DeFuniak Springs Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the Florida Panhandle, DeFuniak Springs is a charming city that offers visitors a taste of history, natural beauty, and small-town hospitality. Known for its unique circular lake and Victorian-era architecture, this hidden gem is a must-visit destination for those seeking a tranquil and picturesque getaway.

One of the city's main attractions is Lake DeFuniak, a perfectly circular spring-fed lake that spans an impressive 200 acres. Surrounded by lush greenery and dotted with majestic oak trees, the lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking. Take a leisurely stroll along the lake's promenade, where you can admire the beautifully preserved historic homes and enjoy breathtaking views of the water.

For history enthusiasts, a visit to the Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood is a must. Built in 1885, this iconic octagonal building served as the centerpiece of the Chautauqua movement, a popular educational and cultural movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the hall hosts various events and exhibits that celebrate the city's rich history and cultural heritage.

If you're looking to immerse yourself in the city's Victorian charm, a visit to the DeFuniak Springs Historic District is a must. Stroll down the streets lined with beautifully restored Victorian-era homes, each with its own unique architectural style and character. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the Walton County Heritage Museum, housed in a former railroad depot, where you can learn more about the city's history and the people who shaped it.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the abundance of outdoor activities DeFuniak Springs has to offer. Take a leisurely hike or bike ride along the nearby trails of the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center, where you can discover the region's diverse flora and fauna. For a more adventurous experience, head to Morrison Springs, a crystal-clear natural spring that offers excellent opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

After a day of exploring, indulge in some local cuisine at one of the city's charming eateries. From Southern comfort food to fresh seafood delicacies, DeFuniak Springs offers a variety of dining options to satisfy every palate.

Alternative names: Population: 5.8 thous.Area: 14.26 mi²Elevation: 220 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 30°42'59"N, 86°7'17"W

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FloridaUnited States

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DeFuniak Springs Top Attractions

DeFuniak Springs Attractions - What to See and Explore

DeFuniak Springs offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Walton County Heritage Museum, Lake DeFuniak, Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood, Walton-DeFuniak Library. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Historical place • Museum
Walton County Heritage Museum
The Walton County Heritage Museum is located at 1140 Circle Drive, DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Housed in the former L&N railroad depot, it is part of the DeFuniak Springs Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Lake DeFuniak
Lake DeFuniak is an almost perfectly circular 40 acre lake in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, United States, at the center of the DeFuniak Springs Historic District.
30°43'0"N • 86°6'57"W
Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood
The Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood is a historic site in DeFuniak Springs, Walton County, Florida. It was constructed as part of the Chautauqua education movement and is located at 95 Circle Drive. It is now used to house a branch of the Walton County Chamber of Commerce. On August 7, 1972, it was added to the U.S.

Library
Walton-DeFuniak Library
Walton-DeFuniak Library is a historic library located at 3 Circle Drive, in DeFuniak Springs, Walton County, Florida in the United States. Opened in 1887, it is the oldest continuously run library in the state. It is a contributing property in the DeFuniak Springs Historic District.
Vernacular architecture
Perry L. Biddle House
The Perry L. Biddle House is a historic house located at 203 Scribner Avenue in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
St. Agatha's Episcopal Church
St. Agatha's Episcopal Church is a historic Carpenter Gothic Episcopal church located at 144 Circle Drive, in DeFuniak Springs, Florida in the United States. It is a contributing property in the DeFuniak Springs Historic District. "It is a jewel box of great beauty...
30°43'16"N • 86°6'41"W
Walton County Courthouse
The Walton County Courthouse is a historic courthouse building located in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. It is a contributing property in the DeFuniak Springs Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 28, 1992.
30°43'11"N • 86°7'18"W
Sun Bright
The Sun Bright is an historic residence in DeFuniak Springs, Walton County, Florida. Located at 30 Live Oak Ave W, it was the home of Sidney J. Catts, Florida's twenty-second governor. On May 7, 1979, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Vernacular architecture
The Vicarage
The Vicarage built in 1889 is an historic house located at 150 Circle Drive, in DeFuniak Springs, Florida in the United States. Also known as McLendon House, it is located next to St. Agatha's Episcopal Church.
Neighbourhood
DeFuniak Springs Historic District
The DeFuniak Springs Historic District is a U.S. historic district located in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. DeFuniak Springs, originally Lake DeFuniak, was named after Fred DeFuniak, the chief executive of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad.

Day trips

DeFuniak Springs – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of DeFuniak Springs, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Big Kahuna's (Destin), Air Force Armament Museum (Fort Walton Beach), Fort Walton Mound (Fort Walton Beach).

31 milesSW
Watersports, Water park, Game and entertainment center
Big Kahuna's, Destin
Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park is a splash-filled destination for families and thrill-seekers visiting Destin, Florida. As the largest water park on the Emerald Coast, Big Kahuna's offers an extensive array of water attractions, ranging from serene lazy river...
31 milesSW
Museum, Military museum, History museum
Air Force Armament Museum, Fort Walton Beach
The Air Force Armament Museum, adjacent to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the only facility in the U.S. dedicated to the display of Air Force armament.
36 milesSW
Museum, Specialty museum, Native American architecture
Fort Walton Mound, Fort Walton Beach
The Fort Walton Mound is an archaeological site located in present-day Fort Walton Beach, Florida, United States. The large platform mound was built about 850 CE by the Pensacola culture, a local form of the Mississippian culture. Because of its significance, the mound was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964.
44 milesN
Monuments and statues, Sculpture, Memorial
Boll Weevil Monument, Enterprise
The Boll Weevil Monument in downtown Enterprise, Alabama, United States is a prominent landmark and tribute erected by the citizens of Enterprise in 1919 to show their appreciation to an insect, the boll weevil, for its profound influence on the area's agriculture and economy.
47 milesSE
Church
First Baptist Church, Panama City
First Baptist Church, located at 640 Grace Ave, Panama City, Florida is a megachurch listed as the 220th largest church of the Southern Baptist Convention in the nation. The church is lead by Senior Pastor, Dr.