State Parks Nearby…

Topsail Hill Preserve

Topsail Hill is named for its dunes, which rise like ships’ sails over soft sand beaches and the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Those same white quartz dunes are responsible for a rare coastal ecosystem—freshwater dune lakes—which teem with aquatic wildlife. Walkers will pass through old-growth pine forests, sandy scrubland, dunes and wetlands, where they may see some of the 13 imperiled species that find refuge here, like the Choctawhatchee beach mouse and otherworldly-looking pitcher plants.

Lakes, three miles of pristine beaches, old-growth long leaf pines, sand pine scrub and a variety of wetlands offer a bird-watching and hiking paradise.

Grayton Beach

Soaking in warm gulf breezes while relaxing on pristine Grayton Beach might be the main attraction, but that’s only one aspect to this gorgeous park.

Grayton Beach consistently ranks among the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the United States. Western Lake offers fishing and paddling, and those who want to explore on foot have four miles of trails to traverse through a coastal forest where scrub oaks and magnolias stand, bent and twisted by salt winds.

An overnight excursion yields its own unique experience with a stay in one of the well-outfitted cabins or a more rustic accommodation at one of Grayton’s cozy campgrounds. At nearly 2,000 acres, Grayton Beach State Park is more than a backdrop for golden sunrises and silver moonlit evenings.

Deer Lake

This park shares its name with the coastal dune lake within its boundaries.

Coastal dune lakes are extremely rare worldwide and in the United States they occur only along the Gulf Coast. Southern magnolias, golden asters, woody goldenrod and scrub oaks can be seen in this coastal dune habitat.

Rare plants such as Gulf coast lupine, spoonflower, pitcher plants and Curtiss' sand grass-one of the largest populations found in Florida, are found in the park. Visitors may see splashes of color from summer wildflowers or some of the many species of resident or migratory birds and butterflies.

A boardwalk across the dunes offers easy access to the beach where visitors can picnic, swim and fish. It also offers a spectacular view of the dune ecosystem, one of 11 natural communities found in the park.

Edens Gardens

Eden Gardens State Park contains approximately 163 acres of land that was part of the historic Wesley homestead.

The focal point of this park is a beautifully renovated two-story house with elegant white columns and wrap-around porch. In a setting of moss-draped live oaks, the 1897 mansion recalls a prosperous era before the virgin forests of longleaf pine and cypress were exhausted in this part of the state. In 1963, Lois Maxon bought and renovated the home, creating a showplace for her family heirlooms and antiques.

Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the Wesley House, meander through the gardens, bring a picnic and go fishing off the dock in Tucker Bayou.