July 26, 2024Welcome to WaterColor, a stunning mix of beachside charm, community spirit, and unspoiled nature. This is the ultimate 30A paradise where every season brings a new experience!
From the blossoming beauty of spring to the vibrant energy of summer, the cooler autumn air to the tranquil serenity of winter, WaterColor is an unbeatable year-round destination.
WaterColor
A luxurious beach community with beautifully designed homes, WaterColor offers access to Western Lake, perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking.
Let’s explore the seasonal treasures that make this place a beloved spot all year long!
Spring Activities in WaterColor
Spring in WaterColor is a feast for the senses, with blooming flowers and pleasant weather setting the stage for outdoor enjoyment.
Beach Walks and Picnics
The mild temperatures make spring ideal for leisurely beach walks and picnics. Enjoy the vibrant surroundings as you stroll along the shore or relax with a picnic prepared at your WaterColor vacation home.
- Cerulean Park
Enjoy the vibrant blooms at WaterColor’s crown jewel, Cerulean Park. This nature lover’s paradise is brimming with tropical flowers, monarch butterflies, and a cascading fountain flanked by Sand Live Oaks. Perfect for picnics, games of catch, or leisurely strolls, Cerulean Park is a treat at any time of day.
- A Beach Picnic
Several local beach-setup companies can help you create unforgettable moments. These dreamy beach events, whether picnics, proposals, or even weddings, are tailored to your exact needs. Perfect for spring. And Instagram!
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Spring’s moderate temperatures are great for water sports. Glide through the clear waters on a kayak or paddleboard, soaking in the tranquil beauty of the area.
- Western Lake
WaterColor is home to one of South Walton’s most picturesque coastal dune lakes. You can rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) from the WaterColor Boathouse and spend your days paddling the lake, or hike and bike your way through Grayton Beach State Park and Point Washington State Forest.
- Kayaks & SUP Rentals at WaterColor BoatHouse
Explore the natural beauty of Western Lake with ease! The friendly, knowledgeable staff provide hourly rentals. Book a lesson to get started.Sign up for classes like Bootcamps, TRX Suspension, Girls Sweat, and more. Don’t miss the weekly nature kayak tours and eFoil surfboard training.
Biking
The pleasant spring temps are perfect for biking, the blooming landscapes create an ideal setting for cyclists. Scenic routes like the Timpoochee Trail, Western Lake Loop, and various nature trails showcase the area’s natural beauty and coastal charm.
- A Biker’s Paradise
WaterColor was purposefully designed with vegetation left intact, thereby preserving the roots of the land it inhabits. Connected by quaint streets and paths, manicured grounds intertwine with scrub oaks and palmettos.
- The Timpochee Trail
A paved path that parallels 30A’s entirety. It’s a blast, and easily the most fun way to explore the best of 30A.
- WaterColor Bike Barn
Their staff will be happy to help you explore the extensive woodland trail system, with miles of scenic nature trails on winding paths through preserved state park forests, picturesque gardens, and rare coastal dune lakes.
Nature Trails and Hiking
Explore the numerous nature trails that come alive with vibrant flora and fauna in the spring. Western Lake Loop is particularly beautiful this time of year.
- WaterColor Hiking (and Biking!) Trail
Kick off your day with a morning stroll on the 8.9-mile WaterColor and Seaside Trails Loop. It even includes Seagrove. Perfect for walkers, joggers, and bikers, the trail winds through trees, scenic neighborhoods, and Western Lake.
Spring Events
Spring is also a time for local events. Every Thursday in March, enjoy live music at the Watercolor Beach Club. For a taste of local culture and creativity, don’t miss the Seaside Farmers Market.
Summer Fun in WaterColor
Summer brings a lively atmosphere to WaterColor, with long days, perfect for beach and water activities.
Beach Days
Sunbathe, swim, and build sandcastles on some of the top beaches in WaterColor. Grayton Beach State Park is also nearby.
