Visiting the State Parks Near Santa Rosa Beach
According to the National Park Service, over 297 million people spent time in state parks in 2021. They spent their time fishing, hiking, sightseeing, and overnighting in these vast wild spaces.
Fortunately, you don’t need to be a hardened outdoor enthusiast to enjoy nature during your visit to Florida. A variety of vacation home rentals place you at the heart of the incredible state parks near Santa Rosa Beach.
So, let’s explore your state park options so you can start planning your trip.
Topsail Hill Preserve National Park
This preserve gets its name from the glistening white dunes that line its shores. It’s the perfect place for exploring freshwater lakes bustling with aquatic life or for going on a nice walk.
The ecosystem boasts wetlands, sandy scrubland, and old-growth pine forests. It’s home to thirteen of the rarest Santa Rosa Beach wildlife species, like the Choctawhatchee beach mouse.
Grayton Beach State Park
Summer is the best time for Florida beach activities, but fall is an excellent time to visit Santa Rosa Beach, especially if you want to enjoy the area’s state parks in all their glory.
Grayton Beach offers the best of both worlds. Here you can surf, sunbathe, and paddle or amble among 4 miles of forest trails filled with gnarled scrub oaks and magnolias.
Point Washington State Forest
Point Washington offers some of the most beautiful state park hiking trails, winding among natural forests, wet Flatwoods, cypress swamps, and basin swamps.
It’s a popular place for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, located along Highway 98 near Freeport. The Eastern Trail System features 3.5, 5, and 10-mile double-track loop trails.
The new Greenway Trail system will link this state park with Deer Lake State Park, Grayton Beach State Park, and Topsail Hill State Preserve.
Eden Gardens State Park
Eden Gardens incorporates 163 acres of the historic Wesley homestead with its perfectly renovated 1897 mansion. This 5500-square-foot home was once the hub of Point Washington.
Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the home, picnic in the gardens, or fish from the dock on Tucker Bayou.
The extensive manicured gardens extend to Choctawhatchee Bay and boast moss-covered oaks and gorgeous camellias and azaleas. It’s the perfect place to relax with a magazine or book while your children explore their surroundings.
Deer Lake State Park
Stroll along the boardwalks of this beautiful state park to enjoy some of Florida’s rarest plants.
You’ll come across Gulf Coast lupines, pitcher plants, and spoonflowers as you go along, as well as lovely examples of golden asters, southern magnolias, and woody goldenrod.
When you’re done exploring, the beach offers a chance to fish, picnic on the white sand, and swim in the clear Gulf waters.
Plan Your Visit to Santa Rosa Beach State Parks
With so much to offer, it’s not surprising that vacation rentals in this area are always in high demand. If you want to lap up the joys of these state parks, it’s best to book your vacation home rental early.
We have a range of accommodations available to suit your preferences. Browse our selection of Santa Rosa Beach vacation home rentals, or get in touch for assistance.