January 4, 2025 by admin
Most of South Walton's coastal dune lakes open periodically to flow into the Gulf of Mexico after the lakes swell with rain. On rare occasion when conditions are just right, after draining for a few days the lake achieves equilibrium and clear Gulf water flows back in to the lake.
This overhead view is of the Western Lake outfall in Grayton Beach, Florida.
January 4, 2025 by Kurt Lischka
Sunsets are perfect in South Walton, Florida.
Fishing is more than just a past time in South Walton – it’s a way of life!
January 1, 2025 by Kurt Lischka
On a very special Christmas morning, birds of different feathers flock together on Peach Creek Bayou in South Walton County, Florida. Pelicans, coots, ducks, geese, seagulls, and herons whirl and land, takeoff and circle before landing again.
This phenomenon is amazing to see, it lasts for about 30 minutes and happens a few times a year at sunrise during the short Winter in SoWal. Some of the birds stay behind and linger all day. A dozen or so pelicans hang out all morning being lazy and socializing.
There's not much better for your body and your mind than getting back to nature among the trees and flowers, dunes, wind, water and wildlife.
South Walton's natural beauty is astounding, and the main reason folks flock to our coast. The beach is the main draw, but just off the beach some of our favorite spots can feel like a world away.
SoWal Mornings are made for breakfast outside, people watching, and exploring. Each of our truly unique beach towns has their own way of showing you their best bright and early.
In addition to the Gulf of Mexico, South Walton is home to 17 fresh and brackish coastal dune lakes as well as the Choctawhatchee Bay & River, and its many tributaries including Black Creek.
There is great fishing on the Emerald Coast. You can easily outfit yourself, get a guide or charter a boat, or show up at the dock and go with a group. If you’re on a boat with a pro - they’ll have all the gear and licenses for you.
The State Parks and State Forest Lands in South Walton are spectacular. Protected lands make up about 40% of the land south of the bay.
We are so blessed to have such treasure all around us. The lakes, bayous, creeks, forests, dunes and beaches in our parks make SoWal a very special place. Incredible landscapes with coastal dune lakes, lake outfalls kissing the Gulf, flowering dune magnolias, soaring pelicans, dancing dolphins, flower-covered dunes - the wonders of coastal nature are everywhere you turn.
The Monarch Art Trail (MAT) is an outdoor sculpture project created by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) with support from The St. Joe Community Foundation (StJCF). The art trail honors the magnificent Monarch Butterfly and it's amazing flight ability of up to 2,700 miles and its generational migratory pattern route through SoWal.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park on the western end of Scenic 30A should be at the top of your must do list. No visit to South Walton is complete without seeing our masterpiece of a park, where wild coastal forest and serene dune lakes meet the glorious Gulf.
