There is no need to take a straw poll to determine the favorite summer vacation destination for families — the beach usually wins every time.
For those that like a cooler climate, mountain destinations are also becoming popular in summer, but from tykes to teens the beach is often the most requested.
Just the mention of a beach trip can send small children scurrying to the bottom of the toy chest only to return moments later decorated with a floatie on each arm and sand bucket in tow.
As Alabamians select their favorite spot to feel the sand between their toes, many may choose familiar destinations such as Gulf Shores or Orange Beach.
But some looking to “get away from it all” will travel out of state to Florida’s Beaches of South Walton.
The sun highlights the sugar-white beaches that hug the vibrant emerald green waters where plentiful dunes erupt with massive stands of sea oats. Purposely missing from the picturesque setting are high-rise chain hotels, amusement parks and T-shirt shops.
Beaches of South Walton stretches along 26 miles of pristine and protected coastline. Located in northwest Florida’s panhandle between Destin and Panama City Beach, the scenic Highway 30-A delivers you to 13 beach communities and five state parks.
Eden State Gardens, Grayton Beach State Recreation Area, Topsail Hill State Preserve, Deer Lake State Park and Point Washington State Forest all offer their own brands of fun and activities.
From the house and gardens at Eden to the hiking trails of Deer Lake and Point Washington, visitors to the South Walton area can find adventures to satisfy almost every taste.
Jane Higdon, public relations manager for Beaches of South Walton Tourist Development Council (TDC), said the area is the perfect beach destination.
“With five state parks, 30 boutique art galleries and the nation’s largest designer factory outlet mall, there is something for everyone. Of course our most important amenity is our world class beach,” Higdon said. The TDC was so intent on protecting the beaches that they hired Brad Pickel as the director of beach management.
Pickel is the first scientist ever hired by the tourism industry to manage beaches. “From a scientist’s standpoint, the beaches of South Walton are a unique coastal destination that allows the visitor to see many different environments within a small area,” he said.
“Plus, we are the only area to have all of our shoreline designated ‘Blue Wave Beaches’ by the Clean Beaches Council,” said Pickel. He can be reached at the TDC for lectures along the beach with 1–2 months’ advance notice.
The area also offers shopping and a diverse array of lodging choices, including hotels and planned communities.
These communities of Beaches of South Walton are home to a mixture of permanent and seasonal residents.
Many of the quaint cottages are on rental programs.
Higdon said, “New construction on the beaches of South Walton is limited to four stories or 50 feet, and out of the 11,000 accommodations, only 17 percent are hotel rooms.”
One of the planned beach communities, Seaside, gained national attention when it was used as a movie set, serving as a faux-utopian town in “The Truman Show.”
Pastel cottages with picket fences, cozy streets and old-fashioned footpaths are all part of the community of Seaside’s allure. The town has drawn tourists from around the United States to the open-air market, boutiques, art shops and restaurants.
An art shop that features unusual blown-glass sculptures comes complete with a friendly porch cat that alternates between napping and welcoming shoppers.
Old Grayton Beach and Seagrove are among the oldest neighborhoods on Highway 30-A but some tourists prefer the quieter beach communities of Dune Allen, Santa Rosa Beach and Blue Mountain Beach.
Once the last family sand castle has been constructed, it is time for “after beach” activities.
You can select a resort that has amenities included in the price of lodging or select individual activities on your own.
Beaches of South Walton has the best of both options.
According to Zandra Wolfgram, director of marketing and public relations at Sandestin Resort, the resort has four world-class golf courses as well as sailing, tennis and golfing instructors for juniors. It also offers tennis, canoes, kayaks, boogie boards and cane fishing poles for guests.
Activities for kids
Sandestin’s Jolee Island, a five-acre bayside nature park preserve, is open to guests for picnics and play. Captain Joe Lee’s Tree House is also a favorite for young explorers at the island.
“For kids ages 4 to 12, KidZone is a great program for children looking to ‘lose their parents’ for the day and join friends for swimming, arts and crafts, entertaining field trips and games,” said Wolfgram.
The WaterColor resort and residential community adjacent to Seaside has a marina, hiking and biking trails and a trendy boutique hotel on beachside.
It also has a camp for children of residents and guests on the property. Lynn Nesmith, public relations director for WaterColor, said, “The resort’s camp offers an array of activities, including scavenger hunts, nature walks, sailing, swimming, tennis and ‘Kids’ Night Out.’
“The playground features Fort WaterColor, a structure with two towers connected by a chain bridge, and a 10-by-10-feet deck that tops the ground floor clubhouse,” she said.
The South Walton area also has an array of non-resort activities and attractions for individuals.
“The Topsail Hill Preserve State Park has 2.5 miles of hiking trails along the dunes and Morris Lake,” Higdon said.
“Grayton Beach State Park covers 2,200 acres including beaches, a freshwater lake, sand dunes and wooded areas. The park also has campsites, cabins and picnic tables.
“Visitors can rent a bike at Seaside and Rosemary Beach or they can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, hiking or fishing,” she said.
Those seeking peace and tranquility can find both by watching birds dive for dinner just before the sun melts into the Gulf of Mexico.
To find out more about Beaches of South Walton, visit www.thealabamabaptist.org or contact the South Walton TDC at 1-800-822-6877.
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