Opal Beach is located in the Santa Rosa Area of Gulf Islands National Seashore. Highway 399 runs down the middle of the island and it is a public highway, so even though it passes through National Park Service property, it cannot be gated like the entrance into the Fort Pickens Area.
This secret gem was born in 1995 when Hurricane Opal flattened the dunes to create a smooth, glittering paradise of sugar-sand beach. It offers flush toilets, drinking water, outdoor showers, picnic shelters, great fishing – and plenty of opportunities to kick back and reconnect with nature.