Dune Allen is the western gateway of famed Scenic Highway 30A. It has this prestigious distinction due to its awesome location about two miles east of Sandestin off Highway 98. Scenic 30A shoots straight down towards the Gulf of Mexico where it curves towards the east at Stallworth Lake passing beside the beautiful beach and Oyster Lake where Dune Allen is located.
Both Stallworth and Oyster Lake are precious and unique. They are rare coastal dune lakes that are only found in four other parts of the world. The gulf periodically opens up the sugary dunes which border these lakes creating a magical mixture of water that supports a huge amount of flora and fauna. Dune Allen is nestled beside them as a small enclave of residential single family and multifamily homes, some of which have been around for decades.
Originally the coastal forest near Dune Allen was home to workers from all over who settled here in the late 1800s to work in the lumber plantations that existed here at that time. Besides the lovely lakes, the southern border of Dune Allen is a shimmering white ribbon of crystalline sandy shore overlooking the emerald toned waters of the glistening gulf. Water sports like paddle boarding, kayaking and body surfing are quite popular here due to the abundance of water.
A trip to the sugar white sand beach is a given. There are three public beach access points here including a small one at the western most edge at Stallworth Lake and another towards the east near Vizcaya. The main beach access, complete with full bathroom facilities, showers and a beach walkover are located near the center of the other two.
Dune Allen also borders the expansive Topsail State Park which is right on the other side of Stallworth Lake. The abundance of wildlife there makes it a popular place for ecotourism. Currently a small tannin toned creek flows back and forth from the lake into the gulf depending upon the tide. It can be easily crossed and once on the other side you can walk along the beach for miles in almost complete isolation due to the relatively remote location. Towering white dunes run along the side of the shore which is protected from pedestrian traffic. However, the beach itself is wide open and the undeveloped landscape is a scenic sensation. If you wish to hike the interiors of this park, the main entrance is nearby off Scenic 30A. Multiple trails meander around other coastal dune lakes many of which are raised walkways making it fairly accessible. The largest of these precious natural habitats are Campbell and Morris Lakes. The ancient forest is quite beautiful due to its natural unspoiled glory. Expect to see Great Blue Herons, White Egrets, a variety of migrating ducks, Brown Pelicans, American Bald Eagles, Osprey, Deer and perhaps even a bear or two in the distance.
If you are a golfer you may want to play a round at part of the established Santa Rosa Beach Club nearby which has an eighteen hole golf course that has been described by Golf Magazine as “the purest golf on the Florida panhandle.” The golf course is open to the public but also has private memberships.
Are you ready to go outside and play? Explore some of our great Dune Allen Rentals and get ready for some fun in the sun!
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