Miramar Beach
Miramar Beach, FL
Miramar Beach sits at the eastern edge of Destin, closer to the bigger city's restaurants and shopping than the quieter 30A towns further along the byway. The Regional Beach Access at Pompano Joe's offers free parking, restrooms, and showers, a straightforward setup compared to some of 30A's smaller, amenity-light accesses.
The proximity to Destin's restaurants and shopping is a real convenience, though the permit-only pet hours and busier feel make it less distinct than the quieter towns further along 30A.
How we score beachesLocal residents can get a dog-on-beach permit allowing leashed dogs between 3:30pm and 8:30am, worth applying for ahead of a longer stay. Being this close to Destin means more restaurant and shopping options within a short drive than most 30A beach towns offer.
The Regional Beach Access at Pompano Joe's has free parking, restrooms, and showers.
The regional access has a short, flat path from the lot to the beach.
Leashed dogs are allowed for permit holders between 3:30pm and 8:30am; a local dog-on-beach permit is required.
Spring and fall bring the mildest Panhandle weather and thinner crowds. Summer's heat and hurricane season, June through November, bring the biggest crowds despite the warmest water.
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