Nestled along the shimmering shores of Florida’s Emerald Coast, Seaside is a destination in itself.
Yet, beyond its iconic boundaries, a string of spectacular public beaches welcome visitors from far and wide.
Each offers a unique blend of natural allure, leisurely activities, and impeccable facilities.
Whether you’re a sun seeker, a water sports enthusiast, or someone who loves the gentle lull of waves, there’s a sandy haven not far from Seaside calling your name.
Discover the best and nearest options!
1. Grayton Beach State Park
- Distance from Seaside: 1 mile
- Activities: swimming, hiking, camping, biking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing, paddle boarding,
- Facilities: rentals, restroom, picnic tables, showers, limited parking
A highly-regarded destination, Grayton Beach State Park is a haven for beach enthusiasts seeking an idyllic escape.
Here, white sandy shores meet crystal-clear waters, shimmering in shades of blue and green, offering a visual treat.
Unlike its busier counterparts, Grayton promises a serene ambiance, making it perfect for families wanting an unhindered beach experience.
Visitors can spot playful dolphins, discover live sand dollars, and perhaps a starfish or two.
Or, engage in paddle boarding, sunbathing, and take scenic hikes along the dunes.
Alongside the pristine coast, the park boasts top-notch amenities: a tram service, clean restrooms, and even a charming beachside bar.
Limited parking ensures it remains unspoiled and relatively uncrowded.
2. Seagrove Beach
- Distance from Seaside: 1 mile
- Activities: shopping, swimming, sunbathing, biking, walking
- Facilities: lifeguards, restaurant, parking
Located next door to Seaside, Seagrove Beach is often described as one of the country’s finest.
It’s not just the soft white sand underfoot or the clear, calm waters that charm visitors, but also the awe-inspiring sunsets painting the horizon.
Families will delight in its child-friendly ambiance and proximity to myriad activities, from boutique shopping to diverse dining options.
Uniquely, Seagrove stands out for its commitment to local businesses, avoiding the clutter of big-name franchises.
Instead, it champions locally-owned establishments, lending an authentic touch to every experience.
Whether it’s the reassuring sight of lifeguards patrolling or the rustic feel contrasting nearby Seaside, Seagrove offers both solace and excitement.
A trip here promises not just relaxation, but also memories to treasure.
3. Santa Clara Regional Beach
- Distance from Seaside: 2 miles
- Activities: bonfire, walking, jogging, snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing,
- Facilities: restroom, wheelchair ramp, boardwalk, parking, handicap access, lifeguard, water fountain, bottle refill station
Santa Clara Regional Beach is another highly-rated option just a stone’s throw from Seaside.
As a regional access point, it boasts ample parking, pristine bathrooms, and the reassuring presence of lifeguards between March and October.
A highlight is its wheelchair-accessible boardwalk, ensuring everyone enjoys the sun-kissed shores.
Early birds in August can relish the serene ambiance, while enthusiasts can jog along the coast or be mesmerized by crashing waves.
Facilities extend to spotless restrooms, showers to whisk away the sand, and a limited yet efficient free parking system.
Whether it’s the allure of beach bonfires, the pristine sands, or the occasional food truck delight, Santa Clara is more than just a beach; it’s a seamless blend of relaxation and recreation.
4. Walton Dunes Beach
- Distance from Seaside: 4 miles
- Activities: walking, biking, swimming, sunbathing, bonfire
- Facilities: parking, pier
Tucked a mile south of the iconic Scenic 30A, Walton Dunes Beach beckons with its expansive sandy shores, making it an ideal spot for beach bonfires.
As the sun descends, the beach transforms, providing visitors with breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky and pristine waters a golden hue.
The sands, reminiscent of powdered sugar, complement the mesmerizing emerald-blue waters.
Beach ambassadors, local custodians of this coastal treasure, ensure visitors are well-versed with local ordinances, enriching their beach experience.
Early risers are rewarded with vibrant marine displays, from playful dolphins to gliding rays.
Convenient beach access, a user-friendly pier, and a tranquil ambiance make Walton Dunes a much-favored escape among locals and tourists alike.
5. Deer Lake State Park
- Distance from Seaside: 4 miles
- Activities: walking, birding, fishing, hiking, picnicking
- Facilities: boardwalk, restroom, parking, picnic tables, grills
Deer Lake State Park, located 4 miles from Seaside, offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and thoughtful amenities.
The park’s crowning jewel, an elevated boardwalk, stretches across picturesque dunes, providing panoramic views of the Gulf and granting easy access to its pristine shores.
The beach itself is a haven for picnickers, swimmers, and fishing enthusiasts.
Recently unveiled amenities, including spotless restrooms, covered picnic tables, and grills, further enhance the visitor experience.
For those with mobility concerns, the park boasts handicap ramps and mats, ensuring a smooth journey to the water’s edge.
And for nature lovers? The area teems with diverse bird species and vibrant plant life.
6. Blue Mountain Beach
- Distance from Seaside: 4 miles
- Activities: surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, sunbathing, swimming
- Facilities: bathrooms, parking, lifeguard, umbrella and chair rental
Blue Mountain Beach is loved by visitors and locals alike and draws crowds in summer.
Its pristine white sands, complemented by crystalline blue waters, beckon visitors for a tranquil retreat.
Early risers are often rewarded with captivating sunrises, while the evenings unveil a mesmerizing celestial display, unfettered by city lights.
