
Miramar Beach offers multiple public and private beach accesses, depending on where visitors are staying.
Most rentals along Scenic Gulf Drive have private walkovers with guest-only access. For visitors staying elsewhere, the most commonly used public access is:
Miramar Beach Regional Access
📍 2375 Scenic Gulf Dr
Features:
Features:
- Large parking area
- Restrooms
- Outdoor showers
- Lifeguards seasonally
- ADA-accessible dune walkover
- Adjacent dining at Pompano Joe’s
Other access points along Scenic Gulf Drive provide small parking lots and dune walkovers.
The Gulf waters are shallow and calm nearshore, making it ideal for families.
Frequently Asked Questions (Miramar Beach-Specific)
1. What makes Miramar Beach different from Destin?
Miramar Beach is quieter, more residential, and less commercial than Destin, but still close to all major attractions.
2. Are Miramar Beach vacation rentals close to the beach?
Yes—many condos and homes offer beachfront, Gulf-view, or short-walk locations along Scenic Gulf Drive.
3. Is Miramar Beach good for families?
Absolutely. The beaches are calm, the area is safe, and there are many activities for children.
4. Where can I find beachfront restaurants?
Pompano Joe’s, Whale’s Tail, and Surf Hut all offer direct beachfront dining.
5. Can you walk or bike easily in Miramar Beach?
Scenic Gulf Drive is one of the most walkable and bike-friendly areas on the Emerald Coast.
6. What is parking like at the beach?
The Regional Access offers the most parking; other accesses have limited spots.
7. Are there grocery stores nearby?
Yes—Winn-Dixie, Publix, Whole Foods, and Walmart are all within minutes.
8. Is the water clear in Miramar Beach?
Most days feature bright emerald water with excellent clarity, especially in spring and fall.
9. What is the best time of year to visit?
Spring and fall offer the best combination of weather, pricing, and fewer crowds.
10. Does Miramar Beach allow beach bonfires?
Not on Miramar Beach itself—Walton County allows permitted bonfires, but Destin/Miramar Beach does not.
Packing Checklist
Beach Essentials
- Sunscreen
- Towels
- Sand toys
- Beach chairs
- Umbrella or tent
- Cooler
- Sunglasses
- Beach bag
Clothing
- Swimsuits
- Flip-flops
- Light clothing
- Evening wear
- Sun hat
Electronics
- Chargers
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Camera or GoPro
Food & Condo Supplies
- Snacks
- Condiments
- Coffee
- Dish soap
- Laundry pods
Optional
- Bikes
- Snorkel gear
- Fishing gear
- Beach wagon
