From Sugar-White Sands to Hidden Gems - A Thorough Guide to Exploring Miramar Beach Like a Local
A Florida Gulf Coast gem, Miramar Beach is known for its near-white sands, emerald waters, and mix of relaxation and adventure. I'd say there are plenty of easy choices when it comes to finding attractions in Miramar Beach.
Whether I want to dive into a laid-back vibe or find some more lively environments, I was able to find them in every direction. Beyond the beach itself, visitors can find long boardwalks, local eateries, nature trails, sea excursions, and more.
Attractions as a whole are more than welcoming to solo travelers, friend groups, and families, and something for every kind of pace. This guide highlights both the best of Miramar Beach and its surrounding hidden gems to point first-time visitors in the right direction.
A Coastal Escape Beyond the Shoreline
While I definitely love spending time on the sand, I'm always looking for more than that on a vacation to Miramar. The natural beauty is all around, and scenic boardwalks only go so far. Attractions span from physical activities to famous seafood eateries, hidden nature trails, and plenty of things first-time travelers might not expect.
It wasn't too hard to find some paddleboarding, parasailing, or dolphin tours. I try to think about what I'm interested in before I go, so I don't spread my decision-making too thin. Local markets and seasonal festivals are common here. Moreover, I think the area does a great job of blending seaside relaxation with modern amenities.
6 Fun Things to Do in Miramar Beach
Spending some time on the sugar-white sands is a no-brainer, but I mainly like to utilize this for my downtime. When I'm ready to hit the ground running and start exploring, I'm looking elsewhere.
Once again, this isn't too hard to find. I spent some time on the scenic Highway 98 trail, the Emerald Coast Theatre Company, and much more. If I wanted to do a little shopping, I quickly found out that Silver Sands Premium Outlets was the place to be. Overall, the table below highlights some of the personal favorites I put together during my recent stay.
| Attractions | Highlights |
| Miramar Beach | Sunbathing, swimming, water sports, ADA-accessible, nearby dining |
| Dolphin Reef | Dolphin-shaped artificial reef, snorkeling, accessible by kayak, swim, paddleboard, or boa |
| Parasailing | Aerial Gulf views, beginner-friendly thrill, dolphin and turtle spotting |
| Axes and Ice Cream | Ice cream and axe throwing, interactive games, near Silver Sands Outlet, 24 unique flavors |
| Emerald Coast Theatre Company | Live shows, acting workshops, and camps, supports actors of all age groups |
| The Foster Gallery | Rotating local art pieces, curated events, original works, and prints |
Let me be clear, this is far from the full list from my experience in the area. However, I only had so much time to work with, and I feel they offer the most diversity for first-time travelers. Newcomers can easily find much more to do, as the area is a bit livelier than I initially expected.
Whether it's a solo trip or booking it with a large family, there's enough to cater to most travel preferences. Regardless of preferences, it never hurts to get a little inspiration from those who have been there before. Continue reading through to learn more about some of my favorite attractions in Miramar Beach.
1. Miramar Beach - Sun, Sand, and Endless Adventure
Ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports, Miramar Beach is a popular attraction for many reasons. At a quick glance, I found people playing volleyball, paddleboarding, and even jet skiing across the rippling waters.
Better yet, the beach is ADA-accessible, which makes it very inclusive, not to mention the many local dining options nearby. This promises tasty Gulf seafood, and I definitely took advantage of the casual bites to save some time.
There's also quite a bit of elevated coastal cuisine for travelers looking for something a bit more upscale. It was my mainstay in outdoor recreation while I was there, and it did a great job of keeping me active as I kept exploring.
Highlights to Remember
- The sounds literally look like a sugar-white color
- Tons of outdoor activities like paddleboarding, tennis, volleyball, scenic coastal trails, and more
- Nearby hotspots for fresh Gulf seafood, finding dining, and a bit of shopping
- ADA-accessible with numerous access points, lifeguards in season, and attractions suitable for all age groups
2. Dolphin Reef - Dive Into Miramar Beach's Underwater Wonderland
Shaped like a dolphin, this artificial reef is located 685 feet offshore and is composed of 79 EcoSystem Reefs. It was put together back in 2017 and is easily accessible by kayak, paddleboard, or even a brief swim from the shoreline.
I opted for the kayak option, and I have to say it's a lot more impressive up close. Once I got there, it was easy to see lots of colorful fish, crabs, and a variety of other marine life. An ideal adventure for those looking for some snorkeling, and it's an eco-friendly way to support some underwater exploration.
