The city of Niceville was once known as Boggy, and today is famous as a perfect getaway for tourists. Overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay, Niceville is an ideal destination for anyone interested in nature preserves and beaches with untouched sands.
If you want to escape the busy cityscape, Niceville should be your next destination. Because of the city’s calming vibe and charming character make it a perfect vacation spot. Please keep reading to find out what we think are the top beaches for you!
6 Best Beaches in Niceville
Henderson Beach State Park
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This barrier island along the Emerald Coast is excellent for everyone who loves different activities. The park features more than a beach because it has a nature trail, boardwalk access to the beach, and 60 campsites. The park is a beautiful location for special occasions like weddings and family gatherings and has lovely camping facilities.
Destin Fort Walton Beach
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Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida, is always a perfect getaway. The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the mild waves make this a year-round vacation destination. In addition, Destin-Fort Walton Beach is a great place to visit since there is always an activity for everyone, such as diving, kayaking, and manta ray and stingrays sightings.
Navarre Beach
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This beach town is secluded (but safe) because of its location between the Gulf Islands National Seashore and Navarre Beach Marine Park. Visitors like crossing the Navarre Bridge and described it as “entering heaven,” The area’s beautiful beaches consistently rank among the best in the country.
Opal Beach
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Opal Beach is the place to go if you’re looking for miles of empty, undeveloped sand. Quartz sand beaches extend for around eight miles in this picture-perfect setting, and there aren’t any high-rise apartment buildings, so make sure you find a place to stay before soaking in.
The unique thing about Opal beach is that you can hear strange ‘squeaking’ sounds as you stroll down the shoreline. The sound you hear is the collision of individual grains of quartz sand. This is because little rocks from the Appalachian Mountains, thousands of miles north, were eroded and carried by rivers to the Gulf of Mexico, where they now make up the beautiful, soft sand.
Note that a fee is required to enter this section of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, but that cost grants you access to Fort Pickens and all the other beaches and parks in the area for a whole week.
Soundside Beach
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Although it is less well-known than some other local beaches, Soundside Beach is a popular destination for people who prefer calm, waist-deep water to the more popular surf beaches. Compared to the Gulf of Mexico, this beach is somewhat smaller; nevertheless, the water is also considerably shallower, making it an excellent choice for families with young children.
Kayaking is another popular activity at Soundside Beach. Get your boat going and proceed east to find secluded bays and beaches. Paddle over to the East or West Sound reef if the seas are calm, and try to see some of the many tropical fish and do some fishing.
Eglin Matterhorn Beach
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This beautiful stretch of Okaloosa Island’s beaches is perfect for ecotourists and beachgoers who like undisturbed sands. Walking down the beach here is considered a dream, as described by other tourists.
Getting to the water’s edge at Eglin Matterhorn Beach requires a lengthy walk on soft sand in the sun, so pack everything you’ll need. You could start to question your visit here around halfway through the trek, but once you reach the water, you’ll realize it was time well spent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Niceville have beaches?
Yes. There are beaches in Niceville. However, if you want to explore, there are beaches nearby Niceville, such as Opal Beach and it won’t take loong to visit.
How close is Niceville to Fort Walton beach?
Niceville is 14 miles / 23 km from the nearest beach, Fort Walton Beach.
Which city is Niceville closest to visiting a beach?
Destin is the closest city to Niceville, and Destin has a fair share of stunning beaches, too.
Are there any alligators on Niceville, Florida, beaches?
There are alligators in Niceville, especially in Turkey Creek Park. However, alligators are rarely found in the oceans and where people are usually found. Most beaches in Florida are safe.
Can you fish in Niceville oceans?
Yes. You can find numerous fishing spots and docks in Niceville and Valparaiso. In addition, there are experts and professionals that tourists can ask for help with and borrow fishing rods.