In a destination well known for its tight-knit neighborhoods and open arms, perhaps no place is more welcoming that Walton County’s Visitor Center.
Open seven days a week from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., the visitor center is located at 25777 U.S. Highway 331 South, where it intersects with 98. And don’t let the name fool you. It’s not just a place for out-of-towners. Even those who live in the area can benefit by learning more about all the county’s special nooks and crannies and the countless opportunities for fun that fill them. A brief conversation here may serve up some unexpected ideas for how to act like a visitor in the place you call home.
Looking for tips on finding a restaurant or discovering a unique shop? Need directions to a local gallery or museum? In search of recommendations for activities? Consider this team of information specialists to be your expert concierges, giving you the scoop on all things Walton County. Always providing a warm greeting with their insider knowledge, they are often the first impression of Walton County for visitors.
To further help with planning your visit, they also have a wealth of resources. Take your choice of helpful maps and informative guides that cover topics such as dining, activities and outdoor adventures. You can even get guides for more specific topics such as weddings, golf and bird watching.
Perhaps the most important topic they like to discuss is beach safety. Learn valuable insight and information about everything from riptides to undertows – even how to protect the area’s nesting sea turtles. And get all the specifics on the “leave no trace” practices that keep these beaches so beautiful.
The visitor center is a great place to pick up some fun merchandise. You’ll find useful items such as insulated plastic tumblers for the beach (where no glass is allowed) and a variety of apparel to show off your local pride or remind you of your relaxing visit here. Newly created stickers showcase the personality of each of the distinct neighborhoods, allowing you to rep the places you love.
Even the center itself is a pleasant destination to visit. Standing on stilts, it’s surrounded by water like a modern castle with a moat. Beautiful koi of various sizes – some quite large – swim these waters, offering flashes of their bright orange and white coloring among the lily pads. Sure, they may not be the most indigenous species, but they do prove that all visitors tend to feel right at home here in Walton County.
