Nestled between sugar-white beaches and lush pines, The Lodge 30A invites guests to immerse in the natural beauty of Seagrove Beach. Inspired by its coastal surroundings, this boutique hotel blends contemporary coastal style with convenience for an effortless retreat.
Just steps from the hotel’s front door, the Point Washington State Forest trailhead opens up a world of adventure. Spanning over 15,000 acres, this preserved natural haven is home to miles of 30A bike trails that wind through tranquil pine forests, shimmering coastal dune lakes and pristine wetlands. Guests staying at The Lodge 30A can take full advantage of the hotel’s Pedal & Explore Package, which includes complimentary YOLO bike rentals.
Advice for an Unforgettable Ride
To help you navigate the trails like a local, we turned to YOLO Board & Bike Founder and CEO, Jeff Archer. A passionate advocate for outdoor exploration, Archer shared his insights into why biking is the ultimate way to connect with the Gulf Coast’s natural beauty.
What makes The Lodge 30A’s location prime for experiencing 30A by bike?
Taking a bike ride down 30A to experience all the beach communities is a must, and Seagrove is the perfect starting point for biking east to to Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach or west to Seaside and Grayton Beach.
Guests of The Lodge also have access to the state forest trail, located right behind Greenway Station and can also bike along the paved Timpoochee Trail that runs the 18.5 mile length of 30A and connects the Point Washington State Forest with three additional state parks (Deer Lake State Park, Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park) and crosses a handful of the area’s rare coastal dune lakes – another one of our area’s must-see natural wonders.
What do you think surprises visitors most about the outdoors on 30A?
No one realizes that the 30A bike trails offer a beautiful, peaceful alternative to the beach. You might see deer, rabbits, eagles and much more. The abundance of sea life in the Gulf is such a special experience. Seeing dolphins and sea turtles is always a highlight! Paddling in the coastal dune lakes or the Gulf of Mexico is also a favorite way to make memories here.
What can guests experience with the YOLO Pedal & Explore Package?
We are so happy to partner with The Lodge to provide the highest level of customer service just as they do. All guests need to do is walk right over to our store, located right in front of the hotel, and we can outfit them in minutes. In addition to the two bike rentals included in the package, guests of The Lodge also receive 15% off additional bike, paddleboard and electric bike rentals.
Tell us how visitors can learn more about YOLO’s “While You’re Here” and “Adventures” app.
Simply search “Yolo Adventures” in the app store and download! Our guide provides invaluable area information, including beach and trail access points, dining and shopping recommendations and details on YOLO’s rentals and adventure tours.
Ready to book your adventure? Visit TheLodge30A.com to see current offers, explore accommodations and discover all that the hotel has to offer.
There are few events more classically WaterColor than the annual Mountainfilm on Tour. For its 24th year, the two-night outdoor film festival returns to WaterColor’s Marina Park for an unforgettable celebration of film, art and ideas under the stars.
Mountainfilm on Tour at WaterColor provides guests with the distinct opportunity to see some of the best-loved films from the annual Mountainfilm festival held in Telluride, right here in Northwest Florida – all while enjoying the very best the area has to offer.
This year’s event, taking place Nov. 1-2, will reflect Mountainfilm’s theme of exploring cultures, preserving environments and promoting adventure. An event presenter will guide the audience through the program, providing insight on the films, filmmakers and topics, as guests enjoy food and drinks in an outdoor festival atmosphere. A full list of this year’s featured films may be found here.
“We’re looking forward to another great year partnering with Mountainfilm to bring some truly incredible films to WaterColor. This will be our 23rd year hosting the event, and we keep bringing it back because it means so much to our guests and everyone who returns year after year to be entertained, inspired, and recharged in our beautiful surroundings.”
Gabrielle Testa, General Manager, WaterColor Inn
Tickets must be purchased in advance and are now available for purchase at mountainfilmfl.com; single- and two-night tickets are available. Make the most of your Mountainfilm on Tour at WaterColor experience by taking advantage of WaterColor Inn’s lodging packages. Limited-edition event t-shirts are also available for purchase with online ticket sales, at the event or at the WaterColor Store.
