Topsail Hill State Park Adventures

In keeping with this week's theme, we are highlighting another of our favorite natural attractions in South Walton and Destin, FL. Topsail Hill State Preserve is one of the most pristine and diverse parks in the state. The park is home to three rare coastal dune lakes, 3.2 miles of pristine beaches, majestic dunes over 25 feet tall, old-growth long leaf pines, sand pine scrub, and a variety of wetlands. Miles of trails rare ideal for hiking and bird-watching.

We love their regular ranger programs. On Friday, Aug. 24, park rangers will lead a program highlighting South Walton's rare coastal dune lakes. Head to the Clubhouse at 1:30 p.m. to learn about these imperiled lakes that exist in only a few places in the world.

Interested in a more adventurous experience, plan a stay in South Walton,  Oct. 19-21, when Topsail hosts the inaugural Treasures of South Walton Adventure Run. This pirate-themed adventure includes a pirate masquerade ball on Friday night; 5K run and a one-mile fun run for kids on Saturday; and 5K obstacle course race on Sunday. The best part is you'll be having fun for a good cause. The weekend's events benefit Food for Thought, which provides backpacks filled with easy-to-make meals, allowing children in need to focus on their education.

Start planning your adventure today!