DeFuniak Springs FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near DeFuniak Springs, Florida.
1. Morrison Springs
CRYSTAL CLEAR DIVING PARADISE
Morrison Springs is one of the most popular diving spots in northwest Florida, spanning across 161 acres of pristine natural beauty. The spring produces 48 million gallons of crystal-clear water daily and maintains a year-round temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, diving, and picnicking at this breathtaking location known for its underwater caverns and vibrant ecosystem.
2. Grayton Beach State Park
AWARD-WINNING WHITE SANDS
Grayton Beach State Park offers visitors access to one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States with its pristine sugar-white sand shorelines. The park encompasses over 2,000 acres of coastal forest, dunes, and beaches where visitors can swim, fish, boat, hike, and camp. Its crystal-clear emerald waters and natural setting make it a perfect escape for nature lovers and beachgoers alike.
3. Deer Lake State Park
UNTOUCHED COASTAL DUNE LAKE
Deer Lake State Park is home to a rare coastal dune lake, one of the 15 such lakes that exist in Walton County. The park features a boardwalk that winds through pristine dunes to a secluded beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and wildlife viewing in this natural paradise known for its unique ecosystem and unspoiled beauty.
4. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
DUNES AND NATURAL BEACHES
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park boasts more than three miles of pristine white sand beaches and dunes that rise more than 25 feet above sea level. The park is named after its dunes, which resemble ships' sails on the horizon, and features freshwater coastal dune lakes, wetlands, and old-growth pine forests. Visitors can swim, fish, hike, bike, and camp while exploring this diverse ecosystem teeming with wildlife.
5. Juniper Lake
SERENE FISHING RETREAT
Juniper Lake is a tranquil freshwater lake located just outside of DeFuniak Springs, offering a peaceful retreat for fishing and boating enthusiasts. The lake features a public boat ramp, picnic areas, and restroom facilities, making it convenient for day trips or extended fishing excursions. Its calm waters and abundant fish population, including bass and bream, make it a favorite spot for local anglers seeking a quiet escape.
6. Cat Island
HIDDEN LAKESIDE GEM
Cat Island is a secluded recreational area on Lake Stanley near DeFuniak Springs that offers visitors a quiet escape from the busier Gulf beaches. The area features picnic facilities, restrooms, and a boat ramp for easy access to the lake's waters. Nature enthusiasts and anglers appreciate this hidden gem for its peaceful atmosphere and opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.
7. Miramar Beach
POPULAR GULF COAST DESTINATION
Miramar Beach stretches along the Gulf of Mexico with its signature sugar-white sands and emerald green waters that have made the Emerald Coast famous. Visitors can enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, jet skiing, parasailing, and beach volleyball at this lively destination that combines natural beauty with modern amenities. The beach is lined with restaurants, shops, and resorts, making it a convenient and vibrant waterfront escape for families and groups.
8. Blue Mountain Beach
LAID-BACK COASTAL RETREAT
Blue Mountain Beach is the highest point along the Gulf Coast in South Walton, offering stunning panoramic views from its rare coastal dune formation. Named for the blue lupine flowers that blanket its dunes, this laid-back beach community features crystal clear waters and a relaxed atmosphere away from more crowded destinations. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, biking along the Timpoochee Trail, and sampling homemade ice cream from the local creamery after a day at the beach.
9. Eastern Lake
UNIQUE COASTAL DUNE LAKE
Eastern Lake is one of Walton County's rare coastal dune lakes that periodically connects with the Gulf of Mexico, creating a unique ecosystem where freshwater and saltwater species mingle. The lake offers excellent opportunities for paddling, kayaking, and fishing in a serene setting surrounded by natural beauty. Visitors can access both the lake and nearby Gulf beaches, providing a diverse water recreation experience in one location.
10. Camp Helen State Park
HISTORIC BEACHFRONT PARK
Camp Helen State Park is a hidden gem nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Powell, one of Florida's largest coastal dune lakes. The park encompasses 180 acres of natural beauty with historic buildings, hiking trails, fishing spots, and an uncrowded beach on the Gulf. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems, from maritime hammocks to salt marshes, while enjoying swimming, beachcombing, and spectacular sunset views in this tranquil setting.