THE PERFECT FLORIDA GETAWAY
Seaside Florida and the surrounding beach communities offer top-notch amenities for those looking for a getaway. On top of having the most beautiful beaches in the world, these communities in South Walton feature luxury accommodations, challenging golf, eclectic shops, funky art galleries, and award-winning dining. Beyond the beach, four state parks and 15 coastal dune lakes are ideal for outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, bird watching, kayaking and YOLO boarding.
NATURAL HABITATS
Exploring natural areas is popular in Beaches of South Walton thanks to miles of undeveloped land. Located on Scenic Highway 30-A just east of Grayton Beach, the 1,133-acre Grayton Beach State Recreation Area is an ecotourist’s delight. Outdoor enthusiasts can take the self-guided nature trail and get an up-close look at the ecological diversity found in the area including sand dunes, coastal dune lakes, pine flatwoods, marsh area and the beach. Facilities available include a pavilion, camping area, picnic areas and a boat ramp to Western Lake, Grayton’s 200-acre coastal dune lake. Canoe rentals for lake tours are also available.
Turpentine…yes, turpentine is the legacy of Topsail Hill State Preserve, named after Topsail Hill, a high, picturesque dune standing 25 feet above sea level. A century ago, workers turpentined old-growth longleaf pine trees for caulking the seam of wooden ships, a key mode of transport. Today the park encompasses 1,640 acres of stunning Gulf-front pine forests, including 14 natural wild plant communities from beach dunes to pine flatwoods. Known as the most pristine coastal property in Florida, the preserve is one of only two remaining natural populations of the nocturnal, endangered Choctawhatchee beach mouse.
BIKING
Both amateur and avid cyclists enjoy the picturesque Scenic 30-A bike trail that winds among the area’s coastal dune lakes and villages. With a fantastic paved path running for 19 miles along scenic 30-A, trails are
also ideal for hiking, jogging and rollerblading. The state parks and Point Washington State Forest also have great trails for off-road biking. No bike? You can rent one from several bike rental locations. Another popular attraction is the Eastern Lake Bike Trail, with its three-loop trail for hiking and mountain biking. Consider the latest addition to the bike path – the Seagrove stretch. Its smooth surface clear of debris beckons you to enjoy the open air. Or go in the opposite direction for a manageable and scenic workout from Seaside to Blue Mountain Beach. The 15,000-acre Point Washington State Forest is home to more than 10 miles of trails and boasts 10 different nature habitats with rare plant and wildlife species, from gopher tortoises to red-cockaded woodpeckers. A greenway trail system that crosses the forest is under development, and will ultimately
provide more than 27 miles of trails and connect Grayton Beach State Park, Deer Lake State Park and
Topsail Hill State Preserve.
Eden State Gardens is an appropriate name for this magical estate located off County Road 395 and Hwy. 98 on the Choctawhatchee Bay, just north of Seagrove Beach in Point Washington. Situated on 12 acres, this sprawling park was once the home of lumber baron William Henry Wesley and his family. Visitors will find moss-draped, ancient live oak trees adding their cooling shade around the extensive, landscaped grounds that are ideal for a picnic. Well-manicured lawns stretch from the mansion to the bay. The camellias and azaleas sprinkled throughout the estate add colorful splashes, especially around the spectacular lily pad pool. Tucked behind the house is a secret rose garden, perfect for strolling with a loved one hand in hand.
Located just east of Seagrove Beach off Scenic Highway 30-A, Deer Lake State Park is Beaches of South Walton’s newest state park. One of Florida’s most scenic and least used beaches, Deer Lake is truly a hidden treasure. The undeveloped and pristine beach and lake areas are ideal for those who prefer solitude and natural beauty. The park is virtually unspoiled and is the kind of place you can get happily lost. Hikers can wander through 1,700 acres of old unmarked trails that meander through native vegetation.
FISHING
South Walton is home to 17 freshwater and saltwater lakes as well as the Choctawhatchee Bay to please even the most
serious angler or fly fisherman. You can easily outfit yourself, get a guide or charter a boat, or show up at the
dock and go with a group. If you’re on a boat with a pro – they’ll have all the gear and licenses for you.
Sport-fishing is popular at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort. Charter boats are available to take visitors into the Gulf of Mexico in search of such well-known and tasty fish as amberjack, red snapper, grouper, flounder, and king mackerel or the more challenging blue and white marlin or sailfish. The annual Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament in June draws anglers from throughout the region in search of the winning catch. Anglers can also get to know the abundant sea life including porpoises, alligators, ospreys, bald eagles, pelicans and of course, gulls.
CELEBRATING NATURE
Back to Nature Festival in October celebrates the great outdoors with a wide variety of activities including kayaking, canoeing, guided nature walks, hiking, biking, fishing, birdwatching, boating and much more. Visitors explore this region’s natural vegetation and wildlife while enjoying breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, pristine sand dunes and coastal dune lakes. When the moon rises, local legends and folklore are told around the bonfire at Grayton Beach State Park.
GETTING HERE
Just contact us at http://seaside-real-estate.com and we will provide the right solution. We can show you the next step to getting a second home along the beautiful Emerald Coast or let you take a test drive by renting your next getaway. We are looking forward to hearing from you.
