Alford FloridaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Alford, Florida.
1. Falling Waters State Park
NATURAL WATERFALL WONDER
Falling Waters State Park features Florida's tallest waterfall, plunging 73 feet into a cylindrical sinkhole. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails that wind through a lush landscape of native plants and towering trees. The park also offers picnic areas, a campground, and a small lake perfect for a refreshing swim during hot summer months.
2. Falling Waters State Park Campground
SCENIC OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS
Falling Waters State Park Campground provides a serene setting for outdoor enthusiasts looking to extend their visit to Florida's highest waterfall. The campground features well-maintained sites with electricity, water hookups, and nearby restroom facilities. Campers can enjoy easy access to the park's hiking trails, swimming areas, and unique geological formations.
3. Artifacts Museum & Gallery
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
Artifacts Museum & Gallery showcases the rich cultural heritage and history of the Florida Panhandle region. The collection includes historical artifacts, photographs, and artwork that tell the story of local development and community life. Visitors can gain insight into the area's past through carefully curated exhibits and knowledgeable staff.
4. Washington County Historical Museum
COUNTY HERITAGE CENTER
Washington County Historical Museum preserves and displays the cultural and historical legacy of Washington County, Florida. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs that chronicle the area's development from early settlement to modern times. Visitors can explore exhibits that highlight local industries, notable residents, and significant events that shaped the region.
5. JR Alford Greenway
EXPANSIVE OUTDOOR RECREATION
JR Alford Greenway spans over 700 acres of diverse landscapes including open fields, forested areas, and scenic trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife observation. The greenway offers trails of varying difficulty levels, making it accessible for outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels. Visitors might spot various wildlife including birds, squirrels, and occasionally alligators in the lake while enjoying the natural beauty of this well-maintained recreation area.
6. Florida Caverns State Park
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDER
Florida Caverns State Park offers visitors the rare opportunity to explore dry caves filled with stunning formations of stalactites, stalagmites, and other limestone features. Above ground, the park provides camping facilities, hiking trails, and a nine-hole golf course set in a picturesque natural landscape. The park's unique geological features make it one of the most distinctive natural attractions in the Florida Panhandle region.
7. Three Rivers State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION PARADISE
Three Rivers State Park sits at the confluence of the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers, which form Lake Seminole, offering spectacular water views and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, and bird watching in this tranquil natural setting. The park's campground and picnic areas provide comfortable spaces to relax while taking in the scenic beauty of the lake and surrounding forests.
8. Chipola River
PRISTINE PADDLING ADVENTURE
Chipola River offers crystal-clear waters perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing in a pristine natural setting. The river winds through limestone bluffs, lush forests, and wetlands that are home to diverse wildlife including turtles, fish, and numerous bird species. Paddlers can enjoy several access points and trip options ranging from short excursions to full-day adventures on this scenic waterway.
9. Chipola College Theater
CULTURAL ARTS VENUE
Chipola College Theater serves as a cultural hub for the community, hosting a variety of performances throughout the year including plays, musicals, and concerts. The well-designed venue provides excellent acoustics and comfortable seating for attendees to enjoy shows produced by both students and professional performers. Visitors can experience quality entertainment in an intimate setting while supporting the arts in this rural Florida region.
10. Blue Springs Recreation Area
CRYSTAL CLEAR SWIMMING
Blue Springs Recreation Area features a first-magnitude spring that pumps millions of gallons of crystal-clear 68-degree water daily, creating an ideal natural swimming hole. The spring's brilliant turquoise waters are surrounded by a sandy beach area and shaded picnic facilities, perfect for family outings. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the underwater caves that feed this natural wonder.
11. Choctawhatchee River
SCENIC WATERWAY TRAIL
Choctawhatchee River offers a picturesque waterway for paddling enthusiasts to explore the natural beauty of Northwest Florida's ecosystem. The river winds through cypress swamps and hardwood forests, providing habitat for numerous wildlife species including river otters, turtles, and a variety of wading birds. Paddlers can access the river from several points and enjoy day trips or longer adventures on this scenic waterway that eventually flows to the Gulf of Mexico.
12. Seacrest Wolf Preserve
WOLF CONSERVATION CENTER
Seacrest Wolf Preserve provides a unique opportunity to observe and learn about wolves in a natural setting through guided educational tours. The preserve is dedicated to wolf conservation and houses several wolf packs, including gray wolves, Arctic wolves, and British Columbia wolves. Visitors can gain insight into wolf behavior, their ecological importance, and conservation efforts while experiencing these magnificent animals up close in a responsible manner.
13. Panhandle Pioneer Settlement
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Panhandle Pioneer Settlement is a living history museum that showcases life in the Florida Panhandle from the late 1800s to the early 1900s through preserved and restored historic buildings. The settlement features over 18 historical structures including a schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, and various homesteads furnished with period-appropriate artifacts. Visitors can step back in time and experience early Florida pioneer life through demonstrations, special events, and hands-on activities throughout the year.
14. Hinson Conservation and Recreation Area
RIVERSIDE NATURAL ESCAPE
Hinson Conservation and Recreation Area offers over 1,600 acres of natural beauty along the Chipola River with diverse recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and paddling on well-maintained trails and waterways. The conservation area features unique limestone formations, river overlooks, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities in a serene natural setting.
15. Cypress Spring
PRISTINE NATURAL SPRING
Cypress Spring is a stunning natural spring known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters that maintain a constant 68-degree temperature year-round. The spring forms a circular pool surrounded by cypress trees before flowing into Holmes Creek, creating an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, and paddling. Visitors can access this natural wonder by boat or kayak, making it a rewarding destination for those seeking to experience one of Florida's pristine natural springs.