Hiking and biking trails help create a scenic avenue for exploration.

If your notion of an ideal retreat is enjoying peaceful seclusion without sacrificing the social life, WaterSound is calling your name. Beyond its Gatehouse, you’ll find impeccably designed cottages that call to mind the classic maritime architecture found in coastal towns along the Eastern seaboard. The variety of accommodations also includes modern homes and condos that gaze out at the sugar-white sand. Wooden boardwalks wind through the large dunes, showcasing the natural beauty while creating a sense of connection.

The private nature of this beach neighborhood fosters close-knit bonds that are drawn together by great amenities and a sense of relaxation. WaterSound Inn offers access to WaterSound Beach Club and its 7,000-square-foot, zero-entry pool.

The fun activities are plentiful and diverse. Hiking and biking trails meander through WaterSound, helping create a scenic avenue for exploration. At the heart of it is Deer Lake State Park. A sprawling state forest awaits north of 30A, while scrub oaks and Southern magnolias highlight the picturesque rolling dunes near the beach.

If you’re more in the mood for strolling past sand traps, WaterSound also accommodates golfers of all levels of experience. The traditional design of Origins Golf Course helps encourage junior golfers, beginners and families to embrace the game. Camp Creek Golf Club is a private 18-hole, par-72 course just off 30A that’s also home to a driving range, putting green and 19th Hole Grille.

Social life and entertainment in WaterSound – both night and day – all revolves around The Big Chill 30A, always home to a lively scene. It was voted the Best Live Music Venue and named among the Best Kids’ Attractions in the recent Perfect in Walton County Awards. There’s a large, open area at the center, facing a stage that serves up everything from movies on a big screen to live music.

Surrounding it are numerous options for food, drinks and desserts. These include Tackle Box, which offers some of the freshest catch from the Gulf, and Local Smoke’s award-winning barbecue. Just up 30A, Bruno’s Pizza covers all your cravings for pies, calzones and more.

There are also plenty of shops in case you want to pick up a memento. Let your sweet tooth do a little surfing over at Sugar Wave, where they have almost any treat imaginable. If you’re in the market for some unique jewelry, Mermaids of 30A has a wonderful selection of hand-crafted items to peruse. Run by a savvy sister duo, OKO Lifestyle’s unique collection will keep your wardrobe fashion-forward. They even offer stylist services and mail personally selected items to out-of-town customers. Meanwhile, the 30A General Store has a little bit of everything from essentials like sunscreen to keepsakes.

Prefer to feast your eyes on the lively arts scene? Adaro Art is run by a past Walton County Artist of the Year, Francisco Adaro. Originally from Argentina, he began his career creating single-line drawings and large murals in the streets of Buenos Aires. The Monarch Art Trail is an outdoor sculpture project created by the local Cultural Arts Alliance. It includes eight original sculptures along South WaterSound Parkway’s mile-long walking and bike path, connecting Highways 98 and 30A. You can use the Otocast phone app to get audio recordings, descriptions and geo-locators that provide insight into each of the artists’ creative processes.

Visiting WaterSound for the first time? CLICK HERE to check out our First Timer's Guide.