Santa Rosa Beach

Santa Rosa Beach is the mailing name for much of South Walton, from the dune lakes and state parks on 30A up to Point Washington on Choctawhatchee Bay.

The South Walton name along Scenic 30A.

Santa Rosa Beach isn't a city. It's an unincorporated part of Walton County that shares the 32459 ZIP code, so Grayton Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Dune Allen and the bay side around Point Washington all carry the same address. Walton County runs government, schools and beach rules.

Dune lakes

Walton County has 15 named coastal dune lakes, a rare kind of lake that sometimes breaks through the sand to the Gulf. Several of them are here: Western and Alligator lakes at Grayton Beach State Park, and Morris and Campbell lakes inside Topsail Hill Preserve State Park on the west end.

State land

Grayton Beach State Park covers about 2,200 acres between 30A and the Gulf, with Western Lake for paddling and fishing. North of 30A, Point Washington State Forest covers more than 15,000 acres of pine flatwoods with trails for hiking and biking. On the bay, Eden Gardens State Park keeps the 1897 Wesley House and its gardens.

Getting there

From Pier Park, take US 98 west across the county line, then turn south onto any of the county roads that drop down to 30A. Expect the drive to take 35 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Walton County's dune lakes page lists every lake.

Explore nearby

South Walton, Walton County