Lawtey FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Lawtey, Florida.
1. St. George Island State Park
PRISTINE GULF COAST PARADISE
St. George Island State Park boasts nine miles of pristine beachfront, making it the second-longest beachfront state park in Florida. The park is renowned for its soft white sand, gentle surf, and softly-sloping bottom that makes for easy beach enjoyment for the whole family. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and finding secluded spots along the extensive shoreline.
2. Carrabelle Beach
FAMILY-FRIENDLY GULF WATERS
Carrabelle Beach is an easily-accessed, curving, white-sand beach located just west of the City of Carrabelle on U.S. Highway 98. This popular beach features a gently sloping bottom and calm surf, making it often the most suitable beach in the area for families with young children. Visitors can enjoy convenient amenities including plenty of parking, outdoor showers, bathroom facilities, and covered picnic tables with grills.
3. Stump Pass Beach State Park
SECLUDED SHELLING PARADISE
Stump Pass Beach State Park offers a mile of secluded beach where seashells and shark teeth wash up, and anglers fish the surf for prize catches. Visitors come to this tranquil destination to enjoy year-round swimming and sunbathing, with shelling being particularly rewarding during the winter months. The park features a hiking trail passing through five distinct natural communities, providing habitat for diverse wildlife including West Indian manatees and gopher tortoises.
4. Fort De Soto Park
AWARD-WINNING BEACH PARK
Fort De Soto Park is one of Pinellas County's premier regional beach parks along the Gulf Coast. The park offers extensive amenities including picnicking facilities, fishing opportunities, and boat ramps for residents and tourists alike. Visitors should note that beginning January 1, 2025, a $6 per day parking fee will apply to this popular destination.
5. Sand Key Park
TRANQUIL GULF COAST RETREAT
Sand Key Park is a beloved regional beach park maintained by Pinellas County along the stunning Gulf Coast. The park provides visitors with picnicking facilities, fishing opportunities, and a peaceful atmosphere away from more crowded beaches. Starting January 2025, beachgoers should be prepared for a $6 daily parking fee when visiting this tranquil coastal retreat.
6. Fred Howard Park
GULF ACCESS NATURE PARK
Fred Howard Park offers Pinellas County residents and visitors a beautiful regional beach park experience on the Gulf Coast. The park combines natural beauty with recreational amenities including picnicking facilities and excellent fishing opportunities. Visitors planning trips in 2025 and beyond should budget for the new $6 daily parking fee that will be implemented starting January 1.
7. South Walton Beaches
SUGAR-WHITE SAND PARADISE
South Walton features 26 miles of sugar-white sand along the Gulf with turquoise waters that draw visitors to create lasting family memories. The area offers more than 50 beach and bay access points throughout the county, with a mix of public beach access, private beaches through rentals, and state parks. Visitors can use an interactive map to find the nearest beach access and amenities, making it easy to plan the perfect beach day.
8. Alligator Point Beaches
SECLUDED COASTAL GETAWAY
Alligator Point offers two main beaches along with several public access areas along the shoreline. In addition to the Gulf beaches, the area features two boat ramps on the bay side for those interested in launching watercraft. The relatively undeveloped nature of Alligator Point provides a more secluded beach experience compared to some of Florida's more commercialized coastal areas.
9. Indian Rocks Beach
CHARMING GULF COAST GEM
Indian Rocks Beach is one of Pinellas County's beloved beach access parks offering visitors a quintessential Gulf Coast experience. The beach features the characteristic white sand and clear waters that make Florida's west coast a premier beach destination. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing along this charming stretch of coastline.
10. Madeira Beach
VIBRANT GULF COAST DESTINATION
Madeira Beach is a popular beach access park maintained by Pinellas County along Florida's stunning Gulf Coast. Visitors are drawn to its beautiful sandy shores and clear waters perfect for swimming and water activities. The beach area provides a vibrant atmosphere with nearby amenities and services to enhance the beach-going experience.