BeautifulDestin.com Recreation in the Beaches of South Walton

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Recreation in the Beaches of South Walton

Eco-tourism opportunities - Our five state parks and miles of nature trails are perfect for those who prefer hiking and biking over swimming and sunbathing. Dunes, pine flatwoods and salt marshes provide a safe haven for an abundance of plants, birds and other wildlife, including several endangered and threatened species. Nature trails at Grayton Beach State Park, Topsail Hill State Preserve, Point Washington State Forest and Cassine Gardens offer wonderful opportunities to observe flora and fauna. The eco-opportunities along Beaches of South Walton don't end on land. South Walton is home to 17 fresh and saltwater lakes as well as the Choctawhatchee Bay. These waters are a haven for fishermen and kayakers.

Historic beach towns - Beaches of South Walton offers visitors the opportunity to explore turn-of-the- century Florida Panhandle architecture amidst the beautiful grounds of Eden State Gardens and the Wesley Mansion in Point Washington — one of the first towns established in the area. Visitors can also tour the 100-year-old community of Grayton Beach characterized by wooden houses made of weathered cypress and bordered by sand streets and an abundance of trees. The natives are friendly so make yourself at home.

Attractions off-the-beaten-path - Looking for the unusual and eclectic? Don't miss The Gourd Garden and Curiosity Shop located on Scenic Hwy 30-A. Two white doves will greet you as you enter this soothing garden retreat featuring decorative gourds, art, herbs and flowers from the Deep South. Travel County Road 393 North and discover Bayou Arts & Antiques with its antique fishing boat display, wildlife chapel and quaint pet cemetery, all located on the scenic shore of Hogtown Bayou at Cessna Park.

Other side of the dunes - The town of DeFuniak Springs was founded in the early 1880's and was chosen as a winter home for the New York Chautauqua in 1884. DeFuniak Springs is home to many treasures. Lake DeFuniak is one of the only two almost perfectly round lakes in the country. A walk around this lake is like a walk back into Victorian times when labor and material were plentiful and elaborate architectural details were incorporated in the homes being built. The Chautauqua Hall Auditorium was built in 1909 and hosted the Florida Chautauqua cultural and educational programs until the Great Depression. The Walton-DeFuniak Library, built in 1887, is the oldest library in the State of Florida still serving the public. The Murray Theater better known today as the Ritz Theater, was built in 1921. Today, with community support and a grant from the Florida Department of State, Division of Historic Resources, the theater has been renovated to its original splendor. Built in 1920, Hotel DeFuniak is rich in the history and traditions of this Northwest Florida Chautauqua town. The charmingly restored boutique hotel is set in the distinctive, historic, downtown business district of DeFuniak Springs.

Beaches of South Walton are conveniently located a short drive (15-30 minutes) from either Destin and Panama City Beach.