Deer Lake State Park — Attraction in Alys Beach

A Natural Haven at Deer Lake State Park, Rosemary Beach

Deer Lake State Park in Rosemary Beach is a serene and picturesque retreat that beautifully encapsulates the natural beauty of Florida. Nestled along the Gulf of Mexico, this park is a haven for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse themselves in nature.

The park's namesake, Deer Lake, is a stunning coastal dune lake, offering breathtaking views and a sense of tranquility. These types of lakes are rare and provide a unique ecosystem worth exploring. The boardwalk leading to the beach crosses a fascinating landscape, offering glimpses of the local flora and fauna. It’s an educational journey as well, with informative signs detailing the surrounding nature and wildlife.

The beach itself is a highlight, known for its crystal-clear water and soft, white sands. It’s less crowded than other nearby beaches, providing a peaceful and intimate beach experience. Whether you're looking to relax by the water, take a leisurely swim, or simply enjoy a sunset, the beach at Deer Lake State Park is perfect.

For the more adventurous, there are hiking trails that wind through the park, showcasing the diversity of the area's ecosystems. These trails are well-maintained and suitable for all ages, making them a great activity for families or solo explorers.

Additionally, the park's commitment to conservation and preserving the natural habitat is commendable. It's a place where you can genuinely feel the respect for nature and its preservation efforts.

In conclusion, Deer Lake State Park is a gem in Rosemary Beach, ideal for nature lovers, families, and anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of Florida's Gulf Coast. It's a must-visit for its serene beach, beautiful trails, and the opportunity to connect with nature in a...

We've been to beaches all over the world. Port Douglas, Australia. Koh Samui, Thailand. Maui, Hawaii. Big Sur, California. Grew up seven miles from Topanga State Beach and Malibu Colony in Los Angeles. This beach, Deer Lake State Park, is the most stunningly gorgeous combination of white sand, pristine and well protected natural dunes, a freshwater dune lake (very few exist in the world), warm clean waters, and a Mangrove-like forest as you transition from a smallish parking lot to the dunes then beach. Simply mesmerizing, one of my absolute favorite places on earth and definitely my favorite place in Florida. Extremely blessed to have a beach condominium within walking distance or easy bike ride of this special place. Bring your cameras, all shots I've posted are un-edited with no filter whatsoever, taken from a Motorola smartphone. Lots of families dress up nicely and bring professional photographers here for posed pictures. You won't beat the sunsets here, then Park Rangers close the Park and gates after dusk. Roads are not paved, and the powdery nature of Florida beaches along Highway 30A(Known simply as "30A") will mean dust on your vehicles. Don't even think about dropping your trash or walking on the dunes, it's prohibited. Smallish bike rack, minimal to no crime in area except for kids misbehaving. Excellent food and beverage options nearby are getting more expensive by the month. After Deer Lake Park, try Coastside (Andrew! Ed!) for a thoughtfully curated beverage selection or Kahve & Cream (Ricardo!) for delicious ice creams and crepes. All 100 percent worth it, take someone...

I simply can't give the FL state parks a lower rating. The efforts made to preserve the natural habit of FL while still offering the recreational opportunities to the public should be applauded. This park was recently updated after having hurricane damage so the bathroom building and boardwalks are very, very nice. It's a small park with not a lot of parking, but we were there during off season. The dunes and beach are beautiful, and as others have noted, it's a long walk from the parking lot to the beach but worth it if that is your plan. If anything, maybe it keeps some people away and you can enjoy it more. There were several signs, though, that during popular times the lot is full and there are really no extended parking options so I guess beware. Not to be overlooked, also, are the short and sweet hiking tails across 30a from the parking lot. It doesn't take long but will hopefully pass on some of the information regarding the natural ecology of the area. For me personally, learning this has given me such a better appreciation of the natural landscape and wildlife, and how FL was before development. I think if you want to just hike these trails you could park on the side of the road and not worry about entering the park. You must buy a pass to park in the lot. There is an option to purchase it online which is great but they expect you to be able to print it out and display it in your vehicle. Not very easy if you are camping with no printer! Otherwise, you can pay cash...