Make Room for Summer Fun: Your Guide to a Clean Start This June

There’s something unmistakable about July in the Florida Panhandle. The heat sets in, the skies stretch clear and blue, and time starts to slow down just enough to catch your breath. Whether you're a longtime local or just discovering the quiet beauty of Northwest Florida, this month offers a vibrant mix of celebration, tradition, and simple pleasure. From fireworks over the water to deep-woods adventures and lazy afternoons in coastal towns, there’s no shortage of ways to soak up the season. Here’s a look at what makes July unforgettable across the communities of Walton County and beyond. 1. Fireworks and Fourth of July Celebrations No July is complete without the crackle of fireworks lighting up the summer sky. Around the Panhandle, Independence Day is more than just a date on the calendar—it’s a community-wide celebration. DeFuniak Springs’ Lakefest Fireworks Although Lakefest officially takes place in June, the city of DeFuniak Springs often hosts a smaller, family-friendly fireworks show near the 4th of July as well. Locals gather around the perfectly round lake downtown, sharing picnics, waving flags, and watching reflections dance across the water. Freedom Fest in Freeport Freeport brings a hometown feel to its annual Fourth of July festivities, with food trucks, live music, and a laid-back atmosphere. Held at the Freeport Regional Sports Complex, the celebration draws in families from nearby towns who spread out blankets on the ballfields and cheer as fireworks light up the night. Stars & Stripes at the Beach If you head closer to the coast, the South Walton area offers oceanfront fireworks displays with a coastal twist. Check out Seaside’s legendary Independence Day celebration, where you can catch a morning parade, afternoon concert, and fireworks finale—all with your toes in the sand. 2. Cool-Off Spots You Shouldn’t Miss Florida summers can get steamy. Thankfully, Northwest Florida is home to some of the state’s most refreshing natural springs and quiet waterways—ideal for escaping the midday heat. Ponce De Leon Springs State Park Tucked just off Highway 90, this spring-fed swimming hole is crystal clear and stays a consistent 68°F year-round. Bring a cooler, grab a grill, and cool off in the shade of towering pines. The park also features short nature trails and wildlife viewing for those who’d rather stay dry. Morrison Springs Located a little south of Ponce De Leon, Morrison Springs offers 161 acres of sandy-bottomed swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. Its vivid blue waters and wooden boardwalks are a favorite of both locals and visiting adventurers. Bring your gear—or just bring a chair and let the peace and quiet do the rest. Blackwater River State Park A little further out but worth the drive, Blackwater River offers sandy banks, shallow swimming, and the quintessential Florida tubing experience. Pack some sunscreen and take a lazy float downstream surrounded by lush longleaf pine forest. 3. Farmers Markets and Local Flavor Summer produce is in full swing come July, and the region’s farmers markets are bursting with flavor—literally. Main Street Market in DeFuniak Springs This open-air market takes over Baldwin Avenue every Saturday morning. Local growers bring fresh tomatoes, peppers, peaches, and blueberries. You’ll also find jams, baked goods, homemade soaps, and the occasional food truck or live music performance. 30A Farmers Market (Rosemary Beach & Seaside) For those venturing south, the 30A corridor is known not only for its beaches but its bustling markets. Held on Sundays in Rosemary Beach and Tuesdays in Seaside, the 30A Farmers Market is an excellent place to browse coastal crafts, sample local honey, or grab a cold-pressed juice before heading to the beach. 4. Trails, Parks, and Outdoor Wandering When the sun dips below the treetops and a soft breeze moves through the forest, summer in Northwest Florida reveals its quieter, wilder side. Point Washington State Forest Lace up your hiking shoes or hop on a mountain bike—this protected pine forest features over 15,000 acres of trails, wildlife, and natural beauty. If you're lucky, you might spot deer, woodpeckers, or even a fox along the way. Walton County’s Eastern Lake Trail This scenic trail system offers shaded loops through longleaf pine habitats, perfect for morning walks or evening bike rides. It’s also a great place to catch glimpses of the region’s unique wet prairies and carnivorous plants. Eglin Reservation Areas For the more adventurous, the nearby Eglin Air Force Base Reservation allows public access to hundreds of thousands of acres of forest, rivers, and trails—with a permit. It’s an off-the-beaten-path paradise for hiking, kayaking, and camping. 5. Hidden Beaches and Quiet Shores The Panhandle’s beaches are no secret—but there are still a few that feel like well-kept ones. If you’re hoping for fewer crowds and more nature, skip the busy boardwalks and try one of these underrated spots. Grayton Beach State Park Ranked among the most beautiful in the country, Grayton Beach offers sugar-white sands, rare coastal dune lakes, and hiking trails all in one location. You’ll find fewer high-rises and more natural serenity. Topsail Hill Preserve With over three miles of pristine beaches, towering dunes, and quiet camping areas, Topsail feels like a step back in time. It’s one of the best places to spend a full day—from sunrise birdwatching to sunset stargazing. 6. July Events & Happenings Worth Catching There’s more than fireworks happening this month. Here are a few regional events you’ll want to pencil in: Red, White, and Baytowne (July 4th) – The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Miramar Beach hosts a lively Independence Day bash with music, kids’ activities, and a waterfront fireworks show. Summer Concert Series (All Month, Various Locations) – From Freeport to Seaside, communities across Walton County host free outdoor concerts all month long. Bring a chair and a cooler. Art Walk at Grand Boulevard (July 20) – A creative gathering of local artists and vendors offering handmade jewelry, paintings, woodwork, and more in a vibrant outdoor setting. Blueberry Picking at Local Farms (Early to Mid-July) – Farms like Blue Sky Berry Farm in Baker and Holland Farms in Milton open their gates for u-pick blueberry season. It’s a sweet way to spend a Saturday with the family. 7. Traditions That Make July Feel Like July Sometimes it’s not about the big events or travel plans—it’s the traditions that make summer feel like summer. Watermelon slices on the porch after dinner Lightning bugs in a mason jar at dusk BBQs with homemade ice cream and boiled peanuts Crickets chirping outside your bedroom window Sunburned noses and salt-crusted flip flops Wherever you spend your July—at the springs, the beach, or the farmers market—it’s these simple rhythms that tie one year to the next. A Month for Making Memories July in Northwest Florida is a collage of colors and sounds: firework sparkles, cicadas in the trees, watermelon juice on your chin, and the slow splash of spring-fed water over bare feet. It’s both loud and quiet, busy and peaceful. It’s a month made for bonfires and books, for big gatherings and stolen solo moments on the porch swing. Whatever your plans, leave room for spontaneity. Take the back roads, linger at the beach, wave at your neighbors. Let the season unfold without rush. Because when you look back, it’s not just about what you did—it’s about how it felt. And July in this corner of Florida? It feels like home.

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