Where to Park on 30A: Your Guide to Stress-Free Beach Days – 30A

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Where to Park on 30A: Your Guide to Stress-Free Beach Days

Stress-Free Parking Starts Here!

Where to Park on 30A: Your Guide to Stress-Free Beach Days

If you’re heading to Florida’s scenic 30A, you’ll want to know the best places to park before you hit the sand or explore the shops. With its growing popularity, 30A parking can be tricky unless you know where to go. Here’s a quick guide to make your trip easier—whether you’re beach-bound, browsing boutiques, grabbing a bite, or out exploring everything 30A has to offer.

Grayton Beach: Park and Ride with Ease

Grayton Beach offers one of the smoothest parking solutions on 30A. The “Grayton Central” parking lot (across from Hurricane Oyster Bar on C.R. 283) provides free daily tram service from 6 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. The tram drops visitors near the west beach access, steps from The Red Bar, Chiringo, and nearby shops. It’s perfect for early fishing trips, beach days, or a night out.

Pro tip: The lot is also a great starting point for a bike ride or walk to nearby spots like WaterColor, Seaside, and Grayton Beach State Park.

Seaside: Free Shuttle and Paid Parking Options

In Seaside, parking has been modernized for convenience. Visitors can park at the lot off Hwy 331 South and take the free shuttle to Central Square. Shuttles run daily from 6 a.m. to midnight, helping minimize traffic downtown.

Closer to the town center, Seaside operates a managed paid parking program with varying hourly rates along Smolian Circle and nearby areas. Rates start at $10 for the first two hours and $7 for each additional hour. Discounts are available for residents of Bay, Walton, or Okaloosa counties.

Just stopping by? You’ll also find complimentary 1-hour and 15-minute parking for quick visits. You can pay via text-to-pay or the Passport Parking App, just look for posted signage.

CR 393 Public Lot (New!)

Located just north of Shunk Gulley and Gulf Place on County Road 393, this recently opened public parking lot includes restrooms, bike racks, and ample space for vehicles and LSVs. It’s a convenient access point for Ed Walline Beach and nearby restaurants, especially during peak hours.

Other Notable Spots

Below are public beach access points along 30A that offer dedicated parking, along with various amenities like restrooms, outdoor showers, ADA accessibility, and even lifeguard presence during peak season. While spaces are limited at some locations, arriving early or planning around peak hours can help you score a convenient spot.

Inlet Beach (East, Central, West)

With around 110 parking spaces spread across three access points, Inlet Beach boasts one of the longest stretches of public beach on 30A. The middle access point (Access B) features restrooms, shaded benches, and a ramped boardwalk that’s ADA accessible. It also connects to a snorkeling reef offshore—Grouper Reef, part of the South Walton Artificial Reef Association.

Blue Mountain Beach

Located near Blue Mountain Creamery, this access has 20 public parking spaces and a steep staircase down to the sand. While ADA access is not available, it does offer newly renovated restrooms, showers, and a spectacular Gulf view from the top benches.

Fort Panic

Offering 34 parking spaces, this access includes restrooms, outdoor showers, a ramp to the beach, and seasonal lifeguards. It’s tucked near Stinky’s Fish Camp and offers a quieter stretch of beach, ideal for a peaceful sunset or family picnic.

Dune Allen

Walton Dunes
This small access point near Beachfront Trail includes 13 parking spaces and provides a more secluded beach experience. It’s great for those seeking a quieter corner of 30A. No restrooms, so plan accordingly.

Santa Clara Access
Located in the heart of Seagrove Beach, this popular access has 60 parking spaces split between both sides of 30A. It features a long boardwalk ramp, multi-stall restrooms, and shaded seating—making it one of the more user-friendly stops for families.

San Juan Access
A small but charming access with just 13 parking spots. There are no restrooms or showers here, so arrive early and be prepared. Its intimate setting makes it a favorite for locals in the know.

Gulfview Heights
This neighborhood gem has 22 parking spots and a covered picnic pavilion with grills. While the access is stairs-only and not ADA accessible, the benches at the top offer beautiful views and sea breezes.

Ed Walline Access

One of the most central and well-equipped accesses, Ed Walline features 39 parking spaces, a shaded pavilion with picnic tables, multi-level boardwalk views, restrooms, and seasonal lifeguards. Located across from Shunk Gulley and Gulf Place, it’s a go-to spot for beachgoers and foodies alike.

Miramar Beach Regional Access

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The largest public lot on 30A with 200 parking spaces, this spot has restrooms, ADA-compliant ramps, outdoor showers, and easy access to nearby dining. It’s an ideal starting point for a full day at the beach.

Scenic Gulf Drive Access
A newer addition with 15 vehicle spaces and generous golf cart and bike parking. ADA accessible with a ramp and restrooms, this bluff-top location includes shaded benches and a lovely covered gazebo—perfect for sunsets and seaside picnics.

Eastern Lake Access
This access includes 16 standard vehicle spaces and 18 for LSVs (low-speed vehicles). It’s a great spot for beachgoers using golf carts, and it’s located in a quieter residential area.

Coming Soon:

a) 393 Municipal Parking Facility

Another new project nearby is the 393 Municipal Parking Facility, currently under construction at 1668 S. County Hwy. 393. When completed in late summer 2025, it will include 74 parking spaces, including ADA, LSV, and bicycle parking, plus a transit building with restrooms—a major win for those visiting Ed Walline Regional Beach Access.

b) More Parking in Miramar Beach

Even more relief is on the way, with Walton County breaking ground on a new municipal parking facility on Driftwood Road in Miramar Beach. Scheduled for completion in 2026, the project will feature 67 parking spaces, EV charging stations, ADA- and LSV-friendly spots, an air-conditioned transit stop, and public restrooms. Funded by the Tourist Development Tax, this much-needed addition will enhance beach access and transportation in one of 30A’s busiest corridors.

For updates, visit waltoncountyfltourism.com/projects.

Tips from the 30A Community

Planning ahead can make all the difference on 30A, especially during peak season. We asked locals and longtime visitors to share their best tips for stress-free parking, smart timing, and getting around without the hassle. Here’s what they said:

Expect peak season pressure: Parking in high-traffic areas like Seaside, Alys Beach, and Rosemary Beach is tight from June through mid-August.

Best times to park: Early morning (before 8:30 a.m.) or late afternoon (after 4 p.m.).

Rosemary Beach: Limited 3-hour visitor parking. If full, try nearby 30Avenue—a short 5-minute walk with ample free parking.

Golf carts are not always allowed: Alys and Rosemary prohibit most golf cart parking. Seaside offers designated spaces. Double-check before relying on one.

Biking is smart: The Timpoochee Trail, an 18.5-mile paved path, makes biking a scenic and stress-free alternative. E-bikes are especially popular.

Alys Beach tip: Limited public parking is behind George’s—arrive early.

Bike, Walk, or Ride: To preserve 30A’s walkable vibe, consider exploring without a car. Use designated bike and cart parking areas, follow local signage, and respect posted rules to avoid tickets or towing.

Want to Make the Most of Your Beach Day? Wherever you’re headed on 30A, planning your parking can turn a good beach day into a great one. Whether you’re strolling through Seaside or lounging at Grayton, there’s a spot waiting for you—if you know where to look.

Pair this parking guide with our Public Beach Access Guide to find the best Gulf-front locations with restrooms, lifeguards, walkovers, and amazing views.

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