Captain Leonard Destin Park — Attraction in Destin

This city park is a great free option for families looking to enjoy some beach time without spending a dime. The beach itself is on the smaller side, which can make it feel a bit crowded during peak times, but it's hard to complain too much when it's free. One downside was the huge amount of sea grass right where the water meets the sand — not a dealbreaker, but it definitely startled my kid enough that I had to carry her past it before she was comfortable swimming. Once she was out past the sea grass, she had a blast!

There are a lot of kid-friendly climbing structures that kept the little ones entertained, and plenty of benches for resting or keeping an eye on the action. The boardwalk/pier is a nice touch — you can fish off of it or just hang out and watch the fish and sunset. Outdoor showers and bathrooms are a big plus, especially after a sandy day.

The one real disappointment was the splash pad. It was up and running when we arrived but had shut down by the time we got out of the car — apparently part of an ongoing issue that day (and maybe all week). It would have been a major highlight, so that was a bit of a letdown.

All in all, a good spot for an easygoing day outdoors. If you’re looking for a free place to chill after other beaches close, it’s a solid choice — just be prepared for a bit of sea grass and the occasional...

Captain Leonard Destin Park is a public park located in the city of Destin, Florida. The park is named after Captain Leonard Destin, who was a pioneer in the fishing industry in the area during the mid-1800s. The park is situated on the harbor, offering visitors stunning views of the water and nearby boats.

There are several amenities available to visitors at Captain Leonard Destin Park, including a fishing pier, boat launch, playground, picnic tables, and public restrooms. The fishing pier is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to cast their lines and try to catch a variety of fish, including redfish, trout, and flounder.

The boat launch allows visitors to launch their own boats into the harbor, providing easy access to the Gulf of Mexico or nearby waterways. The playground is a great spot for kids to burn off some energy while parents enjoy the views and relax at one of the nearby picnic tables.

Overall, Captain Leonard Destin Park is a great place to spend a day enjoying the beautiful Florida weather and taking in the sights and sounds of the...

As locals that live right up the road we take full advantage of this park with our 2 year old! Such a great addition. My only complaint was the unnecessary back and forth with the female worker (short hair, glasses) I arrived with my kids and headed to turn on the splash pad and I hear “it’s not on” I then approach her and a male colleague and asked “when will it be on” she then says “when WE physically turn it on” and I ask “…ok so when will that be?” She again says “when WE physically turn it on” and here I am “???” And I ask “is there a certain time?” And she said “when you need us to turn it on” at this point I’m just aggravated because she’s deliberately trying to make me look stupid. Hey… next time a “good morning guys, the splash pad isn’t on but we can get it going for y’all if you’d like” will do. The male colleague was very nice and was actually the one who turned it on.. she never did. The 2 stars are for the poor service, I GIVE 5...