30A tour: watersound
Dream a home. Discover a lifestyle.
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.
That’s the motto of the Cape Cod-inspired town of WaterSound. Split into the smaller, gated neighborhoods, the town was built adjacent to nearly 2,000 acres of untouched land with the intention of being a secluded and tranquil escape. It’s located in the heart of 30A with easy access to the vibrant shops and dining at The Hub, truly making it the best of both worlds.
WaterSound was created in the early 2000s by the St. Joe Company as an elegant, gated community divided into a handful of districts and joined by a communal meeting spot known as The Gatehouse. Kayakers and standup paddleboarders enjoy cruising around the several coastal dune lakes around the properties throughout the year. The Beach Club at the WaterSound Inn features unobstructed Gulf views, two expansive resort-style pools, and convenient poolside dining options.
The New England architectural influences of this community are everywhere. Neighborhoods lie tucked away behind acres of sand dunes, while the homes rise above the sparkling, emerald waters. Asymmetrical rooflines, cedar shake siding, and the quintessential light grey color schemes are all hallmarks of its master-planned design. With winding, wooden boardwalks leading to the beach, traditional walking bridges over the lakes, and manicured lawns, the little details around the community make WaterSound so unique from other destinations. Guests can enjoy three exceptional golf courses built along the state park that attracts players of all levels yet remains challenging with the course’s signature rolling fairways and natural landscape.
A central feature is the town center, locally known as The Hub. Here, families can enjoy free daily entertainment, fast-casual restaurants, vibrant boutiques, and art galleries. It’s fun for all ages to enjoy. In season, The Hub offers live music, dance contests, and DJ parties on the stage surrounded by the green lawn. During football season, the Hub is a popular hot spot to catch a game on the jumbotron while the kids can play safely, and the adults can grab drinks from the bar and relax in the bean bag chairs or picnic-style tables.
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