James Lee Park Beach, or the Crab Trap Beach, is a large and spacious white-sand beach on Destin’s beautiful coastline in Florida.
Well-equipped and well-maintained, it features all necessary beach facilities, such as clean restrooms and changing areas, as well as a children’s playground, excellent restaurant, several dune walkovers, pavilions, and two picnic areas with ample wooden tables and benches. The beach is accessible for handicapped and also features bike racks.
Parking Matters
The beach boasts a perfect location and is quite popular with visitors. At the same time, free and convenient parking is limited and frequently gets over-occupied.
There are only 160 parking spaces, including a few spots for handicapped drivers, and they’re taken quickly, already in the morning in high season, on holidays and weekends. It is recommended to arrive either in the early hours or in the middle afternoon when the early visitors start to leave.
The parking lot is located very close to the ocean – it’s convenient to leave food and equipment in the car and fetch things whenever you may need them. Moreover, picnic tables will be right there on your way to the ocean!
Services and Facilities
The beach offers clean and well-kept facilities, such as restrooms with changing areas and rinse showers. The famous Crab Trap restaurant – which gave the beach its second name – is located on-site and offers excellent cuisine and drinks. Don’t hesitate once you get hungry! There is also a beach bar and chair and umbrella rentals to make your stay on the beach more comfortable.
As you see, everything is here and you don’t need to go far away to take a shower or have dinner.
Spectacular Florida Beach
James Lee Park Beach is one of the most spectacular Florida beaches, featuring wonderful sugar-white fine sand, soft to the touch and perfect for sunbathing, and clear emerald water, enjoyable for swimmers as well as for strollers (just beautiful!).
The swimming conditions are quite safe – there are lifeguards on duty from early March until the end of October. There are also good waves for those taking up water sports.
If you’re in no mood for swimming or lying in the sun, taking a stroll might be a great idea. Other popular activities include picnicking, beachcombing, and fishing. James Lee Park Beach is also a popular choice for marriages. No wonder! The views are so romantic... There's really not much to say, actually – it's simply a perfect place to relax and spend your vacation.
What we loved
- Beach area: swimming and tanning
- Nice playground for the little ones
- The Crab Trap restaurant
Driving time
- 1 hour 15 minutes from Pensacola, FL
- 2 hours from Mobile, AL
- 3 hours from Montgomery, AL
Hotels and rentals
If you're considering staying for one or even a few nights, there are plenty of options available near the beach. Chose your preferred accomodation type and your favourite room provider:
- Nearby rentals from VRBO.
- Nearby rooms and properties from Booking.com.
Beaches nearby
Additionally, there's a number of beaches near James Lee Park Beach which you can visit:
- Crystal Sands Beach (1 mile)
- Miramar Beach (Destin) (2 miles)
- Henderson Beach State Park (2 miles)
- Topsail Beach State Preserve (9 miles)
- Santa Rosa Beach (11 miles)