Gulfview Heights Beach Access — Attraction in Florida

The county has done a nice job with this beach, playing the best hand theyve been delt, trying to create a nice location while the locals do all they can to make you never come back. Locals who "own" the beach and wont let anyone use it are the worst. They love the tax revenue but hate the people that bring it to their town. This beach crams hundreds of people into these tiny spaces, fenced in with multiple signs that meet you at the entrance, reminding you of the open miles of beach that you see, may not be used. Our tiny beach cubical is then divided into tents and umbrellas, where rented umbrellas get the best spots in our cage, and actual parking cones line the beach telling you where you can and cannot go. They literally have hired a "beach steward" that goes around trying to uphold the rules like a metermaid. Its a joke. The King of Karen's must run this place. Once all the tourist leave and the businesses close up, I hope these locals finally feel complete and enjoy their sandbox alone with no friends. Dont come to Santa Rosa, unless you like to spend big money to still feel unwelcome. Oh, and the parking sucks so be prepared to hoof it in the sun for about a mile, carrying all your stuff, to get to your 5'x5' square. This place is tone deaf to just being respectful to...

Great access to the beach. Visiting in the peak summer season. Even with all the beach access issues along 30a, we have not encountered any issues. Yes, the designated "public" area is not huge but we always found a spot at any time we came out to the beach. Also note that the Old Florida beach area just to the east allowed public access in the first 20ft of dry sand also. Another nugget, go 7 houses east of the access point and you will be on state park sand, there is also a small lake in the area also that is great to play in also.

Had a great time and all... But... Due to Walton County beach access public vs customary use stuff... I just cannot support coming back till it is resolved/addressed. Signs all over the beach and entitled people spending time...

The amenities were very nice and well maintained (restroom and shower). Parking wasn't bad. The scenery was gorgeous!! The boardwalk access is mostly stairs making it hard to transport a wagon and nearly impossible for people who need ADA accommodations. When you make it to the beach you are met with HOA rules that "don't allow tents" or big umbrellas. The lifeguards were very polite about it; but it presented a dilemma. Either you try to cram into the already occupied space between the signs or sit completely exposed to the sun. In 100° weather that's an awful choice.

As a tourist it would have been nice to know about the stairs and HOA prior to our visit. The inconvenience was too great so we went to a...