Deer Lake State Park

Deer Lake State Park is one of the quietest stops on 30A, a short drive east of Seagrove Beach. An accessible boardwalk crosses the dunes to about half a mile of beach, and the park protects a rare coastal dune lake, the kind of lake found in only a few places in the world.

What to see

• The boardwalk and beach: an easy walk over the dunes to an uncrowded stretch of sand.
• Nature trail: a 1.5-mile trail starts across 30A from the entrance, through pines and deer moss to a scenic overlook.
• Plants and wildlife: southern magnolia, pitcher plants and Curtiss’ sandgrass, with shorebirds like snowy and piping plovers and black skimmers.

Good to know

• Entry: $3 per vehicle, or $2 for walkers and cyclists, paid at an honor box with exact change.
• Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset every day. The small lot fills up in season.
• Facilities: a picnic shelter with a grill. There is no camping.
• Dogs: allowed on a 6-foot leash, but not on the boardwalk or beach.

Pair it with Grayton Beach State Park to the west, and see our 30A beaches guide.