There are some gorgeously scenic areas located just outside of Seaside that make it worth firing up the car - or renting one if you flew or shuttled in - and taking a day trip out of town to explore Seaside's pristine environs. Read on to learn more about Deer Lake State Park, Morrison Springs, Ponce de Leon Springs State Park, Point Washington State Forest, St. Andrews State Park and Econfina Creek Water Management Area.
[For more scenic day trips out of town, also see our earlier post about Day Trips From Seaside for details about the charmingly picturesque Timpoochee Trail, lush Eden Gardens State Park, the Gulf Islands National Seashore protected historic area that also includes Fort Pickens, the outdoor and wildlife paradise of Grayton Beach State Park, and the sparkling rare gem of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park.]
Seaside is well known as a walking town, a place where visitors often park their car and never start it again until that sad moment when it's time to leave. But if you can tear yourself away from the largest private beachfront along the Hwy 30A, take a look at some of the area's scenic attractions listed below.
Deer Lake State Park
Located along Highway 30A, Deer Lake State Park is a hidden coastal paradise known for its pristine dune ecosystem and rare coastal dune lake. The park is named after Deer Lake, one of the few coastal dune lakes in the world, which serves as an important habitat for both freshwater and saltwater species.
Visitors can take the elevated boardwalk across the rolling dunes, leading to a secluded and uncrowded beach with some of the most pristine sands in the region. The park is a fantastic spot for photography, birdwatching, and picnicking, as well as nature walks. Wildflowers, pitcher plants, and rare coastal plant species flourish in this protected area.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Deer Lake State Park provides opportunities to spot shorebirds, ospreys, and bald eagles, as well as marine life in the lake and nearby Gulf waters. The delicate ecosystem means that bikes and dogs are not allowed, ensuring a peaceful, undisturbed natural experience.
Morrison Springs
Located about an hour north of Seaside, Morrison Springs is one of Florida’s most stunning freshwater spring parks, offering crystal-clear, 72-degree waters year-round. The main spring produces 48 million gallons of water daily, making it a popular destination for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
The spring features several underwater caverns, some reaching depths of 50+ feet, attracting divers looking to explore the unique limestone formations. A large wooden boardwalk and observation deck extend over the water, providing picturesque views and a relaxing place to sit and take in the beauty of the surroundings.
Morrison Springs is also a great location for kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing, as it connects to the Choctawhatchee River via a gentle waterway. Anglers will find plenty of opportunities for bass and bream fishing in the river and spring-fed areas. With picnic pavilions, restrooms, and easy water access, this natural wonder is suitable for both the adventurous and the sedate.
Ponce de Leon Springs State Park
The Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León never found the legendary Fountain of Youth, but this large state park has the next best thing, with one of the most refreshing natural swimming holes in Florida.
Located about 45 minutes northeast of Seaside, the main attraction is the large, spring-fed pool, at a constant temperature of 68 degrees year-round. The crystal-clear waters emerge from an underground aquifer and create a perfect spot for cooling off on hot days.
Visitors can explore short nature trails that surround the spring, and wind through hardwood forests and along serene creeks. These trails are excellent for birdwatching, and it’s common to see woodpeckers, herons, and even river otters.
For fishing and paddling, the park provides access to Sandy Creek, which eventually flows into the Choctawhatchee River. Picnic areas, pavilions, and restrooms make it a great stop for families looking to enjoy a peaceful, natural setting.
Point Washington State Forest
Just a short drive from Seaside, Point Washington State Forest is a sprawling 15,000-acre nature preserve offering a variety of outdoor activities. The forest features over 27 miles of multi-use trails that wind through diverse ecosystems, including longleaf pine flatwoods, sandhills, and cypress swamps. These trails are ideal for hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
One of the most popular routes is the Eastern Lake Trail System, which consists of three loops that allow for different levels of difficulty. Along the way, visitors may encounter white-tailed deer, fox squirrels, gopher tortoises, and a variety of bird species. The forest is also part of the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway, making it a potential spot for bear sightings.
St. Andrews State Park
Located near Panama City Beach, St. Andrews State Park is a 1,200-acre coastal preserve featuring sugar-white sand beaches, emerald Gulf waters, and diverse ecosystems. It’s about a one-hour drive from Seaside, making it a fantastic day-trip destination.
One of the park’s highlights is the jetties at St. Andrews Pass, which create a calm, lagoon-like area perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. The waters are home to colorful tropical fish, crabs, and even occasional sea turtles.
Visitors can also take a ferry ride to Shell Island, an undeveloped barrier island with seven miles of untouched beaches. This remote island is ideal for shell hunting, wildlife spotting, and simply escaping into nature. The park also offers paved bike paths, hiking trails, and fishing piers, with opportunities to catch redfish, flounder, and trout.
Econfina Creek Water Management Area
For a wild and scenic paddling adventure, Econfina Creek delivers. About an hour northeast of Seaside, this natural waterway winds through limestone bluffs, cypress trees, and multiple hidden springs.
The creek’s cool, clear waters make it perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Along the route, paddlers can stop at several freshwater springs, including Pitt Spring, Sylvan Spring, and Williford Spring - each with its own unique underwater formations and vibrant blue waters.
The lush forests and limestone outcroppings lining the creek provide a dramatic backdrop, and the area is teeming with wildlife such as otters, turtles, herons, and kingfishers. Hiking trails lead to scenic overlooks, and in all the area offers a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path nature excursion, perfectly capturing the untouched beauty of Florida’s waterways.