30A Communities-Dune Allen - 30a Beach Girls

DUNE ALLEN

On the far western end of 30A is the peaceful, family friendly, laid-back community of Dune Allen. Considered to be a part of Santa Rosa Beach, Dune Allen is a nature lovers paradise that includes a state park, five coastal dune lakes, miles of trails for hiking and biking and six public beaches accesses. Dune Allen has a relaxed vibe and is just the place to let go of life’s stresses.

THINGS TO DO:

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

7525 W Scenic 30A

Santa Rosa Beach, Fl 32459

https://sowal.com/place/topsail-hill-preserve-state-park

Dune Allen begins at the Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. One of five state parks along 30A. This family and pet friendly park has over three miles of secluded beaches, five of the fifteen rare coastal dune lakes along 30A, 13 miles of hiking and biking trails, a tram, parking, restrooms, and shelters. Throughout the year guests can participate in ranger led programs to learn about the local wildlife such as sea turtles, alligators, the beach mouse, shore birds and the ecosystems within the park and surrounding areas.

Hiking and Biking:

Explore nature and all its beauty at these five rare coastal dune lakes in Dune Allen. Lake Allen, Lake Campbell, Lake Morris, Lake Oyster, and Lake Stallworth. These coastal dune lakes are rare and found only in South Walton Florida, Oregon, Africa and Australia. The lakes are home to some of the rarest wildlife species in the state. You may be able to spot some of the local wildlife on your hikes and on the bridge that crosses over Lake Oyster.

In addition to the miles of trails at Topsail Hill State Park, and the beaches along the gulf, the Timpoochee Trail starts in Dune Allen. There are approximately eighteen miles of trail that run parallel to 30A from Dune Allen to Inlet Beach. It’s a great way to experience 30A up close and the best part is that you can stop anywhere along the way without worrying about parking. One thing 30A has is plenty of bike racks. Each community is unique and offers coastal treats for you to enjoy on your ride.

Have you heard of E-Bikes? Part electric, part manual. E-bikes are a great way to explore 30A without running out of steam. Not that you need a lot of steam since the Timpoochee Trail is mostly flat, but it helps with distance and the occasional hill. Check out Yolo Board & Bike in Gulf Place for all your outdoor needs (https://yoloboard.com/)

Snorkel, Paddle Boarding, Kayak:

Grab your snorkel and fins, kayak or paddle board and head out to the S.W.A.R.A (South Walton Artificial Reef Association) Seahorse just off the shore at Topsail Hill Preserve. This is one of sixteen man made reefs installed along the Emerald Coast. Since 2015, the South Walton Artificial Reef Association has been installing these reefs in order provide shelter, encourage healthy marine life and to create a sustainable food source for a wide range of aquatic animals. Many of the reefs are reachable from the shore by paddle board, kayak, or other floatation device. For more information on the location and news about these reefs, visit https://swarareefs.org/reefs/

Scuba Dive:

If you are a certified scuba diver, then you won’t want to miss our coastal treasure, the Underwater Museum of Art (https://umafl.org ) The only one in the United States and just off the coast of Santa Rosa Beach. It’s an artistic garden of sculptures in less than sixty feet of water and about a mile offshore. The museum adds to the SWARA reef system and is also a protective habitat for marine wildlife along the emerald coast.

BEACH ACCESSES:

Bullard Beach Access

Bullard Beach Access is undeveloped access on the west end of Dune Allen Beach a block south of Scenic 30A at the intersection of Highland Avenue and Bullard Road

Dune Allen Regional Access

5999 W Co Hwy 30A

Santa Rosa Beach, FL