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One of the most beautiful places to watch a sunset is in Destin, Florida.
With its stunning beaches and picturesque waterfront, this Florida Panhandle city is the perfect destination for a romantic night or an unforgettable beach evening.
One of my favorite spots to see the sunset in Destin, Florida is Henderson Beach State Park.
Not only is this awesome beach an ideal spot for swimming and beachcombing, but it also offers picturesque views of the Gulf Coast.
In this post, we’ll cover Henderson Beach State Park and several others.
To help you make the most of your time in this city, we’ve compiled a list of the 11 best places to catch a breathtaking sunset in Destin, Florida.
So grab your camera, find a comfortable spot, and prepare for some amazing views!
Table of Contents
1. Henderson Beach State Park
2. Crab Island
3. James Lee Park
4. Norriego Point
5. On The Water- Destin Harbor or Choctawhatchee Bay
6. HarborWalk Village
7. The Palms Of Destin Resort
8. Destin Jetties
9. Miramar Beach
10. Okaloosa Island Pier
11. The Beaches of South Walton
Destin Sunsets – FAQs
Final Thoughts: Best Places To See A Sunset In Destin
1. Henderson Beach State Park
Renowned for its natural beauty along with an unspoiled shoreline and sand dunes, Henderson Beach State Park is an excellent choice for catching a sunset in Destin, Florida.
Take a leisurely stroll along the beach or set up a picnic to savor the moment.
After taking in the stunning view, visitors can explore all that Henderson has to offer with its hiking trails, playgrounds, pavilions, and camping sites.
It is also conveniently located near major Destin attractions such as The Track and Gator Beach (Fudpucker’s).
Photo Credit- Cruisin’ Tikis Destin
2. Crab Island
If you like spending time in Destin’s clear waters, head over to Crab Island for some snorkeling, paddle boarding, and kayaking before sunset.
Crab Island is a popular sandbar destination known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Although it’s predominantly a daytime hotspot, witnessing a sunset here is truly magical.
Rent a boat or hop on a sunset cruise to enjoy the vibrant colors while surrounded by the beauty of the Gulf.
3. James Lee Park
Situated along Scenic Highway 98 just west of Miramar Beach, James Lee Park boasts a beautiful beach and stunning sunset views.
Find a spot on the powdery sand, relax in a beach chair, and watch as the sky transitions into a breathtaking spectacle.
The beach is a popular spot for weddings and offers picnic areas, showers, and a playground for the kids, making it ideal for an evening outing.
Head on over to Crab Trap Restaurant next door for some great food and ocean views on their patio.
4. Norriego Point
Located at the western end of Destin, Norriego Point offers panoramic views of the Destin Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico.
You can see the Marler Bridge from Norriego Point and can also catch a glimpse of HarborWalk Village from across the harbor!
This scenic spot is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, with its tranquil atmosphere and vibrant sunsets that reflect off the water.
5. On The Water- Destin Harbor Or Choctawhatchee Bay
For an unforgettable Destin sunset experience, I recommend getting out on the water on a boat tour, kayak, jet ski, or paddleboard adventure!
As the sun begins its descent, casting a warm glow across the horizon, there’s no better place to witness the beauty of a Destin sunset than from the tranquil waters of Choctawhatchee Bay or the bustling Destin Harbor.
6. HarborWalk Village
If you’re looking for a place to soak up Destin’s sunset vibes, HarborWalk Village is the perfect spot.
With its lively nightlife and waterfront bars, this bustling waterfront is the ideal place to watch the beautiful sunset over Destin harbor.
Not only can you enjoy watching one of nature’s most spectacular spectacles, but you can also take advantage of all the amenities HarborWalk has to offer.
There are restaurants, shops, entertainment, games, and even kid-friendly activities.
From here, you can enjoy the stunning sunset while sipping a co*cktail or dining at one of the waterfront eateries.
Photo Credit- Palms of Destin Florida
7. The Palms Of Destin Resort
With its convenient beach access and outdoor pool, the Palms of Destin Resort is a great option if you’re looking for a private or low-key sunset viewing experience.
I wanted to recommend this option because I stayed here during one of my trips to Destin and whether it’s watching fireworks during the 4th of July or catching a sunset, you get great views from these apartment-like towers.
From here, you’ll have spectacular views of Destin’s shimmering waters and can watch from the comfort of your own room or balcony.
