Beasley Park on Okaloosa Island provides free access to the colorful waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Located next to the Emerald Coast Visitor Center, the park includes a large pavilion with covered picnic areas (also popular for weddings), restrooms, and freshwater showers. A boardwalk takes visitors to the beach, which is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer season.
The beach is most popular for swimming in shallow waters that appeal to children and adults alike. Watch the dive flags; in inclement weather or rough tides they will change to yellow or red, and swimmers should use caution. A purple flag alerts visitors to dangerous marine life.
The sand forms beautiful dunes on both sides of the pavilion topped with sea oats and home to a host of rare or threatened species, including the beach mouse, snowy plover, and more. Sea turtles nest along the shore, their underground eggs marked with stakes and tape. Snowy plovers and least terns are also possible summer nesters. Birding is a popular activity year round, and wildlife possibilities range from brown pelicans and osprey to the mid-size willets, terns, and the diminutive sanderlings.
To the east, Beasley Park borders the Eglin Air Force Reservation. Though walking is permitted here—and visitors can walk for miles and miles along the barrier island—a free beach permit is required.
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