Point Washington

Point Washington sits on the southeast corner of the Choctawhatchee Bay (chock-tuh-hatch-ee), covered in pine forests, live oaks, magnolias and flanked by grassy bayous and blessed with unspoiled beauty.

While only a few minutes from the beach, Point Washington is a small rural and woodsy area which can feel worlds away from the upscale beach houses of Scenic 30A. Point Washington possesses a charm all its own that needs to be experienced.

Point Washington’s placement between the bay and the gulf makes it an ecologically interesting place. Here, dolphins and alligators share the same waters, and the Point Washington State Forest is where wild boars, bears and raccoons make their home in the scrub palm that grows under the tall pine trees. It’s mix of nature, history and artistry that makes it a great place to go in search of inspiration.

Point Washington State Forest is over 15,000 acres of unspoiled Florida in its natural state and is a popular attraction for outdoor lovers and sportsmen. The forest is home to all kinds of wildlife, and features almost 20 miles of trails for hikers, bikers and trail runners.

The centerpiece of Point Washington is Eden Gardens State Park. The grounds feature lush botanical gardens, sprawling lawns and breathtaking views of Tucker Bayou and the bay. The centerpiece of Eden Gardens is the historic Wesley Mansion. It’s wide porches and tall columns are framed by moss-draped oaks and fronted by a fountain and reflecting pond. In the spring, the gardens burst with blossoms of Camellias and Azaleas.

The house was built in 1897 by William Henry Wesley, owner of a timber operation located in the historic community. The 5,600-square-foot home was the largest in the region. In 1968, the house was donated to the state of Florida and houses the second-largest private collection of Louis XVI furniture in America. Many couples choose Eden Gardens State Park to have their wedding because of it’s picture-perfect scenery.

Nearby is the gallery of internationally-renowned folk artist Woodie Long, an old brick schoolhouse, an even older cemetery, a smattering of bayfront homes and quaint Florida cracker cottages.