For new details as they become available, please check mountainfilmfl.com, as well as WaterColor Inn’s Facebook page. We look forward to seeing you soon!
The 2024 Mountainfilm on Tour at WaterColor is made possible in partnership with Delta, Visit South Walton, WaterColor Community Association, Florals by the Sea, WaterColor Store, BoatHouse Paddle Club, Old Florida Outfitters, Justin Gaffrey Gallery, 30A.com and SoWal.com.
So, whether you are looking to lounge, dip your feet, go for a lap or splish-splash about with the kiddos, you’ll have plenty of pools to choose from as a guest of WaterColor Inn. Which will you pick?
Over the past two decades, WaterColor Inn has become a beloved family beach vacation tradition, thanks to its convenient location on 30A, comfortable accommodations, distinguished service and family-friendly resort amenities. In fact, with the addition of seven new Family Suites and a family-friendly pool area in 2022, WaterColor Inn truly is the ultimate family vacation destination in South Walton!
Additionally, with 10 pools, WaterColor Inn boasts the most pool accesses on Scenic Highway 30A – providing families with plenty of options for basking in the Northwest Florida sun, just steps away from the area’s iconic sugar-white-sand beaches.
WaterColor Inn Hotel Pool
The 2,800-sq. ft. zero-entry family pool includes a whirlpool bench with hydro jets, as well as an expanded pool deck provides ample space for families to swim, sunbathe or savor treats from Gather Kitchen + Bar.
WaterColor Beach Club (3 Pools)
The beach club boasts a main pool with expanded seating and lounge areas, a zero-entry pool, and an adults-only infinity pool with lounge seating – all with unobstructed views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Camp WaterColor (3 Pools)
Located within Camp WaterColor, guests have access to three pools, each with a lifeguard on duty: the Butterfly Pool with Monarch Slide, the zero-entry Caterpillar Pool with a children’s area and Skipper Slide, and the zero-entry Lazy Lizard Pool with a lazy river.
Sandhill Frog Pool
A guest favorite, this pool features giant mosaic frog fountains that cascade into the pool on two sides – a popular feature with the kiddos. Centrally located in the Lake District, the pool offers both sunbathing and shaded lounges.
Dragonfly Pool
The ultimate all-day lounging destination, this beautifully detailed pool in the Crossings II District features an outdoor grilling area in addition to ample sunbathing areas.
Marina Pool
Located in the Park District near the WaterColor LakeHouse and BoatHouse, the Marina Pool has Western Lake as its backdrop, offering serene views and sounds under a canopy of palm trees.
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Pool access available to guests of WaterColor Inn and guests and owners of the WaterColor Community. To learn more about WaterColor Inn’s resort amenities or to book your stay, visit watercolorresort.com.
The Lodge 30A may be the latest boutique hotel to arrive to 30A, but its roots run as deep as those of the longleaf pines in the 15,000-acre Point Washington State Forest, which adjoins the property. In addition to its location, the hotel thoughtfully borrows inspiration from the area’s beautiful surroundings, with natural materials and colors helping to bring some of South Walton’s outdoors inside. But certainly, guests of The Lodge 30A will find plentiful ways to enjoy the outdoors outside!
A trailhead for exploring Point Washington is conveniently located just footsteps from the hotel, at the gravel parking area adjacent to Greenway Station (the name is inspired by the name of the Longleaf Greenway Trail system that traverses the preserved forests along 30A). The 30A Trail, or Cassine Trail, offers a variety of terrain and showcases Northwest Florida’s diverse ecosystems in an easy and shady walk. The flat half-mile trail can be enjoyed year-round (leashed pets are also welcomed), but is most colorful in the spring and fall months due to the variety of wildflowers it hosts. This beloved spot also offers a magnificent view of one of South Walton’s rare coastal dune lakes. Part of the Eastern Lake Trail, the 30A Trail is a connector to other legs of the trail system.
Guests of The Lodge can also enjoy the hotel’s complimentary bicycles on the forest trails or along the paved Timpoochee Trail, which also crosses several coastal dune lakes. Running the 18.5 mile length of 30A, the Timpoocheee Trail also connects the Point Washington State Forest with three additional state parks (Deer Lake State Park, Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park).
