Best for kids
Eastern Lake — #11A
Our top pick for families with little ones. Eastern Lake is a coastal dune lake that connects right to the Gulf, so kids get sugar-white sand with calmer, lake-like water and fewer waves.
Open in Google Maps →Sand & Surf
Beach Access
South Walton has dozens of public beach access points — and we're surrounded by some of the best. Here are our favorites and a few tips for making the most of them.
Our Picks
Favorite Access Points
Quiet & scenic · 0.4 mi walk
Walton Dunes — #8
A quieter regional access with a beautiful boardwalk through protected dunes. A great alternative when other accesses are busy. Just a 9‑minute, 0.4‑mile walk from the house.
Open in Google Maps →Neighborhood access
San Juan Avenue
A small neighborhood-style beach access in Seagrove Beach, just south of 30A. Usually less crowded than the larger regional accesses, with a short walk from parking to the sand. Great if you're staying nearby and want a quick beach trip.
Open in Google Maps →Natural beauty
Deer Lake State Park
One of the most beautiful natural beaches on all of 30A. Protected coastal dune lake ecosystem with a long elevated boardwalk through pristine dunes. Excellent birdwatching and photography.
Open in Google Maps →Large & convenient
Santa Clara
One of the largest and most convenient public beach accesses in the area. Larger parking area than neighborhood accesses, easy boardwalk access, and family-friendly.
Open in Google Maps →Full amenities
Seagrove Regional
Parking for cars, ADA vehicles, and bicycles. Modern restroom building, ADA-accessible dune walkover, rinse showers, seasonal lifeguards, beach wheelchair availability, and direct connection to the Timpoochee multi-use bike path.
Open in Google Maps →
Walkable
Walton Dunes is a 9‑minute stroll
From the house, it's an easy 0.4‑mile walk (about 9 minutes) to the Walton Dunes Beach Access boardwalk. Leave the golf cart at home and enjoy a scenic stroll through the neighborhood — no parking hassles, and you're on the sand in minutes.
Parking & Golf Cart Tips
- Drop & park. The easiest move: drop everyone (and the gear) at the beach entry first, then have a designated driver loop back to park the golf cart.
- Busy weekend? If parking at the access is full (it happens occasionally), drive the golf cart back to the house and bike in instead — there's plenty of bike parking right at the beach entry where you can lock up.
- Bring kids? Head to Eastern Lake. The coastal dune lake meets the Gulf right there, so you get calmer water and the same sugar-white sand.
Looking for the full list of South Walton's public beach and bay accesses? See the official Visit South Walton directory →