STATE PARKS & RECREATION AREAS (All of the following  Parks are within 5-35 minutes driving time)     Deer Lake State Park Deer Lake State Park is a 1,920-acre facility named after a freshwater coastal dune lake within its boundaries. Trail access to the Gulf of Mexico opens to a magnificent dune field and to a pristine section of beach. The park contains 11 distinct natural communities including beach dune, mesic flatwoods, sandhill, scrub, basin swamp, depression marsh, dome swamp, coastal dune lakes, blackwater stream, estuarine tidal creek, and unconsolidated marine substrate. Blackwater streams are lined with spring azaleas. Summer wildflowers are seen around cypress domes throughout the sandhills and longleaf pine habitat. The park boasts a diversity of plant and wildlife. Rare plant species include: Cruise’s golden aster on taller dunes inland from beach dune; infrequent Godfrey’s golden aster with sea oats on foredunes; gulf coast lupine in disturbances along paths in scrub and sandhills; frequent large-leafed jointweed in oak scrub; and spoonflower along basin swamps at Camp Creek. Around the pond areas in the flatwoods and around streams are found: white top and yellow pitcher plants, rosebud orchid, grass pinks, sundews, pine lilies, and Curtiss’s sand grass. Some of the largest populations of Curtiss’s sand grass in Florida are found at Deer Lake. Driving Directions The park is located on CR 30A in Seagrove Beach. Park Fees The Entrance Fee into most parks is $3.25-$4.00 per carload, up to eight people. Extra persons, walk-ins, and bicyclists are $1.00 per person. Parks that have Honor Stations charge $2-$4 per vehicle.     Eden State Gardens Eden State Gardens which was once the home of the William Henry Wesley family is now a place of tranquility and contemplation. Yet, nearly 100 years ago, a visit to Eden State Gardens would have vibrated with the whir of mechanical and human energy. The house was probably the largest residential structure in the area. The house's timber framing was cut nearby and floated down the Choctawhatchee River. The design was one that became familiar throughout the Florida panhandle during the 19th century: two stories, each made up of two equal groups of two rooms, divided by a central hallway on both stories. Its style of construction was well-adapted to Gulf coast conditions in the days before air conditioning. The house was built on piers, permitting air circulation while avoiding extreme flood damage when Tucker Bayou or Choctawhatchee Bay rose. Porches circled both stories. Windows on both floors were very large permitting free air circulation during the hot, humid months. Lois Maxon developed the Wesley house as a showplace for her collection of family heirlooms and antiques. Changes were made to suit her needs. Two original chimneys and partition on the first story were removed to make the large music room. A fireplace and chimney were added on the south porch. Extra rooms were created at the rear of the house by enclosing the porches of both stories. The brick infill around the foundation that makes the house appear to have a solid basement probably dates from her time as well. The grounds were developed by Miss Maxon to show the house to full advantage. In 1968, Miss Maxon donated Eden to the state of Florida in memory of her parents. The site was the hub of the Wesley Lumber Company, one of the many businesses involved in timbering the forests of the Florida Gulf coast from the 1890s until after World War I. Company holdings included a saw mill, planer mill and dry kiln. A dock extended into Tucker Bayou to facilitate the loading of lumber onto barges for shipment. The lumber was barged west to Pensacola, then shipped to northern and western states, Europe and parts of South America. The men who worked for the Wesleys lived with their families in about 20 company-owned houses. A company commissary served their needs. Wesley build his own residence near the mill in 1897, and members of the family lived there until 1953. Fire was not unusual in these sawmill villages where every building was made of wood, and the mill burned three times. After the third fire, it was not rebuilt. All that remains today on the 12 acres in Walton County are the Wesley house and a few scattered building foundations. Even though the little community declined and its population scattered, the Wesley family stayed. This was their home, a place where their births, deaths and marriages occurred. In 1953, when the last of the Wesley generations died, the house and land were sold. Ten years later, it was on the market again; and Lois Maxon fell in love with it and purchased it.  