July 9, 2024Hidden? Not so much.
A gem? Absolutely.
On a slice of Florida’s Emerald Coast lies a gorgeous community on the far west end of 30A. Hmm. The far west end? Maybe that’s why it’s not as well-known as its beautiful counterparts.
Oh sure, Grayton Beach shares its name and beauty with an enchanting state park. Blue Mountain Beach has a fabled tale behind its wonderful name. And what can compare to Rosemary Beach, with its adorable North Barrett Square?
Well, worry not, fellow beachcombers. With its many acres of wild dunes and home to five(!) coastal dune lakes, Dune Allen Beach possesses its own unique old-Florida charm.
For a taste of true coastal living, this bona fide gem is anything but hidden.
Explore.
Dotted along 30A in Dune Allen are tiny cinder-block houses perched high on sea dunes right next to modern stucco structures. Weathered and refurbished wooden beach homes stand tall on pilings and are a reminder of how simple life was when 30A was a sleepy beach escape.
Unspoiled beach bliss.
Like its neighboring coastal towns, Dune Allen Beach has exclusive access to the most pristine shoreline in the US. Soft white sand that greets shimmering, emerald waves.
Take a romantic walk in the sand. Build a sandcastle. Grab a snorkel and a waterproof camera, and get snapping. Toss a frisbee with friends. Head out into the water with a paddleboard. Soak up the sun on your new, colorful beach towel.
Public beach access.
For those eager to explore every inch of these beautiful beaches, Dune Allen provides three convenient public beach access points for sunbathers and beachcombers alike, making it easy to get to the soft white sand and shimmering emerald waves.
The newest is the Dune Allen Regional Beach Access, right across from Stinky’s Fish Camp Restaurant on 30A, with restrooms, parking, and a lifeguard station. Check out these full-screen video tours.
A private beach club and member-owned, the recent multi-million-dollar renovation of Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club inspired Golf Magazine to call it the “Purest Golf in the Florida Panhandle.” You’ll be challenged by the many elevation changes and wowed by nature’s habitats. The course is designed for walking, with little distance between greens and tees. But that’s okay, two of the holes back up to the Gulf of Mexico, a rarity around here.
The Timpoochee Trail
Get out of your car and onto a bike. The popular, paved trail makes it easy to ride to just about anything along 30A. A total blast!
Meander at your pace through the community, providing the perfect opportunities to get up close and personal with nature. The eighteen-mile trek parallels 30A and eventually makes its way to Inlet Beach. For that trek, rent an e-bike. E is for: Evenmorefun!
Rare coastal dune lakes.
One of the unique features of Dune Allen is home to not one, not two, but five rare coastal dune lakes – Allen, Campbell, Morris, Oyster (shaped like an oyster shell) and Stallworth.
A rare geographical phenomenon, these are freshwater lakes located within a stone’s throw of the Gulf, offering a diverse ecosystem that’s both fascinating and beautiful.
Vacationers can indulge in paddleboarding, fishing, or simply soaking in the sights of these pristine lakes. Kids love their calm, shallow waters, some of which, when filled with rain, twist to the beach waters, mingling with the Gulf.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park.
Nature lovers! For an ‘old Florida’ vibe and look, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is just ‘down the road’ from Dune Allen Beach, with 3 miles of pristine beaches. Its dunes are purported to rise like a ship’s sails over the soft sand beaches. Some of the dunes tower over 25 feet tall.
The beach itself is wide open and the undeveloped landscape is a scenic sensation. To hike the interiors of the park, the main entrance is nearby off 30A. Multiple trails meander around the coastal dune lakes many of which are raised walkways. Get out and explore the Park with a day on the water.
Topsail’s Gregory E. Moore RV park is also one of the nicest campgrounds you’ll find in the world, with miles of crisscrossing bike trails, and of course, the dunes.
Expect to see Great Blue Herons, White Egrets, various migrating ducks, Brown Pelicans, American Bald Eagles, Osprey, Deer, and perhaps even a bear or two in the distance.
Dive into the underwater wonders at Seahorse Reef, located off of Topsail Hill State Park. The reef sits 715 feet from the shore. Installed in the summer of 2017, it’s comprised of 78 individual reefs deployed in the shape of a seahorse. Snorkeling and diving enthusiasts will be captivated by the vibrant marine life thriving beneath the Gulf’s surface. Take a paddleboard or a kayak there. Super easy, super fun.
Dine.
A peaceful retreat, yes, but gourmet dining thrives in Dune Allen, from fresh seafood joints to beachfront dining at its finest. After a day of exploration, refuel near your Oversee vacation home.
Goatfeathers Restaurant
For a more laid-back atmosphere, Goatfeathers Restaurant is a local favorite. With a menu featuring fresh seafood and Southern-inspired dishes, it’s a perfect spot for a casual yet delicious meal.
Stinky’s Fish Camp and Stinky’s Bait Shack
Embrace the quirky charm of Stinky’s Fish Camp and its accompanying Bait Shack. Known for its casual vibe and exceptional seafood, this is where locals and visitors alike gather for a unique dining experience.
Vue 30A has floor-to-ceiling windows, offering some of the best sunsets on the coast. Named “Best Waterfront Dining” by Travel + Leisure Magazine, Vue 30A practically puts you on the beach, while featuring fresh and innovative cuisine. As their slogan says, “Come for the views – stay for the food!
Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar
Seafood lovers shouldn’t miss Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar, offering a menu brimming with Gulf-inspired flavors. From oysters to freshly caught fish, every dish is a celebration of coastal cuisine.
Papa Surf Burger Bar
Where music and sports meet delicious burgers, the founders envisioned a place where folks can come together to enjoy delicious food, good company, and a lively atmosphere.
Unwind.
At Oversee, we’ve been privileged to witness countless individuals and families fall under the spell of Dune Allen’s charm, often returning year after year, calling each new vacation their ‘best one yet’.
Yet, amid the natural charm, Dune Allen seamlessly blends with luxury. Our gorgeous vacation homes range from cozy beachfront cottages to sprawling modern estates, ensuring that you have all the comforts of home while you’re away.
This stunning 3 bedroom, 3 bath home is in the quiet, gated community of Cypress Dunes, where you can see deer and other wildlife during early evening walks along the boardwalks and trails. The well-preserved Topsail State Park is nearby and can be observed from all three stories of Santa Rosa Beach House on 30A.
With a beautiful unobstructed view of the Gulf and the pristine Topsail Hill State Park, Sun’s Up Fun’s Up is just steps away from the state-of-the-art Beach Club which includes a clubhouse, outdoor fireplace, large infinity-edge style heated (seasonally) pool, an over-sized jetted hot tub, a full fitness facility, and expansive decks for views of the beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
The fabulous community pool is seasonally heated and features a relaxing water sitting ledge and three miniature waterfalls, creating a soothing atmosphere. Ascend the spiral staircase of Summer Place to the fourth-floor rooftop terrace, where the gulf unfolds before your eyes, offering an exclusive glimpse of paradise.
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