10 Best Things To Do In WaterColor, Florida

Here's the ultimate guide to where to eat, play, shop, and stay in WaterColor, Florida, a resort and vacation community on 30A in South Walton.

Beach at WaterColor Inn and Resort, FL
Photo:

Courtesy of WaterColor® Inn & Resort

WaterColor, Florida is a picturesque town on Florida's 30A that boasts coastal dune lakes, turquoise waters, and upscale amenities. Spend a day biking the trails, browsing the shops, lounging poolside, or touring the area’s waterways, and end with an al fresco dinner featuring local flavors and Gulf views. Walk or drive to nearby towns to soak in more of that laid-back, coastal vibe. If you’re planning a visit, here are the top things you shouldn’t miss in WaterColor, Florida.

01 of 10

Meet WaterColor

Aerial view of WaterColor resort, Florida

Courtesy of WaterColor® Inn & Resort

One of the largest communities along Florida's idyllic 30A, WaterColor is anchored by an inn and resort of the same name, with a prime waterfront spot on the Gulf and a slew of activities to entertain beach-goers of all ages. Tucked between Seaside and Grayton Beach State Park in South Walton, this neighborhood of charming homes and tree-shaded lanes is on the rise—check it out before all the beach loungers are taken.

02 of 10

Eat The Fresh Catch At FOOW

Fish Out of Water, WaterColor, FL

Courtesy of WaterColor® Inn & Resort

WaterColor Inn & Resort is home to a handful of dining options, but FOOW (short for Fish Out of Water) might just be our favorite. The dining room offers views of the Gulf of Mexico from every table and focuses on locally sourcing ingredients and serving fresh flavors from the coast. Open daily, FOOW is the spot for brunch on the weekends, a quick lunch after visiting the beach, a (daily) happy hour cocktail, or a dinner with sunset views.

03 of 10

Sip Your Favorite Vintage At The Wine Bar

No surprises here: This sophisticated spot in WaterColor’s petite town center pours wines of all varieties, with a happy hour special every day and food specials a few nights a week. Stick to sipping on the shaded patio, or order pizza, a cheese board, or
Courtesy of Wine World

This sophisticated spot in WaterColor's petite town center features patio seating, a charming French bistro-inspired interior, and an adjoining market with all the fixings of a stellar wine and cheese party. The Wine Bar pours wines of all varieties, has a happy hour special every day, and offers food specials a few nights a week. Stick to sipping on the shaded patio, or order pizza, a cheese board, or another dish from the full menu to turn your wine tasting into a meal.

04 of 10

Shop In Seaside

An airstream trailer turned food truck in the main square of Seaside, Florida, on 30A.
Zehnder

Bike, walk, or—if you must—drive across WaterColor's eastern border to reach Seaside's Center Square, less than half a mile from the heart of WaterColor. Browse the many shops, or grab a bite to eat from staples like Bud & Alley's or the Airstream Row food "trucks." At the end of your outing, stroll back on over to WaterColor for a good night's rest—and try to resist coming back in the morning for breakfast.

05 of 10

Visit Grayton Beach

Grayton Beach
Robbie Caponetto

A short drive away, you’ll find this small laid-back beach town. Sign up for a paddle board tour with Adventure 30A, take surf lessons at the beach, or just relax and dip your toes in the white sand. Head to Grayton Beach State Park for hiking, paddling, biking, and boating. Stop to refuel with coffee and pastries from Black Bear Bread Co.

06 of 10

Play At The BoatHouse

Tucked back in WaterColor’s residential area, the BoatHouse sits on the banks of Western Lake, a coastal dune lake, and is your key to hours of water adventures. Rent canoes or kayaks for a paddle around the lake on your own, or sign up for an adventure t

Courtesy of WaterColor® Inn & Resort

Tucked back in WaterColor's residential area, the BoatHouse sits on the banks of Western Lake, a coastal dune lake, and is your home base for water adventures. Rent canoes or kayaks for a paddle around the lake on your own, or sign up for an adventure tour. If you've fallen hard for SUP, the BoatHouse has those, too: The BoatHouse Paddle Club offers stand-up paddleboard rentals, lessons, and even paddleboard-based workouts.

07 of 10

Bike Down The Trails

Stop by the WaterColor Bike Barn, adjacent to the BoatHouse, to pick up a bike, and spend the rest of your day exploring the area’s extensive woodland trail system, with miles of scenic nature trails that course through preserved state park forests and ar

Courtesy of WaterColor® Inn & Resort

Stop by the WaterColor Bike Barn, adjacent to the BoatHouse, to pick up a bike, and spend the rest of your day exploring the area's extensive woodland trail system. Ride miles of scenic nature trails that course through preserved state park forests, across the community's charming bridges, and around coastal dune lakes. If you prefer sticking to paved paths, pedal through WaterColor's residential areas, enjoying the shaded roads and taking in the gorgeously designed homes of this waterfront enclave. Either way, it'll be a day well-spent.

08 of 10

Play On The Beach

Beach at WaterColor Inn and Resort, FL

Courtesy of WaterColor® Inn & Resort

Be sure to leave plenty of time during your stay in WaterColor to enjoy the bone-white, powder-soft sand and clear cerulean waters. The Inn provides several beach services to make your time on the sand even more blissful: Think chair and umbrella set-ups, beach bonfires (available seasonally), a beach club that's open to residents and guests, and boogie board and surfboard rentals. Even sans add-ons, a stroll along the sand is enough for a total mood boost.

09 of 10

Cool Off At Camp WaterColor

Lazy river pool at Camp WaterColor, FL

Courtesy of WaterColor® Inn & Resort

Guests staying in the WaterColor community can spend their downtime at Camp WaterColor, cooling off in one of two pools with water slides and a lazy river. Amenities also include a playground, basketball court, snack bar, and The Canteen Restaurant & Bar.

10 of 10

Stay At The WaterColor Inn & Resort

WaterColor Inn in Florida

Courtesy of WaterColor® Inn & Resort

If you're in WaterColor only for a brief time or are traveling with a small group, consider resting your head at the WaterColor Inn & Resort. Managed by St. Joe Hospitality, this 67-room stay offers warm, family-friendly accommodations, with access to WaterColor's many amenities and an atmosphere that marries the comforts of a beach house with the perks of a boutique hotel. The Inn is right on the beach, so you're just steps from sticking your toes in the sand at any given moment.

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