From the Gulf front to scenic views overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay, the city of Destin offers parks on both fronts, as well as playgrounds, ball fields, boat launches, nature trails and even a dog park.
The park facilities in Destin are bountiful. Here is a brief look at where you might find the various park facilities in Destin.
Buck Destin Park – 724 Legion Drive
This public park includes two tennis courts courts, basketball courts, a children’s play area and an activity building available for rent. This park is open from 9 a.m. until dusk.
Capt. Royal Melvin Heritage Park - 206 Harbor Blvd.
Nicknamed the “Gateway to the harbor,” this park has a small playground, restrooms, signage sharing history of Destin, water fountain, picnic pavilion, benches and great views of Destin harbor and the Gulf. This park is open from dawn to dusk with extended hours for special events.
Capt. Leonard Destin Park - 101 Calhoun Ave.
This 3.42-acre park includes an accessible beach area, boardwalk, playground, bathrooms, splash pad, pavilions, dock, and paddle board/kayak launch area. The park educational signage highlights more than 150 years of history and natural features of the park. The pavilion is available for rent.
Children’s Park at Morgan Sports Center – 4200 Indian Bayou Trail
This children’s playground park just recently underwent a major overhaul with all new playground equipment, benches, coverings and more. The park is located on the east side parking lot of the Morgan Sports Center. There are also picnic tables for rent. The park is open daily, from 9 a.m. until dusk.
Clement Taylor Park – 131 Calhoun Ave.
This 3.55-acre park is one of Destin’s oldest. It includes a pier, pavilion, beach swim area, playground, restrooms, sand volleyball court, grills, and picnic area. The covered pavilion is open for rental to private organizations. The park is open from sunrise to sunset.
Dalton Threadgill Park - 711 Hickory St.
Also known as the Destin Little Park, named after Coach Dalton Threadgill, is a 3.9-acre youth sports facility. It includes one major league field, one girls' softball field, one T-ball field, bleachers, restrooms, bike rack, and a concession stand. The park is maintained by the Destin Little League Association.
Destin Sports Complex - 633 Kelly St.
Located behind Destin Elementary School, the complex includes a 400-meter rubberized track, regulation football field, soccer field, and an all-purpose field. There is a big parking lot, picnic tables, and public restrooms are available.
Harbor Lane Access - 603 Harbor Lane
This park, open daily from dawn to dusk, provides water access on the eastern shoreline of Joe’s Bayou.
Harborview Park - Beach Drive and U.S. 98
This facility, which includes a waterfront deck area, benches, picnic tables, bike rack and limited handicap parking only is open daily from dawn to dusk.
Jewel Melvin Park - 1999 Cordgrass Court
This park, open from dawn until dusk, is a neighborhood park located along the south shoreline of Twin Lakes. The park features parking, nature trails, benches, and picnic tables.
Joe's Bayou Boat Launch - 800 Beach Drive
The facility has five boat launch ramps, a parking area, and bathrooms. The daily launch fee is $25 (cash only). City residents can obtain a free pass at City Hall or the Destin Community Center with proof of residency.
June White Decker Park - 1950 Scenic Hwy 98
This park provides beach access to the Gulf of America from Scenic U.S. Highway 98 near Silver Shells Condominiums. The park has a shower, bathroom, bike rack, and parking. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk.
Kell-Aire Nature Walk - 874 Kell-Aire Drive
This 3-acre park includes a nature walk, benches, swings, playground, and bike rack. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk.
Main Street Park - 605 Main St.
Located on less than an acre, the waterfront park is a small ADA accessible park that includes a fishing pier and picnic tables. The park is open from dawn to dusk.
Mattie Kelly Park and Nature Walk - 825 Beach Drive
This 10.13-acre bayou access park offers a pier, beach area and picnic area. Much of the land is considered wetlands and cannot be developed. The park is open from dawn to dusk.
Morgan Sports Center - 4200 Indian Bayou Trail
This $3.7 million facility opened in 2000 with four regulation softball fields, two little league fields, three soccer fields, concession stand, bathrooms, bleachers, and a children’s playground. One of the softball fields was dedicated earlier this year to Destin High School baseball. The facility coordinates leagues for softball, flag football, and soccer.
Nancy Weidenhamer Dog Park – 4100 Indian Bayou Trail
The park is about 3 acres and includes separate areas for large dogs and small dogs. The facility has watering stations for dogs, benches, and waste receptacles. All dogs must be on a leash until inside the park and upon leaving the park. Hours are from sunrise to sunset.
Norriego Point Beach Access and Park – Gulf Shore Drive, Holiday Isle
This park is still under construction, but when finished it will include parking, a wrap-around boardwalk, dune crossovers, and bathrooms.
Shore at Crystal Beach Park – 2966 Scenic Highway 98
This park is located on the Gulf and features a pavilion, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and limited parking. Open daily from dawn to dusk.