Crystal Sands Beach
Crystal Sands Beach
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
127 within 5 kms
Attractions
38 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
495 reviews
Excellent
391
Very good
71
Average
17
Poor
4
Terrible
12
Tammie B
Brookhaven, MS269 contributions
Aug 2023
Crystal Sands was beautiful during our visit in August 2023. The water was so clear. There was not any seaweed and the sand was very white and clean.
Written August 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denny G
1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Family
It all started upon arrival. Eglin airport is full of rude and inconsiderate employees that grab bags way too fast off baggage claim and then complain when you ask for help finding them, strike 1. Our "townhouse" was old and dilapidated inside, makes me really hate photo shop and reviews strike 2. Beach is WAYYYYY too crowded and police patrolling beach to kick people away from surf (because of rip tides you can't even stick your pinky toe near the water.) Paid over 20 grand for a vacation that isn't a vacation but rather like living in a third world communist country. Will NEVER be back again.
Written June 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Douglas K
Chanhassen, MN52 contributions
Feb 2023
The beaches on Old Scenic 98 are beautiful sandy beaches but expect huge crowds and lots of traffic. There are great restaurants but expect long waits. January and February weather is usually in the 50's, once March comes the temperature goes up but so do the crowds of people, Old 98 becomes more of a parking lot than a road. The worst aspect of these beaches is the constant tour helicopters that fly over the beaches every 4 minutes starting early in the morning until sunset. These helicopters fly low and create so much noise that we had a hard time carrying on a conversation. They are very annoying and ruin the beauty and sounds of the waves and beaches. So if you are looking for the serenity of a beach as depicted in the brochures, forget about Destin beaches, because they are noisy and crowded.
Written February 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RobSC1001
Gaffney, SC459 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
This is a awesome little white sand beach. Visited during the Thanksgiving Holiday and no chicks on the beach. The area is very quiet and clam.
Written November 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike B
Saint Louis, MO98 contributions
Oct 2022
Very relaxing. Rented a one bedroom condo through VRBO right on the beach. Wake up to coffee on the patio. Have breakfast. Go down to the beach. Who could ask for anything more?!
The beach is beautiful! The sand is smooth. My only negative was that I wanted to go hunting for shells. No shells.
Beautiful emerald green (and blue) waters.
The beach is beautiful! The sand is smooth. My only negative was that I wanted to go hunting for shells. No shells.
Beautiful emerald green (and blue) waters.
Written October 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike W
1 contribution
Jun 2022
Destin's new private beach restrictions have made it an unenjoyable place. HOA and beach service agreements have banned personal canopies from the beach. It's insulting to pay $5k a week and be told to cram into a tiny sliver of overcrowded public beach or pay $60 a day for an umbrella.
Beach service employees and lifeguards are very hostile to tourists.
After 15 years of memories, I will not be making more in Destin.
Beach service employees and lifeguards are very hostile to tourists.
After 15 years of memories, I will not be making more in Destin.
Written July 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sadie J
Smyrna, TN79 contributions
Jun 2022
You have to see it for yourself to understand how beautiful, amazing, and peaceful it is. The beach was clean, and the water was amazing.
Written June 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
R W
Dahlonega, GA395 contributions
May 2022
The sand is snow white and very soft. You sink down into it and the water is very blue. It's truly a beautiful beach and was not at all packed when we were there.
Written May 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flexter
Ontario31 contributions
Apr 2022
Gorgeous white sand beach! Easily accessible. The water was crystal clear, the sand was soft and warm!
Written May 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tracy r
Greenville, TX9 contributions
Apr 2022
They do a amazing job keeping the beach area clean our family enjoyed our visit to this location!! Long as there is not 2 red flags up you can enjoy a swim in the water.
Written April 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KoalaNotABear
Bulverde, TX12 contributions
Is Crystal Sands Beach pet friendly? If not which beaches in the area ?
C T
Kentucky24 contributions
I'm needing to know if it's better to go to Miramar beach or crystal beach? And is the middle of July a good time to go
LindaSue2021
Florida76 contributions
Most Florida beaches are pretty busy in mid-July. I'm not familiar with Miramar Beach, but Crystal Beach was packed when we were there last July. The public can only use 20' of beach up from the water's edge, which greatly limits space for vacationers. We could hardly find a place to put up our umbrella! We will probably never return to Destin and Crystal Beach because of the crowds and narrow beach.
Hello I am looking to book a room for Aug 1st and checkout Aug 8th. Will you please provide me with the rates for 1 room with double beds? Thank you!
Candice Elliott
Houston, TX
So no dogs are allowed on this beach???
Jennifer P
Bolingbrook, IL44 contributions
Dogs aren't allowed on the beaches in Destin. If you are looking for a dog-friendly beach area you should try St. Augustine Florida. Dogs are welcome on all of the beaches. The beaches are beautiful and very walkable.
usr8054
Irving, TX10 contributions
How is the water temperature in February? Wondering if we can get in
Travel_For_Fun
San Francisco, CA14 contributions
Hello all, we will visit Destin around 3rd week of August, I wonder there'll be seaweed on the beach around that time. Thanks so much in advance!
Lauren Sinclair
3 contributions
It honestly depends on: 1) The area (if there's seaweed at the beach you are at and it puts a big damper don't be too hesitant to just go down a bit of ways, maybe even to another beach along the highway. It may be more clear)
2) Weather may be a factor.
3) Almost the whole month of June the water was relatively clear throughout the area. However, for a few weeks in June it was Red flag so it was not much fun to be in the water anyway. Keep an eye on the surf, not just seaweed.
Who cleans up the beach after a party? I walked down to see the sunrise this morning and there are hundreds of bottles and cans left in the sand
Mary Ann Pirone
32 contributions
I believed the local high schoolers help clean up and some local surfers they pick up or Good Samaritan people pick up some as they see litter rather ignoring it. For if I’m the travelers I clean up my own trash and throw where they belong to maintain clean and protect the sea creatures.
Carlos54321
Galena, OH24 contributions
Hi, Carollyn. What would you like to know about this attraction? Are there any hotels on the beach in that area? What about vacation rentals for 6-10 female family memebers?
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingCRYSTAL SANDS BEACH: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Crystal Sands Beach
- Crystal Sands Beach is open:
- Mon - Tue 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Thu - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Crystal Sands Beach:
- (0.03 km) Beautiful Updated Beachfront Condo - 2 x BEACH SETUPS INCLUDED - Going Coastal
- (0.04 km) Fur-babies welcome at Coastal Fantasea in the Crystal Beach area of Destin!
- (0.05 km) Splash: Steps to beach! Ocean views! Pool!
- (0.14 km) Crystal Dunes Condo - Striking Views and Complimentary Seasonal Beach Service!
- (0.11 km) Dunes of Crystal Beach 404, Beachfront 4bd condo, sleeps 10, pool, fitness,...
- Restaurants near Crystal Sands Beach:
- (0.28 km) Camille's
- (0.36 km) Beach Walk at Henderson Park Inn
- (0.22 km) Cissy's Scenic 98 Cafe
- (0.29 km) Crystal Beach Coffee Co
- (0.63 km) Pazzo Italiano
- Attractions near Crystal Sands Beach:
- (0.28 km) The Shores at Crystal Beach Park
- (0.39 km) Destin Yoga by the Sea
- (1.15 km) Destin Commons
- (1.77 km) Henderson Beach State Park
- (0.77 km) Emerald Coast Olive Oil