Pristine sandy beaches, sparkling blue waters, and classic beachfront homes. These are just some images many people conjure up when they think of Florida’s western gulf. Among the many luxury communities in Florida’s Panhandle, one of the most desirable communities is Watercolor, Florida. Located near Destin and Panama City Beach, Watercolor is a master-planned community set along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. As its name suggests, the gorgeous homes in Watercolor are colorful and bright, with wrap-around porches and spectacular oceanfront views.

Among the many benefits of living in Watercolor, one of the biggest draws is the nearby attractions. With miles of beaches and acres of green spaces, here are some of the best Watercolor activities.

 

Located just minutes from Watercolor, Grayton Beach State Park is one of Florida’s most popular parks. With over 2,200 acres of land, Grayton Beach State Park is one of the most beautiful places in the Florida Panhandle. The park features salt marshes, sea oat-covered dunes, white sand, and crystal-blue waters. With a mix of incredible Florida wildlife and plants, Grayton Beach State Park is an ecologically diverse area where visitors can see some of Florida’s most magnificent birds, plants, and animals. The park has a popular camping destination, with space for RVs and tent camping. Other fun activities include cycling, birding, boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking, kayaking, and swimming. Grayton Beach State Park also has plenty of beaches and picnic areas open to the public.

Considered the sister park to Grayton Beach, Deer Lake State Park is truly a spectacular park in the heart of Florida’s Panhandle. With pristine sandy beaches and lush landscapes, there is so much to see in Deer Lake State Park. Yet, one of the most popular features of the park is the coastal dune lakes, a rare collection of lakes that only exist in a few other places on the planet, such as Oregon, Madagascar, and New Zealand. Deer Lake State Park has one of the largest collections of coastal dune lakes in the United States.

Along with unique geographical features, this park features some of Florida’s most beautiful native plant life, including scrub oaks, southern magnolias, and golden asters, among other plant species. With wildflowers, butterflies, and birds, Deer Lake State Park has all of the elements of a beautiful park combined with sandy beaches. Guests are able to navigate the park through boardwalks and pathways, making it easily accessible for all. Along with exploring nature, Deer Lake State Park is a popular place for swimming, picnicking, cycling, and hiking.

Within the Watercolor community, there are plenty of amenities that make Watercolor rival some of the country’s best boutique resorts, including the Watercolor Beach Club. Watercolor Beach Club is a full-service beach club that is at the center of Watercolor’s three-pool swimming complex. Along with the three pools, Watercolor Beach Club is a popular hangout spot for residents, featuring a bar and grill, live music performances, and other special events within the community.

 

For those who love to stay active, Watercolor Tennis Center is the best place to be. Watercolor Tennis Center features five Har-Tru clay tennis courts, including one with stadium seating. There are also two pickleball courts within the complex. Watercolor Tennis Center is considered one of South Walton’s Top Tennis Facilities and has received numerous awards within the community. The center is operated by MatchPoint Resorts, which offers private lessons, retreats, and clinics. They also host special events throughout the year. Tennis players of all ages and skill levels are welcome to play here.

Take a break from touring Watercolor homes for sale to check out Eden Gardens State Park. Stately and historic, this is an exquisite park featuring the Wesley House, a two-story mansion that’s part of the National Historic Registry. Along with the estate, Eden Gardens State Park features over 163 acres of pristine gardens, lush greenery, southern live oak trees, and a frontage to Tucker Bayou. The grounds are also a popular place for picnicking and fishing. The estate and grounds are open for public tours Thursday through Monday (they are closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). The mansion is also available for private events, such as weddings, parties, or banquets.

Located just 30 minutes away from Watercolor is the Village of Baytowne Wharf, a quaint recreational area with plenty of shops, restaurants, parks, and live performances. Modeled after Florida’s historic fishing villages, the Village of Baytowne Wharf is in the world-renowned Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort near Choctawhatchee Bay. Visitors will find plenty of entertainment options to keep them busy, including an eclectic collection of retail shops and boutiques. There are also plenty of restaurants with bay views, making for a relaxing day out with friends and family. There’s something for everyone in the Village of Baytown Wharf.

 

Of the many reasons why so many people are drawn to the Emerald Coast, golf ranks highly among those reasons. With over 1,100 golf courses throughout the state, Florida residents have so many options to choose from, whether they are looking for private or public golf courses.

Some of the best golf courses in the area are found in the nearby Watersound Club, a collection of three award-winning golf courses near Panama City. Watersound Club includes Shark’s Tooth, Camp Creek, and Origins. Shark’s Tooth and Camp Creek are both par-72 courses, while Origins is a par-30, making it ideal for a short game. Each golf course is incredibly diverse and presents unique challenges for golfers, yet with their oceanfront views, they are some of the most beautiful golf courses in Northwestern Florida. Watersound Club also offers professional golf lessons for those who want to practice their swing.

From sandy beaches to lush gardens, Watercolor is at the center of some of Northwestern Florida’s most beautiful sites and attractions. Whether you enjoy being on the beach, golfing, or playing tennis, Watercolor is a wonderful community to call home.

Are you ready to make your move to Florida? Smith Burke is your leader in Watercolor real estate. Whether you are searching for Watercolor condos or waterfront properties, trust Smith to help you find the home of your dreams. Contact Smith today to get started on your property search.