If you're staying in Seaside, FL, and want to play golf nearby, the best course for public access and scenic views is Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club.
For private club amenities and a more exclusive round, Camp Creek or Shark’s Tooth are top-tier picks—keep reading for a full breakdown of all five options.
Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club – Semi-Private Access with Gulf Views
Just a short drive from Seaside, Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club offers a rare combination of accessibility, natural beauty, and thoughtful design.
Whether you're visiting the area or live nearby, this semi-private course delivers a coastal golf experience that’s both scenic and strategically rewarding.
Scenic Coastal Design with a Smart Layout
Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club stretches 7,128 yards and plays to a par of 72.
The course was originally designed by Brent Williams, but a significant renovation in 2021 by architect Bill Bergin refreshed its structure and playability.
That update elevated its strategic features while preserving the natural charm that defines the course.
Two of the most memorable holes sit right against the Gulf of Mexico—a rare coastal view in Florida golf.
These holes aren’t just there for aesthetics; the wind and sea-level air density add subtle complexity to club selection and ball flight.
Elsewhere on the course, you'll find tree-lined fairways, native dunes, and water features that test your shot accuracy without making the course feel punishing.
The overall difficulty level is well-balanced.
With a slope rating of 139 and a course rating of 72.0, Santa Rosa will keep more skilled players engaged, but it’s still playable for mid-handicappers who manage their game carefully.
Practice Facilities and Pre-Round Prep
Before you tee off, there’s a solid range of practice options to help you get into rhythm. The club offers:
- A full driving range for warming up longer clubs
- Putting greens to get a feel for speed and breaks
- A short-game area for honing chips and bunker play
Whether you’re squeezing in a quick practice session or prepping for a full round, these facilities are easy to access and well-maintained.
Public Access and Tee Time Info
Santa Rosa operates on a semi-private model.
While members do get priority, the course is open to the public, and visitors can reserve tee times up to 48 hours in advance.
This short booking window means it's not a course you can plan for weeks ahead, but it also keeps access reasonably fair for casual players and travelers.
To book a tee time, you have two main options:
- Visit GolfNow and search for Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club
- Call the pro shop directly at (850) 267-2229
Morning slots tend to go quickly, especially during peak vacation seasons, so calling ahead within that 48-hour window is recommended if you're hoping for prime times.
Who This Course Is Best For
Santa Rosa is a strong fit for golfers who want:
- A scenic round with rare Gulf-front holes
- A course that balances playability with strategic challenge
- A relaxed, welcoming atmosphere with a locals-meet-visitors vibe
- Accessible booking without private club barriers
If you’re staying in or near Seaside, this course offers a high-quality round without the drive or the exclusivity hoops of fully private clubs.
It's a good choice for both one-off rounds and repeat visits during your stay.
Shark’s Tooth Golf Club – Exclusive, Private Play Along Lake Powell
Just 15 miles east of Seaside in Panama City Beach, Shark’s Tooth Golf Club offers an exclusive, members-only playing experience in a serene, natural setting.
Designed by Greg Norman, the course is part of the private Watersound Club and delivers both scenic beauty and strategic depth.
Private Play with a Championship Edge
Shark’s Tooth plays to a par 72 and stretches 7,209 yards from the back tees. Its slope and rating—132 and 74.1 respectively—suggest a layout that rewards precision and thoughtful shot planning over brute strength.
The course runs through a heavily wooded area, using mature trees, water features, and deep bunkers to frame each hole and influence decision-making from tee to green.
One of the standout features of the course is its connection to Lake Powell, Florida’s largest coastal dune lake.
Five holes run alongside this natural body of water, offering not just scenic value but also challenging visual angles and occasional crosswinds that can complicate club selection.
The greens are known for their undulations, so approach shots demand accuracy if you want manageable putts.
Practice Facilities and On-Course Prep
Members and their guests have access to a well-maintained practice area that includes a driving range and putting green.
While the practice setup is more streamlined than some larger resort-style clubs, it provides everything needed for a focused warm-up session before your round.
Because of the course’s tight lines and emphasis on placement, spending time dialing in your irons and short game can make a noticeable difference in your score.
This isn’t a course where you can just swing away with the driver and recover later.
The layout rewards careful setup and sharp execution.
Membership and Access Details
Shark’s Tooth is not open to the public. To play here, you’ll need to be either:
- A member of Watersound Club, or
- Accompanied as a guest of a member
The Watersound Club offers various membership tiers, including options for full golf access, lifestyle amenities, and resort affiliations.