Driving Directions Eden Gardens State Park is located in Point Washington, off U.S. 98 on C.R. 395. Park Fees The Entrance Fee into most parks is $3.25-$4.00 per carload, up to eight people. Extra persons, walk-ins, and bicyclists are $1.00 per person. There may be additional fees for tours, and museum entrances. Parks that have Honor Stations charge $2-$4 per vehicle. Picnicking The grounds, gardens and picnic area are open daily from 8 a.m. until sundown. The house is open for hourly guided tours from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Thursday through Monday. A nominal fee is charged for tours. A picnic area with adjacent parking is available at the old mill site on Tucker Bayou. Can I book a wedding or event at Eden Gardens? Yes, please see our event form located on the Eden Gardens website. We book during hour events (8:00a.m. until sunset) and after hour events ( around sunset until 10:00p.m.). There is a separate form for each. Can I use the inside of the Wesley House for an event? No Can I have a wedding on the steps of the Wesley House? Yes, but can only setup beginning at 4:00p.m.after our last tour. In most cases during the year, the wedding would, then, have to occur after hours. Can I fish on Tucker Bayou at Eden? Yes from the shore. There is a nearby boat ramp in Point Washington.     Grayton Beach State Park This 2228 acre State park offers rolling sea oat covered dunes with white sand beaches tapering to the emerald green waters of the Gulf. Salt spray and wind pruning, two of natures landscaping tools are seen throughout the gulf front areas of the park. The park offers a glimpse of how the panhandle coast appeared to the first European settlers. Scenic Western Lake offers a look at the salt marsh Eco-system backed by Pine Flatwoods and coastal scrub. In addition, the park offers rare plants and animals a habitat in which they can exist, such as the rare Choctawhatchee beach mouse. Shorebirds are numerous on the beach and sea turtles often nest here in the summer months. To preserve the various ecosystems in the park, foot traffic is prohibited in the dunes and in bird nesting areas. The Grayton Beach Nature Trail begins near the beach parking area and winds among sand dunes, pine flatwoods and scrub communities. It is interpreted by a self-guiding leaflet available at the ranger station. Driving Directions Grayton Beach State Park is located South of U.S. 98 approximately halfway between Panama City Beach and Destin. Take County Rd 283 south of U.S. 98 turn left at the stop sign on 30A approximately .1 mile east of the intersection of C.R. 30A and C.R. 283 our entrance will be found on the right. Park Fees The Entrance Fee into most parks is $3.25 per carload, up to eight people. Extra persons, walk-ins, and bicyclists are $1.00 per person. There may be additional fees for camping, tours, and museum entrances.     Henderson Beach State Park http://www.destincam.com/getpicture2.asp Web Camera located within Henderson Beach State Park near the East Picnic Pavilion. Click the link above to see how the beach looks today! Henderson Beach State Park has one of Florida's most prized assets, pristine white, sugar sand beaches and more than 6,000 feet of scenic shoreline bordering the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico. In the midst of urban sprawl that now dominates the coastline of Florida’s panhandle, Henderson Beach State Park is an unexpected oasis of exquisite natural beauty. Located just east of Destin, the park’s entrance lies on the Emerald Coast Parkway (U.S. 98) across the street from a shopping center and a Super Wal-Mart. Turn off the busy highway, and the drive into the park takes you through a Florida habitat that has almost disappeared, coastal beach dunes. Soft rolling dunes, evergreen with fragrant rosemary, sand pines, scrub oaks, and southern magnolias, stretch along the coastline. Wind and salt spray from the ocean stunt the growth of these plants, a process called "salt pruning," sometimes causing trees to grow horizontally along the ground, their limbs bent in tortured gnarls. Closer to the shoreline, communities of sea oats serve as the first line of defense for the dune system, anchoring the soft sand, which would otherwise disappear from the eroding forces of wind and water. During the late summer and early fall, colorful wildflowers, such as blanket flower and beach morning glory, add splashes of color to the sand. In the springtime, the prickly pear cactuses add their own color with bright yellow blooms. One of the most beautiful sights while visiting the park is a breathtaking view of a Dolphin family (porpoise) as they emerge from the waters for a breath of air, or a group of Rays as they soar across the shallow waters along the coastline. Activities that visitors can enjoy while visiting Henderson Beach State Park include swimming, surf fishing, picnicking, camping, bicycle riding, nature trials, family reunions & weddings, as well as a leisurely walk in the sugar white sand or in the splash of the emerald green water. Visitors to coastal parks are reminded to pay close attention to the colored flags posted at welcome stations and on the beaches. These flags indicate the wave and swimming conditions at the beach. Red means no swimming because of high winds or undertow currents, yellow means swim with caution and stay close to shore, blue means that the waters are safe. Driving Directions Henderson Beach State Park