Eglin Reservation Beaches
All visitors,16 YOA or older, to the Eglin reservation must have an Eglin permit and photo ID.
The West Pass Beach and Parking Area (on the west end of Marler Bridge) are closed to ALL forms of public access.
Dogs are not allowed on Eglin beaches.
Santa Rosa Beach -
The Santa Rosa beach portion of the Eglin reservation provides beach access to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, powdery white quartz sand, sparkling emerald green water, and gentle waves.
The Natural Resources Office does require visitors on the Santa Rosa Island beach portion of the Eglin Reservation to obtain a FREE Beach Permit. The permit is available online or at the Natural Resources Office. When you log into your account click My Safety Briefs and watch the beach video, then answer the three questions. Once you have finished the video and questions, the Beach Permit will appear under Available Permits.
Due to military testing and training on the Eglin
reservation the beach on Santa Rosa Island
from Fort Walton Beach to Navarre Beach
is closed to all forms of public access.
Eglin Beach Park -
The Eglin Beach Park is for CAC cardholders and their guests. The beach park provides pavilions with restrooms and showers. There is no drinking water provided at the pavilions, so bring your own. For more information about the Beach Park, please check the Eglin Force Support Squadron's website: Eglin Beach Park
Dunes -
Please use established walkways when transitioning from the parking areas and the beach. It is illegal to walk on the sand dunes. These dunes are stabilized by vegetation, walking on them uproots the root system of the vegetation. This will mitigate the effect the root systems have on stabilizing the dune from the wind. We need to protect what we have left, help spread the word to individuals you see walking on our dunes.
Vegetation -
Beach sea oats and other vegetation around and on the dunes help stabilize our dunes. It is illegal to pick or destroy (walk) this vegetation.
All wildlife on the Eglin reservation is protected.
Report animal harassment to the FWC Wildlife Hotline:
888-404-3922
Sea Turtle Nesting Season -
Disturbance to protected species during their nesting season can result in failed nests, trampled chicks, or increased predation from coyotes that follow human tracks. There are several species of endangered sea turtles that nest on northwest Florida beaches. Turtles looking for a place to nest should be left alone. When walking the beach, please avoid flagged or posted signs that indicate a sea turtle nest.
If you are interested in helping with sea turtle conservation, please click on the Volunteer Program tab for more information on how to sign-up.
Link to FWC Sea Turtle Page:
http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/managed/sea-turtles/
Kemp's Ridley Nesting
Shore Birds -
Shorebirds travel extremely long distances to come to our beaches to nest, we want to provide a safe place for them while they are here. Many beach-nesting birds are small, sand-colored, and their nests and eggs are extremely difficult to spot. If you notice birds behaving strangely (the wounded wing act, or dive-bombing you) give them more space because it's likely that a nest is nearby.
Least Tern Eggs
Snowy Plover Eggs
Link to FWC Bird Disturbance:
http://myfwc.com/viewing/how/bird-disturbance/
Beach Safety -
Florida is hot and humid in the summer, so plan accordingly. Bring plenty of drinking water, sunblock, and towels to stay comfortable. Cool off in the water or under the showers (if available) if you feel yourself overheating. Remember, glass containers of any kind are prohibited on our beaches.
Trash -
The Emerald Coast has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Let's keep the beaches beautiful for future generations to enjoy. Please pack out your trash when you leave. Most areas have waste receptacles at the entrance to the beach.