BEACHES OF SOUTH WALTON VACATIONS
BEACHES OF SOUTH WALTON -EMERALD COAST
Dawn rises softly on Santa Rosa Beach, casting a warm pink glow across
the Gulf of Mexico. A lone, four-foot-tall Great Blue Heron stands motionless
on the sand as gentle waves lap at its feet. I reach in my pocket for my
camera, but it’s inside the condo, and I’m torn by indecision. Should I go for
the camera and risk startling the bird? Or stay put, and forget the photo?
Unable to take my eyes off the regal creature, I choose to enjoy the moment.
The heron eyes me curiously, but doesn’t move. Minutes later, he calmly
takes flight, his huge wings flapping as he turns to glide directly over my
head.
BEACHES OF SOUTH WALTON
I missed the photo, but I’m exhilarated. This is precisely the kind of
experience I was hoping for when my husband, David, and I decided to visit
the “Beaches of South Walton,” a collection of 13 beach communities in the
Florida Panhandle. It’s an area known for what it doesn’t have as much or
more than the amenities it does have-and there are many.
What you won’t find are high-rise hotels, tacky t-shirt shops or roadside
amusement parks. What you will find are miles of sand so fine and white
swindlers sold it for sugar to unsuspecting customers during World War II.
You’ll find schools of playful dolphins frolicking offshore in crystal clear
water and a peaceful, natural environment protected from over development
by state and local officials.
“We know the environment is a huge draw for visitors, who prefer the waters
and forests to wall-to-wall, high-rise condos,” says Nancy James, President
of the South Walton Community Council.
SCENIC HIGHWAY 30-A
The council’s efforts to preserve and enhance the area’s natural resources
were evident as we drove down Scenic Highway 30-A, a 26-mile stretch of
two-lane road between Destin and Panama City. Expecting to see the usual
chain hotels lining the coastline, we instead found salt marshes, towering
sand dunes and 17 lily-covered freshwater lakes.
These coastal ecosystems provide a safe haven for several endangered
and threatened species including the Bald Eagle, Gopher Tortoise and Red
Cockaded Woodpecker.
Since 40% of South Walton’s 53,000 acres are now owned by the state,
most of these fragile ecosystems are protected from development. All other
development is strictly regulated based on its effects on the environment.
That’s why you won’t find a single grocery store on 30-A or a gas station on
every corner.
The miles of blindingly white sand and turquoise water of the Gulf of Mexico
are still the area’s top attractions. The sugar fine sand is composed of pure
quartz crystal, washed down from the Appalachian Mountains over
thousands of years. Like the Barking Sand Beaches of Hawaii, the sand
squeaks when you walk on it.
The gulf’s translucent qualities occur because the water is filtered through
the estuary of Apalachicola Bay. The estuary catches sediment or other
impurities, leaving only pure water to flow into the gulf. The combination of
bright sunlight and clear, shallow water creates an illusion of emerald water
streaked with shades of turquoise.
“Why does the blue water always turn clear when I pour it into my pail?” my
frustrated, five-year-old daughter asked day after day.
The week flew by too quickly. We lolled the days away relaxing on the beach
and watching the dolphins play just offshore. Late one evening, we spotted
a gigantic turtle floating in the surf while waiting patiently for nightfall. Under
the cover of darkness, she crawled ashore, laid her eggs and returned to
the water. The next day, local volunteers roped off the turtle’s nest located
less than ten feet from our door.
ECOTOURISM ON THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE
Protecting the endangered Loggerhead and Green Sea Turtles is a priority
of the residents. Flyers are distributed to tourists asking that all outdoor
lighting be extinguished at night to prevent turtle hatchlings from becoming
confused and crawling away from the water. Even with increased public
awareness, saving the endangered turtles is an uphill battle. Last year on a
cloudy night, several disoriented turtle hatchlings crossed the road and
dove into Oyster Lake by mistake.
With all the varieties of wildlife flying, swimming and crawling around, I was
happy not to see one species in particular-sharks. I felt much better after
learning Walton County has never had a reported shark attack.
For those who prefer hiking and biking to soaking up the sun, the area
offers an abundance of nature trails and bike paths. An 8-foot-wide, 18- mile
long bike path stretches from Blue Mountain to Inlet Beach, and miles of
nature trails traverse the area’s five state parks. Grayton Beach, named the
best beach in the nation in 1994 by Stephen (Dr. Beach) Leatherman offers
an extensive self-guided trail system through the park’s 1,100 acres.
TOPSAIL HILL STATE PRESERVE
After visiting several of the parks, we chose Topsail Hill State Preserve as
our favorite. Named for the park’s 25-foot high sand dunes, the park has
been identified as the most pristine and environmentally protected piece of
coastal property in Florida.
A 15-minute hike carried us to the highest point for a view of the Gulf of
Mexico, rare coastal dune lakes and cypress swamps. Five rare plants
growing only in the Florida Panhandle can be found at Topsail, including the
blue flowered Gulf Coast Lupine. The park is also home to white-tailed
deer, foxes, raccoons and even coyotes, so keep your eyes open and don’t
forget your camera.
While most beach towns are combating a variety of problems stemming
from uncontrolled development, the beaches of South Walton are setting a
prime example of how a concerned community can strike a balance
between growth and careful preservation of natural resources. It’s
heartening to know there might actually be an unspoiled, beach
environment years from now to enjoy.
Who knows, someday I might even get a second shot at that photo.
IF YOU GO:
The “Beaches of South Walton” are located along the Gulf of Mexico in
Florida’s Panhandle, 25 miles south of I-10 along U.S. Highway 98.
GETTING THERE:
Three regional airports serve the area:
Pensacola Regional Airport-70 miles away (Atlantic Southeast Airlines,
Delta, US Airways Express, Continental, Northwest Airline, Airtran Airways)
Fort Walton Beach-Okaloosa County Air Terminal-17 miles away (Northwest
Airlines, Atlantic Southeast Airlines, USAir Express, Comair, Delta)
Panama City-Bay County International Airport at Fanin Field-29 miles away
(Atlantic Southeast Airlines, Northwest Airlink, USAirways Express, Comair)
LODGING:
Abbott Realty-www.abbott-resorts.com, 1-800-336-4853
Newman Daily-www.destinvacation.com, 1-800-225-7652
Dune-Allen Realty-www.beautifulbeach.com, 1-888-267-2121
Sandestin Hilton-www.Hilton.com, 1-800-367-1271
REVIEW OF DESTIN BEACHES, SHOPPING, GOLF, FISHING
FAMILY TRAVEL FUN
BEACHES OF SOUTH WALTON
BEACHES OF SOUTH WALTON
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