Vernon FloridaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Vernon, Florida.
1. Campbell Park
SERENE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Campbell Park offers visitors a peaceful retreat in the heart of Vernon. The park provides ample space for picnics, walking, and enjoying the natural beauty of Florida's panhandle. Visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere while taking advantage of various recreational facilities throughout the year.
2. Vernon SportsPlex
COMMUNITY ATHLETIC VENUE
Vernon SportsPlex serves as the community's premier athletic facility for local sports events and recreational activities. The complex features multiple playing fields and courts designed to accommodate various sports throughout the year. Families and sports enthusiasts can enjoy watching games or participating in organized leagues and tournaments.
3. Cypress Springs Adventures
CRYSTAL CLEAR WATERS
Cypress Springs Adventures provides guided experiences at one of Florida's most pristine natural springs. Visitors can marvel at the crystal-clear waters while paddling through this natural wonder surrounded by lush Florida landscape. The adventure company offers equipment rentals and tours for those looking to explore this beautiful aquatic treasure.
4. Snaggy Bend Outfitters LLC
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PROVIDER
Snaggy Bend Outfitters LLC equips visitors with everything needed for outdoor adventures on local waterways. The outfitter provides kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals along with guided tours of Holmes Creek and surrounding waters. Their knowledgeable staff ensures that visitors can safely experience the natural beauty of Vernon's waterways.
5. Old Cypress Canoe Rental
WATERWAY EXPLORATION SERVICE
Old Cypress Canoe Rental offers water enthusiasts the opportunity to explore Holmes Creek's scenic beauty. Visitors can rent canoes and kayaks to paddle through the pristine waterways and discover hidden springs along the route. The rental service provides transportation to and from various launch points, making it convenient for visitors to enjoy a day on the water.
6. Holmes Creek Canoe Livery
PADDLING ADVENTURE HEADQUARTERS
Holmes Creek Canoe Livery serves as the starting point for memorable paddling excursions on one of Florida's most beautiful creek systems. The livery provides canoe and kayak rentals with shuttle service to help visitors navigate the crystal-clear waters of Holmes Creek. Paddlers can expect to encounter numerous springs, diverse wildlife, and scenic landscapes during their journey.
7. Moss Hill Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
Moss Hill Church stands as one of the oldest surviving church structures in Florida, dating back to the 1850s. The primitive Methodist church, constructed from heart of pine, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is part of the Florida Historic Marker program. History enthusiasts can appreciate this well-preserved building that once served as a place of worship for young soldiers during the Civil War.
8. Cypress Spring
NATURAL SPRING WONDER
Cypress Spring is a breathtaking natural wonder featuring one of the most beautiful spring-fed swimming holes in Florida. Fed by a 2nd magnitude spring, the crystal-clear blue waters create perfect conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and freediving. Accessible only by water, visitors can launch from Cotton Landing and paddle a short distance to discover this hidden gem surrounded by lush natural scenery.
9. Cotton Landing
GATEWAY TO CYPRESS SPRING
Cotton Landing serves as the primary access point for those seeking to explore Cypress Spring and Holmes Creek. From this convenient launch site, paddlers embark on a quarter-mile journey downstream before encountering the spring run that leads to Cypress Spring. The landing provides parking and basic facilities for visitors preparing for a day of aquatic adventure.
10. Falling Waters State Park
FLORIDA'S HIGHEST WATERFALL
Falling Waters State Park features Florida's highest waterfall, plunging 100 feet into a cylindrical sinkhole. Visitors can explore a Jurassic Park-style landscape via boardwalks that wind through woods filled with sinkholes and ferns, creating a primeval atmosphere. Beyond the waterfall, the park offers a butterfly garden, picnic areas, a swimming lake, ranger-led programs, and camping facilities for a complete outdoor experience.
11. Washington County Heritage GeoTrail
MODERN TREASURE HUNTING
Washington County Heritage GeoTrail offers a modern-day treasure hunting experience through geocaching activities across the county. Participants follow coordinates to discover locations selected for their natural beauty and cultural heritage throughout the four quadrants of Washington County. This interactive outdoor adventure provides a unique way to explore Vernon and surrounding areas while learning about local history and landscapes.
12. Vortex Spring
PREMIER DIVING DESTINATION
Vortex Spring attracts snorkelers and divers with its clear, 68-degree waters flowing from an underground cavern at 28 million gallons daily. The spring features multiple diving platforms, underwater caves, and training areas suitable for beginners and certified cave divers alike. Visitors can explore the spring's depths, which reach 50 feet before transitioning into a cave system extending thousands of feet underground.
13. Holmes Creek
PRISTINE PADDLING PARADISE
Holmes Creek winds through Vernon offering paddlers a scenic waterway dotted with multiple natural springs and rich biodiversity. The creek's crystal-clear waters provide excellent visibility for spotting fish, turtles, and other aquatic life as visitors glide along its gentle current. Adventure seekers can explore numerous spring runs branching off the main creek, each offering unique natural features and swimming opportunities.
14. St. Andrew's Bay Fishing
ANGLER'S COASTAL PARADISE
St. Andrew's Bay offers anglers a premier fishing destination with abundant saltwater species just a short drive from Vernon. The diverse bay ecosystem supports spotted seatrout, redfish, flounder, and many other game fish throughout its grass flats, oyster beds, and deeper channels. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy both inshore and nearshore opportunities with spectacular coastal scenery as their backdrop.
15. The Terminal Escape Room
IMMERSIVE PUZZLE EXPERIENCE
The Terminal Escape Room challenges visitors to solve intricate puzzles and mysteries within a one-hour timeframe. Groups must work together using logic, observation, and teamwork to decode clues and find their way out of themed rooms. This entertaining attraction provides a welcome indoor activity option for those looking to take a break from Vernon's outdoor adventures.