The Best Little Park in Destin

We found the best little park in Destin. It has a playground, splash park (during non-covid times), a pier, a beach, a small nature trail, changing facilities and a view of crab island. Plus, during our twilight-hour visit, a pirate ship sailed by.

The Captain Leonard Destin Park can be found at 101 Calhoun in Destin – just behind McGuire’s. It’s the last right before you go over the bridge onto Okaloosa Island. (Google Maps couldn’t find it by name because it’s relatively new.)

Captain Leonard Destin Park isn’t perfect, but it is the best we have found between the Scenic 30A Playgrounds and Perdido Key Kids Park.

The playground has many of the elements from our beloved European playgrounds – just placed lower to the ground. These low elements are either a nod toward American’s desire to keep kids safe or they are intended to reserve the playground for younger children. Our Little’s didn’t seem to notice either way. They jumped onto the rope battering ram and pushed each other down the slide. They mounted each and every log pile, seeing how long they could balance. They even rolled down the turf hill landing on the squishy floor of the splash pad.

No matter if you are a local or a visitor, Captain Leonard Destin Park is a winner. It is perfect for a picnic, a quick stop to burn off some energy or a half day beach adventure.