Within the stunningly lush state forest, visitors can follow trails through varied landscapes, including longleaf pine forests (one of the most ecologically diverse ecosystems in the world) sandhill, titi swamps, wet prairie and cypress swamps. Several species of threatened and endangered plants and animals can also be found in the forest, including the American kestrel, gopher tortoise, flatwoods salamander, white-topped pitcher plant, and the world’s largest population of Curtiss sand grass.
Notably, the Point Washington State Forest is a stop on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, making it a great place to spot the myrtle warbler, prothonotary warbler, red-headed woodpecker, mourning dove and common ground dove and many other species of birds. Additionally, Point Washington State Forest is home to white-tailed deer, Florida black bears, wild boar, raccoons, rabbits, duck, quail, turkeys, gopher tortoises, herons, egrets, cranes and alligators. Point Washington State Forest is open to the public for recreational use, including hiking and biking. As with all of our area’s natural attractions, it’s imperative that visitors be good stewards of these unique and invaluable surroundings. Learn about the Florida Forest Service’s guidelines and become familiar with the rules before visiting here.
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Inspired by the beauty of these natural coastal surroundings, The Lodge 30A provides guests with a sense of place. Ready to book your nature-inspired getaway? Visit TheLodge30A.com to see current offers and explore accommodations.
Spring is officially in bloom! And longer and warmer days means more opportunities to soak up the sun in more fun ways than one in South Walton. As Northwest Florida’s premier hospitality-management company, St. Joe® is an expert in family-friendly resort experiences, which is why we’ve compiled some of our top picks for a spring day well spent.
Whether you’re here for a day, a weekend or an extended stay, we hope you’ll put that extra spring hour (and sunshine) to work. Now, let’s spring to it!
Take in the Sights on Bike
Take in the sights along Scenic Highway 30A by biking through South Walton’s distinct beach communities and exploring dining, shopping and so much more along the way. Park your complimentary bike (available to guests of WaterColor Inn, The Pearl Hotel, and Watersound Inn) and spend the afternoon lounging under the warm Northwest Florida sun. In the evening, have yourself a lively night, complete with a casual dinner, drinks and delightful conversations with a stunning view at Fish Out of Water or Havana Beach Rooftop.
Explore a Rare Coastal Dune Lake
South Walton is home to 15 of some of the rarest and most spectacular natural wonders: coastal dune lakes, shallow basins of fresh water created when winds redistribute sand over thousands of years – within feet from the Gulf of Mexico. Get up close with South Walton’s second-largest (and, perhaps, most popular) coastal dune lake, Western Lake, by kayaking or standup paddle boarding. All are available to seasonally from the WaterColor BoatHouse, which also offers kayaking adventure tours. WaterColor Inn, The Pearl Hotel and Watersound Inn guests have access to complimentary use of canoes rentals for one hour each day and discounted SUP rentals.
Catch a Gulf Sunset
Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast is well known for its sugar-white beaches, but it’s the sunsets over the Gulf that provide the cherry on top of an unforgettable beach day here in our corner of paradise. Head to Havana Beach Rooftop at The Pearl Hotel for tapas and cocktails, served with stunning views of the Gulf and of the charming coastal town of Rosemary Beach below. At Costa Chica (located within the private WaterColor Beach Club), you can enjoy coastal-infused TexMex dishes and handcrafted margaritas in a casual rooftop setting overlooking the pool deck. For the ultimate sunset spot, there’s perhaps no more timeless Santa Rosa Beach spot than Fish Out of Water. Here, the best seat in the house is always guaranteed, thanks to glass walls that showcasing breathtaking views from every seat, while enjoying an authentic taste of the Gulf.
Take a Dip in the Pool – or in 10!
Whether you are looking to lounge, dip your feet, go for a lap or splish-splash about with the kiddos, you’ll have plenty of pools to choose from as a guest of WaterColor Inn. With 10 pools to choose from, WaterColor Inn boasts the most pool accesses on 30A, providing families with plenty of options for basking in the sun, just steps away from sugar-white sand beaches. Guests have access to the private, zero-entry family pool at WaterColor Inn, three pools at Camp WaterColor and three pools at WaterColor Beach Club, including an adults-only infinity pool with lounge seating. As if that weren’t enough, WaterColor Inn guests also have access to the Sandhill, Dragonfly and Marina pools within the WaterColor Community.
