Discover Our Parks

There’s more to South Walton’s beauty than its beaches. In fact, 40 percent of our land area is preserved for nature, including these five state-owned swaths of pristine coastal wilderness. With all this wonderful, wild nature comes incredible opportunities to explore it, whether on the water, on foot, or on horseback. These parks and preserves give visitors a chance to see South Walton in its natural state, and get a close-up look at a unique landscape shaped by centuries of wind and water.

Topsail Hill State Preserve

Identified as the most pristine piece of coastal property in the state of Florida, this area features 1,600 acres of stunning gulf-front pine forests, nature trails over mountainous sand dunes, and two freshwater coastal dune lakes. Public beach access is available...more

Point Washington State Forest

This 15,000-acre forest is home to more than 10 miles of trails to challenge bicyclists and hikers, including one of the most popular trails in Walton County, the Eastern Lake Bike/Hike Trail...more

Deer Lake State Park

Located within Seacrest, Deer Lake State Park offers 172 acres of beach and lake areas as well as over 1,900 acres of hiking trails winding through native vegetation...more

Eden Gardens State Park

Tucked away in historic Point Washington, on the shore of Tucker Bayou, is a beautiful turn-of-the-century mansion surrounded by azaleas, camellias, and towering Spanish moss-draped live oaks. Guided mansion tours are offered...more

Grayton Beach State Park

Grayton Beach State Park is among the priceless natural treasures of Florida’s Emerald Coast. The Grayton Beach State Park beach is considered one of the loveliest stretches of sand in the US, and its coastal forests are filled with scrub oaks and magnolias...more