Destin set to break ground on Tarpon Beach Gulf Front Park, expanding public beach access
Destin, Florida – This summer, a new chapter in Destin’s attempts to make public beaches more accessible will begin. Officials and community members are getting ready to celebrate the groundbreaking of Tarpon Beach Gulf Front Park. The event will take place on July 7, 2025, at 9 a.m. at 3310 Scenic Highway 98. It will be an important event for both residents and visitors who want to find more ways to enjoy Destin’s famous shoreline.
A cooperation between Okaloosa County, the City of Destin, and the Trust for Public Land has made Tarpon Beach Gulf Front Park possible. It will add 340 feet of beach to the public’s enjoyment. The park’s smart design makes it easy for families to get to the sand by providing free parking for guests. There are 49 normal spots, three ADA-accessible spots, and 29 low-speed vehicle sites.
The proposal for this new beach destination includes planned amenities including bathrooms, four covered pavilions, and views of the emerald Gulf waters that go on for miles.
“This is a great example of how partnerships can benefit the public,” said Okaloosa County Commissioner Drew Palmer (District 5) in a release. “Our beaches are an amazing asset that should be enjoyed by both our locals and visitors. We are fortunate to continue to expand beach access to the public as a vital part of our efforts to create opportunities for families to make memories in the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area.”
Destin Mayor Bobby Wagner said, “Through initiatives like Tarpon Beach Park, we’re safeguarding our coastal ecosystems, ensuring that the natural beauty and biodiversity of our shores remain intact for future generations to experience and cherish.”
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The Tarpon Beach project is the second step in a proposal to make the area’s beaches more accessible to the public. The first phase was about making Crystal Beach better. The City of Destin and Okaloosa County each put in $26.5 million for both stages. The first phase of upgrades at Crystal Beach cost $9.75 million, and the most recent phase at Tarpon Beach is expected to cost $16.75 million.
The Trust for Public Land was very important in making both beach projects take place because they played a lead role in securing the properties.
“Tarpon Beach Gulf Front Park is the result of years of collaboration to ensure that everyone can enjoy walkable access to Florida’s iconic shoreline,” said Doug Hattaway, Land Conservation Director for Trust for Public Land. “This park not only reconnects the community with a beautiful stretch of waterfront and long-closed amenities, but also reinforces our shared commitment to protecting public access to nature and preserving the unique coastal character that makes Destin so special.”
The opening of Tarpon Beach Gulf Front Park is intended to make it easier for locals and tourists to get to and enjoy the park. It will be a new place to relax, swim, and take in the stunning views of Florida’s Gulf Coast. With building about to start, the community is excited about a future where more of Destin’s beautiful beachfront is open to everyone.
