For calm water, go to the lagoon at St. Andrews State Park. For a wild, empty beach, take the ferry to Shell Island. For people-watching and dinner after, pick the beach by Russell-Fields Pier and Pier Park. Dogs are allowed only at Dog Beach.
From the calm lagoon on the east end to the quiet dune lake on the west, these are the spots worth the drive.
East end, off Thomas Drive
Sugar-white sand, dunes, a fishing pier and the rock jetties at the pass. Behind the jetties is a calm, shallow lagoon locals call the kiddie pool; it is the gentlest swimming in town.
Across the pass from St. Andrews
An undeveloped barrier island with no roads and no buildings. You reach it only by boat, which keeps it quiet. Bring water, sunscreen, shade and a bag for your trash.
Central, 16101 Front Beach Road
One of the longest piers on the Gulf, across the road from Pier Park's shops and restaurants and next to Aaron Bessant Park, where many free events happen.
Directions to Russell-Fields City Pier and Pier ParkPier details
East-central, 12213 Front Beach Road
The other long pier, about 1,500 feet, with a busy public beach on both sides. A good pick for fishing or a sunset stroll away from the Pier Park crowd.
West side of Russell-Fields City Pier
The only stretch of sand in the city where dogs are allowed. Everywhere else, only service animals may be on the beach.
West end, at the Walton County line
Gulf beach on one side and Lake Powell, a coastal dune lake, on the other. Coastal dune lakes are rare worldwide; this is a lovely place to paddle and walk.
Directions to Camp Helen State Park and Lake PowellCamp Helen State Park
Water closed to the public. Stay out of the Gulf.
High hazard: high surf and/or strong currents.
Medium hazard: moderate surf and/or currents.
Low hazard: calm conditions. Still use caution.
Dangerous marine life, such as jellyfish or stingrays.
No flag doesn't mean safe water. Text PCBFLAGS to 888777 to get a message when the flags change.
Anything left on the sand overnight, like tents, chairs and umbrellas, is treated as abandoned and removed under the city's Leave No Trace ordinance. Pack it all out, fill the holes you dig and knock down sandcastles before you go. Holes trap sea turtles and trip people walking at night.
Dogs are allowed only at Dog Beach, on the west side of Russell-Fields City Pier. Service animals are the only exception elsewhere.
During spring break in March, alcohol isn't allowed on the sandy beach, and bars stop selling at 2 am.
Loggerheads and other sea turtles nest here from May 1 to October 31. Keep lights off the beach at night, close beachfront curtains and stay clear of marked nests. More on sharing the beach with turtles.
Only at Dog Beach, on the west side of Russell-Fields City Pier. Elsewhere in the city, only service animals are allowed on the sand.
$8 per vehicle with 2 to 8 people, $4 for a single-occupant vehicle and $2 for pedestrians or cyclists. The park opens at 8 am and closes at sundown.
No. Under the city's Leave No Trace ordinance, anything left on the beach overnight is treated as abandoned and removed. Take everything home and fill any holes you dig.
Yes. Public beach accesses are signed along Front Beach Road, and the sand near both piers is public. Parking rules and fees vary by lot.
Only by boat. The official ferry leaves from inside St. Andrews State Park; you pay park entry, then ride the tram or bus to the marina. Private boats and some tours also go.
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