- Sandcastle Lessons
Have your entire family create memories in the sand with amazing beach sand art. Your crew will be mentored through the process of creating a sandcastle about three and a half feet tall, ready for photographs!
- Austin Magee’s Surf School
On the beach in WaterColor, Florida, the school serves all of 30A and the Emerald Coast. From Kids Camps to private and group lessons to mini sessions, they provide everything you need to learn how to surf.
Pool Days
WaterColor features nine swimming pools, each unique, and are spread throughout the community so kids are never far from having the perfect day.
- Watercolor Beach Club
Directly on the gulf, this is paradise! Choose from 3 different pools, including kids and adults-only pools. The main pool deck has large bathrooms with showers and a bar for drinks and food orders.
- Camp WaterColor
A family-friendly recreational area with various water features. The lazy river is perfect for a relaxing float, the water slides are great fun, an exciting way to cool down.
Water Sports
The summer heat calls for refreshing water sports. Try paddleboarding, kayaking, wakeboarding, and more, to make the most of the warm weather.
Paddleboarding and Kayaking
You know by now the calm waters of Western Lake are perfect for summertime relief. But let’s take it up a notch and try paddling in the Gulf!
- How?
Paddle in the morning for smooth waters and use a wider board for stability. Beginners should seek flat water with little wind. Enter the water by walking your board in, nose up toward the waves, and paddle on your knees through small surf before standing. Have fun!
- Learn to fly!
Did you enjoy your surfing class last summer? It’s time to up the adrenaline! Epic eFoils brings the exciting experience of flying to 30A with hydrofoil surfboards. With a private lesson, get acquainted with the most entertaining and fascinating sport in the country! See ya at the Boathouse.
Outdoor Concerts and Festivals
Enjoy the vibrant summer nights with outdoor concerts and festivals.
- Independence Day Week
Start the festivities on July 3rd with a parade! The 7 days of fun also includes a bike decorating contest, pool games and activities, a day-long chef’s cookout on the pool deck, and a big festival with live music, crafts, face painting, shaved ice, inflatables, and a Huck & Lilly kids concert.
- Labor Day Weekend
WaterColor Beach Club and Camp WaterColor have food & drink specials, all weekend. Sunday and Monday feature a Labor Day Luau.
Fishing and Boating
Seventeen freshwater and saltwater lakes and the Gulf of Mexico make for great fishing during the summer months, no matter your experience level or area of expertise. Charter a fishing boat for a fun day on the water.
- A Local Favorite
Where the sand meets the water, Captain Larry. Of Dead Fish Charters, is a native of South Walton, growing up just 300 yards from the beach. With thousands of hours of fishing experience, he’ll help you and your family have massive a 30A adventure.
Autumn Adventures in WaterColor
Is fall the best time to visit WaterColor’s sugar sand beaches? Crowds drop dramatically after Labor Day, and as the season stretches, the temperatures lower too, making it perfect for outdoor adventures.
Biking and Hiking
The fall weather is ideal for biking and hiking. Trails in state parks offer stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere.
- Point Washington State Park
Now that it’s cooled down, explore the magic of a state park! The 15,000 acres, with four trail systems, offer nearly 30 miles of flat, sandy soil to explore. Pass horseback riders on the 3.5-, 5- or 10-mile loops along the way, exploring the coastal scrub and longleaf pine Flatwoods prevalent in the area.
Fall Festivals
Autumn is festival season in WaterColor. Enjoy a wine festival, local art walks, and a farmers market.
- MountainFilm
Alongside Western Lake, just north of WaterColor‘s gorgeous Cerulean Park, WaterColor’s Marina Park is a picture-perfect setting for outdoor movies, plays, concerts, and WaterColor’s annual MountainFilm on Tour festival.
- Seaside Farmer’s Market
While farmer’s markets close for the fall and winter in more northern locales, the 30A farmers’ markets run strong throughout autumn.
- Harvest Wine & Food Festival
The Grand Tasting at WaterColor’s famous annual gathering allows everyone to sample some of the world’s finest wine.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Even as temperatures cool, water sports remain enjoyable. The calm, cooler waters provide a different but equally delightful experience.
