South Walton

Travel Guide
Photo provided by Visit South Walton
Swim, kayak or go fishing at this collection of gorgeous Floridian beaches, backed by coastal communities, stunning lakes and national parks.

Discover 26 miles (41.8 kilometers) of golden sands, laidback beachside communities and beautiful national parks when you visit the South Walton beaches. Kayak in pristine lakes or surf, swim and go fishing in the warm, clear waters of the Floridian coast.

Set between Destin and Panama City, the beaches of South Walton are a year-round destination. Walton County is home to some of the most charming beach communities in Florida. Grayton Beach and Mirimar are two popular destinations, though each town has something unique to offer.  

Hit the beach to try stand-up paddle boarding, rent a windsurfer or drop a fishing line from a kayak. The ocean is usually calm during the summer months, making it perfect for swimmers and families. Lifeguards patrol the beaches at this time. Lay down a towel on the soft, golden sands and relax for an afternoon.  

Make your way inland to explore several miles of well-maintained walking trails. More than a third of the land in South Walton is made up of nature reserves, including stunning forests and around 15 different lakes. These lakes are great for swimming, fishing and kayaking. Spot native wildlife such as deer, tortoise and the rare red-cockaded woodpecker. 

Golfers can take advantage of several world-class courses and tennis fans can play at more than 30 courts in the area. 

Find a selection of options for shopping and dining in each of the South Walton towns. Keen shoppers can head to Sandestin for designer brands and local markets full of great souvenirs. Relax at the spas of Watercolor. Don’t miss the fabulous live music bars dotted throughout South Walton. Ask ahead of your visit about the various food, music and culture festivals that take place in the towns year-round.

South Walton and its communities are within an hour’s drive of both Panama City and Destin. Be aware that dogs are only allowed around the beaches and parks at certain times of the year and you may have to get a permit first.

Where to stay in South Walton

Seaside which includes a coastal town and general coastal views

Seaside

This unincorporated area on Florida's Panhandle boasts a Seaside Farmers Market and a picturesque interfaith chapel. Explore the town center and stroll along pedestrian alleys radiating from the heart of the community.

Seaside
Fort Walton Beach which includes a sunset and a sandy beach

Seagrove Beach

Travelers come to Seagrove Beach for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Seaside Beach and Seagrove Beach East while you're in town.

Seagrove Beach
Grayton Beach State Park showing a sandy beach

Watercolor

Though Watercolor might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Seaside Beach and Grayton Beach State Park.

Watercolor
Had to have the blooming onion

Crystal Beach

If you're spending some time in Crystal Beach, Henderson Beach State Park and Miramar Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Crystal Beach
Default Image

Blue Mountain Beach

If you're spending some time in Blue Mountain Beach, Blue Mountain Beach and Santa Rosa Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Blue Mountain Beach
Our first view of the Gulf. Deer & bear can be found in the dunes area. Beautiful water & white sandy beach! #Trovember

Dune Allen Beach

3/5(1 area review)

While visiting Dune Allen Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Santa Rosa Beach.

Dune Allen Beach
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
4 out of 5
9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W, Miramar Beach, Miramar Beach, FL
The price is CA $147 per night from May 21 to May 22
CA $147
CA $290 total
includes taxes & fees
May 21 - May 22
Stay at this 4-star beach condo in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
7.6/10 Good! (3,198 reviews)
Nice place for vacations
"Great amenities and friendly staff"

Reviewed on May 14, 2024

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Miramar Beach-Destin
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Miramar Beach-Destin
2.5 out of 5
12839 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Miramar Beach, FL
The price is CA $162 per night from May 16 to May 17
CA $162
CA $208 total
includes taxes & fees
May 16 - May 17
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,205 reviews)
Absolutely Wonderful
"They have a wonderful staff and the location is the best. Also, They are clean, has a bar, and nice amenities. Stay there!"

Reviewed on May 11, 2024

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Miramar Beach-Destin
Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection
Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection
4 out of 5
1 Grand Sandestin Boulevard, Miramar Beach, FL
The price is CA $463 per night from May 19 to May 20
CA $463
CA $580 total
includes taxes & fees
May 19 - May 20
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a golf course. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel, staff was very friendly and helpful,. This was my second time staying there and i definitely will be going back for a third time. I really enjoyed my stay. From the friendly valet to the beautiful rooftop heated pool. Everything was amazing."

Reviewed on May 14, 2024

Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
4 out of 5
9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W, Miramar Beach, Miramar Beach, FL
Stay at this 4-star beach condo in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
7.6/10 Good! (3,198 reviews)
Nice place for vacations
"Great amenities and friendly staff"

Reviewed on May 14, 2024

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Gulf Views and Private Pool Just Steps from Beach Access and Seaside
Gulf Views and Private Pool Just Steps from Beach Access and Seaside
Santa Rosa Beach
Stay at this vacation home in Santa Rosa Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and patios. Popular attractions Seaside Beach and Grayton Beach State Park are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
Excellent Home and Location!!
"This was an amazing property!! Simply nothing negative about this place. This is the nicest home we have ever stayed in with 14 years straight in the Seaside/Seagrove/Rosemary areas. The location is simply unbeatable! You won’t be disappointed with this place!! So take my next paragraph with that ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 2, 2023

Gulf Views and Private Pool Just Steps from Beach Access and Seaside
Hilton Grand Vacations Club in Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
Hilton Grand Vacations Club in Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
3 out of 5
8626 Baytowne Ave., West, Miramar Beach, Miramar Beach, FL
Stay at this 3-star golf aparthotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,126 reviews)
"Conveniently located in the SanDestin Beach and Golf Resort. We had a very nice king studio suite. The kitchenette was very good. Nice pool complex. Good walking trails."

Reviewed on Feb. 29, 2024

Hilton Grand Vacations Club in Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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