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5 Best Family Beaches in Florida

Must-see spots on the Emerald Coast


Located on the white sand beaches of northwest Florida, Hilton Sandestin Golf Resort & Spa is the idyllic destination for you and your family to escape the stress of work and busy schedules so you can finally relax and refresh.

So let the kids play in the sand and the clear turquoise waters of the Gulf coast, lean back in your beach chair, and bask in the tranquility of all of the relaxation and fun the best five family-friendly beaches Florida’s Emerald Coast has to offer.

Miramar Beach

Miramar Beach is most famous for its pristine white sands and turquoise waters ideal for safe swimming. Derived from the Portuguese word that means “viewing the sea”, Miramar Beach offers a wide variety of beach activities your whole family will enjoy, such as kayaking, dolphin-watching, and the Village of Baytowne Wharf, known for its restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and festivals.
Even more, as guests of Hilton Sandestin Golf Resort & Spa, you can reserve beach chairs and umbrellas to lounge on our private beachfront as you sip cocktails from Barefoot’s Bar & Grill.
From building sandcastles to riding the waves to sipping an ice cold piña colada, Miramar Beach is the perfect place for everyone at every age.

Topsail Hill Reserve Beach

If you drive less than 20 minutes east of Hilton Sandestin Golf Resort & Spa, you’ll encounter the natural wonders of Topsail Hill Reserve Beach. Named for the sand dunes that ascend like ship’s sails over the turquoise waters of the Gulf, Topsail Hill Reserve Beach boasts a rich, diverse ecosystem of freshwater dune lakes that are home to nearly 13 species of imperiled aquatic wildlife, such as the rare Choctawhatchee beach mouse or the snowy and piping plovers. The perfect place for nature lovers and beach lovers alike, Topsail Hill Reserve Beach is an idyllic day trip for your whole family.

Crystal Sands Beach

Nestled along Florida's Gulf Coast, Crystal Sands Beach is a paradise for serene yet adventurous family retreats. Its pristine white sands and clear waters offer safe swimming and endless opportunities for sandcastle building, beach volleyball or even just a reviving nap as the waves wash over the shore. You and your family can explore the nearby nature trails, indulge in water sports like paddleboarding, or connect with the rich biological ecosystem of fish, turtles, and birds such as the northern mockingbird and Great Blue Heron. Convenient amenities and proximity to family-friendly dining and attractions make Crystal Sands Beach an ideal destination for creating cherished family memories.

Henderson Beach State Park

Just over a 20 minute drive west of Hilton Sandestin Golf Resort & Spa, Henderson Beach State Park is the idyllic place for a day of pure, uninterrupted relaxation. With 30-foot dunes of white sand and the clear, warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, this dream location makes entertaining simple, easy, and fun. Established to preserve the natural beauty of northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast, Henderson Beach State Park includes great fishing spots, a nature trail, and a boardwalk that connects directly to the beach so you can enjoy your day without a care in the world.

Rosemary Beach

Last but not least, with its astounding architecture and pristine beaches, Rosemary Beach is everything you need to satisfy your artistic spirit. Named one of “America’s Most Romantic Small Towns”, Rosemary Beach is the perfect place for a family beach day that also offers a quick, easy opportunity to explore the winding cobblestone streets of the town square and indulge in the culinary delights as you dine on the patios and courtyards of award-winning restaurants, like Cowgirl Kitchen or The Summer Kitchen Cafe. Full of art, farmers markets, and magnificent views of the Gulf of Mexico, Rosemary Beach invites all your friends and family to indulge in la dulce vida this summer.

Space for Everyone

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Vacation with plenty of space and leave feeling closer to the family. With private alcove bunk beds featured in every Deluxe Junior Suite, little ones can play or watch TV while the parents relax.

family on vacation cuddling in bed Bunk beds at a Destin Hotel kids playing on bed