Paxton FloridaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Paxton, Florida.
1. Britton Hill
FLORIDA'S HIGHEST POINT
Britton Hill stands as Florida's highest natural point at 345 feet above sea level, offering visitors a unique geographical landmark in a charming countryside setting. The area features scenic hiking trails that wind through the rolling hills and farms of Lakewood Park, providing picture-perfect vistas of the surrounding landscape. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy peaceful walks while experiencing the distinction of standing at the highest elevation in the entire state of Florida.
2. Lake Jackson
PRISTINE WATER RECREATION
Lake Jackson offers visitors thrilling water activities including boating, fishing, and paddleboarding in a serene natural setting. The pristine beauty of this lake creates the perfect environment for nature lovers and leisure seekers to connect with Florida's aquatic ecosystems. Visitors can spend a full day enjoying water recreation while taking in the peaceful atmosphere that surrounds this beautiful body of water.
3. Paxton Agricultural Center
FARMING HERITAGE EXPERIENCE
The Paxton Agricultural Center showcases the town's rich farming heritage through interactive exhibits and educational displays about the local agricultural industry. Visitors can enjoy close encounters with adorable farm animals and view impressive farming machinery that highlights both historical and modern agricultural practices. The center frequently hosts special events, including the annual Bobby Kemp Sr. Heritage Day festival in September, making it a cultural hub of the community.
4. Florala State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Florala State Park sits on the Alabama-Florida state line, just north of Paxton, offering 40-acres of beautiful lakefront recreation along Lake Jackson. Visitors can enjoy swimming, picnicking, boating, and fishing in this tranquil setting that serves as a natural border between the two states. The park's well-maintained facilities include a campground, picnic pavilions, and a beach area, making it perfect for day trips or overnight stays for Paxton visitors.
5. Lakewood Park
WOODED TRAILS RETREAT
Lakewood Park, located just northeast of Paxton, features beautiful wooded trails that carry visitors through peaceful Florida Panhandle landscapes. The park encompasses the famous Britton Hill and offers a serene escape where hikers can connect with nature while traversing well-maintained paths. Visitors appreciate the quiet atmosphere and natural beauty that makes this park a hidden gem in Walton County.
6. Timber Creek Distillery
CRAFT SPIRITS EXPERIENCE
Timber Creek Distillery offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the art of craft spirit production in a rustic setting near Paxton. Guests can tour the facility to learn about the distilling process and sample a variety of handcrafted whiskeys, rums, and vodkas made with locally sourced ingredients. The distillery's beautiful location and expert guides provide an educational and enjoyable experience for those interested in artisanal spirits and local craftsmanship.
7. Panhandle Opry
LIVE COUNTRY MUSIC VENUE
The Panhandle Opry delivers authentic country, bluegrass, and gospel music performances that celebrate the musical heritage of the Florida Panhandle region. Located near Paxton, this beloved venue hosts regular Saturday night shows featuring talented local musicians in a family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy homestyle entertainment in a traditional setting that has been a cultural institution in the area for decades.
8. Blackstone Golf Course
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Blackstone Golf Course offers golf enthusiasts a challenging and scenic 18-hole experience amid the natural beauty of the Florida Panhandle near Paxton. The well-maintained fairways and greens wind through native landscapes, providing both novice and experienced golfers with an enjoyable round in a peaceful setting. Visitors appreciate the course's reasonable rates, friendly staff, and the technical challenges presented by the thoughtfully designed layout.
9. Destin History & Fishing Museum
COASTAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Destin History & Fishing Museum preserves and celebrates the rich maritime heritage of Florida's Emerald Coast through engaging exhibits featuring historic fishing equipment, photographs, and artifacts. Visitors can explore displays that trace Destin's evolution from a small fishing village to a popular tourist destination while learning about the area's deep connection to the Gulf of Mexico. The museum offers a fascinating look at the fishing industry that has shaped the cultural identity of the entire region, making it worth the drive from Paxton.
10. Baker Block Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Baker Block Museum showcases the cultural and historical heritage of Northwest Florida through carefully curated exhibits of artifacts, photographs, and documents from the region. Located in nearby Baker, the museum occupies a historic building that itself serves as a testament to the area's architectural past. Visitors from Paxton can explore displays on local industries, pioneer life, and natural history that provide insight into the development of Walton County and surrounding areas.
11. Walton County Heritage Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY PRESERVATION
The Walton County Heritage Museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits detailing the rich history of Paxton's home county. Located in the historic DeFuniak Springs, the museum occupies a beautifully preserved building where visitors can discover the stories of early settlers, agricultural development, and cultural evolution of the region. Interactive displays and knowledgeable staff provide an educational experience that connects Paxton residents and visitors to their shared heritage.
12. Indian Temple Mound Museum
ANCIENT CULTURAL SITE
The Indian Temple Mound Museum features a prehistoric Native American ceremonial mound dating back over 1,000 years, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's ancient past. The associated museum houses one of the finest collections of prehistoric Native American artifacts in the southeastern United States, including pottery, stone tools, and ceremonial objects. Visitors from Paxton can explore the fascinating exhibits that document 12,000 years of Native American occupation in Northwest Florida, providing valuable historical context for the entire region.
13. Vortex Spring
CRYSTAL CLEAR DIVING PARADISE
Vortex Spring is Florida's largest diving facility with crystal-clear waters that maintain a constant 68-degree temperature year-round, attracting divers and swimmers from across the region. The spring produces 28 million gallons of water daily, creating a natural swimming area surrounded by sandy beaches and grassy areas perfect for relaxing between dips. Visitors from Paxton can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving in the main basin or explore the underwater cave system that extends deep beneath the surface.
14. Morrison Springs Park
PRISTINE NATURAL SPRING
Morrison Springs Park features a stunning natural spring that discharges an estimated 48 million gallons of crystal-clear water daily, creating a swimmer's and diver's paradise near Paxton. The spring basin is approximately 250 feet in diameter and 30 feet deep, offering excellent visibility for underwater exploration of limestone caverns and diverse aquatic life. Visitors can enjoy the recently constructed boardwalk, observation deck, and improved facilities that make this natural wonder accessible while preserving its pristine beauty.
15. E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION HUB
The E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center provides an immersive educational experience focused on the biodiversity of the Longleaf Pine ecosystem that once dominated the Southeast. Named after renowned biologist Edward O. Wilson, the center features interactive exhibits, live animal displays, and nature trails that highlight the importance of conservation in the Florida Panhandle. Visitors from Paxton can participate in guided programs that foster a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship and the ecological significance of this unique region.