Details about current rates and eligibility can be found on the Watersound Club website, or by contacting the club directly.
If you're considering more than a casual round—say, you’re a frequent visitor to 30A or looking for a long-term vacation property—membership may be worth exploring.
Beyond Shark’s Tooth, the club also includes access to Camp Creek Golf Club and additional private amenities across its portfolio.
Who This Course Is Best For
Shark’s Tooth is ideal if you're looking for a private, high-end golf experience away from the more crowded public courses. It suits:
- Low- to mid-handicap golfers who prefer strategic, placement-based layouts
- Golfers who enjoy a quiet, natural setting with minimal distractions
- Members or vacationers interested in long-term access through club affiliation
The course strikes a balance between beauty and difficulty, and while it’s not open to the general public, it offers a level of exclusivity and polish that makes it worth seeking out—especially if you value privacy and refined course conditions.
Camp Creek Golf Club – Private Fazio Design with Elite Practice Facilities
Just eight miles from Seaside, Camp Creek Golf Club offers an elevated private golf experience built on thoughtful design and top-tier facilities.
As one of the flagship courses of the Watersound Club, this Tom Fazio creation blends natural terrain with modern performance-focused amenities in a way that appeals to serious golfers looking for both challenge and comfort.
A Thoughtfully Designed Course with Strategic Complexity
Camp Creek stretches to 7,159 yards from the back tees and plays to a par of 72.
With a slope rating of 136 and a course rating of 73.1, it delivers a solid challenge that emphasizes strategy over sheer distance.
Designed by Tom Fazio, the course layout was crafted to harmonize with the local environment, weaving native plant life and undisturbed sand dunes into the manicured fairways and green complexes.
Water hazards come into play on 11 holes, adding a consistent level of decision-making throughout the round.
The risk-reward setups are particularly noticeable on several par 4s and 5s, where aggressive lines can shorten the hole but bring bunkers or water into play.
Fairways offer generous landing areas off the tee, but narrowing approaches and protected greens keep players honest.
Unlike courses that rely heavily on dramatic visuals, Camp Creek’s character comes from subtlety: rolling fairways, refined transitions, and shaping that quietly influences ball behavior without screaming for attention.
It’s a course where you’ll benefit from multiple rounds, as familiarity can significantly improve scoring.
Golf Performance Center and Practice Facilities
Where Camp Creek truly distinguishes itself is in its commitment to game improvement.
Members and guests staying at Camp Creek Inn have access to an extensive practice complex anchored by a Golf Performance Center.
This facility offers:
- Full-swing analysis and custom club fitting
- Instruction programs for all levels, led by PGA professionals
- Covered hitting bays and real-time feedback tech tools
- A wide-open driving range, multiple putting greens, and dedicated short-game areas
This level of support makes Camp Creek not only a destination for a great round, but a place to work on your game with meaningful structure.
It’s particularly appealing to serious golfers who want more from their experience than just 18 holes.
Membership and Access Options
As part of the Watersound Club, Camp Creek is not open to the public. To play the course, you must either:
- Be a Watersound Club member, or
- Be a guest staying at Camp Creek Inn, which includes limited access to the course and other amenities
Booking a stay at Camp Creek Inn is the most accessible pathway for non-members interested in playing here.
It offers a resort-like experience with the feel of a private club, ideal for golf-focused getaways along the 30A corridor.
Watersound Club membership, meanwhile, grants access not just to Camp Creek but to Shark’s Tooth and additional lifestyle offerings across the broader community.
Who This Course Is Best For
Camp Creek fits best with golfers who prioritize:
- A course that rewards repeat play and strategic thinking
- A refined, private environment with a strong sense of place
- Access to high-end instruction and practice resources
- Convenience to Seaside, without compromising on quality
It’s not a casual or drop-in experience—but for those who appreciate structure, performance, and privacy, Camp Creek is arguably one of the most complete golf offerings in the region.
Windswept Dunes Golf Club – Florida’s Longest Course in a Peaceful Setting
Just 20 miles north of Seaside in Freeport, Windswept Dunes Golf Club offers something distinctly different from the more coastal or private options nearby.
As the longest course in Florida, it’s built for golfers who want space, scenery, and a relaxing pace of play—all wrapped into one public-access layout.
Expansive Layout and Unique Natural Features
At 7,752 yards from the back tees, Windswept Dunes stands out for its sheer scale.