is located just east of the city of Destin on U.S.98, approximately 1.5 miles west of toll road 293 (Mid Bay Bridge). From the Northwest, take I-10 to highway 85 south until you reach highway 98. Drive east for approximately 10 miles and you will see signs for the park on the right. From the Northeast, take I-10 to Highway 331 South to Highway 20 West to Toll Road 293 South (Mid Bay Bridge). Go across the Mid Bay Bridge and turn west (right) on Highway 98. Drive approximately 1.5 miles west and park entrance will be on your left. Park Fees The Entrance Fee into most parks is $3.25-$4.00 per carload, up to eight people. Extra persons, walk-ins, and bicyclists are $1.00 per person. Fishing Known as the luckiest fishing village in the world, visitors wishing to try their luck in the surf may catch popular species such as pompano, red fish, flounder, catfish, whiting, and sometimes cobia. Bait & Tackle can be purchased just outside of the park! Nature Trails A three-quarters-of-a-mile nature trail begins in the day use area. The trail will provide not only a winding tour through the dunes, but a beautiful vista of the park from atop one of the dunes. This high dune has developed around the remnants of a bunker built decades ago when the military was using the area. Picnicking Henderson Beach State Park has both a day use area and a campground, each of which has its own beach area. The day use area has two picnic pavilions with grills, picnic tables, restrooms, and soft drink vending machines. These pavilions provide the only shade on the sun-drenched beach, unless visitors bring their own umbrellas. For visitors in wheelchairs, an all-terrain wheelchair is available to provide access to beach areas. Swimming Henderson Beach State Park has one of Florida's most prized assets, pristine white, sugar sand beaches and more than 6,000 feet of scenic shoreline bordering the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico. When you combine these quality natural resources with a wonderful park layout, they provide some of the highest quality resource based recreational opportunities in the Florida panhandle. Please Use Caution! Visitors to coastal parks are reminded to pay close attention to the colored flags posted at welcome stations and on the beaches. These flags indicate the wave and swimming conditions at the beach. Red means no swimming because of high winds or undertow currents, yellow means swim with caution and stay close to shore, blue means that the waters are safe.     St Andrews State Park St. Andrews State Park is one of the most popular outdoor recreation spots in Florida. Named by Travel Magazine as "The World's Best Beach," in 1995, St. Andrews is well known for its sugar white sands and crystal-clear emerald green water. The park opened in 1951 and now consists of more than 1,260 acres. During World War II, it was part of St. Andrews Military Reservation. Circular cannon platforms are still in place on the beach near the jetties. One of them is a favorite observation point for guests as they enjoy the beautiful sunsets and watch the boats pass by. An authentically reconstructed "Cracker" Turpentine still and turn of the century saw mill are located in the park near Grand Lagoon. charts and diagrams interpret the use and mechanisms of the still. Living history demonstrations are offered quarterly. Driving Directions From Hwy 98 turn South on to Hwy 3031 (Thomas Drive) and follow it straight to Hwy 392 and turn left to enter into the gates of St. Andrews State Park. St. Andrews State Park is located approximately 3 miles east of Hwy 392. This 1,260 acre park is located on a peninsula with over 1 1/2 miles of beach on the Gulf of Mexico and the Grand Lagoon . This park offers camping, swimming, canoeing, snorkeling, diving, hiking, picnicking. fishing and boat launching for the active park visitor. Two fishing piers, the jetties and the convenient boat ramp provide many fishing opportunities. Nature trails lead through a number of plant communities where visitors may encounter wading birds, alligators and many small animals. You may wish to sun or pickup shells along the shores of Shell Island, a pristine barrier island just across the ship's channel from the mainland. This 700-acre parcel of St. Andrews remains for the most part, undeveloped. Shuttle boats run to the island spring and summer. Tickets are available at the park concession $9.50 per adult $5.50 per child (1 - 12 years). The park's uplands are characterized by rolling white sand dunes separated by low swales of either pine flat woods or marshes. Dunes covered with sea oats abound. Dunes found farther inland are covered with sand pines, scrub oaks, rosemary and other hardy plants that play an important role in preventing erosion during intense storms and hurricanes. We encourage visitors to identify these diverse plant communities along with our abundant wildlife by walking the nature trails. Beaches The beach consists of two and a half miles of beautiful white sand with several location from which to swim or play. There