9 Reasons Why Walton County is the Best Place to Be in the Fall

Sure, summer beach trips are packed with sun, surf, and sand. But Walton County’s unique beach-and-beyond attractions draw savvy travelers all year round, year after year. Read on to discover what makes fall the perfect season for a Walton County getaway.

1.  Fall is event season. As temperatures cool, festival season heats up with world-class food, drinks, art, and entertainment. If you like spectacular cuisine, award-winning domestic and international wines, films screened under a canopy of stars, or star-studded musical performances, you can't beat South Walton’s fall events lineup.

2.  Fall weather makes dining with a view of the Gulf especially enjoyable. And in South Walton, the food lives up to the view. Whether you're looking for something romantic, festive, or casually delicious, there's a perfect spot overlooking the water that's just right for you.

3.  Some of the year’s most impressive sunsets happen in the fall. October tends to be one of the best months for catching mind-blowing natural beauty from the beach. And whether the sky is a pastel paradise or a blaze of color, you'll be watching on the beach in gorgeous weather as the sun goes down.

4. Unplugging from the stress of daily life is a cinch here. Reflect and commune with nature in the serenity of rare coastal dune lakes. Attend your favorite style of yoga or fitness class at the most scenic studio you've ever seen – the beach. Hike pristine state parks, take in the renowned local art scene, or linger over the selections in a unique bookstore. Or just stretch out on our sugar-white sand and forget about everything else.

5.  It’s always more fun watching the game here than on your couch at home. And rest assured, any game you're looking for will be on somewhere. The hard part is choosing your backdrop, from classic sports bars with jumbo screens to modern lounges with beach views…and everything in between. Even if you’re not into the game, you’re guaranteed to enjoy watching it here.

6.  You can get here (and get your feet in the sand) in a flash. With two nearby airports and countless direct flights from many cities, you can fly in from nearly anywhere. If you’re located in the Southeast, you can easily drive and still make it in time for dinner.

7.  Fall in South Walton can give you butterflies. When temperatures cool off, Monarch butterflies migrate to Mexico, and on their way, they love to make a pit stop here…and who can blame them? The annual Flutterby Arts Festival coincides with this yearly migration, celebrating with puppet shows, theatrical performances, arts and crafts, and other kid-friendly activities.

8. In DeFuniak Springs, you can savor the turn of the season with a spin around Circle Drive. Surrounding Lake DeFuniak, this peaceful drive takes you back in time with views of nearly 200 historic buildings, including 40 listed on the National Register of Historic Places. From classic Victorian homes to structures built as part of the Chautauqua Assembly between 1885 and the late 1920s, it’s an architectural daydream.

9. North of the Choctawhatchee Bay, you’ll also find the best view of fall foliage atop the plateau known as Britton Hill, northeast of Paxton. At just 345 feet above sea level, it’s the highest elevation point in all of Florida. And the surrounding Lakewood Park offers a perfect opportunity for a tranquil nature stroll among the trees.

From breezy peace and quiet to full-on sensory adventures, Walton County fall has it all.

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