Take a Walk in WaterColor
WaterColor is one of the largest beach communities along the Emerald Coast and Scenic 30A. Designed and built by the St Joe Company, WaterColor’s 499 acres is comprised of five phases with each phase self-contained showcasing its own unique style of architecture and native vegetation and use.
Natural Landscape
Phase One straddles 30A, nestling up against Western Lake, the largest dune lake, on the west and north. A postcard-picture pedestrian bridge built over Western Lake connects phases one and two. There are separate, rich ecological zones within each phase. “The Gulf Coastal Dune Scrub zone includes grasses, vines, sea oats, and smaller trees. The Upland Transitional Forest includes berries, saw palmetto, yaupon holly, and oak and pine trees. The Lakeside Edge Transitional Forest include titi, hollies, azaleas, and trees such as magnolia and live oak.” (Pathway to Paradise on Florida’s Emerald Coast by Robert O. Reynolds, 2019, page 62).
With almost 50% of the land area set aside for preservation, the opportunities to immerse yourself in nature are many and varied. You can walk or bike throughout the town or enjoy the natural beauty and hike the zig-zagging trails through neighboring Grayton Beach State Park or Point Washington State Forest. Stands of Longleaf Pines keep the forest and state park shaded and inviting, and are home to a variety of native vegetation and wildlife. If you prefer the water, you can kayak or paddleboard or canoe on Western Lake, or swim and lounge on the white sand beach or in one of the community pools.
Watercolor Inn and Resort, a 60-room beach front hotel, is a Florida-style coastal retreat and boutique hotel where you can soak up some beach therapy and enjoy fine dining, such as at FOOW, known for their culinary art with fresh caught fish from the Gulf waters at your feet. The WaterColor Boat House and Lake House along Western Lake’s shoreline is a perfect location for weddings, family reunions, and the ever popular 30A Songwriter’s Festival. Cerulean Park is as beautiful as its name, and Marina Park is home to the Mountain Film on Tour annual event.
When you’ve had enough of play and exercise, there are many shops and boutiques. Beachfolly which offers swimwear, beach cover-ups and casual clothing and Old Florida Outfitters is the perfect spot for your outdoor gear, including fishing poles.
John Martin, a broker with EXP Realty, says, “WaterColor is the premier southern coastal destination for families with over 800 beautiful cottages spread out over five phases surrounding the Gulf of Mexico and Western Lake. WaterColor has ample amenities with a luxury beach club and multiple pools, Camp WaterColor complex with pools, lazy river and activities center. I love the southern cottage architecture, paddle boarding on Western Lake, the beach club, tennis center and so much more.”
WaterColor is the whole package. With the beach, state land, gorgeous cottages, excellent dining and shopping, you may not want to go back home. You may want to make this your home in paradise.
Visiting WaterColor for the First Time? CLICK HERE to check out Visit South Walton’s First Timer’s Guide.