Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Music & Adventure in December

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is a wonderful place to explore any day of the year. Mark your calendar and make plans to attend some of the weekly music events and park rangers programs coming up in December at this Florida State Park located on the west end of Scenic 30A in South Walton.

Americana Under the Stars is every Thursday night from 6:00 pm– 8:00 pm. Starting with an open mic at 6pm in the amphitheater Topsail presents an evening of music. Free admission into park and a suggested donation of $5 goes to the Friends of Topsail Hill. Bring a chair, your favorite beverage and enjoy some music in the park. This is family/ pet friendly and fun for all ages. 

December 5  Matt Prater
December 12 Buddy Mondlock
December 19 Charlotte and Harry
 

A variety of programs are presented by park rangers throughout the year on wildlife, adventure and natural resources. December programs include: 

Alligators 
Saturday, December 7, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm These formidable creatures were once hunted to near extinction, but have made an incredible recovery. Come learn the full history of Florida's most famous reptile at this informative slideshow presentation. Enter the park through the main park gate and park staff will guide you to the parks' clubhouse.

Night Hike Friday, December 13,  4:15 pm There are many creatures that come out after the sun goes down. Come join Park Services Specialist Jeff Talbert for a night hike as we try and spot and hear some of these creatures. The walk begins by watching the sunset, then an easy 1 mile hike back to the day use parking lot under the emerging stars. Park at the day use parking lot and meet the Ranger at Tram Stop 1 at 4:15pm, the tram will take you to the beach access in time for the 4:45pm sunset.

Breakfast with a Ranger Saturday, December 14,  9:00 am - 10:30am Join Topsail Hill as we feature Dr. Sarah Schindele of the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance (CBA). Sarah will be discussing our globally imperiled rare coastal dune lakes, these gems are what make this area unique. CBA is an organization committed to sustaining the Choctawhatchee Basin watershed. CBA provides opportunities for citizens, educators, and technical experts to promote the health of Choctawhatchee watershed. More information can be found on www.basinalliance.org. This program is ideal for the whole family to enjoy. To cover the cost of food, please bring $5, which goes to Friends of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park to enhance the park or bring your own breakfast.

White Tailed Deer Saturday, December 14, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Come learn about the White Tailed Deer. This program will cover the general life cycle of our deer, where they bed down, what the rut is, and where to find them. This is an all ages program at the clubhouse.

Sharks and Dolphins Friday, December 20, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Often times these two animals can be seen from the beach, this program will help you identify the differences between the two. There will be a discussion on what to look for and certain behaviors that can useful in spotting both creatures. Program is at the clubhouse.

Pines and Palms Saturday, December 21, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
This ranger led program will help you learn to identify two of our most common species. There are several different types of both palms and pine trees. This program will help you to identify which ones you encounter the most. This is a hands on all ages program and you will get to make a special craft.

Coastal Dune Lakes Saturday, December 28, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm These globally imperiled rare coastal dune lakes are found only in a few places worldwide, including right here at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. Come learn what makes these lakes so special and what is being done to protect them.

America’s State Parks First Day Hike Wednesday, January 1, 2014, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Come enjoy your local state park on the first day of the new year. This 3 mile round trip hike along our Campbell Lake trail will feature many of the ecosystems that make Topsail unique and will visit a globally imperiled rare coastal dune lake. This is an easy hike along a paved road in which all ages can participate.

All programs except Breakfast with a Ranger and Americana Under the Stars require a $6.00 entry admission into the park. Call (850)267-8330 for more details.

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park offers a wide variety of natural resources including 3.2 miles of secluded, white sand beaches with majestic dunes over 25 feet tall. Three rare coastal dune lakes provide excellent freshwater fishing. Although boats are not allowed, fishing from the shoreline yields bass, bream, panfish, and catfish. Lakes, pristine beaches, old-growth long leaf pines, sand pine scrub, and a variety of wetlands offer a bird-watching and hiking paradise. Visitors may bike, walk, or enjoy a quick ride to the beach on our timely tram service to swim, fish, sunbathe, or beachcomb. Gregory E. Moore RV resort features a (non-heated) swimming pool and shuffleboard courts. Furnished bungalows are available for weekly stays. A camp store offers a variety of camping items, as well as snacks and drinks.

Florida State Parks are treasures waiting for your discovery!

Additional information, photos & video on South Walton area parks:
Parks Of South Walton & Northwest Florida