Scenic 30- A

Fourteen beach communities make Scenic 30-A , well —so scenic. The beaches of South Walton County, Florida include Seaside, Grayton, Blue Mountain, Santa Rosa, WaterColor, Miramar, Rosemary Beach, Dune Allen, Sandestin, Seascape, Seacrest, WaterSound Seagrove, and Inlet.

The 20-mile stretch known as Scenic 30-A or Scenic Highway 30A is located in Florida's panhandle.The area is home to an eclectic and upscale homes, restaurants,shops, and galleries.The architecture of the communities ranges from, upscale, trendy chic, artistic and funky.

All fourteen beach communities are "Blue Wave" beaches. The beaches of South Walton County received the “Blue Wave” Environmental Certification from the Clean Beaches Council (CBC). Recipients must meet the stringent standards that include beach and intertidal conditions, safety, habitat conservation, services, erosion management and water purity. Three state parks and the thirteen beach communities received the certification for two consecutive years. “The brilliant white, fine quartz sand is a phenomenon unlike any other in the country,” says Walter McCleod, president of the CBC. According to the Council, countless miles of coastline are lost to erosion.

The state of Florida created the South Walton Conservation and Development Trust (SWCDT) in 1993. The organization is responsible for maintaining the balance between development and conservation and oversees the plan for 31,000 acres. South Walton County has an expansive environmental education and public outreach program, including Turtlewalks, nature walks, horse, bike and walking trails, and off-road biking adventures. Five rare plants and nine threatened animals, including the Atlantic Loggerhead Sea Turtles, the American Alligator, the Piping Plover and the Choctawhatchee Beach Mouse, share the woodlands with deer, turkeys and the migratory birds. The commitment to preserving natural habitats while diversifying the economy has yielded destinations that delight Eco-tourists and vacationers alike.

Don’t miss the Bayou Arts and Antiques or the view of Hogtown Bayou. Owner Chick Huettel has created a smorgasbord of art at its eclectic best with antiques, jewelry, books, abstracts and an al fresco museum The Wildlife Chapel and a children’s pet cemetery celebrate all creatures, from reptiles to insects and pets. Surrounded by fountains and arbors, an art studio overlooks the wetlands.

Eden State Gardens. Discover the Old South at the Wesley Mansion. The restored antebellum home sits amid six-hundred-year-old oaks and includes Louis the XVI furniture and other antiques. Wander among the butterfly gardens, camellias and azaleas, or stop to gaze into the reflecting pond in the manicured gardens. The unspoiled 1,600 acres of Topsail Hill State Preserve are known as the “most pristine and environmentally protected” coastal property in the state. Wildflowers, rare plants and cypress swamps are home to coyotes, white-tailed deer, raccoons and fox. Point Washington State Forrest occupies 15,810 acres and has the three double loop trails. The Eastern lake Bike/Hike Trail was a cooperative effort between the Florida Division of Forestry and Beach Bay, Inc.

For more information visit http://www.beachesofsouthwalton.co