South Walton State Parks

Besides the emerald waters and sugar white sandy beaches, the Beaches of South Walton has plenty of outdoors activities to offer. There is plenty of unspoiled nature to explore. With miles of trails it’s very easy to experience the wonders of nature this area has to offer. Here is a list of five state parks for all outdoors enthusiasts.

Grayton Beach State Recreation Area

Cited as the “Best Beach in the US,” the Grayton Beach State Park features over five miles of hiking and bicycling trails, canoeing, kayaking, boating and fishing as well as camping, modern cabins and picnics.

You should always be on the lookout for birds for they are plenty around here. A boat ramp is located on Western Lake. The park is open daily from 8am to sunset. For more information about the park call 850.231.4210.

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

The Topsail Preserve State Park is the most intact coastal ecosystem in the state of Florida. This undeveloped piece of gem features three-miles of white sand beaches, with majestic dunes over 25-feet tall, two coastal dune lakes excellent for freshwater fishing, old growth long leaf pines, nature trails for hiking and bicycling, full facility campground with swimming pool, tennis and shuffleboard courts, concession, and cozy one bedroom bungalows.

The park is open daily from 8am to dusk. For park fees and bungalow rental, call 850.267.0299.

Deer Lake State Park

This uninhabited, quiet and very rare coastal dune lake can only be summed up to one word, “serenity.” The boardwalk stretches over the dunes to a pristine beach and lake area with emerald green waters. It’s a great area to picnic, swim and fish in the area.
It’s open from 8am to sundown. Admission is free. For more information call 850.230.4210.

Point Washington State Park

This 15,000-acre forest provides more than ten miles of trails for hiking and mountain climbing. You might even spot an endangered red-cockaded woodpecker or a gopher tortoise on one of the most popular routes, from Eastern Lake to Cassine Gardens.
For more information call 850.231.5800.

Eden Gardens State Park

The center of attraction on the shore of Tucker Bayou is a beautiful turn-of-the-century Greek revival mansion surrounded by 600 years old Spanish draped live oaks, azaleas, camellias and other flowering shrubs (pictured).

Eden State Gardens State Park is home to a collection of Louis XVI furniture, the second largest in the US. Visitors can enjoy the fragrant flowers, the mansion grounds and a picnic area. Guided mansion tours are available from Thursday through Monday from 10am - 3pm. Admission is $3 per person and the ground entrance fee is $3 per vehicle. It’s open daily from 8am to sunset.