Highlights to Remember
- Dolphin Reef is actually shaped like a dolphin, located only 685 feet off the shoreline
- Helps to support local marine life and boasts a thriving underwater ecosystem
- Offers up close encounters with a variety of marine life
- Open to swimmers, kayakers, snorkelers, and more
3. Parasailing - Soar Above the Gulf
A little out of character for me, but parasailing with aerial views of Miramar Beach was way more fun than I thought it would be. Getting a bird's eye view of the waters was great, and I felt safe and well taken care of the entire time.
They also include specific tours, like the "Dippin with the Dolphins," which is a morning ride in hopes of seeing some marine life. As expected, sunset parasailing makes for some pretty spectacular views as well. It's family-friendly, and the company running it works with USGC-licensed captains and multi-passenger vessels.
Highlights to Remember
- Float above the Gulf Coast with panoramic views of the white sands, emerald waters, and expansive coastline
- More than suitable for beginners and thrill-seekers alike, with safety measures taken for everyone
- Additional options include a parasail and banana boat combo
- Chances to spot dolphins, turtles, and other marine life from above
4. Axes and Ice Cream - Sweet Treats and Thrills
Offering 24 hand-dipped flavors, Axes and Ice Cream is more than just an average creamery. I definitely got my hands on some tasty ice cream, but I also got some axe-throwing done at the same time.
The ice cream is made from locally sourced ingredients as well. Aside from the axe throwing, I also found some ring toss and mini basketball for a bit of interactive fun.
This place offers a nice break from all of the running around I was doing during the day. Only two minutes away from Silver Sands Factory Outlets, this is a go-to for locals and travelers alike.
Highlights to Remember
- An ideal spot for date nights, birthday parties, or a quick spot to cool down for solo travelers
- Convenient location with quick and friendly service
- Features a handful of interactive games, giving visitors a reason to stick around for a while
- Over 24 ice cream flavors on hand at all times
5. Emerald Coast Theatre Company - Where Performance Meets Community
Featuring live plays, musicals, and performances for audiences in all age groups, the Emerald Coast Theatre Company is a local staple. Outside of the performances they host, I found out they even offer classes and workshops of their own.
It's a great spot for summer camps for kids, teens, and even adults. The place is seen as a supportive cultural hub. I could see this through their communal efforts and hands-on performance experience in everything they produce. It's a great place to go see some local talent in action.
Highlights to Remember
- Professional stage productions that showcase a variety of live plays, musicals, instrumental performances, and more
- Offers workshops, classes, and summer camps for people in all age groups
- Features Junior Thespian Troupe and Teen Company programs for young actors
- Engages locals and tourists through field trips, volunteer opportunities, and special events
6. The Foster Gallery - Celebrating Local Creativity
With a seasonally rotating selection of artworks, The Foster Gallery focuses on at least a dozen artists at a time. This also includes a few special exhibits and invitationals from time to time. Led by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County, I really appreciated their stance on supporting local artists.
I was able to peruse original paintings, sculptures, mixed media, notecards, prints, and even some retail items. Overall, I found out that they represent more than 30 regional artists in total, making it a haven for local talent. I also think it's important to note that the gallery is only open from 11am to 5pm, Tuesday through Saturday.
Highlights to Remember
- Regularly updates its exhibitions to feature new artists throughout the year
- Hosts curated events that showcase unique themes or guest artists
- Located within the Miramar Beach Creative Campus
- Offers a variety of accessible items from affordable prints, notecards, to original works, and more
Making the Most of Your Miramar Beach Adventure
I highly advise newcomers to combine the beach fun with local attractions for a full-fledged experience. Swim, sunbathe, hit the waters, but don't be afraid to do some walking around.
Give parasailing a try if you're feeling bold, and don't forget to make some time for the beautiful man-made reefs. Although I focused on my visit to the Dolphin Reef, there's more than one along the coastline.
Depending on the time of year, there could also be a chance to catch some seasonal festivals. The truth is that there's always something to do in the area, regardless of the time of year. For those hoping to do some souvenir shopping, don't hesitate to hit up the Grand Boulevard for retail therapy, good food, and treats along the way.
Let's Wrap Up
When it comes to the fun things to do in Miramar Beach, it's widely known for the combo of relaxation and adventure. I can attest to that, as my trip felt exactly like that. Then again, that's heavily reliant on how the trip was planned in the first place.
Between the arts, local culture, sweet eats, and cozy lodging, I never once felt rushed to get some exploration done. On one hand, that was due to my planning ahead, but I also received quite a bit of help from Travel Life Vacations.
They helped me find a cute, affordable place to stay, and offered some pointers on local sightseeing as well. Find the accommodations that are perfect for the next trip, and see what Miramar Beach has in store.