Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is the crown jewel of 30A's natural landscape — a 1,600-acre coastal preserve protecting 3.2 miles of snow-white Gulf beach, three rare coastal dune lakes, and old-growth longleaf pine forest that feels a world away from the busier stretches of the Emerald Coast.
What to expect during your visit to the park
The beach here is genuinely pristine — no umbrellas for rent, no concession stands, just wide-open Gulf shoreline with towering dunes rising over 25 feet above the water. We love coming out on a weekday morning when you can walk for long stretches with almost no one else around.
Getting to the beach takes a little effort — it's about a 30-minute walk from the campground, or you can hop the park tram, rent a bike from the camp store, or launch a kayak on one of the dune lakes. The trails weave through pine flatwoods and palmetto scrub, and the lake access makes this a great stop for fishing and paddling too.
Even if you're just here for the day, the park has more to explore than most people expect: over 15 miles of hiking and biking trails, three coastal dune lakes that are among fewer than 30 such lakes in the entire world, and a campground with amenities that make it one of the best-equipped state parks in Florida.
Good things to know before you go
Topsail Hill sits along 30A in Santa Rosa Beach, just west of Grayton Beach. Day-use visitors park and walk in — no reservation required for beach access. If you're planning to camp, sites book up fast, especially on weekends and holidays, so reserve well in advance through the Florida State Parks reservation system.
If you're hiking into the woods with dogs, stick to the marked trails and check for ticks afterward. The park's volunteer staff are fantastic and happy to point you toward the best spots — don't hesitate to ask at the entrance.
Insider Tips
- Take the tram or rent a bike — the walk to the beach is beautiful but takes about 30 minutes. The park tram and bike rentals from the camp store make the trip much easier, especially with young kids.
- Arrive early on summer weekends — the parking area fills up and the park can reach capacity. Aim for 8–9 AM to secure your spot and get the beach nearly to yourself.
- Camp if you can — staying overnight is the best way to experience Topsail Hill. Full hookups, paved sites, clean shower houses, a pool, and a coffee shop on-site make it more comfortable than you'd expect from a state campground.
- Kayak the dune lakes — kayak rentals are available on-site, and paddling the coastal dune lakes is a peaceful, unique experience you won't find almost anywhere else on Earth.
- Check the free admission window — Walton County Tourism typically covers day-use admission fees from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. It's a great perk worth confirming before your visit.
- Bring everything you need — there are no beach concessions. Pack snacks, plenty of water, sunscreen, and beach chairs for a full day out.
