One of the Gulf Coast’s most luxurious resorts, WaterColor is a wonderland of activities for families, including expansive nature preserves, bike trails, lakes, shops, fitness facilities, a spa, parks, award-winning dining and nearby award-winning golf courses. (And, of course, the Gulf of Mexico’s sugar-white beaches.) Hailed as Northwest Florida’s Only Four-Diamond AAA Hotel, the resort’s WaterColor Inn was also recently honored with a “World’s Best” award from Travel+Leisure magazine.

WaterColor’s Beach Club offers direct access to the sand as well a gorgeous Gulf-front swimming deck. It’s a great spot for WaterColor guests to grab lunch, toast sunsets or just enjoy sharing the day with friends. Next door, the much-lauded Fish Out of Water restaurant serves fresh Apalachicola oysters, Gulf seafood and incorporates locally farmed ingredients in their signature dishes.

There’s also an expansive and perfectly-manicured butterfly garden in the middle of WaterColor, known as Cerulean Park. Town planners also designed gorgeous bridges, boardwalks and an extensive nature trail along the shores of Western Lake.

Just a short stroll or bike ride to the west, and you’ll cross 30A‘s stunning Western Lake into Grayton Beach State Park. Or, take a few steps to the east, and you’ll enter Seaside – sometimes jokingly and affectionately referred to by residents as WaterColor’s “Historic District.”