The designated swimming beach within the Santa Rosa Area of Gulf Islands National Seashore, named after Hurricane Opal which flattened its dunes in 1995. Features five groups of restroom and picnic pavilion buildings, rinse-off showers, seasonal lifeguards (Memorial Day through Labor Day), and both Gulf-side and Santa Rosa Sound-side parking and facilities. Entrance fee required. Known for sugar-white sand and crystal-clear waters with far fewer crowds than nearby Pensacola Beach.
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