11 Best Things to Do in DeFuniak Springs, FL

By VI Staff on January 7, 2020

DeFuniak Springs has a well-preserved historic center located on Circle Drive, which surrounds an almost-perfectly round spring-fed lake. It is easy to explore the beautiful historic district (home to several impressive buildings) on foot, as you make your way around the scenic lake. If you visit around Christmas time you will find the whole area decked out of beautiful lights.

1.Circle Drive Historic District

The DeFuniak Springs Historic District is located all around the perimeter of the almost-perfectly round spring-fed lake that lies at the heart of the town. The historic district dates back to the early 1900’s, when easy access to building materials and labor sparked an interest in building elaborate houses and public buildings with very interesting architectural features. Nearly all the properties are located on Circle Drive, making it easy for visitors to find and admire these historic edifices, all of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A few of the highlights you can look forward to admiring include the stately Chautauqua Building (c. 1909), St. Agatha’s Episcopal Church (c. 1896) and several private residences.

Circle Drive Historic District, Circle Dr, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435-2583

2.Chautauqua Vineyards and Winery

A quick 12-mile drive north of DeFuniak Springs will bring you to the Chautauqua Vineyards and Winery where you can see how native Florida grapes are grown and turned into delicious fruity wines. Native Muscadine grapes have been growing wild in Florida since the 1500’s and the Chautauqua Vineyards produce mainly Carlos and Noble grapes for their fine Florida wines. When you visit the vineyards during harvest season you will be able to enjoy self-picking and tasting the fresh fruit directly from the vines. The winery currently produces seventeen wines using Muscadine, Chardonnay and Merlot grapes, several of which are blended with fresh berries for a wonderful punch of fruit.

Chautauqua Vineyards and Winery, 364 Hugh Adams Rd, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435, Phone: 850-892-5887

3.Britton Hill at Lakewood Park

Located in northern Walton County, tiny Lakewood Park attracts hundreds of annual visitors who come to see the highest point (345-foot) in the state of Florida, located at the summit of Britton Hill. To reach the summit you can or pull on your hiking boots and set off on foot along an easy one-mile trail which winds its way through a scenic dense forest. If you prefer not to walk you can drive up to the park and perhaps take along a picnic to enjoy at the summit. Elevated views are rare in the Sunshine State and you can even take a photo of yourself next to the small monument to ensure bragging rights.

Britton Hill at Lakewood Park, 2759 N County Highway 285, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433

4.Bullets and Bones Sportsman’s Club

If anything and everything to do with guns and shooting appeals to you then you owe it to yourself to visit the Bullets and Bones Sportsman’s Club in DeFuniak Springs. The club is a meeting place for gun enthusiasts who come to hone their hunting and target-shooting skills at the pistol or rifle range or browse for the perfect weapon. If you are new to shooting the club’s experts will help you choose the perfect weapon for your purposes and assist with all the legal requirements that go with owning a weapon. Bullets and Bones club also offers paintball activities, all equipment available for hire on site.

Bullets and Bones Sportsman’s Club, 36 Goodwin Rd, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435, Phone: 850-520-4612

5.DeFuniak Springs Golf Course and Country Club

Widely considered to be the most challenging golf course in the Florida pan-handle, the DeFuniak Springs Golf Course is a magnet for both resident and visiting golf enthusiasts. Meandering through the gentle landscape of hills and forests, the 18-hole championship course looks deceptively simple until you factor in the five-spring-fed lakes and twenty-three sand traps which have to be avoided. Some of the fairways are tree-lined and tight and most of the greens are both small and elevated, requiring considerable skill. Facilities at the club include a fully-stocked pro-shop, a pleasant bar and outdoor deck at the nineteenth hole and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool.

