30A State Parks You Need to Visit on Your Vacation
Scenic Highway 30A is known for its sugar-white sands and upscale coastal villages, but the true heart of this Florida paradise lies within its stunning protected wilderness. Between the communities of WaterColor, Seaside, and Rosemary Beach are spectacular state parks. Spend your days kayaking Western Lake or hiking through Topsail Hill before returning to the luxury of a private 30A vacation rental, complete with private pools, gourmet kitchens, and Gulf views.
Grayton Beach State Park
This state park is consistently voted as one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida. With nearly 2,000 acres to explore, visitors to the state park can enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, bird watching, fishing, and so much more. Grayton Beach State Park is home to Western Lake - a rare, coastal dune lake that makes up 100 acres of the state park. Coastal dune lakes are so rare that they can only be found in four countries.
Things to Do at Grayton Beach State Park
Hike or Bike - There is a 4.5-mile trail that takes you through coastal forest. There is also a 1-mile nature trail at the beach parking area.
Birding - The park is one of the locations listed on the Great Florida Birding Trail. Bring your binoculars and spot shorebirds, bald eagles, osprey, and more.
Fishing - Fishing in Western Lake is allowed with the proper license.
Paddling - Western Lake is great for kayaking and canoeing. You can bring your own canoe or kayak, but there are rentals available on site.
Swimming - The state park does have a beach where you can swim, surf, fish, and just relax.
Grayton Beach State Park Info
Address: 357 Main Park Road, Santa Rosa Beach FL 32459
Hours: 8:00 am to sunset; 365 days a year
Fees: $5 per vehicle
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Named after its dunes that rise above the gorgeous soft-sand beaches, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, located in Santa Rosa Beach, spans over a vast 1,640 acres. With miles of hiking and biking trails, 3.2 miles of white-sand beaches, and plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities, there is so much to do and see at this state park. While exploring, make sure to stop by the Camp Store for some merch or at Coastal Coffee and Café for a bite to eat and some delicious coffee to fuel your adventures.
Things to Do at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Hike - Explore 15 miles of marked hiking trails, each leading you to a different destination.
Bike - Bike the paved trail that leads to the beach or to Campbell Lake. Bike rentals are available at the park store.
Birding - Birders can spot red-shouldered hawks, red cardinals, ospreys, and so much more. Topsail Hill is a part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
Fishing - Enjoy freshwater and saltwater fishing, and snag species like bass, freshwater catfish, pompano, and more. A fishing license may be required.
Geoseeking - The park has a special 13-waypoint geocache program, and you can pick up the coordinates at the ranger station.
Swimming - Go for a dip at the quiet, 3.2-mile white sand beach, and enjoy swimming in crystal clear waters. There are no lifeguards present at the park, so swim at your own risk.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Info
Address: 7525 W. County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach FL 32459
Hours: 8:00 am to sunset; 365 days a year
Fees: $6 per vehicle
Deer Lake State Park
The 1,920-acre state park is located just east of Seagrove Beach off of Scenic Highway 30A. The park is filled with incredible flora and fauna, including southern magnolias, rare Gulf Coast lupine, pitcher plants, and spoonflower. A boardwalk across the dunes offers easy access to the beach where visitors can picnic, swim, and fish. The boardwalk also offers a spectacular view of the dune ecosystem, one of 11 natural communities found in the park.
Things to Do at Deer Lake State Park
Hike - There is a 1.5-mile nature trail across from the park entrance.
Birding - Several species can be found at Deer Lake State Park, including little blue herons, reddish egrets, and piping plovers.
Fishing - Surf fishing is allowed in the state park.
Swimming - Deer Lake State Park features a half-mile of sugar-sand beach, perfect for swimming, sunning, building sandcastles, and looking for shells. There are no lifeguards present at the park, so swim at your own risk.
Deer Lake State Park Info
Address: 6350 E. County Road 30-A, Santa Rosa FL 32459
Hours: 8:00 am to sunset; 365 days a year
Fees: Please use the honor box; correct change is required. $3 per vehicle (2 to 8 passengers) and $2 pedestrians, bicyclists, and extra passengers.
Eden Gardens State Park
Eden Gardens includes 163 acres of land that were part of the historic Wesley homestead. Take a tour of the Wesley House, wander through the gardens, or picnic and fish off the bayou! Eden Gardens State Park is an ideal option for those looking for a low-key outdoor adventure during their 30A vacation.
Things to Do at Eden Gardens State Park
Hike - The park has about 1 mile of trails for exploring. There is also the Living Shoreline Trail that takes you through gardens and trees.
Paddling - There is a canoe/kayak launch available at Tucker Bayou. The bayou is a shallow body of water that connects to the Intracoastal Waterway and Choctawatchee Bay.
Fishing - Eden Gardens is located on Tucker Bayou off the southeast section of the Choctawhatchee Bay. Saltwater fishing is allowed on the dock or off the seawall.
Eden Gardens State Park Info
Address: 181 Eden Gardens Road, Santa Rosa Beach FL 32459
Hours: 8:00 am to sunset; 365 days a year
Fees: Please use the honor box; correct change is required. $4 per vehicle.
Camp Helen State Park
The 180-acre park is bordered by the Gulf and Lake Powell, the largest coastal dune lake in the Florida. From 1945 until 1987, Camp Helen was a company resort for the employees of an Alabama textile mill known as Avondale Mills. Today, it is an outdoor haven for both locals and vacationers.
Things to Do at Camp Helen State Park
Hike - Take a stroll through the Oak Canopy Trail, which winds through a dense maritime forest. A trail guide is available at the visitor center.
Birding - Several species can be found at Camp Helen State Park, including bald eagles, Cooper’s hawk, other migratory birds. Binoculars are available at the visitor center.
Fishing - Saltwater fishing is popular in the surf, while both freshwater and saltwater fish can be caught in Lake Powell's brackish water. The shoreline has many areas to cast a line along Lake Powell. Check the license and catch restrictions.
Paddling - Kayak rentals are available year-round.
Swimming - Swimming is available in the Gulf and Lake Powell. Please be sure to check the flags, which indicate swimming conditions.
Camp Helen State Park Info
Address: 23937 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach FL 32413
Hours: 8:00 am to sunset; 365 days a year
Fees: Please use the honor box; correct change is required. $4 per vehicle and $2 per pedestrian or bicyclist.