More Resort Info | Spa | Dining
Area Attractions & Activities at WaterSound Resort Near South Walton Beach & Destin, Florida
For activity planning, contact us at 850-534-5008 or email: concierge@watercolorresort.com
Local State Parks, Gardens & Beaches | Area Shopping
Though we’re best known for our gorgeous beaches, there’s so much more to do at the WaterSound Resort than work on your tan (though that’s fun too). Our clear, sparkling waters hold the key to great sports and activities, and while on land you’ll find you’ll never run out of things to do. Either way, you’ll enjoy the best of the great outdoors.
Deer Lake State Park - Northwest Florida
A pristine 2000-acre conservation area, Deer Lake is a great location for observing indigenous flora. The pathways lead through scrub, sand pine scrub and titi slough/transitional mesic-wet pine flatwoods. Some of the intriguing locals you might spot here are deer’s tongue/vanilla plant, beach rosemary, lupine, rusty lyonia and conradina. If the nature flora doesn’t attract you, the spectacular coastline surely will. This area has some of the most impressive dunes in the region. Open 8 a.m. until Sunset.
Approximately 1.5 miles from the Resort. (850) 231-0337
Grayton Beach State Recreation Area on the Gulf of Mexico
This recreation area borders WaterColor Resort, with Western Lake as a natural connector. In 1994, the beach here was designated as the “Nation’s Best Beach” by Dr. Stephen Leatherman, aka “Dr. Beach,” who directs the University of Maryland’s Laboratory for Coastal Research and annually names the best beaches among 600 or so United States beaches (an honor that can’t be bestowed again until 10 years beyond the designation). The recognition is based on quality of sand, accessibility, natural beauty, water temperature, pristine nature trails, and a safe, uncrowded environment. A self-guided trail provides a wonderful hike around impressive 40’ sand dunes and through pine flatwoods and coastal scrub.
To get the most from your hike, be sure to ask for the trail guide available at the ranger station when you enter the area.
This State Recreation Area is just off Highway 30-A and opens daily from 8 a.m. until sundown. (850) 231-4210
Henderson Beach State Recreation Area
Henderson opened to the public in March 1991 as the first acquisition under Florida’s Save Our Coast Program. The 6,000 feet of shoreline and more than 200 acres of preserve are home to a variety of wildlife and native plants. An extensive boardwalk system makes for easy access while protecting the dunes and vegetation. Located in Destin at 17000 Emerald Coast Parkway, it is open from 8:00 a.m. until sunset.
Approximately 21.55 miles from the Resort. (850) 837-7550
Eden State Gardens
Once the 19th-century hub of Wesley Lumber Company’s sawmill complex, the garden is now a hub for community involvement. The extensive gardens that surround an antebellum residence are frequently the setting for special events. With its canopied live oaks dripping with Spanish moss and the colorful seasonal displays of azalea, camellias, hydrangeas and dogwood trees, the place is a visual balm. It is also a great place for picnics, with tables spread under the trees overlooking the bayou.
Visitors to the gardens will want to consider timing their arrival to correspond with the House Tours offered Thursday through Monday on the hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours are conducted by volunteer docents, and local volunteers also do much of the gardening here. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset, and you can get there by making your way to Highway 98 and then heading north on County Road 395.
Look for the signs. Approximately 4 miles from the Resort. (850) 231-4214
Camp Helen State Park
Located just to the east of Walton County, off Highway 98 in Bay County. A former vacation getaway for employees of Avondale Mills, the park currently provides a great spot for a day at the beach. To enter the area, park at the gate and walk through the impressive woodlands to the Gulf. The area is open from 8 a.m. until sunset.
Approximately 10 miles from the Resort. (850) 233-5059
Communities Along 30-A
The communities along Scenic Highway 30-A have become increasingly popular with visitors to our resort. This idyllic highway is home to 11 unique villages all with their own flare, shopping, history, dining and experience. Explore these beachside hamlets to see for yourself how unique this destination is. The WaterColor concierge will be happy to give you directions or a sample of some of the best things to see and do in the area.
Visit the area’s tourism board website at:
www.beachesofsouthwalton.com
Area Shopping Malls & Outlets
WATERCOLOR TOWN CENTER - WaterColor Inn & Resort , Santa Rosa Beach, FL
From the divinely creative to just plain fun, the shops and boutiques around the WaterColor Inn & Resort feature an assortment of clothing, gifts and so much more. Located within the resort, you’ll find everything you need to create a memorable vacation, or even bring home a little of the Gulf Coast with you.
Old Florida Outfitters at Town Center North 850.534.4343
Open Monday – Saturday 10 am – 6 pm and Sunday 10 am – 5 pm.
