Laurel Hill FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Laurel Hill, Florida.
1. Laurel Hill Park
PEACEFUL YELLOW RIVER ACCESS
Laurel Hill Park offers a boat ramp providing access to the Yellow River in a tranquil setting. The 10-acre park features a large lush grass field with walking paths, two pavilions with grills, and convenient parking. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and riverside relaxation in this serene northern Okaloosa County destination.
2. Oak Grove River Park
YELLOW RIVER BOAT LAUNCH
Oak Grove River Park features a boat ramp on the Yellow River perfect for fishing and water recreation. The park provides river access in a natural setting just outside Laurel Hill. Visitors appreciate the convenient launch point for exploring the winding Yellow River and its abundant wildlife.
3. Cox Bridge Park
HISTORIC SHOAL RIVER ACCESS
Cox Bridge Park offers boat ramp access to the Shoal River named after the Cox family who operated a ferry before the bridge was built. The park includes picnic tables, grills, and restrooms for visitor comfort. Located at 5999 State Road 85 S in Crestview, this historic site provides a gateway to river adventures and fishing opportunities.
4. Blue Dolphin Beachwalk
GULF-FRONT BEACH ACCESS
Blue Dolphin Beachwalk is one of seven main gulf-front beach accesses along Santa Rosa Boulevard on Okaloosa Island. This popular beach spot offers free parking, bathrooms, and pavilions for public use. Visitors enjoy the pristine white sand beaches and emerald waters that make this area a beloved destination.
5. Emerald View Beachwalk
SCENIC GULF BEACH ACCESS
Emerald View Beachwalk offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico from its location on Santa Rosa Boulevard. The beach access features free parking, bathrooms, and pavilions with some areas including grill access. Visitors are drawn to the emerald waters, sugar-white sands, and family-friendly atmosphere of this Okaloosa Island gem.
6. Cinco Bayou Boat Ramp
URBAN BAYOU ACCESS
Cinco Bayou Boat Ramp provides water access to Cinco Bayou with Gap Creek emptying nearby. Located at 99 Water Street, this boat launch offers limited parking but convenient access via Beal Parkway. The ramp serves as an entry point to explore the interconnected waterways around Fort Walton Beach.
7. Navarre Beach
PRISTINE GULF SHORES
Navarre Beach is renowned for its uncrowded shores and pristine conditions along the Gulf of Mexico. The beach features soft white sand, clear emerald waters, and excellent opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Visitors can also enjoy the Navarre Beach Camping Resort for a complete beach vacation experience.
8. Miramar Beach
POPULAR COASTAL DESTINATION
Miramar Beach offers a gorgeous stretch of Gulf coastline with crystal clear waters and white sand beaches. Located near Destin, this popular beach destination provides excellent swimming, sunbathing, and water recreation opportunities. Visitors enjoy the scenic beauty along with nearby shopping, dining, and accommodation options.
9. Rosemary Beach
UPSCALE BEACH COMMUNITY
Rosemary Beach is an architecturally distinctive beach community offering access to beautiful Gulf of Mexico shoreline. The beach features sugar-white sand, emerald waters, and a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained beach access points and the charming town design that creates a unique coastal experience.
10. Beaches of South Walton
SCENIC COASTAL HIGHWAY
Beaches of South Walton encompasses a collection of beautiful beach communities along Scenic Highway 30A. The area is known for its distinctive coastal dune lakes, rare natural features where freshwater meets the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can explore multiple pristine beaches with different vibes and amenities, from secluded natural areas to more developed beach access points.