Alys Beach visitor guide

Updated October 18, 2026

Alys Beach is a privately owned, 158-acre town on the east end of Scenic Highway 30A, between Seacrest and Rosemary Beach, known for its white Bermuda-style architecture. The public is welcome in Town Center around the Amphitheatre, with free parking in marked spaces. Its beach and beach accesses are private amenities for homeowners and Alys Beach Vacation rental guests only.

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What Alys Beach is like

You know you have reached Alys Beach when 30A turns lined with tall palms and white-washed walls. Visit South Walton compares the architecture to Bermuda and Greek seaside villages, and the whole town was planned so that its 158 acres are a short walk from the beach.

Behind the white walls are courtyards, green spaces and public art. Visit South Walton points to Central Park, the beachfront Gulf Green, Turtle Bale Spring and Arboleda Park.

What is public and what is private

Alys Beach is clear about this. According to the town's official site:

Open to the public: Alys Beach Town Center and the shops and restaurants around the Amphitheatre and along the north side of 30A.
Private: the beach and beach accesses, which are for homeowners and Alys Beach Vacation rental guests. Guest beach access is at Gulf Green, Turtle Bale and Béla Gray, and homeowners also have the Beach Club. Caliza Pool, ZUMA Wellness Center and The Silva are owner and guest amenities.
Residential areas: doorways, courtyards, stoops and other parts of private homes should not be photographed. Alys Beach has a written photography policy, and weddings and elopements are not permitted for the public or rental guests.

Questions about private dry sand versus public use ("customary use") are a long-running legal issue in Walton County. Under Florida Statute 163.035, a local government cannot rely on customary use above the mean high-water line without a court ruling. For visitors, the simple approach is to use marked public accesses and follow posted signs.

Parking and public beaches nearby

As of October 2026, visitors can park for free in the marked spaces around the Amphitheatre in Town Center, in the surface lot on North Castle Harbour Drive behind George's, and along the slip roads (La Garza Lane and Sugar Lump Lane) that run beside 30A on both sides. Parking courts behind several named buildings are reserved for owners and rental guests, and Alys Beach says parking is monitored and tickets are issued.

For a public beach day:

Seacrest Neighborhood Beach Access (8520 E County Hwy 30A, at Seacrest Drive) is a walk-up access to the west with no parking.
Inlet Beach Regional Beach Access, past Rosemary Beach to the east, has restrooms, seasonal lifeguards and about 110 free spaces.

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Getting around

The Timpoochee Trail runs along 30A through Alys Beach and on through Rosemary Beach to Inlet Beach. That makes biking the easiest way to string together Alys, Rosemary and a public beach. As of October 2026, Walton County's free Beach Park and Ride trams do not serve the east end of 30A.

Things to do in Alys Beach

Walk the Alys Beach Nature Trail. The trail runs through a 20-acre preserve on the north side of town, past slash pines, cypress, wildflowers and carnivorous pitcher plants.
Catch an event. Signature events include the 30A Wine Festival, Alys Beach Crafted and Digital Graffiti, which projects digital art onto the town's white walls. Digital Graffiti now runs every two years, and the festival site says the next one is planned for May 2028.
See a show at the Alys Beach Amphitheatre, which hosts outdoor concerts and performances.

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Tips for visiting

Day visitors should plan their beach time elsewhere. Come to Alys for a meal, a stroll and the nature trail, then swim at a public access.
Park only in marked public spaces. Unmarked areas and private parking courts are ticketed.
Check the flag. Wherever you swim, check the day's beach flag first.
Pack it out. Walton County requires personal items to be off the beach from one hour after dusk until one hour after sunrise.

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FAQ

Is Alys Beach open to the public?

Town Center and its shops and restaurants are open to the public. The beach, beach accesses and resident areas are private, and Alys Beach says the beach is only for homeowners and Alys Beach Vacation rental guests.

Where can I park in Alys Beach?

As of October 2026, there is free parking in marked spaces around the Town Center Amphitheatre, in the North Castle Harbour Drive lot behind George's, and along La Garza Lane and Sugar Lump Lane.

Can I take photos in Alys Beach?

Alys Beach is privately owned and has a photography policy. Photos of private residences, doorways and courtyards are not permitted. Check the official policy before any planned shoot.

What is the nearest public beach to Alys Beach?

Seacrest Neighborhood Beach Access, to the west on 30A at Seacrest Drive, is walk-up only. Inlet Beach Regional Beach Access, east past Rosemary Beach, has parking, restrooms and seasonal lifeguards.