Just make sure you get a room facing the beach.
8. Destin Jetties
Located as the waters south of the Marler Bridge flow into the Gulf of Mexico, the Destin Jetties are a great spot to watch Destin’s sunset from Destin’s rough waters.
Tucked away at the end of Gulf Shore Drive, Jetty East Beach is a hidden gem for sunset lovers.
As the sun sinks below the horizon, it casts a warm glow on the jetties, creating a dramatic and memorable scene.
And just across the East Pass is the West Jetty which consists of giant rocks on the edge of the beach, which is how it got the name, Jetties.
We took a boat tour when we were in Destin and got to explore the West Jetty which is a large, secluded beach.
Photo Credit- SoWal.com
9. Miramar Beach
Miramar Beach is another wonderful place to watch the sunset.
Located just a short drive from Destin on Scenic Highway 98, Miramar Beach Regional Access offers plenty of amenities for a fun beach day.
There are several water activities for you to choose from such as parasailing and jet skiing.
Then grab a bite to eat at one of the oceanside restaurants, Pompano Joes or The Whale’s Tail.
This picturesque area offers wide stretches of sandy beach, perfect for enjoying a captivating sunset.
The peaceful atmosphere and stunning vistas make it an idyllic spot to end the day.
10. Okaloosa Island Pier
A short drive west of Destin, the Okaloosa Island Pier offers fantastic sunset views.
Stretching out into the Gulf of Mexico, this pier provides a unique vantage point to capture the sun’s descent into the water.
Fishermen can often be seen casting their lines as the sky transforms into a canvas of colors.
The pier’s waterfront complex has plenty of restaurants and shops to explore before or after watching the sunset.
My favorite restaurant here is Rockin’ Tacos but they have a Crab Trap and several other nice oceanside restaurants!
The beach and pier can get a little crowded so you can always head over to John Beasley Park just a half mile east from the pier for a quieter beach experience.
11. The Beaches Of South Walton
Just a short drive from Destin, the beaches of South Walton offer an array of charming coastal communities, each with its unique appeal.
Seaside, Santa Rosa Beach, Grayton Beach, and Rosemary Beach are all fantastic spots to catch a breathtaking sunset.
The combination of sugary white sand and colorful beachfront cottages creates a postcard-perfect setting.
My recommendation for a truly unique experience is Seaside.
Destin Sunsets- FAQs
What Time Does The Sun Set In Destin?
Here are the approximate times by month that the sun sets in Destin.
(Sunset in beginning of month to end of month).
January- 4:56 pm to 5:21 pm
February- 5:22 pm to 5:43 pm
March- 5:44 pm to 7:03 pm (Includes Daylight Savings Time)
April- 7:04 pm to 7:22 pm
May- 7:23 pm to 7:42 pm
June- 7:43 pm to 7:52 pm
July- 7:52 pm to 7:41 pm
August- 7:41 pm to 7:11 pm
September- 7:10 pm to 6:34 pm
October- 6:33 pm to 6:00 pm
November- 5:59 pm to 4:45 pm (Includes Daylight Savings Time)
December- 4:45 pm to 4:55 pm
Where Is The Best Beach In Destin For Sunset?
In Destin, Florida, there are several beautiful beaches where you can enjoy breathtaking sunsets.
One of my favorite spots for watching the sunset is Henderson Beach State Park. With its location next to the Gulf of Mexico, Destin Harbor, and Choctawhatchee Bay, Norriego Point is another prime spot to watch.
This pristine stretch of coastline offers ample space to relax, picnic, and enjoy the view as the sun goes down.
Can You Walk On Destin Beach At Night?
Yes, you can walk on Destin Beach at night through sunset. However, it’s important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, as visibility may be limited as it gets dark.
Best Places To See A Destin Sunset: Final Thoughts
Destin, Florida, is a treasure trove of spectacular sunset viewpoints. Whether you prefer a serene beach, a bustling harbor, or a tranquil pier, there is a spot for everyone to witness the breathtaking beauty of the setting sun.
From Henderson Beach State Park to Crystal Beach, these locations offer unparalleled views that will create lasting memories of your time in Destin.
So, be sure to plan your evenings accordingly and immerse yourself in the views of a Destin sunset.
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My son and I hanging out at the beach on one of my recent trips to Destin!
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