Just across the Walton county line, Miramar beach borders the city of Destin in neighboring Okaloosa County, and offers a vast array of restaurants, condo and beach home accommodation providers, and more shopping choices than any other beach community along the South Walton coastline.

Of all the 16 beach communities of South Walton, Miramar Beach is perhaps the most diverse in its offerings and amenities.

From strip centers housing everything from upscale boutiques to mammoth gift shops full of beach vacation mementos to one of the largest outdoor outlet malls in the entire country, Silver Sands Premium Outlet Center, there’s certainly no shortage of places to shop in Miramar beach… and the same goes for eateries, as you’ll find just about any cuisine you desire from fresh seafood at popular coastal hot-spots like Crab Trap, Pompano Joe’s and Surf Hut, to pizza joints, fine dining establishments and all kinds of fast-food choices.

Unlike many of the other communities dotting the South Walton and 30A landscape, you’ll also have a good shot at running into actual locals in Miramar, as it has a population of a whopping 6,300 people. More than any single beach community in South Walton. This, of course, explains the large number of resort condos and beach homes for available along Miramar Beach, which is why many people initially end up in Miramar Beach, when deciding to vacation near 30A or in Destin.

What keeps people coming back, however, are the crystal white sands and clear emerald waters, that run along the numerous beach accesses that make up Miramar Beach.

A drive down Old 98, as locals call it, says it all. In a short span of barely four miles, you can gaze out your vehicle window at beaches that are often covered with literally thousands of beach happy sun-worshippers on any good day, in season… which is to say most any day.

Along this same strip you’ll find local staples like Whales Tail, Pompano Joe’s, Crab Trap and Surf Hut chalked full of beach goers grabbing a drink from these eateries’ outside waterfront bars, while playing along the sand and surf.

Unlike many of the South Walton beach communities, Miramar Beach also allows watersport rentals in designated areas, so you’ll be able to rent that Sea-Doo or take that parasail ride you’ve been thinking about.