Things to Know About A Quintessential Beach Town
Miramar Beach is the second beach community situated west of Scenic 30A along the Emerald Coast and straddles US Hwy 98. Miramar Beach is on the extreme western end of South Walton County and is one of several beach communities that are not along Scenic 30A. 30A begins at Inlet Beach, the easternmost beach neighborhood, and follows the water, ends at Dune Allen Beach, where it curves north and meets US Hwy 98. Miramar Beach is just east of Destin and is not only a great place to live, but a beautiful vacation area with plenty of entertainment, recreation opportunities, and fine dining establishments of all types and price ranges. “Miramar is a place name of Spanish and Portuguese origin. It means “sea-view” or “sea sight” from mirar (“to look at, to watch”) and mar (“sea”).” -Wikipedia
History of Miramar Beach Area Originally Named Shoals
The Miramar Beach area had a different name in the early 1900s. It was named Shoals. Col. Michael Grimaldi bought land in 1927 from homesteaders and farmers who lost crops from the citrus canker. He didn’t purchase the land for farming or ranching – he bought it for the beautiful Gulf front views. Michael and his wife Marion Grimaldi envisioned a retirement community along the water.
Miramar Beach might not have Scenic 30A, but they do have Scenic Gulf Drive/Scenic Hwy 98 that includes a bicycle trail and the best views following along the shoreline of the Gulf. There are numerous smaller neighborhoods within Miramar Beach; many are golf cart friendly. Lynne Tanner, a long-time resident, says that “if you’re vacationing in Miramar Beach, there’s a good chance your rental unit comes with a golf cart you can use to drive around the beautiful streets, take to the public beach access, and shop at the Winn-Dixie.”
What Miramar Beach Offers Vacation Visitors
Things to Do while vacationing in Miramar Beach is always ready when you are shopping. Right along US Hwy 98, you’ll find Silver Sands Outlet, a popular shopping mall with over 100 name-brand stores to lose yourself in for an afternoon. You’ll find American Eagle, Eddie Bauer, Tommy Hilfiger, Gap, Nike, Vera Bradley, and much more. Of course, there’s much more shopping than just the outlet mall. And when you’re hungry for either a quick meal or some fine dining, you won’t be out of luck. See our Dining Guide. For seafood, you can check out Bijoux, and if you’re in the mood for Greek, the Aegean. The list of possibilities is extensive, and you may have difficulty deciding where to eat. See our Events Calendar for Family Friendly Options on Activities on Highway 30A and Things To Do.
East Side of Miramar Beach
On the east side of Miramar Beach and next to the dune lake, Fuller Lake – a Four Mile Village – and the Coffeen Nature Preserve. This beautiful preserve, whose 197 acres were donated to the Sierra Club Foundation in 1976, has been kept in as pristine condition as possible and is well worth the time to visit and drink in its serenity.
South Walton’s Home to Sea Turtles
A bit of trivia that many locals know and visitors probably don’t is that South Walton loves their sea turtles. SoWal Life created Theo a Little Turtle on a Big Mission. All species of sea turtles are protected under the Endangered Species Act. South Walton Turtle Watch is a non-profit conservation organization tasked with monitoring the sea turtle nesting and population in South Walton County. According to the Endangered Species Act, it is unlawful to touch, harass, interfere, or interact with sea turtles without a permit. This wonderful organization comprises volunteers who monitor each beach community’s sandy beach all the way from Miramar Beach East to Inlet Beach, especially during the nesting season of May 1st to October 31st, to locate and mark sea turtle nesting sites. Theo the Turtle is here to save the threatened sea turtles of South Walton, Florida! Help support the cause—a portion of every Theo purchase goes directly to the charity.
Get On The Waters and Outdoors Options
Of course, the beach is always the main draw for anyone vacationing in the area. The time soaking in the sun’s warmth, swimming in the salt water, fishing, and watching one of the glorious sunsets make for some great memories. Lots of Things to Do when you Get Outdoors, Family Fun, Beach Activities, Paddle Boarding, Boating, Festivals, Live Music,
Are you visiting Miramar Beach for the first time? CLICK HERE to check out Visit South Walton’s First Timer’s Guide.