DeFuniak Springs Golf Course, 171 Country Club Lane, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435, Phone: 850-892-3812

6.Lake Stanley Park

Covering around 100 acres, Lake Stanley lies at the heart of Lake Stanley Park in DeFuniak Springs. The park offers residents a pleasant outdoor recreational area close to the city center where you can bring the family to have a lake-side day out. Facilities include a swimming beach, various open and covered picnic shelters and the playground for the younger visitors. Fishermen can bring their boat to the boat ramp, or try their luck from the wooden fishing pier. There is parking for about ten vehicles with trailers near the boat ramp. You can pick up your bait and tackle from A & W Bait and Tackle in DeFuniak Springs.

Lake Stanley Park, 271 Shoemaker Dr, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433

7.Walton County Heritage Museum

Located in the former premises of the L & N Train Depot, the Walton County Heritage Museum tells the fascinating story of a bygone era. Forming an integral part of DeFuniak’s Historic District, this small museum contains many well-displayed remnants of the town’s past including maps, photographs, clothing, toys and many every-day items which were used by former residents and businesses. The enthusiastic docent is very happy to share stories and interesting anecdotes with visitors. You can call in to see the museum between 1pm and 4pm from Tuesday to Saturday and perhaps purchase a book or other souvenir from the on-site gift shop.

Walton County Heritage Museum, 1140 Circle Drive, DeFuniak, FL 32435, Phone: 850-951-2127

8.Skydive North Florida

Those in the know say that you would be hard-pressed to find a better location for a daring sky-diving adventure than DeFuniak Springs, which is home to Skydive North Florida. The outfit specializes in tandem skydives, offering everyone the opportunity to experience the unique thrill of skydiving without any training. You will get to experience a genuine free-fall followed by a gentle float down to Mother Earth, guided by your professional sky-diving buddy. Along with the unbelievable feeling of freedom, you will also enjoy spectacular views of the Florida panhandle and the stunning Gulf of Mexico. Family and friends are welcome to watch you from the landing site.

Skydive North Florida, 5138 Co Highway 0605, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433, Phone: 850-419-3580

9.Bogey’s Bar and Restaurant

Newly relocated to the old Hitching Post Building in the heart of the DeFuniak Springs Historic District, Bogey’s Bar and Restaurant has been a popular DeFuniak eatery since 2006. Offering a relaxed fine-dining style, Bogey’s serves premium, freshly prepared dishes made to order from the best possible local ingredients. Lunches include a wide selection of starters, sandwiches, burgers and platters, as well as side dishes, salads and desserts. If you come for dinner you will find more substantial appetizers joined by a good selection of fish and seafood dishes, grills and house specialties like Fillet Mignon, all served with your choice of sides.

Bogey’s Bar and Restaurant, 660 Baldwin Ave, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433, Phone: 850-951-2233

10.Ed’s Restaurant

For over fifty years Ed’s Restaurant has been pleasing DeFuniak palates with their very special all-American diner-style food. The restaurant has always been family owned and operated, ensuring continuity and a strong following of loyal diners. Do not be put off by the unassuming exterior of the diner – once you step inside and taste their famous Pub Burger and delicious fries you will be hooked. If you are not into burgers you can try one of their catfish dinners, their delicious fried southern-style chicken or a satisfying bowl of Soup and Chilli. For smaller appetites Ed’s offers a variety of tasty sandwiches and snacks and there is a daily lunch special served with your choice of sides.

Ed’s Restaurant, 1324 US Highway 90 W, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433-1473, Phone: 850-892-5839

11.4C BBQ

If you are looking for a taste of Texas in the heart of the Florida pan-handle, the family owned 4C BBQ restaurant is the place to head for. Long before the restaurant opened its doors in DeFuniak Springs the Ford family had been cooking up a storm all over Texas and their barbequed brisket is legendary. Today their large menu includes a selection of “teasers” including the popular Texas Taster Combo to get you started, followed by a long list of mouth-watering Cowboy Buns, barbequed dinners or House Specialties. You can accompany your meal with your favorite sides and round it all off (if you still have room) with a delicious Brownie, Key Lime Pie or Pecan Cobbler. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly.

4C BBQ, 1045 US-331 H, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435, Phone: 850-892-4227