Looking for special value activities for your stay in Beaches of South Walton? You can see our top ten favorite value activities.

Top 10 Activities in Beaches of South Walton
Under $10 (Activities are free, unless otherwise noted)

1. Eden State Gardens - Tucked away in historic Point Washington on the shore of Tucker Bayou is a beautiful turn–of-the-century mansion surrounded by azaleas, camellias and towering Spanish moss-draped live oaks. Guided tours of the Wesley Mansion are offered Thursday through Monday. $3 vehicle entry fee and $3/per person to tour the Wesley Mansion.

2. Topsail Hill State Preserve -Identified as the most pristine piece of coastal property in the state of Florida, the park features 1,600 acres of stunning gulf front pine forests, nature trails over mountainous sand dunes and two freshwater coastal dune lakes. Enjoy programs with a park ranger on Saturday mornings such as Breakfast with a Ranger, Marine Invertebrates, Endangered Beach Mouse, and Wildlife Puppet Show. $2 vehicle entry fee.

3. Grayton Beach State Park - The 2,228-acre Grayton Beach State Park offers a variety of outdoor pursuits, such as swimming and fishing on the 100-acre Western Lake. Other recreational activities at Grayton Beach State Park include birding, wildlife watching, and hiking and biking along a four-mile nature trail. $4 vehicle entry fee.

4. Point Washington State Forest - Bring your bike or hike the three, five or 10-mile unpaved trails at Point Washington State Forest. Enjoy outdoor recreation among the more than 15,258-acres of wetlands, sandhill, Curtiss’ Sandgrass while viewing rare wildlife species, such as the American Kestrel, the Gopher Tortoise and the Flatwoods Salamander.

5. Art Gallery Tour - An art tour through the area provides insight into the inspiration most artists gain from living on the coast. Conversations with gallery owners reveal wonderful stories of local artists and provide a peak into the area’s thriving arts community-which is diverse as each of the destination’s 15 beach communities.

6. Outdoor Concerts/Performances - Enjoy one of the many evening film screenings such as "Moonlight and Movies" in Rosemary Beach or "Friday Nite Flicks" in Sandestin. Families will also enjoy outdoor performances by the Seaside Repertory Theatre, such as "Stinky Cheese Man" and "Beauty and the Beast" as they relax on a blanket under the stars.

7. Walk the Beach - A leisurely stroll along the beach is one of the most relaxing and indulgent activities the area has to offer and it’s free! A treat for the feet, many beachcombers also find a variety of "treasures" as they walk along the shore.

8. Bird Watching - With more than 40 percent of Beaches of South Walton preserved with state parks and forests, some of the nation’s most endangered species call this area home. Stop by the Visitor Services Center for a list of birds that can be found in Beaches of South Walton, and then hit the trails to catch a glimpse of some indigenous, migratory and rare species.

9. Timpoochee Trail - Bring your bike or head out on foot to enjoy this 18-mile paved path. The paved trail winds through nine of the area’s 15 distinctive beach communities and skirts state recreational areas, state parks, dunes and coastal dune lakes.

10. Jolee Island - Located at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, the rustic five-acre nature park invites children to climb on the pirate ship-shaped playground while parents relax on a porch swing and explore the nature trails while enjoying spectacular views of the Choctawhatchee Bay.

Bonus: (For those visiting from the months of May through October) Sea Turtle Watch - Each year May through October, sea turtles nest in Beaches of South Walton. With your turtle friendly flashlight (covered with red film), head down to the beach at night for a chance to observe a sea turtle laying her nest. However, be sure to not disrupt or go near her and do not take flash photos or shine any type of lights on her. Sea turtles are endangered and are protected by the Endangered Species Act. Only those with special permits are allowed to touch the nests, turtles or hatchlings.