Posted on 10/13/2020By the Ocean Reef Editorial Team
When planning a vacation, you want to make sure that the place you are visiting will be worth the time, effort, and money you put into it. You want to ensure you and your fellow vacationers have a good time and make cherished memories. Sure, you may have heard someone say, "Oh, this place is nice," but how do you know for sure that it's a place you would like? "Nice" is subjective, and you should have some hard evidence of whether or not a vacation destination is worth it.
We totally understand!
Because we're knee-deep in the vacation biz, we hear people ask if certain Emerald Coast destinations are "nice" all the time. This includes Dune Allen Beach on Scenic Highway 30A in South Walton. Well, you know what our answer will be – of course, Dune Allen Beach is nice! But don't just take our word for it. Instead of simply telling you that Dune Allen Beach is nice and wishing you a good day, we're going to share with you what makes it nice. That way, you have all the facts so you can decide if it is the right place for your vacation.
So, what makes Dune Allen Beach nice?
Beach Access
Like its neighboring coastal towns, Dune Allen Beach has exclusive access to the most pristine shoreline in the US. Soft sand that looks like diamond dust greets shimmering, emerald waves. Warm wind whispers a song of relaxation, while the sound of smooth waves joins in harmony. From sunrise to sunset, the beach in Dune Allen offers a sweet escape from your worldly worries. And the best part? There are many different ways to enjoy this tropical oasis! Take a romantic walk in the sand. Build a sandcastle. Grab a snorkel and let your inner marine biologist loose to explore. Toss a frisbee with friends. Head out into the water with a paddleboard. Soak up the sun on a colorful beach towel. The possibilities are endless!
Coastal Dune Lakes
Dune Allen Beach is home to not one, not two, but three rare coastal dune lakes – Allen Lake, Stallworth Lake, and Oyster Lake. These lakes are unique to this stretch of coast and a very few other places in the world. Created by winds that redistributed the sand resulting in shallow basins, the lakes boast incredible and beautiful habitats. Vacationers can take advantage of these lakes in a number of ways, including fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and sightseeing.
Topsail Preserve State Park
Located in Dune Allen Beach, Topsail Preserve State Park is a great getaway for nature lovers. Miles of nature trails packed with coastal flora and fauna make for a fun day of adventuring. In addition to nature walks and hiking, you can take to the trails by bike. This enables you to cover more ground and experience all the beauty that the area has to offer. Topsail Preserve State Park has picnic areas, and what better way to enjoy this quiet sanctuary than a tropical picnic? Additionally, the park offers camping for those who want to rough it in the outdoors. That is, if you can really call camping in the most beautiful place on earth, "roughing it."
Shops & Restaurants
Another part of what makes Dune Allen Beach nice is the variety of shops and restaurants in town. Specifically, Gulf Place Towne Center right next door in Santa Rosa Beach is a hub of activity. Local favorites like Sunrise Coffee Co., Pizza by the Sea, and The Perfect Pig are great places to grab a delicious bite to eat. If you're looking for chic casual beachwear, Affinity Boutique and Soho Beach are must-visit shops. Yolo Board + Bike ensures vacationers can stay active on their beach vacay. And if you'd like to explore local art, the funky and laidback Artists at Gulf Place show off all kinds of amazing artwork by talented artists.
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Proximity to Destin
Not only is Dune Allen Beach close to neighboring 30A beach towns, but it is also located near Destin. Destin can be a quick 20 to 30-minute drive from Dune Allen Beach, depending on the time of day. This means you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of staying on 30A with the added benefit of checking out Destin activities. Visit the Village of Baytowne Wharf, Grand Boulevard, Silver Sands Premium Outlets, Destin Commons, HarborWalk Village, and so much more!
All of this and more is why we think Dune Allen Beach is nice, and why you should consider it as your next vacation destination. We offer a number of comfortable Dune Allen vacation rentals, so be sure to check them out and book your stay!
See more: 10 Stunning Photos: Destin Vs South Walton
The Ocean Reef Editorial Team leads the market in vacation rental, real estate, and coastal lifestyle content, with decades of Destin & 30A expertise behind every story. As the area's largest locally owned and longest continually operating vacation rental company, we welcome over 200,000 guests each year and reach millions who dream of the beach. Our guides serve travelers, homeowners, and locals alike, sharing authentic knowledge you can trust-because this coast isn't just where we work, it's where our story began, and where we'll continue to welcome generations to come.
