Destin vs Miramar Beach vs 30A: Which Is Better for Your Vacation?
2025
If you are planning a beach getaway on Florida’s Emerald Coast, you have likely found yourself comparing three favorite destinations: Destin, Miramar Beach, and 30A. Each offers its own vibe, beach access experience, dining scene, and personality. Since we welcome guests from all over the country here at Gulfgate, we hear this question often. The real question is: What kind of beach vacation do you want?
Below, we share the differences to help you decide which area fits your travel style.
Destin: The Classic Emerald Coast Experience
Destin is known for its bright emerald green water, powder-soft sand, and a lively, friendly atmosphere. It is ideal for travelers who like to combine beach time with activities, restaurants, and attractions.
Beach Access
Destin has both public beach access points and areas that feel more private depending on where you stay. If you stay at Gulfgate, you enjoy direct beachfront access right outside your door, with room to spread out and take in the view without crowds. You won’t find multiple rows of beach chairs here. Every guest at Destin Gulfgate gets a front row seat to the Gulf! We are proud to say we have more private beach space per guest than any other resort in the area. Plus, each unit comes with a beach seat up (umbrella and two chairs) between March and November.
Activities
Staying in Destin is best for travelers who want to be in the heart of it all - especially for the guests that want to partake in boating and watersports. While there is no “downtown” to Destin, the harbor is the heartbeat of the city and is the most convenient access point to do parasailing, charter fishing tours, jet ski rentals or boat rentals.
Shopping, Dining & Nightlife
From Gulf-front seafood restaurants to cocktail bars and casual sunset spots, Destin has the widest variety of dining options of the three areas. If you want to enjoy nightlife, you will find the most options in Destin, especially in the Harbor area. The shopping options are endless at Destin Commons or HarborWalk Village.
Who Loves Destin
Destin is the focal point of the entire area. Families, couples, groups celebrating a special occasion, and anyone who wants convenience, views, and easy entertainment all in one place. Destin is not a big city at all, but it’s the center of all the action, so guests that like the resort town feel will love staying in Destin. Obviously, we are a little biased!
Miramar Beach: Laid-Back and Easygoing
Just a few minutes east of Destin sits Miramar Beach, a softer, slower-paced stretch of shoreline. It offers many of the same natural features as Destin but tends to feel less busy in certain seasons. There are a few branded hotels throughout the area, but Miramar Beach is mainly known for Scenic 98, where it’s mainly beach houses and condos. Miramar Beach is the middle zone between Destin and 30A, and many guests don’t even realize that this little community exists - they assume they are still in Destin. That being said, there are a few significant differences that play a role in planning your vacation to the Emerald Coast.
Beach Access
Miramar Beach offers multiple public beach access points, though many are tied to specific neighborhoods or resort communities. If you are not staying right on the beach, it can be a challenge to get a parking spot at some of the public beach accesses, even on a golf cart. Some areas can feel tighter during peak times, but the beach itself is just as beautiful and clear.
Activities
Miramar Beach balances convenience with calm. Your main activity in Miramar Beach is the beach. Guests that want to explore the boating and nightlife will need to plan ahead and drive down into the Destin Harbor area. Depending on the season and time of day, that can be anywhere from 20 minutes (no traffic) to 1.5 hours.
Shopping, Dining & Nightlife
Miramar Beach is home to Silver Sands Premium Outlets, casual seafood restaurants, breakfast spots, and cafes. Very minimal nightlife exists in Miramar Beach, but guests do enjoy exploring The Village of Baytowne Wharf for concerts, events and bars.
Who Loves Miramar Beach
Travelers who want the luxury of Destin, but don’t mind a drive to activities and nightlife.
30A: Boutique Coastal Towns
30A is curated coastal charm. This scenic highway winds through Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Grayton Beach, and other small beach towns known for architecture, walkability, and boutique dining. While this destination has received a lot of notoriety, there are several factors to consider when planning your beach vacation.
Beach Access
Beach access varies by neighborhood and is 30A’s biggest challenge. Some beaches are private or limited to residents and vacationers staying in specific communities. Parking anywhere near the beach can be a challenge, so many visitors bike or walk.
Vibe & Style
30A feels more artistic and very slow-paced. You will find pastel homes, scenic dune lakes, bike paths, outdoor concerts, and farmer’s markets.
Dining & Nightlife
Expect chef-driven restaurants, wine bars, and small patio cafes. Nightlife is very limited and more quiet compared to Destin. A full night out here may look like sunset, live acoustic guitar, and a glass of rosé. Most places will be closed by 10 pm. (maybe earlier in the winter months). For true night life, you’ll want to head down into Destin - specifically the harbor area, which can be a 30-45 minute drive depending on where you stay along 30A.
Who Loves 30A
Travelers who want more of a hammock life - no resorts, name brand shopping or branded dining establishments. 30A can become incredibly busy and crowded during season, so guests must be ok with biking or walking to destinations. For a tiny little scenic road, there is significant hustle and bustle do to the recent media exposure and popularity over the years.
Plan Your Stay at Gulfgate
If Destin sounds like your style, we invite you to explore our Gulf-front condos with:
- Private beach access
- Spacious layouts and 40 foot balconies with stunning ocean views
- Front row seat to the beach (chairs and umbrella included!)
- Easy, secure, onsite parking right by the building
- Heated pool and fitness amenities
- Central location - Walkable to dining and entertainment
Your vacation starts the moment the pull into the gates here at Gulfgate. We look forward to welcoming you!
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