An Orvis-endorsed guide program is the gulf coast’s premiere source for specialized fishing charters. The staff at Old Florida Outfitters feels more at home along the diverse North Florida waterways teaching fly-fishing and light tackle. With a network of premiere anglers, Old Florida Outfitters can put you on the water with the most knowledgeable guides in fly fishing, light tackle, and shallow water expeditions. As an official Orvis partner, Old Florida Outfitters also has the gear you need to weather the outdoors. From flip-flops to all-terrain gear, each product has been vigorously tested by outdoor professionals. Charters welcome all levels of experience. Their goal is to deliver an enjoyable, relaxing day on the water.
Barefoot Princess and Island Clothiers at Town Center South - 850.534.0825
Barefoot Princess is an exclusive Lilly Pulitzer® retailer, carrying an extensive line of signature Lilly® resort apparel. Best known for its bright colors and bold prints, the store’s wide collection includes merchandise for ladies, children and home; as well as ladies shoes, jewelry and accessories.
Island Clothiers
Open Monday – Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm and Sunday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Island Clothiers offers a broad selection of casual resort and specialty retail clothing and accessories, including women’s lines by Trina Turk, Nanette Lepore, Cynthia Steffe and shoes by BCBG; and men's lines by Tommy Bahama, Robert Graham and Hartford.
WaterColor WorkOut Town Center South - 850.231.5950
Men’s and Women’s Fitness apparel
Open 7 days a week
The WaterColor Store at Town Center South - 850.231.1752
Offering WaterColor logo apparel & gifts
Open 7 days a week 10 am – 7 pm.
WaterBugs at Town Center South 850.231.1751
WaterColor logo gear, games, toys, jewelry, ice cream and much more for the little ones in your family. Open 7 days a week 10 am -7 pm.
The Fuss at Town Center South 850.231.2000
Casual ladies apparel. Built on the belief that EVERY girl on this planet deserves to feel absolutely uniquely beautiful as often as possible, The Fuss Boutique’s items are hand-picked for their own unique qualities.
Wine World at WaterColor at Town Center North 850.231.1323
Family-friendly and adult fare including pizzas, Panini’s, gourmet lunch, dinner and tapas menu items; retail selections of wine, beer, and cheese along with related accessory items.
The Blue Giraffe - at Town Center North - 850.231.5112
The Blue Giraffe is a wonderful shop full of fine and funky handcrafted works offering art, gifts, home interior, and wearables. An "everything fun" kind of shop that resonates positive energy. Open 10 am - 5 pm daily.
www.thebluegiraffeon30a.com
WATERCOLOR CROSSINGS
Publix at WaterColor Crossings 850.534.4565
Full-service grocery store with beach toys & items available
Open 7 am - 10 pm, 7 days a week.
Emerald Coast Wine and Spirits at WaterColor Crossings 850.231.1887
Pizza By the Sea at WaterColor Crossings - 850.231.3030
A variety of unique and delicious pizzas, sandwiches, salads and desserts made with the freshest ingredients and served in a fun and neighborly atmosphere. You'll also find a daily lunch buffet, featured pastas and daily specials.
Open from 11 am to 9 pm, Monday through Saturday.
High-Tech Cleaners at WaterColor Crossings - 850.231.3533
Full dry cleaning services
Open 8 am to 6:30 pm, Monday through Friday and 9 am to 3:30 pm on Saturday.
The UPS Store at WaterColor Crossings - 850.231.350
Mailing services, photocopying, document preparation, passport photos, notary services and some office supplies.
Open from 8 am to 6:30 pm Monday through Friday and 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday.
TENNIS CENTER
WaterColor Tennis Shop - 850.231.5980
Tennis & fitness apparel for the entire family
OTHER LOCAL SHOPPING AREAS:
Pier Park
15700 LC Hilton Dr
Panama City Beach, FL 32413
Pier Park has over 100 retail shops, restaurants and eateries. Anchor Stores include Target, Dillard's, JCPenney, Borders Books & Music, Old Navy, and The Grand movie theatre.
http://www.pcbeach.org/pierparkdemographics.shtml
(850) 236-9974
Silver Sands Factory Stores
10562 Emerald Coast Parkway
Destin, FL 32550
Over 100 designer names
http://www.silversandsoutlet.com/
(850) 654-9771
Destin Commons
4300 Legendary Drive
Destin, Florida 32541.337.8700
Destin Commons has 80+ retail stores, 8 restaurants, and a Center Plaza offering a soft-play kids playground. Anchor stores include Belk, Worldwide Sportsmen Bass Pro Shops and Rave Motion Pictures. Destin Commons also offers Community activities and entertainment throughout the year.
http://www.destincommons.com/
(850) 337-8700
Grand Boulevard
185 Grand Boulevard, Suite 100
Destin, FL 32550
Grand Boulevard is the new shop, work, play and stay town center located in Beaches of South Walton along the Gulf Coast in Northwest Florida. Based on the prominent mixed-use architectural model, Grand Boulevard offers a dynamic lifestyle experience with convenient access to a multitude of exclusive shopping and dining options, entertainment, professional services, corporate offices and lodging.
http://www.grandboulevard.com/
(850) 654-5929