Savor the Ultimate Outdoor Picnic
Picturesque Cerulean Park provides the most idyllic backdrop for the ultimate 30A picnic outdoors. Build your own picnic basket with your favorite South Walton treats from the WaterColor Town Center, or order to-go dishes from some of WaterColor’s most popular (and delicious!) restaurants, including Fish Out of Water, WaterColor Grill and Beach Cow, all of which offer curbside pickup. Looking for the ultimately decadent convenience? Place your order at the Scratch Biscuit Kitchen carryout window, then walk over to your favorite spot in the park.
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As if all of that fun time in the sun weren’t enough, the spring months also provide an opportunity for BIG seasonal savings – of up to 20% OFF, in some cases, when you book your spring stay before May 19, 2024. Be sure to check out WaterColor Inn, The Pearl Hotel, Watersound Inn and the newly opened The Lodge 30A for each hotel’s spring savings.
Lastly, no matter what you choose to do with your longer days this spring, please remember to make your beach days safe days with these local precautions. Wishing you and yours a sun- and fun-filled spring season! We look forward to seeing you soon.
As summer comes to an end and the families head back to school, there’s a shift in the air along 30A. The air becomes a bit cooler, the sunsets more vibrant and visitors relish in the quieter beaches. In fact, these are just a few reasons why the fall is prime season for girlfriends’ getaways to South Walton.
With a variety of accommodation options, delectable Gulf Coast dining, unrivaled sunsets, outdoor exploration and plentiful ways to relax, the only challenge you’ll have in planning your next escape with your girl gang is figuring out just what you’ll pack into your itinerary.
To get your planning started, we’ve pulled together a few of our top St. Joe resort experiences. Whether you’re seeking a full-service boutique hotel experience or a laidback home-away-from-home vibe, fun or relaxation indoors or outdoors, or simply looking to bask in the simplicities of the Gulf, these will surely have you and your friends covered.
Now, gather the ladies and get your getaway going! We look forward to welcoming you.
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Make Yourself at Home
From full-service elegance to a more laidback, limited-service approach, St. Joe’s portfolio of lodging experiences provides consistent customer service, comfort and coastal style (of course).
Stay at South Walton’s only adult-oriented hotel, The Pearl Hotel in picturesque Rosemary Beach, for a thoughtfully curated boutique hotel experience that’s as distinct as each guest, complete with on-site dining, a spa, complimentary beach setups and more. Enjoy a quintessential and long-beloved 30A tradition at WaterColor Inn, the flagship of the iconic WaterColor community, and indulge in a guest experience that delivers on the extra touches, including a variety of pools and recreational opportunities. Seeking the ultimate in comfort and convenience? Escape to Seagrove Beach’s newest boutique hotel, The Lodge 30A, to enjoy a prime location and home-away-from-home hospitality. If you’re seeking rejuvenation and relaxation, Camp Creek Inn is the ideal location to meet your needs. Enjoy the privacy and serenity of this newly opened boutique hotel’s luxury accommodations and private club amenities.
Toast to Friendship
Cheers to good times spent with even better friends with an unforgettable dinner or cocktail celebration at any of our St. Joe dining establishments. Celebrate the joy of living, eating and drinking well at Havana Beach Bar & Grill, featuring a colorful food and cocktail menu that is equal parts Gulf Coast, equal parts Caribbean; or head to the Havana Beach Rooftop for tapas, cocktails and stunning sunset views. Indulge in a long-standing WaterColor dining tradition at Fish Out of Water, complete with fresh seafood and panoramic Gulf views.
And of course, you’ll find plentiful dining options along 30A, all in close proximity to The Lodge 30A, The Pearl Hotel and WaterColor Inn. Additionally, guests of WaterColor Inn also have access to a plethora of delectable offerings of Gather Kitchen + Bar and the WaterColor Beach Club. A stay at Camp Creek Inn affords you access to six private dining venues, including three onsite at the hotel.
