Contact Details
Address: 825 Beach Dr, Destin, FL 32541, United States
Contact: +1 850-837-4242
Amenities
Parking: Yes
Picnic Area: Yes
Boat-ramp: Yes
Fishing Dock: Yes
Swimming: Yes
Lifeguard Support: No
On-site Toilet facility: No
Waste Receptacles: Yes
Disabled-Friendly: Not sure
Park Rules
Pets allowed: No
Admission: Free
Hours: Daily, Dawn to Dusk
Local Events/Activities:
Music concerts by the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation
Earth Day Beach Clean Up on Saturday, April 24th, 2021, between 8 AM and 10 AM
Spanning across a lavish 10 acres of picturesque beauty to the west of Destin, Florida, is the Mattie M. Kelly Nature Park. The key attraction is the wooden boardwalk which can be accessed free of charge. The visitors enjoy a short leisurely hike on the boardwalk soaking in the calming sounds of nature. The park is a cheap and easy-to-access escape from the buzz and stress of city life.
The park also features a fine pier gazing over the scenic Joe’s bayou, which amuses the local fishing aficionado from dawn to dusk. The small beach area is quiet and less crammed with beach-frequenting crowds. The park also has a boat-ramp for watching boats and regularly attracts local swimming enthusiasts, although Lifeguard support is not available. The marshy wetland is home to a few elite local flora and fauna such as the osprey, woodpeckers, turtles, and other species, providing an excellent spot for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
The park offers a state of pure bliss and tranquil to weary souls presenting a cheerful picnic area where families enjoy an evening snack or lunch. There are no restaurants nearby due to the remoteness of the park. The park offers enough guidance through its informational signposts. There is a small parking space for up to 5 cars with no access to on-site toilet facilities. Pets are not allowed, although dog-walking is not an uncommon sight. Waste receptacles are available on-site. These minor downsides can be generously overlooked for the incredible natural beauty and benefits the park has to offer.