Parking and Public Beach Access Points in 30A and Miramar Beach

September 2, 2024

There’s nothing quite like discovering new horizons, whether a spontaneous weekend road trip with friends or a long-awaited family vacation. While the Emerald Coast is a prime beach destination for travelers from all walks of life, a few spots are particularly popular. Miramar Beach, located between Destin and 30A, is a beautiful stretch of coastline with family-friendly activities nearby. In contrast, the charming communities of 30A, just west of Panama City Beach, offer a slower take on life with sublime scenery and quiet activities surrounded by nature.

It’s no wonder these coastal destinations are at the top of many vacation wish lists; however, finding the perfect spot to plant your beach towel and knowing where to park can be challenging, especially for first-time visitors. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve compiled this guide to the best beach access points and public parking in 30A and Miramar Beach!

Getting Around 30A

With sixteen charming beach towns stretching along its coastline, 30A offers endless opportunities for exploration. From the bustling town center at Seaside to the peaceful tranquility of Grayton Beach, there’s a town for every type of traveler. Choosing a suitable mode of transportation is key to appreciating all that 30A has to offer. Here are the most popular ways to get around this coastal paradise:

Travel by Car

A car offers tremendous flexibility, allowing you to explore 30A at your own pace. You can easily enjoy scenic drives and pack your itinerary with multiple stops. One thing to note: 30A is known for its golf cart-friendly environment, so plan additional time for outings as you’ll be sharing the road with these leisure vehicles.

Rent a Bike

Biking is the preferred way to explore 30A’s laid-back vibe, and several bike rental shops make it easy to grab and go. You’ll quickly find that cruising along scenic bike paths, stopping to soak up the sun, and grabbing a bite at a local eatery is the way to go. Along the way, you’ll pass families pedaling together, friends out for an afternoon spin, and couples enjoying romantic rides, all lending to the charm of 30A!

Cruise on a Golf Cart

A golf cart offers a fun and convenient way to explore 30A, making popping from town to town easy. You can also transport the whole family and beach essentials like towels, chairs, and a cooler. Part of the 30A experience is cruising to nearby restaurants, shops, and the beach, enjoying the sun on your face and the wind in your hair with your whole crew onboard!

Public Parking in 30A

While many shops and restaurants offer parking for their customers, designated public parking areas may be restricted beyond the occasional roadside parking. If visiting Alys Beach, public parking is limited to those visiting shops and restaurants and is available on a first-come-first-served basis. Although public beach access points aren’t available in Rosemary Beach, you can park and visit the shops along Barrett Square!

Take advantage of the Grayton Beach Tram as a quick and easy way to get around. Located across from the Shops at Grayton, the tram stops at Seaside, the beach, and other local shops and businesses. If you have additional vehicles or boats you’d like to store while here, contact the folks at Southern Self Storage!

Public Beach Access Points in 30A

The 30A area boasts numerous public beach access points to ensure everyone can enjoy the pristine shoreline. Regional access points typically offer ample parking, restrooms, showers, and lifeguard services, ideal for families seeking a more full-service beach experience. Neighborhood access points often require a short walk and offer limited amenities. They’re usually less crowded and typically provide a more secluded beach experience.

Here are the public beach access points along 30A:

Santa Rosa Beach

Dune Allen Regional Beach Access | 5753 W Co Highway 30A (regional)
Ed Walline Regional Beach Access | 4447 W. Scenic Highway 30A (regional)
Gulfview Heights Regional Beach Access | 186 Gulfview Heights St. (regional)
Blue Mountain Regional Beach Access | 2365 S. Scenic Highway 83 (regional)
Van Ness Butler Regional Beach Access | 1931 E. Scenic Highway 30A
Santa Juan Beach Access | 3458 W Co Highway 30A
Santa Clara Beach Access | 3468 E Scenic Highway 30A
Eastern Lake Municipal Parking Facility | 400 Eastern Lake Rd.
Walton Dunes | 258 Beachfront Trail

Inlet Beach

Inlet Beach Regional Access West | 435 W Park Place Ave. (regional)
Inlet Beach Regional Access Central | 139 S Orange St. (regional)
Inlet Beach Regional Access East | 118 W Park Place Ave. (regional)

Getting Around Miramar Beach

Miramar Beach is a hub of activity, with fantastic dining, shopping, and entertainment options, making it a favorite for couples, families, and groups of all sizes. Whether spending the day at Baytowne Wharf, hitting championship golf courses, or cruising Scenic Gulf Drive before heading to the beach, you’ll never run out of things to do. From scenic walks and bike rides to exploring by car or golf cart, getting around Miramar Beach is easy!

Parking and Public Beach Access Points in Miramar Beach

While Miramar Beach has no designated public parking lots, you’ll find plenty of parking at nearby restaurants and shops for patrons during business hours. The convenient beach access points below make getting on our sugar-white sand easy!

Miramar Beach Regional Beach Access | 2375 Scenic Gulf Dr. (regional)
Scenic Gulf Drive | 907 Scenic Gulf Drive

Exploring Nearby Destinations

Both centrally located, Miramar Beach and 30A offer the perfect base to explore other attractions and nearby beach destinations. While Miramar Beach is less than ten miles from Destin, 30A’s easternmost community of Inlet Beach is just minutes from bustling Panama City Beach!

No matter where you choose to stay, you’ll find the perfect retreat with Scenic Stays, offering a wide selection of beautiful vacation properties throughout the Emerald Coast!