Disconnect to Reconnect
Traveling with your friends offers an invaluable opportunity to disconnect and reconnect with one another, making simplicity and relaxation a tenet of the ultimate girlfriends’ getaway.
And there’s perhaps no more relaxing (or analog) 30A amenity than South Walton’s beaches themselves! With sugar-white sand and the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, it’s no surprise that our area’s beaches are consistently ranked among the best in the world. And whether you’re a guest of The Pearl Hotel, Camp Creek Inn, WaterColor Inn or The Lodge 30A, you and your girlfriends will have plentiful opportunities to soak in our beaches however you choose. Take in an early-morning dip, lounge in the sun to your heart’s content or indulge in an iconic 30A sunset with your toes in the sand.
For the ultimate R&R experience, book yourselves a service or two at Spa Pearl, where you can all enjoy an invigorating and therapeutic poolside spa escape.
Explore Like a Local
The sky is the limit when it comes to exploring South Walton’s natural wonders. Whether you stay in Rosemary Beach, Seagrove Beach or WaterColor, you’ll find yourself in close proximity to walking, biking hiking, kayaking or standup-paddleboarding your way through 30A’s coastal beauty. Rentals and excursions are available through the WaterColor BoatHouse (WaterColor Inn guests have special access to rentals), and there are plentiful parks and trails to explore on your own, too (we recommend the Watersound Trail, Deer Lake State Park and Western Lake). Guests of WaterColor Inn and The Pearl Hotel have access to complimentary bike rentals, so be sure to add pedaling through South Walton’s distinct beach communities to your itinerary!
Shop ‘til You Drop
We think every girlfriends’ getaway requires some retail therapy, and in 30A, you’ll find yourself in great company. No matter where you stay within the St. JoeÒ portfolio, you’ll find yourself in close proximity to some of the area’s best shops – from the merchants of Rosemary Beach and the stores of the WaterColor Town Center to the variety of amenities at Greenway Station and every beach community in between.
Step out in style with the latest seasonal styles from TheWaterColor Store (including items for the kiddos back home at WaterColor Kids); treat yourself to one-of-a-kind, locally made jewelry from Carrie Rhea Designs; or snag the essentials for recreating a relaxing spa experience at home at Spa Pearl. And because t’s not too early to get your holiday shopping started, our 30A Gift Guide may also come in handy.
Still on the fence on what to pack? We have you covered with our Beach Bag Essentials!
We think there is nothing more stunning than a fall sunset along the Gulf Coast – and certainly no more idyllic spot from where to catch it than WaterColor! We might be biased, but with an array of picture-perfect spots in one central and iconic location on 30A, can you really blame us?
Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner with cotton-candy skies as your backdrop, or take in the end of a day well spent with your toes in the pool – or with a cocktail in hand. Gather your family for an unforgettable barefoot photo-op Gulf-side just before the sun sets, or schedule a private kayaking class just in time to see the array of orange, pink and violet cast their shades over the dunes. Of course, you can always take in the splendid sights casually from the comfort of your balcony at WaterColor Inn. You really can’t go wrong in choosing how to catch the season’s most dazzling colors when you’re a WaterColor Inn guest.
Below, a roundup of the ultimate spots for catching a sunset in WaterColor this fall!
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In the Sand
There’s perhaps no better spot to take in the sunset than directly on the sugar-white sand of WaterColor beach, just steps from the area’s beloved emerald-green waters. Several area photographers offer sunset packages for families and couples alike, but you also can’t go wrong with a good, old-fashioned selfie. Be sure to claim the perfect spot in the sand with a beach setup from WaterColor Inn, or book a beach bonfire package in time for the sunset. For a truly memorable sendoff to a beach day, add on food, beverages or even games. How’s that for the ultimate beach sunset experience?
Poolside
With 10 resort pools to choose from – the most pool access on all of 30A – your biggest challenge will be choosing which pool to settle into! Lounge poolside at WaterColor Inn’s new 2,800-square-foot zero-entry family pool, which includes an extensive pool deck just footsteps away from the beach, while taking in sips or bites from the nearby Gather Kitchen + Bar. At the WaterColor Beach Club, enjoy plentiful space for lounging, swimming, dining or toasting while awaiting the sunset Gulf-side.
