Exploring the Good Life in Authentic Walton

Story and photography courtesy of Walton County Tourism

Walton County offers much more than beaches. It is home to springs, rivers, lakes, and some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Northwest Florida. A wide variety of aquatic adventures await just above the Choctawhatchee Bay in Authentic Walton.

Encompassing Freeport, Paxton, and DeFuniak Springs, these communities are filled with incredible historic treasures and pastoral landscapes. Every experience here feels genuine, with a friendly vibe that makes all visitors feel welcome.

Morrison Springs encompasses 161 acres of pristine beauty, highlighted by a spring-fed natural pool that attracts eco-tourists and casual swimmers alike.

Outdoor adventure is a way of life in Freeport, and it’s all centered around the Choctawhatchee Bay. Stretching about thirty miles from end to end and between four to six miles across at any given point, Choctawhatchee Bay is ideal for boating, fishing, paddleboarding, and swimming. The shores are lined with parks and green spaces for enjoying a picnic or just enjoying the view. Whether kayaking, fishing, or feasting at Nick’s Seafood, there’s a bevy of things to do on the water. Grab a canoe and start paddling at Grady Brown Park, or charter a fishing boat and hit the waves with an expert guide.

You’ll find the quiet little town of Paxton at the northernmost edge of the county amid the pastoral beauty of rolling pastures and woodland areas. Paxton is nestled right against Lake Jackson, which straddles the Florida-Alabama line, providing an ideal outlet for leisure time and nature appreciation. Perhaps the best way to fully enjoy the lake is by getting out on the water. Bring a canoe or kayak to paddle around in search of local wildlife.

Whether kayaking, fishing, or feasting at Nick’s Seafood, there’s a bevy of things to do on the water.

Fishing at Nick’s Seafood in Freeport is a perfect way to spend the afternoon before grabbing dinner with family and friends.

No trip to DeFuniak Springs is complete without a stroll along the shores of Lake DeFuniak. From the historic homes of Circle Drive to the oldest continuously operating library, this perfectly round lake is steeped in local history. Explore one of forty homes on the National Register of Historic Places or visit the time-honored Chautauqua Institution for a taste of old DeFuniak. But it’s not just about heritage – the lake is also a dynamic hub for more modern community events, like the annual Sprint Triathlon and recreational LakeFest.

Located just east of DeFuniak Springs in Walton County, Morrison Springs is a diver’s paradise. Acquired by the state of Florida in 2004, it has become one of the most popular diving sites in the Southeast, drawing visitors from across the nation.

The 500-acre Lake Jackson connects Paxton, Florida, and Florala, Alabama. It’s a popular destination for fishing, swimming, camping, and walking trails.

Boasting crystal-clear water that provides virtually perfect visibility, the two-hundred-fifty-foot main pool is one of the area’s most unique diving expeditions. Morrison Springs produces roughly forty-eight million gallons of cool water daily, with ice-cold water rising from a below-ground aquifer through three underground chambers. The deepest cavity is nearly three hundred feet below the surface, above an even larger, lower cavern, the size of which remains unknown.

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Take in the sights and plan your next outdoor adventure at AuthenticWalton.com.