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Area Attractions & Activities at WaterColor Near South Walton Beach & Destin, Florida

For activity planning, contact us at 850-534-5000 or email: concierge@watercolorresort.com 

Local State Parks, Gardens & Beaches | Area Shopping 

Though we’re best known for our gorgeous beaches, there’s so much more to do at the WaterColor Inn & Resort than work on your tan (though that’s fun too).  Our clear, sparkling waters hold the key to great sports and activities, and while on land you’ll find you’ll never run out of things to do.  Either way, you’ll enjoy the best of the great outdoors.  Click here to watch a video about our beautiful beaches and rare coastal dune lakes.

Deer Lake State Park - Northwest Florida

A pristine 2000-acre conservation area, Deer Lake is a great location for observing indigenous flora. The pathways lead through scrub, sand pine scrub and titi slough/transitional mesic-wet pine flatwoods. Some of the intriguing locals you might spot here are deer’s tongue/vanilla plant, beach rosemary, lupine, rusty lyonia and conradina. If the nature flora doesn’t attract you, the spectacular coastline surely will. This area has some of the most impressive dunes in the region. Open 8 a.m. until Sunset.

Approximately 1.5 miles from the Resort.  (850) 231-0337

Grayton Beach State Recreation Area on the Gulf of Mexico

This recreation area borders WaterColor, with Western Lake as a natural connector. In 1994, the beach here was designated as the “Nation’s Best Beach” by Dr. Stephen Leatherman, aka “Dr. Beach,” who directs the University of Maryland’s Laboratory for Coastal Research and annually names the best beaches among 600 or so United States beaches (an honor that can’t be bestowed again until 10 years beyond the designation). The recognition is based on quality of sand, accessibility, natural beauty, water temperature, pristine nature trails, and a safe, uncrowded environment. A self-guided trail provides a wonderful hike around impressive 40’ sand dunes and through pine flatwoods and coastal scrub.

To get the most from your hike, be sure to ask for the trail guide available at the ranger station when you enter the area.

This State Recreation Area is just off Highway 30-A and opens daily from 8 a.m. until sundown. (850) 231-4210

Henderson Beach State Recreation Area

Henderson opened to the public in March 1991 as the first acquisition under Florida’s Save Our Coast Program. The 6,000 feet of shoreline and more than 200 acres of preserve are home to a variety of wildlife and native plants. An extensive boardwalk system makes for easy access while protecting the dunes and vegetation. Located in Destin at 17000 Emerald Coast Parkway, it is open from 8:00 a.m. until sunset.

Approximately 21.55 miles from the Resort. (850) 837-7550

Eden State Gardens

Once the 19th-century hub of Wesley Lumber Company’s sawmill complex, the garden is now a hub for community involvement. The extensive gardens that surround an antebellum residence are frequently the setting for special events. With its canopied live oaks dripping with Spanish moss and the colorful seasonal displays of azalea, camellias, hydrangeas and dogwood trees, the place is a visual balm. It is also a great place for picnics, with tables spread under the trees overlooking the bayou.

Visitors to the gardens will want to consider timing their arrival to correspond with the House Tours offered Thursday through Monday on the hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours are conducted by volunteer docents, and local volunteers also do much of the gardening here. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset, and you can get there by making your way to Highway 98 and then heading north on County Road 395.

Look for the signs.  Approximately 4 miles from the Resort. (850) 231-4214

Camp Helen State Park

Located just to the east of Walton County, off Highway 98 in Bay County. A former vacation getaway for employees of Avondale Mills, the park currently provides a great spot for a day at the beach. To enter the area, park at the gate and walk through the impressive woodlands to the Gulf. The area is open from 8 a.m. until sunset.

Approximately 10 miles from the Resort. (850) 233-5059

Communities Along 30-A

The communities along Scenic Highway 30-A have become increasingly popular with visitors to our resort. This idyllic highway is home to 11 unique villages all with their own flare, shopping, history, dining and experience. Explore these beachside hamlets to see for yourself how unique this destination is. Our Concierge will be happy to give you directions or a sample of some of the best things to see and do in the area.

Visit the area’s tourism board website at: 

Area Shopping Malls & Outlets

For shops, cafe's and boutiques located within WaterColor Inn & Resort click here.

Other Local Area Shopping:

Silver Sands Factory Stores  

10562 Emerald Coast Parkway

Destin, FL 32550

Over 100 designer names

 http://www.silversandsoutlet.com/ 

(850) 654-9771

Destin Commons 

4300 Legendary Drive

Destin, Florida 32541.337.8700

Destin Commons has 80+ retail stores, 8 restaurants, and a Center Plaza offering a soft-play kids playground.  Anchor stores include Belk, Worldwide Sportsmen Bass Pro Shops and Rave Motion Pictures,  Destin Commons also Community activities and entertainment throughout the year.

 (850) 337-8700

Grand Boulevard

185 Grand Boulevard, Suite 100

Destin, FL  32550

Grand Boulevard is home to dozens of stores, restaurants, shops and galleries

(850) 654-5929

Pier Park

15700 LC Hilton Dr

Panama City Beach, FL 32413

Pier Park recently opened 20 of the planned 100+ retail shops, restaurants and eateries.  Anchor Stores include Target, Dillard's, JCPenney, Borders Books & Music, Old Navy, and The Grand movie theatre.

(850) 236-9974