Customary Use Private vs public Beaches where should I go?

Hope there won't be a problem where we stay because it is mid month September when we are coming. And there are two provided beach chairs where we will be staying.

Don't you stay at a condo there? It is my understanding that the HOAs of condos own the beach in front of the condo, so anyone staying there can use that beach. But I'd call the rental company that you rented from to double check this.

I have tried to get answers from rental companies but it seems they want to push me to rentals that have a private beach but I like to go different places along 30a in south walton. What is the situation? Or should I just stay in Destin? Thanks in advance!

I would get an emailed statement from the rental agency saying that you can use the beach in front of where you are staying or where the closest place is that you can legally use the beach due to HB 631. I saw a very sad post from someone who had just built a retirement home one row back from a beachfront house. They and their grandchildren were so excited about being so close to the beach. Hopefully their neighbor will be nice enough to give them permission to use the beach in front of their house.

Don't you stay at a condo there? It is my understanding that the HOAs of condos own the beach in front of the condo, so anyone staying there can use that beach. But I'd call the rental company that you rented from to double check this.

Yes it is a private townhouse but I did see a post last week on Facebook about Inlet Beach being crowded with beach chairs.

Yes it is a private townhouse but I did see a post last week on Facebook about Inlet Beach being crowded with beach chairs.

But which part of Inlet Beach?

Alcohol isn't allowed on the beach in the state parks. Pets aren't allowed on the beach in the state parks even if they have a beach permit dues to worries about the extinction of beach mice.

True. Any visitors won't be allowed to take dogs to the beach anywhere. Unless they own here and have a permit. Even then hours are very limited.

Pertaining to alcohol I've never heard anyone complain about this restriction.

But which part of Inlet Beach?

Probably this one on West Park Place with parking.

Ed Walline yesterday

Vendor Mafia is alive and well

Ed Walline yesterday

This so wouldn't work for me and my husband. We aren't very social and sure don't sit out on the beach with other people like this. And I wouldn't enjoy walking the beach with all these chairs with people being that close. I know someone who was at Destin a month and a half ago and this was how the beach looked where they stayed in front of the Edgewater in Destin, only way worse, they said they won't be going back.

You can see that kind of abuse every morning on the beachcams - www.SoWal.com/live

Isn't this a public beach at Ed Walline?

Isn't this a public beach at Ed Walline?

I thought Ed Walline was/is public too.

Yes it is a private townhouse but I did see a post last week on Facebook about Inlet Beach being crowded with beach chairs.

Lady D, A couple of those beach chairs may be the ones that come with your rental. Then you're OK.

I thought Ed Walline was/is public too.

Only 50% is free....And only that free part is 50% if and only if the public objects to mafia vendors spreading beyond their 50%. Like BMB on Highway 83.

Go to whatever beach you damn well please.

Miramar Beach is in Walton County. So House Bill 631 applies to them too.

Maybe not.

Miramar (and to the west) was renourished. So the beach south of the ECL (erosion control line) is open to the public all the way to the Destin pass, I believe. Renourishment trumps private beach (south of ECL) and so customary use doesn't come into play here. That is unless you're hell bent on setting up chairs and umbrellas north of the ECL instead of closer to the water that most people would do.

.....Pertaining to alcohol I've never heard anyone complain about this restriction.

That's because they're too drunk to care.

Lady D, A couple of those beach chairs may be the ones that come with your rental. Then you're OK.

They do come with ours. Two chairs were out in front of our place. But I don't want a long line of chairs like that where we are.

But which part of Inlet Beach?

Oh BR, are you talking about where we are staying as to which part of Inlet Beach? It's off of South Walton Lakeshore at the end of Walton Magnolia Ln. close to Shades Bar and Grill.

Any of our Florida State Parks are excellent for going to the beach. Deer Lake is a long haul to the beach But it's beautiful Grayton Beach State Park is very popular. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is wonderful. Not sure how strict they are about restrictions on alcohol for those who like a cold one.

I agree. You got 1,600 acres at Topsail Hill SP and 2,000 acres at Grayton Beach SP to explore beachfront. And designated public beach access along 30A. Or Miramar Beach along scenic 98 will give you excellent access provided you get to a parking space early at peak times.

I agree. You got 1,600 acres at Topsail Hill SP and 2,000 acres at Grayton Beach SP to explore beachfront. And designated public beach access along 30A. Or Miramar Beach along scenic 98 will give you excellent access provided you get to a parking space early at peak times.

I would never put down our parks but as big and as awesome as they are they don't have much for beach access so ridiculous to hold them up as a solution to private/public beach battle.

Topsail - tram ride necessary. And then a long boardwalk to the beach.
Grayton - a good choice with parking, bathroom, picnic tables, lake access nearby. But there are times in summer when it is packed and you even might have to park at lake access parking and walk to beach access walkover.
Deer Lake - very long walk to beach.
Camp Creek - even longer walk to beach. It's a serious hike.

Not complaining! I'm glad they aren't too beach-user friendly cause they would be ruined already.

Good to have options. SoWa has many as said.