are two different parking areas in which to access the beach areas. Bicycling Bicycles are for rent at the park camp store for a nominal fee. However they are only available during the summer season. Boat Ramp The parks boat ramp consists of a double-sided concrete launch that will accommodate the smallest to the largest of water craft. Boat Tours Shuttle boat tours are offered to go from the mainland of the park to Shell Island in spring and summer. Visitors may wish to sun or walk along the shore of this pristine barrier island. Tickets are available at the park concession. Boating Boating opportunities are unlimited at St. Andrews with immediate access to the Gulf of Mexico or even Shell Island. Canoeing Canoe rentals are available via the parks camp store located just up from the boat ramp area during the summer season. Canoeing opportunities are unlimited from just paddling around Grand Lagoon or across the boat channel to Shell Island. Concessions There are three stores on the park that are open during the summer season (March to Labor Day). These stores offers snacks, souvenirs, bait, fishing licenses, limited grocery items, and rental of chairs, umbrella, snorkeling gear, canoes, kayaks, and bicycles. Fishing Fishing opportunities include deep-sea jetty and surf fishing. Two fishing piers and jetties provide excellent vantage points year-round. Catches include Spanish Mackerel, red fish, flounder, sea trout, bonito, cobia, dolphin and bluefish. A boat ramp is located on the Grand Lagoon near the fishing pier. A concession offers snacks, souvenirs, bait, fishing licenses, limited grocery items and rental of chairs, umbrellas, snorkeling gear, canoes, kayaks, and bicycles. Nature Trails The Heron Pond Trail starts at the turpentine still and winds through a number of plant communities. Pine flat woods, sand pine scrub, freshwater and saltwater marshes are encountered as well. The Gator Lake Trail and overlook provide visitors with a beautiful vantage point for spotting alligators and a variety of water fowl, wading birds and other small animals. Our diverse habitat is responsible for the variety of birds and wildlife within the park. At Button Bush Marsh overlook a host of birds can be viewed. Herons and Ibis feed along the fertile marsh edge as a variety of water-fowl swim and feed in the depths. Watch out for the alligators as they sun themselves and hunt their prey. Picnicking Picnic sites are available in several locations on the Gulf beach and Grand Lagoon. Scuba Diving Both of these activities offer an adventure in either swimming area. The extensive shoreline and rock jetties offer excellent opportunities to study marine life. Equipment is for rent at any of the concessions stores on the property or bring your own. Snorkeling Both of these activities offer an adventure in either swimming area. The extensive shoreline and rock jetties offer excellent opportunities to study marine life. Equipment is for rent at any of the concessions stores on the property or bring your own. Swimming This activity is one of the most popular things to do while at St. Andrews, with over 1 mile and half of beautiful white sandy beaches to swim from. The park not only offers beach access from the mainland, but also offers daily trips to Shell Island where a visitor can enjoy beach as well. However, trips to Shell Island are limited to seasonal dates only Which are from March till Labor Day weekend. Is there a boat launch fee? Yes - $2.00 Are there fishing piers in the park? Yes there is a gulf pier, a bay pier and rock jetty. Are fishing license required? All out of state fishermen need a Florida license. Is there a fee for fishing? No. What is the park entrance fee? $4.00 per car up to eight people $2.00 per car single occupant $1.00 per bike or walk in     Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Topsail Hill Preserve State Park encompasses 1640 acres of the most intact coastal ecosystem in Florida making it a nature lover’s paradise. Rare coastal dune lakes, quiet beaches, old-growth longleaf pines, sand pine scrub and a variety of wetlands can be found within the preserve. As you explore these and other ecosystems watch for a variety of rare and endangered wildflowers including Large leaved Jointweed, and Cruise’s and Godfrey’s golden asters. Driving Directions Located in Santa Rosa Beach 10 miles east of Destin, FL. Take Interstate 10 to Exit 14 (Defuniak Springs) and follow U.S. Highway 331 south. Travel 27 miles to U.S. Highway 98. Turn right and travel approximately 5 miles west to scenic Highway 30A. Turn left and go ¼ mile to the entrance on the right. Park Fees Entrance fees are $2.00 per vehicle or $1.00 per person for those entering on foot or bicycle. Coastal Dune Lakes: Morris and Campbell Lakes are the biggest of the five coastal dune lakes found on the preserve. Coastal dune lakes are globally imperiled occurring only in the Florida Panhandle and nowhere else in the US. These lakes fill-up with water draining into them from neighboring pine flatwoods. Once full they break through