Seaside, a picture-perfect, walkable beach town famed as the birthplace of the New Urbanism design movement and as the filming location of the 1998 movie “The Truman Show,” limits its beach access to residents and guests. However, a mere few blocks east of town, Hickory Beach Access, located at 2630 W County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, welcomes the public.
Vibe
Upscale, white sand wonder in a prime spot on the Gulf of America.
Hickory Beach is laid back and stunning, with a convenient proximity to Seaside’s shops and eateries. Here, toddlers splash in the shallows; dolphins frequent the offshore waters; and couples snuggle around crackling beach bonfires after dark.
See, feel
Follow the boardwalk through charming cottages and lush greenery to discover Hickory Access’s beach, a beauty with immaculate sugar-sand and clear-as-glass, emerald-hued waters, framed by a backdrop of steep, towering dunes. The bottom of the beach slopes gently into shallow water, making for an inviting entry.
Be forewarned, the stairs to the beach are steep and long. While the surf is usually minimal, tides, winds and offshore systems can occasionally cause rough conditions.
To see for yourself, check out this video of Hickory Beach Access.
On or near the beach
Revel in the sun and salt air; play in the surf; or rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the placid Gulf of America. Fuel the fun with a picnic by the shore or head into town to discover eclectic eateries.
For a steamy date night, splurge on a private beach bonfire, complete with Smores, table sparklers, and optional rose petals. Or opt for a family bonfire instead, or even one geared for a party.
Accessibility
Hickory Beach doesn’t offer any accessible amenities, but nearby Grayton Beach State Park offers many, including beach Mobi-Mats and a beach wheelchair.
Facilities
South Walton Beach Chair Guys (attendant on site) offers beach chair and umbrella set ups, private beach bonfires, as well as paddle board and kayak rentals.
Lifeguards
There are no lifeguards; swim at your own risk.
Parking
Hickory Beach is a smaller public beach access located within a neighborhood, with limited parking, and is designed primarily for walk-up traffic.
