30A tour: watercolor
A destination that needs no introduction.
There’s a gorgeous sameness about the beaches of the Emerald Coast—just one mile after another of soft quartz sand running alongside an aquamarine shoreline that appears aglow, lit from within. The communities that populate this realm, however, are a different matter altogether. All they have in common is their distinctiveness from one another.
Two miles east of Grayton lies a beach resort nestled between Western Lake, Seaside, and the beach. WaterColor was developed in the early 2000s by the St. Joe Company as a planned resort community reminiscent of the mythical town of Mayberry. Homes feature expansive porches and easy access to a vast network of footpaths and nature trails. WaterColor is a true resort community, offering its newly renovated Beach Club, fitness and tennis facilities, and the Boathouse, which has kayak and paddleboard rentals for afternoon excursions on the protected waters of Western Lake.
Laid-back and easy-going, the vibe here is always about fun. WaterColor is split into 6 districts, each with plenty of outdoor activities to keep all ages entertained. Award-winning amenities include spectacular community pools, green spaces, and hiking and biking trails that lead visitors throughout the idyllic community. But it’s the easy-going atmosphere that makes Watercolor so loved by so many. Drop by the BoatHouse in Marina Park to explore Western Lake by standup paddleboard, and then head over to the spectacular WaterColor BeachClub to lounge poolside with friends and family. Gorgeous neighborhood pools, including Camp WaterColor, the Frog Pool, and Dragonfly Pool, are scattered throughout the resort.
WaterColor Crossings and the “downtown” district on the Gulf side of WaterColor both feature high-end boutiques, upscale restaurants, and more local merchants. The area is extremely bike-friendly, in fact you may see more people on bikes than in cars in the neighborhoods and along the Timpoochee Trail. No matter where you go, the sugar-soft sands of the private beach are always just steps away, while all of the excitement of Seaside awaits right next door.
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