Summer’s almost here, and if you’re anything like us, you’re getting ready to enjoy long days and some much-needed R&R at the beach.
When you’re looking for places that offer the perfect blend of outdoor fun and unique coastal community amenities, 30A should be at the top of your destination wish list. Not only will you find stunning coastal towns full of great restaurants and shops, but our gorgeous white-sand beaches and recreation areas are second to none.
As you plan your summer travel, check out five beautiful Florida state parks near 30A you can add to your itinerary. With opportunities to fish, hike, bike, and explore, there’s something everyone will love!
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Florida State Parks Near 30A
Enjoy seeing a different side of 30A when you visit these local state parks on your next vacation!
Camp Helen State Park
Camp Helen State Park is situated between the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Powell, one of Florida’s largest coastal dune lakes, offering a mix of beaches, lakes, and wooded trails to explore. You can paddle across the calm freshwater, fish from shore, or walk a network of quiet trails that pass through dunes and salt marshes.
The historic lodge, once the centerpiece of a 1940s-era resort, still stands, adding character to these protected grounds. With its blend of natural landscapes and preserved historic sites, this park offers visitors a chance to relax and unwind along a unique piece of Florida’s coastline.
- Location: 23937 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
- Hours: 8 AM to Sunset, daily
- Fees: $4 per vehicle | $2 per pedestrian or bicyclist
- Amenities: ADA Accessible, Beaches, Historic Sites, Nature Trails, Parking, Picnic Areas, Restrooms, Shower Station, Visitor Center
- Pets Allowed: Yes, leashed, but not on the beach
Deer Lake State Park
Deer Lake State Park offers a chance to experience a rare coastal ecosystem up close. A long boardwalk carries you over rolling dunes and fragile plant life, eventually opening onto a wide stretch of beach along the Gulf Coast. The namesake coastal dune lake, Deer Lake, is a protected habitat that supports a range of birds and plant species, making the park especially appealing to those interested in conservation and open, undeveloped shoreline.
- Location: 6350 E. County Road 30A, Santa Rosa, FL 32459
- Hours: 8 AM to Sunset, daily
- Fees: $3 per vehicle (2 to 8 passengers) | $2 per pedestrian, bicyclist, or extra passenger
- Amenities: ADA Accessible, Beaches, Trails, Parking, Picnic Areas, Restrooms
- Pets Allowed: Yes, leashed, but not on boardwalks, beaches, or in state buildings
Grayton Beach State Park
Often considered one of the top beach parks in Florida thanks to its diverse terrain and scenic access to the Gulf, Grayton Beach State Park provides visitors with opportunities to swim, fish, or kayak on Western Lake, a coastal dune lake just steps from the shore. More than four miles of trails wind through pine forests and salt marshes, making it a great spot for hiking or viewing local wildlife. With cabins and campsites available, the park also works well for longer stays and is one of the few parks that offers easy access to both water and woodland activities.
- Location: 357 Main Park Road, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
- Hours: 8 AM to Sunset, daily
- Fees: $5 per vehicle
- Amenities: ADA Accessible, Beaches, Boat Ramp, Cabins, Campfire Areas, Campgrounds, Canoe and Kayak Launches, Interpretive Exhibits, Nature Trails, Parking, Picnic Pavilion, Restrooms, RV Sites, Water Fountains,
- Pets Allowed: Yes, leashed, but not on beaches or in bathing areas
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Topsail Hill Preserve is large and full of things to do, offering something for just about every outdoor interest. It includes three dune lakes, Campbell Lake, Morris Lake, and Stallworth Lake, as well as nearly three miles of protected Gulf Coast beach. Hiking and biking are popular here, with more than 15 miles of trails crossing through old-growth pines and wetland habitats. The parks offer a beach tram that makes it easier to reach the shoreline, and the mix of lake and Gulf access makes it easy to enjoy fishing, paddling, and simply relaxing in nature.
- Location: 7525 W. County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
- Hours: 8 AM to Sunset, daily
- Fees: $6 per vehicle
- Amenities: ADA Accessible, Amphitheater, Beaches, Cabins, Campgrounds, Canoe Kayak Launch, Concession and Restaurant, Interpretive Exhibits, Laundry, Parking, Picnic Pavilion, Playground, Restrooms, RV Sites, Showers, Visitor Center, Water Fountains.
- Pets Allowed: Yes, leashed, but not on beaches or in cabins or bungalows
Eden Gardens State Park
Eden Gardens State Park brings together historic architecture and quiet green space in a setting that feels distinctly different from Florida’s beach parks. The focal point is the Wesley House, a two-story home built in 1897 and restored to reflect early 20th-century style. Visitors can tour the home, walk through manicured gardens, or enjoy shaded picnic areas along Tucker Bayou. This is one of the few state parks that highlights historic sites over outdoor recreation, though catch-and-release fishing and casual walking paths are available, too.
- Location: 181 Eden Gardens Road, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
- Hours: 8 AM to Sunset, daily
- Fees: $4 per vehicle
- Amenities: ADA Accessible, Canoe and Kayak Launch Areas, Gardens, Historic Sites, Interpretive Signage, Museum, Nature Trails, Parking, Picnic Areas, Restrooms, Water Fountains
- Pets Allowed: Yes, leashed, but not in the Wesley House, on beaches, playgrounds, bathing areas, in cabins, park buildings, or concession areas
FAQs about Florida State Parks
Q. How many state parks are there in Florida?
A. There are 175 state parks in Florida, offering almost 800,000 acres of protected land to explore when you visit, and five of them are within a 30-mile radius of 30A!
Q. Can I fish at Florida State Parks?
A. Yes! You can fish at many Florida state parks; just be sure to check the rules about size limits, how and when you can fish, and how many you’re allowed to catch. You might also need a fishing license, which you can get online at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Q. Can I fly a drone in a Florida state park?
A. No drone flying or the use of any airborne items is prohibited at Florida state parks. Nesting shorebirds view the drones as predators, disrupting the delicate and protected ecosystems our parks create for our native species.
30A Vacation Rentals Near Top Florida State Parks
Featured Property: Kidd Cottage
Secure a 30A vacation rental near these state parks when you book your trip directly with 30A Luxury Vacations. Not only do we have homes to suit every group size, but you can also choose from pet-friendly rentals, gulf front properties, or search by community to find the spot that’s perfect for you.
When you’ve made your selection, remember the most important thing: to book your stay directly on this website for the best price and service in the area.
We can’t wait to welcome you!