Where time stands still amidst sand dunes, coastal lakes and the glorious Gulf of Mexico.
With its lavish, stuccoed beach homes, tiny cinder-block cottages, and weathered and refurbished wooden houses, Dune Allen is an enviable combination of yesteryear and today. Reminiscent of Old Florida, this is the quieter end of 30A with a quintessential beach town feel and an absolute joy for nature lovers.
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Lake and beach come together in one of northwest Florida’s most unique geographical areas – not to mention stunningly beautiful spots. The historical Dune Allen community envelops Lake Allen and Oyster Lake, two of the region’s rare coastal dune lakes (found only here and in remote portions of Africa and Australia!). Some of your closest neighbors are the rare wildlife species unique to this type of ecosystem – in fact, aptly named Oyster Lake was named for the oysters that once were so prevalent within it. The three other coastal lakes here include Campbell, Morris and Stallworth, all worth exploring. In the past, like today, folks came here to vacation amidst all this natural splendor, then decided to stay … for a lifetime.
Santa Rosa Beach surrounds luxurious Dune Allen, giving residents the best of all worlds – a pristine natural setting with modern amenities and conveniences nearby. Commercial businesses really have no place here (but aren’t too far away if you need them), instead giving the land over to its sprawling, secluded beaches, lakes, biking paths and nature trails.
Why You’ll Love It
- Peaceful, less commercial region of 30A
- Top-notch seafood restaurants
- Beach, dune, lake and forest activities
- Diverse home styles
Everyday Life
Peaceful Dune Allen beckons relaxation-seeking residents, those for whom a sunrise walk on the sand, fishing from the beach and sunset cocktails from your private deck all add up to a perfect day in paradise. While homes here have easy access to shopping, dining and more, this is the quietest spot along 30A for those who seek privacy. Whether it’s the majestic modern neighborhood of Cypress Dunes or the colorful Calypso Point community, Dune Allen is addictively eclectic and inviting.
Dune Allen neighbors love to be active in the splendorous nature that surrounds them. You’ll find them hiking, biking, fishing (both salt- and freshwater) or running along the Timpoochee Trail, which meanders through the neighborhood.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Stinky’s Fish Camp was named one of the Top 10 places to eat by USA Today, and it’s right in your Dune Allen backyard. Indulge in local chef and Louisiana native Jim Richard’s fresh seafood and Gulf-to-table cuisine with a New Orleans flair. It’s a go-to spot for its all-day oyster bar, full bar service, extensive and affordable wine selection, great live music and excellent brunch menu – try The Rock Star, a crawfish pie topped with a poached egg.
If your table is being prepared, head next door to Stinky’s Bait Shack, where you can sip a cocktail while you’re waiting. Pick up live bait, fishing tackle, supplies and iconic Stinky’s gear while you’re there.
Nearby, Elmo’s Grill is known for its low-key ambiance, a place that’s described as “Not Fancy, Just Famous.” This was one of the first restaurants to dot Scenic Highway 30A. See what the fuss is all about as you nosh on succulent crab legs, shrimp or the fresh fish of the day while enjoying live music every night of the week.
For fine dining and an even finer view, head to Vue on 30A. With its award-winning, panoramic vistas of the Gulf of Mexico, this renowned restaurant has a fresh approach to regional dining with delicious, expertly crafted menus that showcase the area’s bounty. Try the fried green tomatoes, lamb lollipops, mango and pineapple salmon or Jamaica Red Stripe beer-battered fish and chips.
Things to Do
Life is lived outside as much as possible in Dune Allen. From sand dunes to shady trails, there’s a natural activity for all tastes. This is where you can experience the Florida of days gone by, before commercial development, and where you’ll be inspired to protect this natural landscape for generations to come.
Sail-like dunes rise over the soft-sand beaches and emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. Dune Allen residents often feel the park is their own beachside oasis, quiet and beautiful as it is. Spend a night on the sand at the camping area, if you choose, or just watch the sunset, then return to the comforts of your own home. The state park boasts 3.2 miles of secluded beach to explore, with freshwater dune lakes tucked here and there and sand dunes as far as the eye can see.
The 25-foot-high, white-quartz dunes have created this rare ecosystem along the ocean, where you’ll find marine life, plentiful birdlife (this is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail), old-growth pine forests, sandy scrubland and wetlands. The otherworldly pitcher plants and the Choctawhatchee beach mouse are among the 13 endangered species found within the area. The park hosts frequent ranger talks and events to share their knowledge of this special place with the public – perfect for nature lovers with a hunger to learn more.
Ed Walline Regional Beach access is a vision of white sand and glistening sea, inviting you to lounge or beachcomb for hours. This is a great spot to simply sit back and watch surfers and dolphins cavort in the waves. This, too, is where you’ll find water sports equipment to rent, shopping and dining, should you want to venture out from your quiet Dune Allen enclave.
If you can drag yourself away from the coast, Dune Allen is also close to the Point Washington State Forest, with more than 27 miles of quiet trails that wind through coastal scrub, wet prairie, swamplands and pine flatwoods.
All in all, Dune Allen beckons you to the finer things in life, the things that matter most. A peaceful home, time well spent in nature, and an easy going pace – perfect for savoring the sweetness of life.
Dune Allen Real Estate & Homes for Sale
Dune Allen is a choice spot for those looking to make their permanent residence feel more like a vacation. Whether your luxurious primary home, a secondary home or an investment property, Dune Allen’s appeal remains the same: a place to relax, reconnect and call home in beautiful northwest Florida. Dune Allen homes range from centrally located condos to lavish beachfront mansions. You’ll find 1,200-square-foot condos starting at $850,000 all the way to luxurious 3,500-square-foot estates that can sell for up to $4 million.