the dunes and flow out into the Gulf. Depending on whether they are flowing or not they be very fresh or salty. Because of the proximity of freshwater lakes to the ocean, a variety of plant and animal species use this area such as alligators, bass, osprey and marine invertebrates. Dune Ecosystem: The dunes at Topsail Hill are some of the most intact ecosystems in Florida. The dune ecosystem incorporates primary, secondary and tertiary dune ridges and swales (or dune valleys). The height and width of the dunes are truly impressive. The dunes at Topsail Hill preserve are home to endangered beach mice as well as nesting shorebirds. It is important to stay away from dunes as shorebirds nest in the dunes and beach mice depend on the plants growing on the dunes. Why are the dunes so protected? Well, not only do they provide good habitat for many wildlife species they also protect us from storm surge and are instrumental in the beach building process. Sand from the dunes erode onto the beach keeping the beach wide. The dunes build back up through accumulation of wind blown sand that gets trapped by dune vegetation and settles, building the dune up. Vegetation is the key to healthy dune ecosystems. Florida Sand Pine Scrub: Sand pine scrub is home to plants and animals adapted to low nutrients, and not much water. It is built on ridges of old sand dunes formed when sea levels were higher. Here you can find plants such as Sand pine, sand live oak, myrtle oak, saw palmetto, Bear grass (yucca), ground lichens and rusty lyonia. Animals include skinks, spiders, toads, and snakes. This habitat is shrinking rapidly due to development of well drained scrub areas for housing and agricultural needs. Pine Flatwoods: Flatwoods got their name became they are so flat. In fact they are poorly drained and water can accumulate on the ground for periods of time. Look for slash or longleaf pines and a dense understory of gallberry, saw palmetto and various blueberries. These flatwoods look much different than they did 500 years ago, before European settlement. Back then the flatwoods were very open with scattered longleaf or slash pines. The understory was a low shrub layer because of frequent burning. Back then you would be able to see a great distance into the flatwoods. Fire helps to maintain these ecosystems by keeping the area open and allowing lots of light to penetrate to the ground. The plants and animals that live here are adapted to fire. The longleaf pine has thick bark which insulates it from heat. Other plants either re-sprout or re-seed. Animals move away from the fire front or dive into gopher tortoise holes. The soil over the hole insulates them from heat. We used prescribed fire at Topsail Hill to maintain these ecosystems much like in the past when either lightning strikes or Native Americans burned these areas. Pitcher Plant Prairie: Wet prairies in Florida are low, flat and poorly drained often saturated with water. The combination of fire and water keep trees from establishing. All kinds of rare and carnivorous plants can be found in Topsail’s wet prairies. Look for yellow trumpets, parrot pitchers, sundews, and butterworts. Since these areas are low in nutrients carnivorous plants lure and digest insects to get their supply of nitrogen. Other wildflowers include white top sedge, grass pink orchids, hatpins, meadowbeauty and lilies. Dome Swamp: Dome swamps are depressions that hold water draining from neighboring pine flatwoods. Trees on the edge of the depression are relatively short but as the depression deepens the trees increase in height creating a dome profile. Topsail’s dome swamps are dominated by cypress trees and surrounded by sandy dunes. Great blue herons can be found nesting and creating a racket in these domes. Wildlife The intact dune ecosystem makes Topsail Hill one of the few remaining homes of the endangered Choctawhatchee Beach Mouse. Other animals found in Topsail’s dunes include nesting sea turtles and shorebirds. In other areas of the preserve, watch for migratory birds and butterflies, deer, foxes and frogs. Beaches Swim, sun, beachcomb for sea beans and watch shorebirds along 3.2 miles of quiet, white quartz sand beaches with the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico lapping on the shore. A tram running every 2 hours starting at 9 AM will take you to the beach or if you choose you can walk or bike a mile along the path to the beach. Bicycling Bike along a mile paved path to the beach. Fishing Fish for saltwater fish off the beach. License required. Nature Trails Explore our Morris Lake Nature Trail as it winds 2.5 miles through ancient dunes and scrub communities. Hikers can also enjoy miles of abandoned jeep trail. Picnicking Enjoy a picnic under our picnic pavilion at the end of Topsail Road and beach boardwalk. Swimming Swim in the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico anywhere along 3.2 miles of quiet, white quartz sand beaches. Lifeguards are not available. Are pets allowed? Yes, as long as they are kept on a leash and picked up after.