Deer Lake State Park offers a rare chance to experience Florida’s coastal ecosystems in a peaceful, low-traffic setting. With protected dunes, rare plants, and a scenic boardwalk that leads to the beach, this park gives you a front-row seat to a landscape that’s becoming harder to find. If your idea of a perfect day includes a long walk, a little solitude, and an uncrowded shoreline, you’ll love it here.
What to Expect
You won’t find playgrounds or food vendors here. Deer Lake is all about natural preservation. A long boardwalk stretches across dunes and ends at a wide-open beach along the Gulf of Mexico. It's an ideal place for beach walking, photography, or just spending a few quiet hours in the sun. The namesake coastal dune lake is home to rare plants like the Gulf Coast lupine and attracts a variety of birds like egrets, herons, and ibises, especially in the early morning.
Practical Information
- Parking: Limited. Arrive early, especially on weekends
- Restrooms: Portable restrooms only
- Pets: Allowed on leash, but not on the boardwalk or beach
- Accessibility: The boardwalk is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers
- Hours: Open daily from 8 AM to sunset
- Admission: $3 per vehicle
There are no trash cans on the beach—be sure to pack out everything you bring in, and as always, leave only footprints.
Local Tips
Because amenities are minimal, pack your own snacks, water, and beach gear, but note, the boardwalk is long and not ideal for hauling a lot of gear with you. The beach here is less trafficked than most along 30A, making it a great spot for reading, sunbathing, or a quiet swim. Deer Lake is close to Seagrove Beach and WaterSound, two neighborhoods where 30A Luxury Vacations offers several convenient properties.
Book a Stay Nearby
Our Seagrove and WaterSound rentals put you close to Deer Lake State Park and other great beaches along 30A. Book directly with 30A Luxury Vacations for the best price and most personalized service in the area.