Last Updated on February 29, 2024
DeFuniak Springs is a Walton County city in the heart of Northwest Florida with plenty of fun things to do!
The city is located on the Florida Panhandle. It is approximately 45 miles northeast of Destin and 55 miles northwest of Panama City Beach.
DeFuniak Springs is known for Lake DeFuniak. Lake DeFuniak is one of only two spring-fed lakes in the world that is nearly perfectly round.
These are some of the top things to do in DeFuniak Springs. This beautiful city features parks, lakes, historic buildings, and so much more.
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Here are eight of the best things to do in DeFuniak Springs
Visit the Walton County Heritage Museum
Walton County Heritage Museum is a museum located in a former train depot in DeFuniak Springs. Focused on preserving the history and heritage of Walton County, the museum has exhibits covering local businesses, agriculture, education, fashion, and more.
Check out the museum gift shop for local books, postcards, stickers, and artwork.
Walton County Heritage Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Admission is free.
For more information, visit the official Walton County Heritage website.
Walk around Chipley Park & Lake DeFuniak
Visit Chipley Park, a 260-acre park that is home to Lake DeFuniak, a nearly perfectly round spring-fed lake. There are plenty of things to do in the park, including swimming (seasonally), fishing, and boating.
Birdwatching is popular because the park is designated on the Florida Birding Trail. There is a playground and lakeside walking paths to enjoy as well.
Chipley Park is open daily.
For more information, visit the official Chipley Lake website.
Attend a Tasting at Chautauqua Winery
Chautauqua Vineyards & Winery specializes in growing Muscadine grape varieties, which are native to the state of Florida and naturally sweet.
Visit the winery for complimentary tastings that are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. This is the perfect place to sample wine with a knowledgeable tasting attendant.
You can also purchase wine by the glasses, try their wine flights, or shop by the bottle. There is a gift shop and an outdoor area with picnic tables to enjoy your selections on the property.
Chautauqua Vineyards & Winery is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Wine tastings are complimentary and available to visitors 21 years of age and older. Juice is available to anyone under 21 years old or teetotalers.
For more information, visit the official Chautauqua Vineyards & Winery website.
Shop at Main Street DeFuniak Springs
Main Street DeFuniak Springs is a nonprofit organization based in the city of DeFuniak Springs. They work to preserve and protect the historic downtown area and the economic vitality of the downtown business district.
The organization hosts special events on Baldwin Avenue. These include Food Truck Friday on the second Friday of the month and a weekly farmer’s market on Saturday mornings.
Main Street DeFuniak Springs is open daily.
For more information, visit the official Main Street DeFuniak Springs website.
Explore the Walton-DeFuniak Library
Walton-DeFuniak Library is located on Circle Drive in the historic district of DeFuniak Springs. It was established in 1886, making it the second oldest library in Florida.
It is also the oldest continuously operated library in the Sunshine State. Check out the library, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, during your visit. It is conveniently located in Chipley Park by Lake DeFuniak.
Walton-DeFuniak Library is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. It is open Tuesdays from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. It is also open on Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.
For more information, visit the official Walton DeFuniak Library website.
Climb Florida’s Highest Point at Lakewood Park
When you are in DeFuniak Springs, make sure to visit Lakewood Park, home to the highest point in Florida.
Britton Hill, located within the park, stands 345 feet tall. It is the highest point in Florida and the lowest of high points in the 50 states. Reaching the top is a great experience! The park also has a walking trail, picnic area, pavilions, and restrooms.
Lakewood Park is open daily from dawn to dusk.
For more information, visit the official Lakewood Park website.
Dine at Café Nola
Café Nola is an authentic New Orleans-style restaurant located next door to the restored Hotel DeFuniak. The menu includes some of the following. It has classic, hot beignets topped with powdered sugar. It also has sandwiches, po-boys, seafood platters, pasta, and Cajun-inspired specials.
The Bourbon Street Lounge has a drink menu that includes premium beers, wine, and specialty drinks.
Café Nola is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm.
For more information, visit the official Cafe Nola website.
Other recommendations for Places to Eat in DeFuniak Springs:
H & M Hot Dogs
(Florida’s oldest Hot Dog stand): 43 9th St, Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
Perla Baking Company
Perla Baking Company Address: 766 Baldwin Ave, Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
Bogey’s Bar & Restaurant
Bogey’s Bar & Restaurant Address: 660 Baldwin Ave, Defuniak Springs, FL 32435
Stay at the Hotel DeFuniak
If you’re looking for a place to stay in DeFuniak Springs, check out the DeFuniak Springs Hotel.
DeFuniak Springs Hotel is considered to be “One of Florida’s Top Ten Bed & Breakfast Inns.” This hotel has been transformed into the romantic jewel of the Winter Chautauqua.
Victorian Village is located in the heart of the City of DeFuniak Springs historic district. You will feel like you’ve been transported back in time with all the modern-day conveniences.
Although rumor has it this hotel is haunted, we hear the ghosts are very friendly.
For more information, visit the official Hotel Defuniak website.
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