Families especially cherish the neighboring lake, a hub for youthful adventures ranging from fishing to crab-catching, particularly when the waters merge with the ocean.
Even as rental chairs and umbrellas populate the beach, there remains ample room for all.
Parking is fair, making accessibility a breeze. Culinary aficionados can relish the local delights, with the famed Blue Mountain Creamery and delectable Redfish Tacos topping the list.
7. Ed Walline Regional Beach
- Distance from Seaside: 6 miles
- Activities: picnicking, swimming, sunbathing, surfing, bodyboarding
- Facilities: parking, showers, bathroom, lifeguard, picnic area, pavilion, boardwalk
Ed Walline Regional Beach is emerging as a favorite coastal hotspot for locals and tourists alike.
With ample parking spaces that outshine other beaches in the area, Ed Walline ensures convenience, although visitors are advised to arrive early during peak season.
The pristine white sands stretch wide, offering a delightful canvas for relaxation, while the azure waters promise clarity and coolness.
Families laud the area for its safety, thanks to the lifeguard presence during the season.
Guests appreciate the well-maintained amenities, including multiple showers, clean restrooms, and a shaded picnic area with grilling facilities.
Accessibility is further enhanced by the presence of stairways and a wheelchair ramp, coupled with innovative rubber mat pathways leading directly to the ocean.
Nearby, a square offers dining and shopping options, making Ed Walline an all-encompassing beach destination.
8. Dune Allen Beach
- Distance from Seaside: 8 miles
- Activities: camping, sunbathing, fishing, bodyboarding, paddle boarding
- Facilities: restroom, parking, lifeguard, shower, boardwalk
Situated just opposite the renowned Stinky’s Fish Camp Restaurant, Dune Allen Beach emerges as a delightful spot on Scenic 30A for beachgoers.
The vast sandy expanse ensures plenty of room for sunbathers and gatherings, even at high tide, making it a prime location for activities such as bonfires.
Visitors can effortlessly approach the shore via an all-ramp access, complemented by a long boardwalk.
Adding to its appeal are the well-maintained restrooms, lifeguard station—aligned with the vigilant teams of Destin and Pensacola—and facilities like outdoor showers.
Though parking can be a tad challenging due to its popularity, early birds can secure in-lot spaces.
For those seeking added comfort, chair and umbrella rentals are available.
Truly, Dune Allen promises a serene beach escape amidst its bustling surroundings.
9. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
- Distance from Seaside: 9 miles
- Activities: fishing, camping, hiking, swimming, biking
- Facilities: picnic tables, restroom, showers, campground, playground
An all-in-one destination, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park emerges as a coastal treasure trove.
This haven boasts a unique blend of immaculate beachfront and abundant natural beauty, inviting visitors for a variety of activities.
Campers celebrate the park’s flat concrete sites for their easy setup, while adventure-seekers revel in the multiple lakes – idyllic for fishing and turtle-watching.
For beach enthusiasts, the park offers a distinctive experience; a tram service operates every 30 minutes, effortlessly transporting campers with their gear, coolers, and even kayaks to the pristine beach.
Bathed in crystalline waters and enveloped in perfect sands, this near-private beach becomes a respite.
Furthermore, the park provides well-maintained bathrooms, bike paths, and a store complete with a coffee shop.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park stands unparalleled for those seeking both leisure and exploration.
10. Rosemary Beach
- Distance from Seaside: 9 miles
- Activities: biking, shell hunting, walking, surfing, picnicking, kayaking, paddle boarding
- Facilities: umbrella and chair rental, boardwalk, parking, dog-friendly, restroom
Rosemary Beach, a mesmerizing coastal gem nestled between Destin and Panama City, beckons with its unique charm and upscale vibe.
Drenched in soft, white sands and lapped by clear blue waters, this beach haven offers not just natural allure but also a plethora of activities.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the quaint boardwalk promenades, indulge in boutique shopping, or relish al fresco dining in the vibrant “French Quarter” inspired Town Center.
Those athletically inclined can take advantage of the excellent paths for running and cycling.
On occasion, a lively farmer’s market graces its grounds.
Ensuring exclusivity, beach access is reserved for guests and residents, enriching the experience.
With four inviting swimming pools, myriad architectural delights, and occasional crab sightings at night, Rosemary Beach effortlessly weaves relaxation with recreation, promising an unforgettable experience.
11. Camp Helen State Park
- Distance from Seaside: 16 miles
- Activities: birding, fishing, hiking, picnicking, kayaking, paddle boarding
- Facilities: parking, pavilion, restroom, shower, picnic tables
A 16-mile drive from Seaside, lies the picturesque Camp Helen State Park, a coastal sanctuary boasting 183 acres of history, nature, and breathtaking shoreline.
Bordered by the gulf and the vast Lake Powell, this day-use haven promises activities for every enthusiast.
The trails invite nature lovers for hiking and bird watching, while the pristine beach beckons for sunbathing and swimming.
For families, an educational, kid-friendly zone offers interactive fun like natural bingo.
Freshwater and saltwater fishing options are abundant for anglers.
Despite its secluded ambiance, the beach ensures modern comforts with clean, accessible restrooms.
Though a short walk separates the parking from the beach, the journey unveils a world free from crowds, making Camp Helen a treasured retreat for both relaxation and exploration.
