10 Things to Do in Miramar Beach Besides the Beach

Miramar Beach is best known for its sugar-white sand and emerald-green Gulf water, but there’s plenty to enjoy when you’re ready for a break from the shoreline.

Located just east of Destin, Miramar Beach offers shopping, dining, live entertainment, family activities, scenic bike routes, golf, and easy access to some of the Emerald Coast’s most popular attractions. 

Whether you’re visiting on a rainy afternoon, traveling with kids, or simply want to explore more of the area, here are 10 things to do in Miramar Beach besides spending the day at the beach.

 

1. Explore The Village of Baytowne Wharf

The Village of Baytowne Wharf is one of the easiest places to spend an afternoon or evening near Miramar Beach.

Located along Choctawhatchee Bay inside Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, the village brings together restaurants, boutiques, galleries, nightlife, and seasonal events in one walkable area.

Depending on when you visit, you may find live music, festivals, family activities, and special events happening around the village.

It’s a great option for families who want something relaxed but still lively after a day of exploring.

 

2. Shop at Silver Sands Premium Outlets

If you enjoy bargain hunting, set aside a few hours for Silver Sands Premium Outlets.

Miramar Beach is known for its shopping, and Silver Sands features more than 100 stores and restaurants, making it an easy choice for a shopping day or a break from the Florida heat.

It can also be a useful stop if you forgot vacation essentials or simply want to browse your favorite brands.

 

3. Spend an Afternoon at Grand Boulevard

Grand Boulevard is another popular Miramar Beach destination where you can combine shopping, dining, entertainment, and a leisurely walk.

This open-air town center features a mix of national retailers, boutiques, restaurants, entertainment venues, and year-round events.

You can have lunch, browse a few shops, catch a movie, or simply enjoy the pedestrian-friendly setting.

It’s especially convenient when your group wants several options without driving from place to place.

 

4. Catch a Live Performance

A beach vacation doesn’t have to be all outdoor activities.

Visit Florida specifically highlights live performances at Emerald Coast Theatre Company as one of the entertainment options in the Miramar Beach area.

Checking the local performance schedule before your trip can give you an easy evening activity for couples, families, or groups looking for something different.

 

5. Take a Scenic Bike Ride

One of the simplest ways to enjoy the area is on two wheels.

The Scenic Highway 98 Trail offers a paved route through Miramar Beach, giving visitors another way to explore the coastal community without spending the day on the sand. Visit Florida notes the trail extends for about three miles.

Rent bikes, take your time, and stop for food, drinks, or photos along the way.

For families, this can be a fun change of pace between busier sightseeing days.

 

6. Play a Round of Golf

Golfers have plenty of options around Miramar Beach and Sandestin.

The area is home to several courses, including championship golf at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Visit Florida highlights golf as one of Miramar Beach’s major attractions away from the shoreline. 

A morning round can be a great activity for part of the group while everyone else shops or explores nearby attractions.

If you’re visiting during a busy season, consider booking tee times in advance.

 

7. Try Tennis or Pickleball

If your vacation style is a little more active, Miramar Beach also has options for tennis and pickleball.

Visit Florida highlights Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort, which has clay tennis courts and pickleball courts.

It’s an easy way to add something active to your itinerary without planning a full excursion.

Even a casual match can be a fun family or group activity before heading out for dinner.

 

8. Plan a Family Game or Arcade Day

Traveling with kids?

Miramar Beach has family-friendly indoor entertainment as well. Visit Florida lists Thrills Laser Tag and Arcade among the area’s family attractions.

Indoor activities can be especially useful when the weather isn’t cooperating or everyone needs a break from the midday sun.

It also gives kids something exciting to look forward to beyond swimming and sandcastles.

 

9. Make Dinner Part of the Adventure

Miramar Beach has plenty of restaurants worth building your evening around.

Visit Florida highlights a range of local dining, including casual seafood, gastropubs, and more upscale options.

Instead of treating dinner as an afterthought, choose a new restaurant each evening and make it part of your vacation experience.

You can also head to Baytowne Wharf or Grand Boulevard, where restaurants are clustered close to shopping and entertainment. 

 

10. Browse Local Events and Seasonal Entertainment

One of the best ways to experience Miramar Beach differently each visit is to check the local event calendar.

Baytowne Wharf regularly hosts concerts, festivals, shopping events, and seasonal celebrations. Its event schedule changes throughout the year, so there may be something new happening during your stay. 

Grand Boulevard also promotes year-round events and entertainment. 

Before arriving, check the current calendars and add anything that catches your eye to your itinerary.

 

Where to Stay in Miramar Beach

A comfortable home base makes exploring all of these activities even easier.

Seashell Breeze by Cherished Stays is located in a private gated Miramar Beach community and is just a short walk from private beach access. The home sleeps up to 12 guests and includes a bonus game room, arcade games, foosball, ping pong, fast Wi-Fi, and family-friendly spaces—giving your group plenty to enjoy even when you’re taking a break from the beach.

Its location also puts you close to shopping, dining, Scenic Gulf Drive, and many of the attractions mentioned above.

 

There’s More to Miramar Beach Than the Shoreline

The beach may be the main attraction, but it doesn’t have to fill every hour of your vacation.

Spend a morning shopping, ride bikes in the afternoon, explore Baytowne Wharf after dinner, catch a show, play a round of golf, or simply discover a new favorite restaurant.

That variety is one of the reasons Miramar Beach works so well for families and groups: everyone can find something they enjoy, whether they want adventure, entertainment, shopping, food, or a quiet afternoon away from the sand.