Walton County Map Florida
Introduction
Located in the northwest part of Florida, Walton County is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse natural landscapes. This travel guide is designed to help you explore the best of Walton County, from its top attractions to hidden gems, outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and more.
Top Attractions
Walton County boasts a variety of attractions that cater to all ages and interests. Some of the top attractions include:
- Grayton Beach State Park
- Seaside
- Eden Gardens State Park
- Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park
- The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Grayton Beach State Park
Grayton Beach State Park is a popular spot for beach lovers, with its white sand beaches, clear waters, and scenic trails. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and camping.
Seaside
Seaside is a charming beach town known for its pastel-colored houses, quaint shops, and vibrant art scene. Visitors can explore the town’s galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, or simply relax on the beach.
Eden Gardens State Park
Eden Gardens State Park is a beautiful park that features a historic mansion, lush gardens, and a peaceful bayou. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mansion, stroll through the gardens, or have a picnic by the water.
Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park
Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park is a fun-filled attraction that offers water slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and more. Visitors can also enjoy mini-golf, go-karts, and other activities.
The Village of Baytowne Wharf
The Village of Baytowne Wharf is a lively waterfront area that features restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Visitors can enjoy live music, fireworks, and other events throughout the year.
Hidden Gems
While Walton County has its fair share of popular attractions, there are also plenty of hidden gems that are worth exploring. Some of these include:
- Point Washington State Forest
- Seacrest Wolf Preserve
- Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
- The Red Bar
- The Bay
Point Washington State Forest
Point Washington State Forest is a peaceful oasis that offers hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. Visitors can also go fishing, camping, or have a picnic in the park’s scenic areas.
Seacrest Wolf Preserve
Seacrest Wolf Preserve is a unique attraction that allows visitors to interact with wolves and other animals. Visitors can take a guided tour, learn about wolf conservation, and even participate in a wolf encounter.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is a secluded beach park that offers miles of hiking trails, fishing, and camping. Visitors can also enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and birdwatching in this pristine natural area.
The Red Bar
The Red Bar is a popular restaurant that is known for its delicious seafood, live music, and funky atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink in this eclectic spot that features quirky decor and friendly service.
The Bay
The Bay is a waterfront restaurant that offers fresh seafood, craft cocktails, and stunning views of the Choctawhatchee Bay. Visitors can also enjoy live music, outdoor dining, and a laid-back atmosphere in this local gem.
Food Scene
Walton County has a vibrant food scene that features fresh seafood, Southern cuisine, and international flavors. Some of the top restaurants to try include:
- The Perfect Pig
- Bud & Alley’s
- Great Southern Cafe
- Chiringo
- La Cocina Mexican Grill & Bar
The Perfect Pig
The Perfect Pig is a cozy cafe that offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on fresh ingredients and creative flavors. Visitors can enjoy dishes like crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and homemade pastries.
Bud & Alley’s
Bud & Alley’s is a classic beachfront restaurant that offers fresh seafood, cocktails, and stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can enjoy dishes like grilled Gulf shrimp, lobster mac and cheese, and Key lime pie.
Great Southern Cafe
Great Southern Cafe is a casual restaurant that serves up Southern comfort food with a modern twist. Visitors can enjoy dishes like fried green tomatoes, blackened shrimp tacos, and banana bread pudding.
Chiringo
Chiringo is a beachfront restaurant that offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, craft cocktails, and live music. Visitors can enjoy dishes like grilled octopus, lamb meatballs, and charred corn salad.
La Cocina Mexican Grill & Bar
La Cocina Mexican Grill & Bar is a popular restaurant that offers authentic Mexican cuisine, margaritas, and a festive atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy dishes like tacos al pastor, carne asada, and churros.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling to Walton County doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some budget-friendly tips to help you save money on your trip:
- Visit during the off-season
- Stay in a vacation rental
- Cook your own meals
- Take advantage of free activities
- Use public transportation or walk/bike instead of renting a car
Outdoor Adventures
With its diverse natural landscapes, Walton County offers plenty of outdoor adventures for visitors to enjoy. Some of the top activities include:
- Kayaking and paddleboarding
- Fishing
- Hiking and biking
- Golfing
- Zip-lining
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Walton County has many waterways that are perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding, including the Choctawhatchee Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can rent equipment or take a guided tour to explore these scenic areas.
Fishing
Walton County offers excellent fishing opportunities for both freshwater and saltwater anglers. Visitors can fish for bass, trout, redfish, and more in the area’s rivers, lakes, and bays.
Hiking and Biking
Walton County has many hiking and biking trails that offer scenic views of the area’s natural beauty. Some of the top trails include the Timpoochee Trail, the Eastern Lake Trail, and the Grayton Beach State Park Trail.
Golfing
Walton County has several golf courses that offer challenging layouts and stunning views. Some of the top courses include the Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club, the Kelly Plantation Golf Club, and the Raven Golf Club.
Zip-lining
Zip-lining is a thrilling adventure that allows visitors to soar through the treetops and experience the area’s natural beauty from a unique perspective. Visitors can try zip-lining at the Adventures Unlimited Outdoor Center or the Baytowne Adventure Zone.
Historical Landmarks
Walton County has a rich history that is reflected in its many historical landmarks. Some of the top sites to explore include:
- The DeFuniak Springs Historic District
- The Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum
- The Chautauqua Vineyard & Winery
- The Seabreeze Jazz Festival
- The Walton County Heritage Museum
The DeFuniak Springs Historic District
The DeFuniak Springs Historic District is a charming area that features many historic homes and buildings, including the Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood and the Walton County Courthouse. Visitors can take a walking tour to learn about the area’s history and architecture.
The Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum
The Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum is a restored one-room schoolhouse that dates back to the early 1900s. Visitors can take a tour of the museum and learn about the area’s educational history.
The Chautauqua Vineyard & Winery
The Chautauqua Vineyard & Winery is a picturesque winery that offers tastings, tours, and events throughout the year. Visitors can sample wines made from locally grown grapes and enjoy the scenic vineyard views.