Mattie Kelly Park and Nature Walk — Attraction in Destin

Embarking on the first day of the New Year, I found myself on an unexpected journey of serendipity at Mattie Kelly Park and Nature Walk in Destin. Nestled just minutes away from the Destin Army MWR facility, this hidden gem turned out to be the perfect canvas for a breathtaking sunrise photo shoot.

As a Nature and Travel Photographer, my quest for the first dawn led me to the park's enchanting pier that extended gracefully into the bay. The sturdy structure provided an ideal vantage point for capturing the magical hues of the golden hour. The sun painted the sky with hues of pink and purple, casting a mesmerizing glow on the water's surface.

What made this experience truly extraordinary was the vibrant dance of nature surrounding me. Flocks of birds kept me company, loons gracefully dove just a short distance away, and to my astonishment, a playful dolphin graced the scene with its presence, creating ripples of joy in the pink-lit waves.

Beneath the pier, the shallow waters unveiled a world adorned with shells and barnacles, while the distant sounds hinted at a deeper channel frequented by marine life. The park, seemingly a haven for both wildlife and tranquility, unfolded as a paradise for a nature enthusiast like me.

In the spirit of sharing this hidden paradise, I couldn't resist capturing the sunrise not only through my lens but also on my phone to provide a glimpse of the breathtaking panorama. The experience left me invigorated, and I've curated a collection of photos that encapsulate the sheer beauty of that New Year's morning.

If you seek a destination that seamlessly blends the tranquility of nature with the thrill of unexpected discoveries, Mattie Kelly Park and its picturesque pier offer an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a fellow photographer, a nature lover, or simply someone in search of a peaceful retreat, this hidden little gem promises to leave an indelible mark on your soul. Venture into the heart of Destin's luckiest little fishing village, and let the magic of Mattie Kelly Park unfold before your eyes. Your own sunrise adventure...

I took my girls out exploring and while researching nature parks this one popped up, so we went to check it out. For the most part it was very nice and the views to the water were amazing! You can walk a decent length fishing pier that looks over super shallow water and we spotted many super cool shells. My girls actually went down in the water to pick a few of the shells up and we took some pictures of them but then placed them back since they had live hermit grabs in them which we enjoyed watching crawl around! Across the street from the pier is a little (and I mean LITTLE which is why I gave 4 stars) nature board walk that was pretty grown over. I’d love to see them add some more to it eventually. If you are looking for a place to explore and be outside…I would go check...

I love this park! Tons of different plants here if you like nature and the wooden walkway goes through a wetlands area that additionally has great greenery and educational plaques. We come here about once a week at least and just sit in our car and park sometimes and relax.

There's a nice new laminated picnic table in the field area under the pine trees, plenty of shade and pinecones.

Also there's another wooden dock across the street that goes out into the Bay and I've seen crabs, stingrays, fish and you could swim here. Shallow water. And has a sandy beach.

Quiet road and even in the middle of Summer it seems to be always not a lot of...