Bask in Wild Florida at Deer Lake State Park
Dive into the wonders of Deer Lake State Park, where a dune lake, crystal-clear water, and white sand beaches mix to create a perfect day in wild Florida along the Gulf Coast.
Words and Photographs by Sara Sheehy
Live Wildly Lead Adventurist
Things to Do at Deer Lake State Park
Two Ways to Swim: Deer Lake State Park offers swimming both in the warm waters of the Gulf as well as in the gentle, shallow waters of the Deer Lake outlet. Both are accessible from the main beach. Confident swimmers will love to check out the waves of the Gulf, while younger families will value the relative safety of the calm outlet.
Beach Day: The sugar-white sand of Deer Lake’s coastline is the perfect spot for a family beach day. Pack a picnic lunch, a blanket, and a sun shade for a full day of relaxation and play on the Gulf. It’s also a great spot to look for sand dollars.
Fish the Surf: Deer Lake State Park’s beaches are popular for surf fishing, where you can cast a line for pompano, whiting, and redfish.
Hike Deer Lake Sand Pine Trail: The one-mile Sand Pine Trail is short but sweet, with a nice bit of shade and some great views of the pine leaf forest.
The Details
Address: Deer Lake State Park, 6350 E. County Road 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Hours: 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days a year
Fees: $3 per vehicle (2 to 8 passengers); $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, and extra passengers
Accessibility: Accessible features at Deer Lake State Park include picnic facilities, a boardwalk to the beach, parking, and restrooms.
