Deer Lake State Park

Deer Lake State Park is a 1,920-acre natural area on 30A between Seagrove Beach and Watercolor. The park is named for Deer Lake, one of the rare coastal dune lakes that make this stretch of Florida's coast globally significant. The park protects some of the most pristine coastal habitat remaining in Northwest Florida.

The beach at Deer Lake is accessed via a scenic half-mile boardwalk that winds through coastal scrub and over the dunes. The walk builds anticipation, and the payoff is spectacular — an uncrowded, undeveloped beach with crystal-clear water and brilliantly white sand. This is one of the few places on 30A where you can look in both directions and see nothing but natural coastline.

Deer Lake itself is a coastal dune lake that periodically breaks through the sand dunes to connect with the Gulf of Mexico. This rare phenomenon creates a unique ecosystem where freshwater and saltwater species coexist. The lake is visible from the boardwalk and adds to the park's wild, natural character.

The park has no lifeguards, no concessions, and minimal facilities — it's pure nature. This raw, undeveloped character makes the surrounding area feel special. For bonfire guests, the nearby Seagrove Beach and Santa Clara accesses provide convenient alternatives with full facilities, just minutes from the state park.