James Lee Park Beach

White sand beach
3460 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541, USA
48 miles from Panama City Beach, FL
Cleanliness
Water quality
Crowded
Impressions
Overall
Grades suggested by our reviewer
Water Quality
Unknown (read more)

Beach amenities

  • Changing roomsDressing rooms on the beach
  • RestaurantsF&B places nearby
  • PlaygroundKids will have fun!
  • LifeguardsLifeguard on duty
  • Picnic tablesPicnic benches available
  • AccessibilityEasy beach access
  • SunbedsBeach chairs available
  • WCPublic restrooms nearby
  • ShowerPublic showers available
  • ParkingCar parking nearby
  • Pet friendlyBring your little friends!
👉 Download a FREE PDF map

About this beach

Warnings and hazards

Arrive early (before 10 AM) to grab a parking place. Only ~160 spots available!

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:

Beaches nearby

Additionally, there's a number of beaches near James Lee Park Beach which you can visit:

Beach reviewed by:
Johan and Mary
Photos from Google Maps
Sunset on the beachSea wavesSunny day on the beachJames Lee Park Beach
Show rooms near this beach×

James Lee Park Beach videos

Beach in the evening
A romantic video of the beach

Weather conditions

Current weather at the beach and 3 day forecast

Best times to visit

Average temperature (°F)
Beach map and directions
The beach is located in Destin, Florida 3460 Scenic Hwy 98, Destin, FL 32541, USA (Open on Google Maps)
Drag and zoom the map to view lodging options near the beach.
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James Lee Park Beach reviews and photos
Reviewed on: April 14, 2020