Designed by Doug O’Rourke, the course is laid out over a massive footprint that allows for broad fairways, generous landing zones, and a general sense of openness that’s rare in Florida golf.
Even so, the experience is far from flat or repetitive.
The standout feature here—both visually and from a playability standpoint—is the series of bright white sand dunes scattered throughout the property.
Some reach up to 20 feet high, and they create elevation changes that are unusual for the region.
These dunes don’t just decorate the course—they define sightlines, shape shot options, and make each hole feel distinctive.
Strategically placed bunkers and subtle elevation shifts create a nice contrast to the wide fairways.
While the course is forgiving off the tee, you’ll still need to think your way through second shots and around the greens.
With a slope of 143 and a rating of 76.8, the course can definitely hold its own against strong players, but it’s not built to punish. The overall feel is challenging but fair.
Course Conditions and Overall Experience
One of Windswept Dunes’ consistent strengths is its conditioning.
Despite its public status and size, the course is known for its well-maintained fairways, smooth greens, and attention to detail.
It rarely feels crowded, even during peak seasons, which adds to the peaceful vibe.
You’re likely to enjoy an unhurried round with few delays, making it a good choice if you value pace of play and personal space on the course.
The atmosphere here leans quiet and unpretentious.
There’s no resort traffic or private club exclusivity—just a solid golf facility with friendly staff and a layout that rewards good decision-making.
Booking and Access Details
Windswept Dunes is fully public, so you don’t need any kind of membership or lodging package to play.
Daily tee times are available and can be booked either:
- Online via GolfNow, or
- By calling the pro shop directly at (850) 835-1847
Morning times tend to be the most popular, especially for those looking to avoid afternoon heat.
However, the course’s generous spacing and routing make it playable at nearly any time of day without much congestion.
Who This Course Is Best For
Windswept Dunes is a smart pick for:
- Golfers looking for a public course with plenty of room to play
- Players who enjoy a slower, quieter round with minimal crowds
- High-handicappers who want forgiveness off the tee
- Low-handicappers who want to test long-yardage strategy and elevation-influenced shots
Whether you’re a local or visiting from Seaside, Windswept Dunes offers one of the most distinctive public golf experiences in North Florida.
It’s not flashy—but it is thoughtfully built, beautifully maintained, and refreshingly relaxed.
Kelly Plantation Golf Club – Championship Layout with Scenic Hazards
Just under a 30-minute drive from Seaside, Kelly Plantation Golf Club in Destin offers a refined, championship-caliber golf experience in a semi-private setting.
Co-designed by golf legend Fred Couples and architect Gene Bates, this course combines player-friendly design with enough complexity to keep advanced golfers engaged.
A Balanced Layout for All Skill Levels
Kelly Plantation plays to a par 72 and stretches 7,099 yards from the back tees.
While the official slope and course rating aren’t publicly listed, the layout speaks for itself: it’s designed to be both welcoming and challenging, depending on which set of tees you choose.
With five tee boxes, the course gives players of all levels a path to enjoy the round without being overmatched.
The routing winds through a mix of wooded areas and open expanses, with mature trees lining many of the fairways to define shape and create depth.
Water hazards appear on several holes, not just as visual elements but as active components in shot strategy.
They’re especially prominent near landing zones and around greens, so smart club selection and careful planning are rewarded.
Greens are large, undulating, and built with TifEagle Bermuda, providing smooth surfaces that still demand a steady putting stroke.
Approach shots that end up on the wrong tier or above the hole will leave tough two-putts, so distance control into the greens is a key part of scoring well here.
Practice Facilities and On-Site Amenities
Kelly Plantation is well-equipped for players who like to warm up or work on their game before heading out.
The practice complex includes:
- A full-size driving range with quality turf
- A short-game area for chipping and pitching practice
- A massive 10,000-square-foot putting green that mirrors on-course green speeds
The layout of the practice areas reflects the course itself: clean, well-maintained, and built with the golfer’s experience in mind.
Public Access and Booking Options
Although technically semi-private, Kelly Plantation is open to public play, with no membership required to book a tee time.
This gives visiting golfers the chance to enjoy a high-end course without the restrictions or requirements of a private club.
Tee times can be reserved in two primary ways:
- Through GolfNow
- By calling the pro shop directly at (850) 650-7600
The course tends to be busiest in the mornings and during seasonal tourist peaks, so mid-week or early afternoon rounds often offer a more relaxed pace.