Winter Activities in WaterColor
Winter in WaterColor is serene and peaceful, offering a unique charm and plenty of activities to enjoy.
Holiday Events:
The holiday season is magical in WaterColor. Attend local parades, light displays, and festive events that bring the community together.
- The Old Florida Holiday & Winter Market
Snow in WaterColor? Yes! And a horse-drawn carriage, a bonfire with s’mores, Santa photos, a tree lighting, live music, and festive luminary lighting. Open to all and free, the Winter Market offers a range of vendors with holiday gifts, from chocolates and pastries to crafts, ornaments, and more.
Beach Walks and Bonfires
In January, you have the beach pretty much to yourself. With long stretches of white, undisturbed sand as far as the eye can see, it’s a perfect time to experience the charm of a beach bonfire, perfect for warming up and enjoying the starry nights.
- A Cozy Bonfire!
In the evening, gather with family and friends for a memorable beach bonfire, complete with s’mores! Whether your event is a large wedding party, or just an excuse to watch the sun go down with friends, 30A Blaze Beach Bonfires will help you create a memorable WaterColor evening.
Wildlife Watching
Winter is a great time for bird-watching and observing local wildlife. Head to Western Lake for some of the best spots.
- A Hidden Gem?
There’s an unassuming trailhead on the north side of Scenic 30A, just west of the lake. Perfect for hiking, biking, and seeing things! These sandy trails wrap nine miles round trip around the north side of the lake, offering scenes and solitude that very few people ever bother to soak in.
Year-Round Attractions
Spa and Wellness
Indulge in a spa day or wellness retreat to relax and rejuvenate in any season.
- WaterColor InnSpa
The spa offers massages, facials, body treatments, and quick 25-minute express options. For a full experience, they also have multi-treatment packages.
- The Spa in Seaside
Let yourself unwind as their expert therapists enhance your beach vacation with services that leave you refreshed, recharged, and relaxed.
- Beach Yoga!
For yoga on the beach, with gorgeous views of the gulf as your backdrop, well, there’s nothing like it! Suitable for all levels of yoga experience.
Architecture
WaterColor is known for its timeless architecture, featuring Southern influences. The homes often have large wraparound porches, wooden columns and siding, creating a classic yet inviting atmosphere.
- Truman Show House
The movie The Truman Show was filmed in Seaside and WaterColor. Explore familiar spots like Modica Market, the Tupelo Street gazebo, the Coleman Pavilion, and other locations from the film. Truman’s house is still there, but it is a private residence and not open to the public.
Dining
WaterColor boasts a variety of dining options year-round. From casual beach cafes to fine dining restaurants, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
- Yum!
Get hungry for fun eateries and 4-star restaurants. Or perhaps it’s time for incredible shopping experiences in unique stores and local boutiques. You’ll love Fish Out Of Water for its beachfront views, and The Candy Bar for all things sweet, including ice cream! At WaterColor Town Center, choose from fine wine selections to local luxury boutiques and children’s shops.
- Seaside
Bike or walk to Seaside, browse the many shops, or grab a bite to eat from staples like Bud & Alley’s or the Airstream Row food “trucks.” Return the next morning for a breakfast sandwich at longtime favorite Modica Market.
Conclusion
WaterColor is a destination that truly shines in every season. With a wide range of activities and events, there’s always something to do, no matter when you visit.
So, plan your trip based on your preferred season and activities, and get ready to experience the year-round charm of WaterColor.
WaterColor
For more information on what WaterColor has to offer, check out our WaterColor Area Guide
Seasonal Festivals and Events in WaterColor
- MountainFilm Festival: Find details on the MountainFilm on Tour.
- Harvest Wine & Food Festival: Explore the Harvest Wine & Food Festival.
- Old Florida Holiday & Winter Market: Experience the Old Florida Holiday & Winter Market.
- Seaside Farmer’s Market: Visit the Seaside Farmer’s Market for local produce and crafts.