On Your Balcony
Who says you can’t have your sunset and the comfort of your room, too? All of WaterColor Inn’s beachfront guest rooms* offer the chance to take in the sunset, complete with a pair of Adirondack chairs on your private balcony (or patio, on the first floor rooms) – each situated at precise sunset-level (seriously!). Opt for a more luxurious experience by booking one of the Inn’s spacious 600-square-foot Rotunda Suites offering panoramic Gulf views. With only three Rotunda Suites available, these are extremely popular, so you’ll want to book yours quickly!
*please note that this does not include the hotel’s seven new Family Suites, which are not beach-facing.
From Your Dining Spot
For the ultimate sunset spot, there’s perhaps no more timeless Santa Rosa Beach spot than Fish Out of Water. At WaterColor Inn’s award-winning restaurant, the best seat in the house is always guaranteed, thanks to glass walls that showcase breathtaking views from every seat, while enjoying an authentic taste of the Gulf. For the best photo-op, head outside to the FOOW balcony. We can’t think of a more impressive stage for a sunset dinner, can you?
On the Lake
Take in a splendid sunset from one of South Walton’s rare coastal dune lakes. Book a private kayaking adventure tour with WaterColor BoatHouse around sunset time for a one-of-a-kind sunset-viewing experience on Western Lake, or opt for a bike ride around the lake (the WaterColor Bike Barn staff will be happy to provide you with maps and details for making the most of your experience).
However you find yourself taking in a WaterColor sunset this season, we invite you to share it with us on Instagram, using the hashtags #watercolorinn #watercolorfl.
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WaterColor Beach Club & Camp WaterColor is a shared community amenity for WaterColor residents and guests of WaterColor Inn & Resort. Only WaterColor Inn guests have access to the hotel’s main pool and complimentary bike and kaya rentals. Gather Kitchen + Bar is open to WaterColor Inn guests and Watersound Club Lifestyle members. FOOW is open to the public.
Winter in Northwest Florida means trading in your snow shovel for a different kind of white backdrop: our sugar-white beaches, that is! With milder weather, fewer crowds and the festive spirit of the season, there’s even more reason to celebrate during the winter months – and plenty of ways to stay warm while you do.
Here are our top picks for warming up and cozying up to enjoy a winter wonderland in true 30A style!
A Beachside Bonfire
Guests of WaterColor Inn can reserve two hours of bonfire fun for up to 30 guests – complete with beach chairs, bottled water and all of the fixings for s’mores. The expertly set-up bonfire experience, which can be set up before or after sunset, takes place behind the WaterColor Beach Club and provides a laidback and fun way to cozy up with the beach during the cooler winter months. Outdoor game packages and food-and-beverage amenities can also be added for an additional fee.
A Hot Stone Massage
Experience a hot stone massage at Spa Pearl at The Pearl Hotel and melt your winter blues away. Within four private poolside treatment rooms, men and women enjoy facials, signature body treatments and massages that incorporate invigorating and therapeutic oceanic elements. Better yet? All spa bookings receive complimentary access to The Pearl Hotel’s heated adults-only pool – and we can’t quite picture a winter day more relaxing than that.
A Swim in the Pool
The winter months won’t keep us away from the water – the pool water, that is! And because all of our pools at WaterColor Inn and The Pearl Hotel are heated, our guests can enjoy a leisurely swim year-round. Not to mention, WaterColor Inn now has a new 2,800-square-foot zero-entry family pool, complete with whirlpool bench and hydro jets. We think there’s nothing quite as invigorating like a warm winter dip!
A Walk on the Beach
Never underestimate the simple, heart-warming pleasure of taking a stroll on the beach. Throw on your favorite hoodie (we have a preference for this super cozy WaterColor Shop sweatshirt) and head Gulf-side to take in a picturesque winter sunset or bask in the stunning display of stars that light up our coastal sky.
A Seafood Feast with a View
Winter months are still perfect for enjoying freshly caught seafood just footsteps away from the Gulf. And cooler weather doesn’t mean forgoing the view either! Take it in indoors at Fish Out of Water, where every seat is the best in the house and every dish boasts the Gulf’s most delicious seasonal flavors.
