Pseudo SoWal Tourist Veteran - New stuff?

[photocat2005]

Hi All,

My husband and I are "pseudo" veterans of visiting the beaches of South Walton. We've vacationed there (mainly Seacrest area) over the past decade or so. Not every year, too expensive and we are fairly far away (VA) But we love the area and have already developed "habits" of doing and seeing the same things when we are there.

We are heading back this April and I know there are things we've never seen or experienced in the SoWal but I haven't been very successful in flushing out new ideas for this trip. We are into photography and have hit Seaside repeatedly of course but would love some new photographic spots.

We love nature but .... We aren't into the biking thing and walking a lot is problematic (Achilles tendonitis / bone spur) so the more "active" hiking type stuff generally isn't going to be in our wheelhouse either.

Are there boat tours / charters in the area or do we have to hit Destin for that type of thing?

Any "roads less traveled" places to see in / around SoWal? Great hole-in-the-wall type eateries? Cool local type shops? etc?

Is there such a thing as real, non-digital map of the area?

Any other ideas?

Thanks in advance!
sue

 

[sunspotbaby]

Lots of 'away from the beach' places to explore, paddle the Springs, creeks, the many state parks in the area, and local events. I would at minimum suggest you canoe Holmes Creek. It's about a 30 minute drive north of Sowal.

http://www.waltonoutdoors.com/

 

[Teresa]

Great questions Sue. You're in the right place for all the local info. Please start on SoWal.com home page for stories and photos, guides to parks and adventure, events, etc... our team loves covering all the best places that locals love and that visitors need to know about.

Start with our area state parks for an up close look at South Walton's natural beauty. Most parks offer easy hikes. And endless possibilities for nature photography. Don't miss Eden Gardens State Park in Pt Washington on the bay. Also, Grayton Beach State Park, Deer Lake State Park in Seagrove Beach, and Camp Helen State Park near Inlet Beach just over the Walton County line along Hey 98.

SoWal State Parks Guide includes a list of parks in South Walton and along the Emerald Coast. The guide includes detailed info, photos, video.

We have so many events, farmers markets and outdoor concerts that you'll find plenty to do when you're not at the beach. Check SoWal.com/events for all the scoop. We cover everything locals and visitors need to know happening in South Walton, as well as interesting events in Destin and Panama City Beach and beyond.

Tell us what you find and enjoy while you are here. And share some of your photos!

 

[Paula]

We like getting bikes and riding through the Communities such as Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach. There's not so much foot traffic or parking that gets in the way of riding the bikes. We stop and get a cup of coffee or have lunch or stop at the bookstore at Rosemary. It's best to go early in the morning during busier seasons, but anytime works in the less busy seasons (e.g., spring but not spring break - late April - Mid-May won't be as busy on the bike/walking trail). Alys has a small trail through the native environment. Seacrest Beach (the community with the lifeguard chair in front) would also be easy to bike through. Bike or drive to Deer Lake State Park.