James Lee Regional Beach Access

James Lee Regional Beach Access is one of the largest and most well-known public beach accesses on the Emerald Coast, situated at the eastern edge of Destin where it meets the South Walton county line. This spacious access point is a favorite among both tourists and locals for its extensive facilities and wide beach.

The park features multiple parking areas, a playground for children, covered pavilions, and one of the widest stretches of public beach in the area. The sand here is the signature sugar-white that the Emerald Coast is famous for, and the water runs crystal clear with that distinctive emerald hue.

James Lee is especially popular for family gatherings and larger events because of the ample space and facilities. The playground keeps kids entertained before the bonfire gets going, and the pavilions provide shade during afternoon arrivals. The Crab Trap restaurant sits adjacent to the park, making it a popular pre-bonfire dinner spot.

For bonfire setups, the wide beach at James Lee gives us plenty of room to create impressive arrangements even for large groups. The area east of the main pavilion tends to be quieter in the evenings and offers the best sunset angles. This is our top recommendation for anyone staying in Destin who wants a bonfire experience without driving all the way down 30A.