From the Choctawhatchee Bay to rare coastal dune lakes and, of course, the turquoise Gulf of Mexico, Walton County makes it easy to find plenty of opportunities for fun by the water. This area is home to nine regional beach accesses, 40-plus neighborhood beach accesses and 11 lake and bay accesses. And a wide variety of additional waterfront parks spread the love for H2O throughout the county.
Three local state parks offer direct access to the water. Recognized as one of the nation’s outstanding parks, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park boasts three miles of white-sand beaches and dunes that tower over 25 feet high. There are plenty of cabins, campsites and RV spaces featuring full hook-ups, a swimming pool and laundry facilities. An in-park tram service makes it easy to get over to the beach.
Grayton Beach State Park is well known for its beach that consistently ranks among the most beautiful and pristine in the United States. However, with nearly 2,000 acres, there’s plenty of room for roaming. The park features 4 miles of trails that wind through a coastal forest where scrub oaks and magnolias are bent and twisted by the winds off the Gulf. Scenic Western Lake is home to a salt marsh ecosystem ready to be explored by canoe, stand-up paddleboard or kayak. Cozy cabins and full-facility campgrounds offer options for staying overnight and truly immersing in the natural beauty and easy-going vibes that make this such a popular spot.
Recently reopened, Deer Lake State Park now has several new upgrades to its core facilities and amenities. Already in place was a boardwalk that spans the coastal dunes over to the beach. This walkway provides a perfect vantage point for soaking in the scenery of the peaceful dunes and the lake that shares its name with the park. You’ll find many species of resident or migratory birds and butterflies, along with a variety of trees, wildflowers and rare plants such as Curtiss’ sandgrass – one of the largest populations found in Florida.
Beyond the state parks, there are many other unique spots for waterfront exploration.
Located on the south shore of the Bay, Pilcher Park is a nice little oasis tucked under the US Highway 331 bridge. With three pavilions featuring picnic tables, it’s an ideal spot for family or group gatherings. There are multiple ramps for launching a boat and a long pier for anyone wanting to do some fishing from dry land.
Kellogg Bayside Park in Santa Rosa Beach is another place to take a break from the beach and chill by the Bay. Located at the north end of Nellie Drive off Nursery Road, the peaceful respite provides panoramic views and easy access to the water for both motorized and paddle-powered crafts. There’s also a nearby wildlife nature preserve and educational center. Check the schedule for nature-based activities, from fishing classes to outdoor Tai-Chi and yoga sessions.
Across the Bay in Freeport, Grady Brown Park is located at the Clyde B. Wells Bridge on US Highway 331. Getting onto the water is easy, thanks to a handicap-accessible kayak launch, plus two boat ramps with parking for both vehicles and trailers. There’s even a convenient boat-washing station. Those who prefer to stay on the shore can relax on the sandy beach or check out the three piers.
Nearby Lake Stanley Park in DeFuniak Springs connects to over 100 acres of open water. Anglers can fish from a designated pier or launch from the on-site boat ramp. Kids will love the play area, which includes swing sets and a slide, several open areas for running around and a small but well-kept swimming area. And hungry swimmers of all ages can picnic at one of several covered and uncovered tables.
Also in DeFuniak Springs, Chipley Park surrounds picturesque Lake DeFuniak, which is purported to be one of only two spring-fed lakes in the world. The 40-acre lake’s almost perfectly round shape is traced by Circle Drive, which serves as the address to many classic Victorian homes and buildings that date back to the town’s past Chautauqua Assembly. Only boats of 1 horsepower or less are allowed on the water, keeping it quite tranquil. This suits all the birdwatchers who are drawn to the park for the diversity of wintering waterfowl that pass through.
And one of the newest additions to check out is the Choctawhatchee River Paddle Trail at Cowford Landing, which officially opened August 10th. It includes two screened-in pavilions, picnic tables and benches, a handicap-accessible canoe/kayak launch and a boardwalk. The construction of the site was funded by the Land and Water Conservation Fund through the US Department of Interior, the National Park Service, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Walton County Preservation Fund.
Any of these parks – and several others – offer a great way to spend time with family or friends while truly appreciating all the beautiful waterways that serve as a signature for Walton County. Find some time to explore one that’s new to you or revisit an old favorite.