A Fresh Cup of Hot Coffee
Load up on some extra fuel at Scratch Biscuit Kitchen, where you’ll find plenty of coffee flowing, thanks to the restaurant’s daily selections of its own signature blend. Consider yourself a die-hard coffee enthusiast well beyond the winter months? Join Scratch’s “Mug Club” to receive your own Scratch “Mug Club”-branded mug and $1 unlimited coffee (cheers to that!).
A Tropics-Inspired Happy Hour
Retreat to the Havana Beach Lounge, an intimate tropical hideaway nestled within The Pearl Hotel’s Havana Beach Bar & Grill, to enjoy a menu of small plates, pre-dinner cocktails or both. Bold, tropical prints and a lively Havana-inspired theme are surely to warm up your evening.
We think Mother Nature is pretty grand, and – call us biased but – we think she shines brightest on Northwest Florida, where the cotton-candy sunsets kiss the turquoise water and sugar-white sand of our iconic beaches and where coastal dune lakes meet lush pine forests. What can we say? We think South Walton is pretty dreamy. To ensure you, too, take a moment to relish in its natural beauty, we’ve rounded up five local natural sights we think you should absolutely see – in no particular order.
Western Lake
South Walton is home to 15 of some of the rarest and most spectacular natural wonders: coastal dune lakes, shallow basins of fresh water created when winds redistribute sand over thousands of years – within feet from the Gulf of Mexico. Aside from being beautiful, coastal dune lakes create unique and nutrient-filled ecosystems, making them ideal habitats for an array of wildlife.
Western Lake is the second-largest and, perhaps, the most popular coastal dune lake in South Walton. Get up close and personal with it by canoeing, kayaking or standup paddle boarding along. All are available to rent seasonally from the WaterColor BoatHouse. WaterColor Inn guests have access to use of these rentals for one hour each day. Kayaking adventure tours around Western Lake are also available and offer a great way to learn more about these beautiful natural rarities.
Deer Lake State Park
Take a hike on the wild side and see 11 distinct ecosystems in one park. Located within close proximity of WaterColor Inn, Deer Lake State Park – named after, you guessed it, Deer Lake (another coastal dune lake) – beautifully boasts magnolias, golden asters, woody goldenrod and scrub oaks. Walk across the dunes atop the boardwalk to access the beach and enjoy an idyllic picnic, take a mid-day swim or cast a line from the shore.
Watersound Trail
Walk or bike your way through nature on the Watersound Trail, which can be accessed at Village Commons in Watersound Origins . The five-mile trail winds through a slash pine plantation, along which you’re sure to see cypress domes, wetland areas and plenty of wildlife evidence – all among South Walton’s many wonders. The trail is flat and paved, mixed with hard ground and some sandy, hilly areas; it’s clearly marked and open sunrise to sunset for ultimate enjoyment.
Sugar-White Sand
Our sugar-white beaches may seem like an obvious must-see choice, but surely, they cannot be taken for granted. Small quartz particles, pulverized and washed down from the Appalachian Mountains over thousands of years, that give the area’s sand its distinct crystal-like appearance. How’s that for all-natural beauty? Along Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, our fine sand glistens and seems to sing under your feet as you head down to the shore (we wouldn’t have it any other way). And of course, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the beach: from sunbathing and swimming, to beach bonfires and beachside dining, you’re sure to find plentiful ways to be enchanted by it.
The Gulf of Mexico
Did you know that the body of emerald-green water that provides the backdrop to our iconic sugar-white beaches is the largest gulf in the world and the 10th largest body of water in the world? Its ample surface area and depth make it a powerfully biodiverse ecosystem, which includes coastal wetlands, submerged vegetation, important upland areas and marine/offshore areas. As well, the Gulf Coast’s bounty is plentiful and unlike any other in the world, making it a coveted spot for anglers and seafood lovers alike.
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Whether you’re staying at WaterColor Inn, The Pearl Hotel or WaterSound Inn, there are countless ways to enjoy the area’s natural wonders. Be sure to ask the Front Desk for more information on area maps, recreational areas or for assistance in planning an excursion or securing a rental. Happy exploring!