93°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
62%
15
Walton County, FL · Gulf of Mexico
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
7525 W County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
A 1,640-acre 30A preserve named for its 25-foot "topsail" dunes — coastal dune lakes (a globally-rare landform shared with only a handful of places worldwide), 3 miles of undeveloped Gulf beach, and 10+ miles of trails. A free tram runs day-use visitors from the parking area down to the sand. Camping, cabins, and bungalows on-site.
Today's Conditions
Skip the beach today.
Thunderstorms · 62% rain · 87°F water
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly sunny. High near 93, with temperatures falling to around 89 in the afternoon. Heat index values as high as 106. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight
Showers and thunderstorms likely before 7pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 7pm and 11pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 77. Heat index values as high as 100. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Weather
- 93°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
- 62% rain — rain likely at some point
Water
- 87°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- Thunderstorms — stay off the water when storms approach
- UV 10 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
- Moderate rip current risk — nws: rip currents possible in the surf zone
8 /100
skip
0 Swim
23 Sunbathe
0 Walk
22 Photo
Best for sunbathing today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
93°F
Mostly Clear
Wind
5 mph
SW
Rain
62%
This Afternoon
UV Peak
10 Very High
High 10 AM–01 PM · burn in ~20m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 03 PM
Tomorrow
91°F
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Water
Water Temp
87°F
Swimming weather
Next Low Tide
9:40 PM
0.6 ft · in 35m
Wave Height
1.0 ft
5s · SE swell
Rip Current Risk
Moderate
NWS SRF · TAE · FLZ108 · Issued Jul 18, 4:02 PM
Barometer
30.00 inHg
1016 hPa
Water Quality
Clean
10 MPN/100mL · Enterococcus
USGS · sampled 8mo ago
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:54 AM
Sunset
8:47 PM
Moon · 18%
Waxing Crescent
Neap tides — smaller range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 2:09 PM | High | 1.2 ft |
| 9:40 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:08 AM | High | 0.9 ft |
| 9:06 AM | Low | 0.8 ft |
| 3:05 PM | High | 0.9 ft |
| 8:19 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:01 AM | High | 1.1 ft |
| 3:10 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 3:59 AM | High | 1.3 ft |
| 3:58 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:14 AM | High | 1.5 ft |
| 4:38 PM | Low | 0.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 4:57 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 5:18 PM | Low | 0.1 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:57 AM | High | 1.7 ft |
| 5:58 PM | Low | 0.0 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8729108, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
91°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
55%
22
91°
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
77%
11
90°
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
67%
15
91°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
38%
25
92°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
41%
26
91°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
40%
28
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 10 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 87°F
- recommended Rain cover + dry bag 62% chance of rain
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 93°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Day-use lot at the gatehouse; free tram to the beach.
Dogs
Leashed pets welcome in the park and at RV sites; not allowed on the beach.
Entry Fee
$6 per vehicle.
Address
7525 W County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park today?
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Topsail Hill Preserve State Park dog-friendly?
Leashed pets welcome in the park and at RV sites; not allowed on the beach.
Is there an entry fee at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park?
$6 per vehicle.
Are there lifeguards at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park?
No lifeguards are stationed at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park?
Amenities at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park include restrooms, showers, tram to beach, campground (156 RV / 22 tent), cabins, bungalows, nature trails.
When is the water warmest at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park?
The Gulf of Mexico is bathwater-warm by mid-summer — 84-88°F is typical from July through September on the FL Gulf, TX coast, and AL/MS coast. Swimming comfortable from April through October on most of the Gulf.
Where is Topsail Hill Preserve State Park located?
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is in Walton County, FL, at 7525 W County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS