Recreation and State Parks

Beaches of South Walton

Beaches of South Walton is known for its brilliant sugar-white beaches, but many people are discovering that there is also tremendous beauty beyond the dunes. Approximately 25,000 acres, 40% of the total acreage that makes up Beaches of South Walton, is state-owned. Within these 25,000 acres, you will find five state parks perfect for hiking, hiking, camping, picnicking or kayaking. Beaches of South Walton is not just about summer on the beach.

Eden State Gardens

Once the site of a bustling, turn-of-the-century lumber mill, Eden is found in the historic community of Point Washington. The centerpiece of Eden is the Wesley Mansion, a Greek Revival-style home that has been fully renovated and filled with valuable antiques. In fact, the drawing room boasts the largest collection of Louis XVI Court furniture found in any one room in the United States. Elaborately manicured gardens surround the mansion, featuring numerous varieties of azaleas and camellias, a butterfly garden, reflecting pool and gigantic Spanish moss-draped live oaks - some dating back more than 600 years. Eden State Gardens is the location of ArtsQuest every May, voted best art show by Birmingham Magazine in 2000. Guided mansion tours are offered Thursday through Monday on the hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ($1.50 adults, $.50 children). Admission to the park is $2.00 per carload. Picnic facilities, overlooking Tucker Bayou, are available. Eden State Gardens is located one mile north of Highway 98 on County Road 395. For more information call 850-231-4214.

Grayton Beach State Recreation Area

Hailed as the "Best Beach in the U.S." in 1994 by Dr. Stephen Leafherman, this crown jewel of South Walton lives up to its reputation. The park features 1,133 acres of pristine coastal vegetation, a stunning stretch of beach and beautiful Western Lake. An extensive, self-guided nature trail system gives visitors an up-close look at the vast amount of ecological diversity found in the area including sand dunes, the coastal dune lake, pine flatwoods, marsh area and the beach. Facilities available include a pavilion, public restrooms, camping area, picnic areas and a boat ramp to Western Lake. Canoe rentals for lake tours are available. Hours are 8 a.m. to sundown, daily (park closes at 5 p.m. during the winter months). Admission is $3.25 per vehicle. Grayton Beach State Recreation Area is located off Scenic Highway 30-A, one mile east of the town of Grayton Beach. New in 2000 are the Grayton Beach State Recreation Area Cabins. For more information call 850-231-4210.

Topsail State Preserve

Undeniably the most pristine and environmentally protected piece of coastal property in Florida, this totally undeveloped area is 1,600 acres of breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, mountainous sand dunes and two freshwater coastal dune lakes. Ten different plant communities inhabit this ecologically diverse area featuring long-leaf pine flatwoods, Morris Lake, Campbell Lake and sandy beach dunes. The park is open during daylight hours only. Camping is not allowed. Admission is free. Restrooms are available. The entrance to Topsail Hill State Preserve is located on Highway 98. For more information call 850-267-1868.

Deer Lake State Park

South Walton's newest state park is located just east of Seagrove Beach off Scenic Highway 30-A. The undeveloped and pristine beach and lake areas are accessible via a stabilized road that leads to a picnic shelter. The park consists of 172 acres south of Scenic Highway 30-A, however, north of the highway, hikers can wander through 1,700 acres of old unmarked trails that meander through native vegetation. Future plans call for the installation of organized hiking trails. For more information call 850-267-1868.

Point Washington State Forest

In this 15,810 acre state forest you will find the Eastern Lake Bike/Hike Trails established by the Florida Division of Forestry in cooperation with Beach to Bay Connection, Inc. The trailhead and parking area are located on County Road 395, just over a mile south of Highway 98. Trails consist of three double track loop trails of 3,5, 5 and 10 miles. The trails weave through a variety of plant communities including sandhills, coastal sand pine scrub, longleaf pine flatwoods, cypress ponds, wet prairies and Ti-Ti swamps. Maps are available through the Point Washington State Forest Field Office in Santa Rosa Beach. For more information call 850-231 -5800.

If golf, tennis, fishing or water sports interest you. Beaches of South Walton offers some wonderful choices. The Raven Golf Course, part of the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort on Highway 98, was completed in 2000 and has been recognized as "Best New Golf Course in Florida" by Florida Golf News. If you'd rather be fishing, you will find 17 fresh and saltwater lakes throughout Beaches of South Walton as well as the Choctawhatchee Bay. Whatever your hobby, please enjoy all we have to offer!

South Walton, Florida - When you hear the word '"beach" you think of summer. And, naturally, summer is the peak season along Beaches of South Walton. However, fall and winter are quickly becoming popular due to the many "perks" this time of year offers. Rates drop, sunsets are spectacular, temperatures are mild, crowds are few, and festivals are plentiful.

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