Who This Course Is Best For
Kelly Plantation suits a broad range of players, including:
- Mid- to low-handicap golfers who enjoy a mix of scenic holes and strategic water hazards
- Beginners or higher-handicappers seeking a course with flexible tee options
- Visitors looking for a semi-private experience with public accessibility
- Golfers who value strong practice facilities and want to work on specific aspects of their game
For those staying in or around Destin—or willing to make the drive from Seaside—Kelly Plantation provides a polished, professionally designed golf experience that doesn’t feel overly exclusive.
It’s approachable, well-run, and visually appealing without being intimidating, making it a reliable option for both vacation rounds and focused play.
Comparing Access, Design, and Playability: Which Course Fits You Best?
With five standout golf courses located within 25 miles of Seaside, choosing the right one comes down to what kind of experience you’re looking for—whether that’s accessibility, challenge level, scenery, or facilities.
Here's how they stack up when you’re trying to make the best choice for your next round.
Course Overview and Quick Access Comparison
Let’s start with a high-level look at each course, focusing on proximity, access type, and the design pedigree behind it:
- Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club (5 miles): Semi-private, public tee times allowed; designed by Brent Williams, renovated by Bill Bergin
- Shark’s Tooth Golf Club (15 miles): Private, Watersound Club members/guests only; designed by Greg Norman
- Camp Creek Golf Club (8 miles): Private, Watersound Club or Camp Creek Inn guests; designed by Tom Fazio
- Windswept Dunes Golf Club (20 miles): Public; designed by Doug O’Rourke
- Kelly Plantation Golf Club (25 miles): Semi-private, open to public; designed by Fred Couples and Gene Bates
This simple breakdown already helps narrow the field depending on whether you need public access or have a way into one of the private options.
Which Course Matches Your Playing Style?
If you’re newer to the game or prefer a more forgiving round, Windswept Dunes and Kelly Plantation both offer wider fairways and multiple tee boxes that scale to your skill level.
Santa Rosa also fits here—it provides some challenge but stays friendly to casual players.
For experienced golfers or those who want a deeper strategic test, Camp Creek and Shark’s Tooth deliver more complex routing, tighter shot demands, and faster, undulating greens.
These layouts favor players who value precision over power and can plan their way around water and hazard-heavy holes.
Course Selection Based on Priority Features
Depending on what you value most in a round, here’s how to think about the options:
- Best for Scenic Views:
- Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club — Two holes back onto the Gulf of Mexico
- Shark’s Tooth — Five holes along Lake Powell, surrounded by natural coastal forest
- Best for Premium Practice Facilities:
- Camp Creek — Golf Performance Center, full short game areas, advanced tech
- Kelly Plantation — Full driving range, 10,000-square-foot putting green
- Longest and Most Spacious Course:
- Windswept Dunes — At 7,752 yards, it’s Florida’s longest course, with wide fairways and room to play
- Easiest Public Access:
- Windswept Dunes, Santa Rosa, and Kelly Plantation — All allow daily public tee times with no restrictions
How to Play Private Clubs as a Visitor
If you’re eyeing Shark’s Tooth or Camp Creek, both require access through Watersound Club membership.
However, there’s a workaround if you’re visiting: booking a stay at Camp Creek Inn includes limited guest access to Camp Creek and some Watersound amenities.
It’s the best path for non-members who still want a private-club experience.
For Watersound Club membership itself, potential buyers and frequent 30A visitors can inquire directly through their website for current offerings and packages.
If you’re planning extended stays or considering property in the area, the investment could make sense.
Booking Tips and Smart Timing
Public-access courses like Windswept Dunes, Kelly Plantation, and Santa Rosa often see higher demand during peak vacation weeks and early mornings.
For smoother rounds:
- Book mid-week if possible to avoid weekend traffic
- Aim for late morning or early afternoon tee times—these often have fewer groups ahead of you
- Use direct call-in booking for Santa Rosa and Windswept Dunes if online options show limited availability
If you're playing more than once, mix up your tee times to explore different course conditions—mornings tend to be cooler and firmer, while afternoons often play slightly softer with less wind.
Conclusion
Whether you're after coastal views, private-club refinement, or wide-open public fairways, the Seaside area offers a course that fits your style and schedule.
From accessible options like Windswept Dunes and Santa Rosa to the elevated experiences at Camp Creek and Shark’s Tooth, each brings something unique to the table.
With the right planning, you can build a golf itinerary that’s both enjoyable and tailored to how you like to play.
