Tarpon Beach Park Opens 340 Feet of Public Gulf-Front Access in Destin

DESTIN – Tarpon Beach Gulf Front Park is now open at 3310 Scenic Highway 98, adding 340 feet of public shoreline and free parking to a city where Gulf access is a continuing civic priority.

City and county officials marked the opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 15. The completed park includes 49 standard parking spaces, three ADA-accessible spaces, 29 spaces for low-speed vehicles, restrooms, four pavilions, and an accessible route toward the beach, according to a joint release from the City of Destin and Okaloosa County.

A $16.96 million public-access project

The city and county shared a total investment of $16.96 million using tourism revenue, the release said. Trust for Public Land served as the lead organization in negotiations to acquire the properties assembled for the park.

The site gives residents and visitors another public entry to the Gulf along Scenic Highway 98. Its mix of standard, accessible, and low-speed-vehicle parking is designed for the way people move through the coastal corridor, while the pavilions and restrooms make the access more than a narrow walkover.

“Providing more public beach access has been a priority for both the County and City of Destin,” Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin said in the joint announcement.

Destin City Manager Larry Jones described the park as the result of the city and county’s commitment to expanding shoreline access and thanked the county and Trust for Public Land for helping move the project from acquisition to a finished public space.

What visitors should know

• Address: 3310 Scenic Highway 98, Destin.
• Beach frontage: 340 feet.
• Parking: 49 standard spaces, three ADA-accessible spaces, and 29 low-speed-vehicle spaces.
• Amenities: Restrooms and four pavilions.
• Safety: Check local beach flags and surf conditions before entering the Gulf; double red flags mean the water is closed.

The City of Destin’s beach information page lists Tarpon Beach among the city’s public beach facilities.

Sources: City of Destin and Okaloosa County joint announcement, Okaloosa County news-release archive, and City of Destin beach information. Featured image is an editorial illustration and does not depict a specific moment at the ribbon cutting.