One Of The Most Dangerous Surf Spots In The US Is A Popular Beach On Florida's Gulf Coast

For experienced surfers or adrenaline junkies seeking a rush, the pursuit of some of these dangerous American destinations to skip on your next trip is a passion. To explore some of these areas requires skill, courage, and, most importantly, respect for Mother Nature's forces. A minor misstep can lead to injuries and even fatalities. Some of the best surfing spots in the world have also proven to be the most dangerous. Case in point: Miramar Heights Beach, a gorgeous slice of Florida's Gulf Coast, ranks among America's most dangerous surf spots with 10 surf zone fatalities. While the allure of swimming in its waters is irresistible, travelers need to be cautious of the rip currents. 

Miramar Heights Beach is part of Miramar Beach, a community in Walton County, Florida, known for various recreational activities, including golfing, beach volleyball, and relaxing on the beach. Getting to Miramar Heights Beach is pretty straightforward. If you are in Destin, it's only 8 miles along U.S. Route 98. From Panama City, it's 47 miles west by road. The closest airport is Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS), which is about 30 minutes from Miramar Beach. If you land at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) in Panama City Beach, the drive takes about an hour. Over the years, Miramar Beach has developed into a beach community attracting visitors seeking the beautiful white sand and surfers drawn by the fascination and thrill of the Gulf swells.

While there are no shark attacks in Miramar Heights Beach, the powerful rip currents and shifting sandbars make it dangerous for surfing. Even on calm days, the current can change quickly, making it risky for surfers. Despite the risks, the destination still attracts surfers from all over the world looking for challenging Gulf swells and unstable breaks. You can swim at Miramar Heights Beach, but you need to watch out for the currents. While lifeguards are on duty seasonally between March 1 and October 31, always check the current flag conditions before you take a dip. The South Walton beaches have a system where double red flags typically mean that the water is closed for swimming due to the currents.

Alternatively, you can opt to just relax on the white sandy beach and sunbathe as you soak in the surrounding vistas. Rent a beach chair and umbrella from one of the vendors nearby and lounge with a book as time paints the sky. You can also stroll along the beach or join a beach yoga class. If you are a volleyball fan, beach volleyball is part of the Miramar Beach experience. This is a fun way to spend the afternoon and make new friends. For golfers, the beach is home to some of the world's most gorgeous golf courses close to the beach. You can choose from golf courses such as Baytowne Golf Club and The Raven Golf Club.

Beyond the beach and the popular but deadly surfing spots, the Miramar Beach community has many other activities that travelers can enjoy. For instance, you can go snorkelling in the snorkel reefs near Miramar Beach. The snorkel reefs are between Inlet Beach and Miramar Beach, and you can paddleboard to them. The closest reef to Miramar Beach is Dolphin Reef, about 685 feet offshore. 

Want some retail therapy? Miramar Beach provides an amazing shopping experience. Start your shopping marathon at Silver Sands, which has over 100 stores with the latest fashion designs. The best part? Your kids can play in the playground as you shop. On your shopping adventure, stop at Waldo's Chicken & Beer for a delicious rotisserie and Southern fried chicken. If you are a cocktail fan, stop by the facility during its happy hour to sample its offerings.

For more outdoor experiences in Miramar Beach, pause by Grayton Beach State Park, about 25 minutes east. Nestled in Santa Rosa Beach, the park has some of the most serene beaches with opportunities for boating and fishing. You can also hike the 4 miles of trails that pass through the coastal forests and magnolias. If you would like to retreat to nature after your day's excursions, the park offers a camping area with outfitted cabins. Alternatively, you can visit Destin RV Beach Resort, tucked less than a mile north of Miramar Beach. Camp with amazing views of the Gulf Coast at this Florida RV Park that features over 30 equipped concrete lots with picnic tables, patios, and private access to the beach.