Though Walton County, FL, is best known for its beach communities, there are plenty of stunning destinations to explore off the beaten path. From charming historic downtown districts to crystal-clear springs perfect for diving and a family-friendly nature center, here are some of our favorite things to do in Authentic Walton!
EXPLORE CHARMING NEIGHBORHOODS
Authentic Walton is home to welcoming communities filled with shopping, dining, historic treasures, and beautiful landscapes. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature or check out local businesses, these three distinct neighborhoods offer something for every type of traveler.
DeFuniak Springs
DeFuniak Springs is home to a wide variety of restaurants, perfect when you’re looking to fuel up before your adventures. We recommend grabbing breakfast at Perla Baking Co., known for its fresh-baked pastries and organic coffee.
After breakfast, stroll around Lake DeFuniak and take in views of the nearly 200 historic buildings — many of which were once part of the Chautauqua Assembly. Not too far away is Main Street in DeFuniak Springs’s historic downtown district. You’ll find a handful of welcoming restaurants, boutiques, and antique shops here.
For lunch or dinner, visit Florida’s oldest hot dog stand, H&M Hot Dogs (also known for its burgers!). Café Nola is another popular restaurant offering delicious seafood and craft cocktails.
Freeport
Another popular neighborhood in Authentic Walton, Freeport is known for its miles of pristine shorelines. Whether you’re looking to enjoy an afternoon on Choctawhatchee Bay or do some shopping, there’s plenty to do and see in this area!
Before embarking on your adventures, treat yourself to Di’lishi Yogurt, Coffee & Smoothies. Open every day from the early morning to later in the evening, the local eatery is known for its fresh frozen yogurt, customizable smoothies, and full-service coffee and tea bar.
Next, we recommend visiting The Little Yellow Bench Company. The local shop offers a complete line of handcrafted skincare and spa products, candles, art, and jewelry. The store also offers handmade wood furniture — if you’re lucky, you might see one of the woodworkers hard at work in the shop!
Additional must-visit attractions include the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center (more on this attraction later!) and the Freeport Veterans Memorial in Casey Park. A tribute to active, retired, and fallen service members, the Freeport Veterans Memorial is a serene place to relax and reflect at the end of the day. It offers multiple venues, including the Grace Project, which honors female service members.
When you’re ready for dinner, plan to visit Nick’s Seafood Restaurant. A popular eatery among locals and tourists alike, the restaurant is best known for its blue crabs, oysters, and shrimp. If the weather allows for it, we recommend grabbing a table on the patio to enjoy views of the nearby bay!
Paxton
Located just north of Choctawhatchee Bay, Paxton is a charming Florida town full of history, delicious restaurants, and outdoor adventures.
The Paxton Agricultural Center is the perfect place to begin your day, offering an in-depth look into the farming industry along with adorable animal encounters. Kids will also enjoy running around at the nearby baseball field!
Another popular Paxton destination, Lakewood Park offers wooded trails that lead to Florida’s highest point of geographical elevation, Britton Hill. Despite being the state’s highest point (sitting 345 feet above sea level), Britton Hill is also the lowest high point in the U.S.
For those wanting to cool off in the water, Lake Jackson is the perfect place to do so. Located along the Florida-Alabama border, this area is excellent for canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. When you’re on the water, be sure to also keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife!
SB Tip: If you own a motorized boat, there is also a free public boat ramp nearby at 81 Lake Road.
DIVE INTO MORRISON SPRINGS
Another must-see attraction, Morrison Springs offers 161 acres of natural beauty, including a 250-foot spring-fed pool. Producing about 48 million gallons of water daily, the pool’s deepest cavity is about 300 feet below the surface, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most popular diving destinations in the Southeast.
However, if you don’t have a SCUBA certification, don’t fret! You can still dip your toes in the water and enjoy the area’s beautiful boardwalks, sandy beaches, and 161 acres of surrounding parkland. Many travelers also enjoy packing a picnic and partaking in a waterfront meal on a sunny afternoon.
EXPLORE THE E.O. WILSON BIOPHILIA CENTER
Nature lovers will enjoy spending an afternoon at the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center. This environmental education facility is located in the 55,000-acre Nokuse nature preserve and offers engaging programming and science lessons.
The center was founded in 2009 by Walton County conservationist M.C. Davis and offers over 20 unique environmental science lessons. The attraction welcomes about 100 students daily, and programs are always free of charge, ranging from two to four days in length.
This ecological hub is also known for its unique Longleaf Pine ecosystem, which is considered the sixth most biodiverse area in the U.S. This particular ecosystem is known to sustain a variety of native plants and animals, including tortoises, rabbits, squirrels, and woodpeckers, so you never know what animals you might encounter during your visit!
Enjoy your Authentic Walton adventures!
This article is sponsored by Walton County Tourism. All photography courtesy of Walton County Tourism.
