Esto FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Esto, Florida.
1. Lake Jackson State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION HUB
Lake Jackson State Park offers a scenic lakeside setting with sandy beaches and clear freshwater perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors enjoy a host of water recreation opportunities including boating, fishing, and paddleboarding on this expansive lakefront. The park's relaxed family-friendly atmosphere, combined with picnic areas and gorgeous lake views, makes it a beloved local retreat just minutes north of Esto.
2. Blue Pond Park
QUIET FOREST LAKE ESCAPE
Blue Pond Park is a tranquil, forested lakeside escape featuring a small sandy swimming beach and picnic pavilions. The clear, spring-fed waters of Blue Pond make it a popular destination for swimming, kayaking, and peaceful fishing. With its shady hillside setting and relaxed pace, it's a favorite for families seeking a quiet natural getaway near Esto.
3. Holmes Creek Canoe Livery
SCENIC RIVER SWIM SPOT
Holmes Creek Canoe Livery sits beside the spring-fed Holmes Creek, an inviting spot for river swimming and paddling in crystal-clear waters. Guests can rent canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards to explore the cypress-lined creek, or wade in at sandy shoals. The site's natural beauty and easy access to calm, cool water make it a regional favorite for outdoor adventure.
4. Ponce de Leon Springs State Park
NATURAL SPRING OASIS
Ponce de Leon Springs State Park is celebrated for its crystal-clear, year-round 68-degree spring pool surrounded by lush greenery. The main attraction is swimming and snorkeling in the spring basin, with picnic areas and trails creating a classic North Florida getaway experience. Cool, refreshing waters and an old-Florida setting draw locals and visitors alike in every season.
5. Vortex Spring
AQUATIC ADVENTURE PARK
Vortex Spring is a popular freshwater playground offering a massive spring pool, sandy beach area, and a range of aquatic activities. Visitors can swim, snorkel, dive, or paddle across the crystal-clear spring waters, with on-site rentals and diving amenities. Its lively, family-oriented vibe and pristine water make it a top inland beach destination near Esto.
6. Frank Jackson State Park
LAKEFRONT RELAXATION POINT
Frank Jackson State Park rests on the shore of tranquil Lake Jackson, offering a modest sand beach for swimming, boating, and fishing. The park's lakeside trails, picnic spots, and boat rentals invite visitors to linger and enjoy the natural beauty. Its peaceful, well-kept environment is perfect for families and nature lovers seeking a gentle waterfront escape.
7. Henderson Beach State Park
EMERALD COAST GEM
Henderson Beach State Park boasts more than a mile of pristine white sand beach bordering the emerald-green Gulf waters. The park features swimming, sunbathing, nature trails through coastal dunes, and picnic pavilions within a protected natural setting. Its idyllic scenery and abundant recreation make it a crown jewel of the Destin area's public beaches.
8. June White Decker Beach Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY BEACHFRONT
June White Decker Beach Park offers easy access to powdery sands and the shimmering Gulf waters in the heart of Destin. The park features public restrooms, showers, and a convenient location near local dining, making it ideal for families and day visitors. Its central setting and well-kept amenities ensure a welcoming coastal experience.
9. St. George Island State Park
EXPANSIVE GULF BEACHFRONT
St. George Island State Park stretches across nine miles of undeveloped Gulf beach, prized for its soft white sand and gentle surf. Popular activities include swimming, beachcombing, picnicking, and fishing in a serene, natural atmosphere. Its vast shoreline and unspoiled environment make it one of Florida's top-rated public beach escapes.
10. Carrabelle Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY GULF SHORE
Carrabelle Beach is a long, curving stretch of white sandy beach along the Gulf, protected by offshore islands which ensure calm, gentle waters. The area features picnic shelters, restrooms, and convenient parking, making it perfect for families with young children. Its laid-back vibe and safe swimming environment offer a classic Forgotten Coast experience.