South Walton

Travel Guide

South Walton Beaches showing landscape views and a beach
South Walton Beaches showing landscape views and a beach
Grayton Beach State Park featuring a river or creek and kayaking or canoeing
Grayton Beach State Park showing tranquil scenes and forest scenes
Grayton Beach State Park showing a beach and a sunset

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 kilometres) 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.

The Annual Vacation Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.

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 beach and a sunset

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
Watercolor Seaside is my favorite beach in the South! It has the prettiest white sand and fun things to do! #LifeAtExpedia

Watercolor

While visiting Watercolor, you might make a stop by sights like Grayton Beach State Park and Seagrove Beach West.

Watercolor
Boardwalk Hiking Trail Through Longleaf Pine

Grayton Beach

You'll enjoy the beaches and bars in Grayton Beach. You might want to make time for a stop at Grayton Beach State Park or Grayton Beach.

Grayton Beach
Pathway and sea oats on beach at Santa Rosa Island near Pensacola, Florida

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
Sunset photo at Dune Allen Beach in Santa Rosa Florida on March 11, 2024

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
Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin Grand Boulevard

Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin Grand Boulevard

3 out of 5
100 Grand Blvd Miramar Beach FL
The price is CA $104 per night from Feb 26 to Feb 27
CA $104
CA $116 total
Feb 26 - Feb 27
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,591 reviews)
Great room, beds were comfortable and bathrooms were spotless.

Reviewed on Feb 19, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin Grand Boulevard
Hilton Garden Inn Destin Miramar Beach

Hilton Garden Inn Destin Miramar Beach

3 out of 5
220 Scenic Gulf Drive Miramar Beach FL
The price is CA $114 per night from Feb 23 to Feb 24
CA $114
CA $127 total
Feb 23 - Feb 24
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,130 reviews)
Everything was wonderful! I always stay here when I visit Destin, and it’s always a fantastic place to stay. The clean room & staff was fantastic, and there was so much more to it. I’m planning to come back to Destin later in the spring or summer and will definitely be staying here again. ...

Reviewed on Feb 20, 2026

Hilton Garden Inn Destin Miramar Beach
Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard

Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard

3 out of 5
325 Grand Boulevard Miramar Beach FL
The price is CA $120 per night from Feb 27 to Feb 28
CA $120
CA $135 total
Feb 27 - Feb 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,453 reviews)
Everything was great from the check in process to the room. Great location and clean room.

Reviewed on Feb 20, 2026

Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard
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.
Surfside Resort

Surfside Resort

2.5 out of 5
1096 Scenic Gulf Drive Miramar Beach FL
Book a stay at this beach condo in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Miramar Beach and Sandestin Golf Resort ...
Surfside Resort
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

4 out of 5
9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W Miramar Beach FL
Book a stay at this beach condo in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,847 reviews)
The building we were in was very poorly lit outside and difficult to find. They called that building condos and it was far from a condo so very deceiving. You were left with the impression not to dirty anything. There was a sign by elevators that said “these rooms are condos NOT a hotel”. I didn’t ...

Reviewed on Feb 17, 2026

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
LUXURY ON PRIVATE BEACH: Gulf Front Hot Tub, Remodeled 2024, Beach Svc, 4 Kings

LUXURY ON PRIVATE BEACH: Gulf Front Hot Tub, Remodeled 2024, Beach Svc, 4 Kings

Miramar Beach FL
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a water park. Popular attractions Miramar Beach and Sandestin ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (23 reviews)
Everything was perfect! The hot tub was amazing in January overlooking the Gulf. Beds were super comfortable, and it felt like home. Highly recommend!

Reviewed on Jan 13, 2026

LUXURY ON PRIVATE BEACH: Gulf Front Hot Tub, Remodeled 2024, Beach Svc, 4 Kings
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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