Crestview is the seat of Okaloosa County, with an elevation of 235 feet (72 m) above sea level; it is one of the highest points in Florida. The population was 27 134 at the 2020 census, up from 20 978 at the 2010 census. The town was formerly known as the “Icebox of Florida.”
The Yellow and Shoal rivers, which flow virtually parallel on the east and west sides of the city, are located between long wooded ranges, which gave Crestview its new name.
In today’s article, we will look at some of the amazing places one can visit to get a full sightseeing experience at Crestview.
Go to the John McMahon Environmental Center
The McMahon Environmental Center is named for the late state forester who founded the organization in 1989; it was originally known as the Hub City Environmental Center and was previously for educating kids and adults about wildlife and nature.
More than 100 native Florida trees McMahon planted over the 2 acres of land can be found at the center, which is fascinating. While its exhibits are currently only open for visits by students and other special occasions, the city hopes to establish regular visiting hours soon.
The center also includes a pavilion and a forestry lookout tower designated the 1000th historical landmark on the National Historic Lookout Register. During the day, visitors are welcome to stroll about the center’s park-like grounds.
Location: 130 Butler Cir, Crestview, FL 32536, USA
Website: https://crestviewbulletin.com/homeschoolers-discover-the-mcmahon-environmental-center/
You can visit The Twins Hills Park.
Twin Hills Park is home to football, tennis, and basketball leagues. The outside amenities include a stadium, playground, tennis courts, basketball courts, outdoor beach volleyball courts, picnic tables, BBQ grills, and a lovely lake.
There is an indoor gymnasium in the park’s activity center. Children’s Park is Twin Hills Park’s most recent addition and is lovely. Many vibrant, cutting-edge children’s play structures may be seen in the Children’s Park.
Monday to Fridays (8:00 AM — 7:00 PM)
Saturday (8:00 AM — 3:00 PM)
Sunday (8:00 AM — 3:00 PM)
Location: 100 Hathaway St S, Crestview, FL 32539, United States
Website: https://www.cityofcrestview.org/facilities/facility/details/Twin-Hills-Park-2
Take a Walk To the Henderson Beach State Park
There are 60 campsites in the park, with a combination of back-in and pull-through locations, that can house tents or RVs. Except for campsites #28 and #29, all sites feature water, electricity (30 and 50 amp service), picnic tables, ground grills, and clothesline posts.
Contrary to other desert camping, supplies and dining options are nearby. The three-quarter-mile nature route in the area meanders through old, still-growing, and shifting dunes with coastal scrub as its predominant vegetation. You can have a complete view of the park, and in some spots, the Gulf of Mexico may be gotten from the walk.
Location: 17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541, USA
Website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/henderson-beach-state-park
Set Your Sight On The Old Spanish Trail
The Spanish Trail Park is a 26-acre plot. There is an adult softball complex, and soccer leagues play on the fields in the fall. The park also has two pavilions, grills, the Senior Center, circuses, fairs, and carnivals.
Spanish Trail is also located in a serene environment and is one of the places you must visit before leaving Florida. For tourists, you can view the landscape view of the Old Spanish Trail by standing at a higher height.
Location: Stillwell Blvd, Crestview, FL 32539, United States
Website: http://www.cityofcrestview.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Spanish-Trail-Park-1
Emerald Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau Is A No Brainer!
It’s amazing to view the Emerald Coast and is mysterious due to its emerald green waters and sugar-white beaches. It distinguishes it from other locations and makes it special.
The Emerald Coast is well-known for its distinctive white sand, clear oceans, and other natural features like dune lakes and neighboring barrier islands.
Location: 5262 Deer Springs Dr. Crestview, Crestview, FL 32539, US
Website: https://www.destinfwb.com/listing/emerald-coast-zoo/364/
Go to the South Walton Coast
A luxurious yet laid-back getaway, South Walton offers guests a chance to unwind and revitalize. Especially the section of the Gulf Coast in Northwest Florida is known for its charm and scenic beauty. White sand beaches and turquoise waters provide a relaxing environment for visitors.
Known for its sugar sand beaches, turquoise oceans, and stunning natural scenery, South Walton was named one of Travel & Leisure’s “Best Beaches on Earth” for families in 2013.
Location: 1170 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547, United States
Website: https://uwf.edu/offices/emerald-coast/
Crestview Parks and Recreational Department
Community Recreation and Enrichment Services (CRES) run various social and recreational events for people of the adjacent county of Crestview. The department is dedicated to providing the local population with top-notch recreational activities and cultural possibilities.
The Department of Public Services develops and cares for some of Okaloosa County’s most stunning parks. In keeping with that goal, the city works to improve the outdoor areas where residents can relax and organize sporting, educational, and recreational events that foster a sense of community.
However, tourists from neighboring countries can visit Florida park and see the fascinating things that will amaze you about Fl, USA. It opens every day and closes by 5 PM.
Location: 100 Hathaway St S, Crestview, FL 32539, United States
Website: http://www.cityofcrestview.org/206/Parks-Recreation
Walk to the Allen Park
A picnic area, softball field, outdoor basketball court, children’s playground, and a youth recreation center are all part of this 8-acre complex on McClelland Street.
The recreation center opens at nine in the morning and is staffed by city employees until 6 PM. In a supervised setting, kids can play pool, play table games, watch TV, do their homework, or hang around.
Location: McClelland St, Crestview, FL 32536, USA.
Website: https://www.cityofcrestview.org/facilities/facility/details/Allen-Park-6
Go to the Durrell Lee Park
Durrell Lee Park is a fantastic location for strolling or playing sports. The park has many fields to accommodate various sports, with the well-kept lawns the most popular strolling areas for locals. In addition, the park has a sizable parking lot and is well-lit at night, making it even more spotless.
Location: 1898 E 1st Ave, Crestview, FL 32539, USA
Website: https://www.cityofcrestview.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Durrell-Lee-Park-5
Conclusion
Crestview bridges the gap between highlands and lowlands with an amazing geographical outlook, making the county a real icebox for those who value tourism. There are a lot of eye fascinating places and events to witness in the county, which singles it out among other counties in Florida.
You cannot fathom how much fun you can get at Crestview until you get a view of the place by yourself.