South Walton Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Visit South Walton
Photo provided by Visit South Walton
Grayton Beach State Park which includes forests and tranquil scenes
Photo provided by Visit South Walton
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

Seaside is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Seaside Beach and Central Square.

Seaside
Fort Walton Beach which includes a sunset and a beach

Seagrove Beach

Seagrove Beach is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Seaside Beach or Seagrove Beach East.

Seagrove Beach
Grayton Beach State Park showing a beach

Watercolor

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

Watercolor
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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
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Crystal Beach

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

Crystal Beach
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Dune Allen Beach

If you're spending some time in Dune Allen Beach, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Santa Rosa Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Dune Allen Beach
Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin Grand Boulevard
Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin Grand Boulevard
3 out of 5
100 Grand Blvd, Miramar Beach, Miramar Beach, FL
The price is AU$196 per night from 5 Mar to 6 Mar
AU$196
includes taxes & fees
5 Mar - 6 Mar
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,034 reviews)
Great stay, comfy bed.
"Great location only a few miles from Destin. Very clean hotel with lots of good service. The elevators were small and painfully slow. The room was very clean with good finishes. The bed was the most comfortable bed I experienced during a two week trip with 5 different hotels. My biggest complaint ..."

Reviewed on 1 Mar. 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin Grand Boulevard
The Lodge 30A
The Lodge 30A
2 out of 5
4721 E County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
The price is AU$276 per night from 5 Mar to 6 Mar
AU$276
includes taxes & fees
5 Mar - 6 Mar
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Rosa Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (360 reviews)
"Excellent value on 30A, especially for 1-3 night stays compared to rental properties."

Reviewed on 3 Mar. 2025

The Lodge 30A
Home2 Suites By Hilton Santa Rosa Beach
Home2 Suites By Hilton Santa Rosa Beach
3 out of 5
100 West Hewett Road, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
The price is AU$236 per night from 6 Mar to 7 Mar
AU$236
includes taxes & fees
6 Mar - 7 Mar
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Santa Rosa Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (393 reviews)
Great Stay
"The hotel is new and everything was fresh and very clean. One of the nicest hotels we every stayed at. Great staff. The breakfast bar had a nice variety of items to choose from. The parking lot had plenty of spaces to accommodate or class B camper van. Nice location on a safe area and just outside ..."

Reviewed on 28 Feb. 2025

Home2 Suites By Hilton Santa Rosa Beach
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 helpful staff and the property condition ...
7.6/10 Good! (3,475 reviews)
Beautiful resort, clean and well maintained.
"Check in was easy and fast. Property was well maintained and clean. Condo was clean and well equipped with ample kitchen equipment. The view of the Bay was spectacular from the room. The beach and marine was very nice."

Reviewed on 28 Feb. 2025

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Gulf Front Sanctuary|Private Deeded Beach|One Of The Largest Gulf Front Pools
Gulf Front Sanctuary|Private Deeded Beach|One Of The Largest Gulf Front Pools
Santa Rosa Beach
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Santa Rosa Beach. Enjoy private pools, a beach locale, and a pool table. Popular attractions Seaside Beach and Alys ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Great Beach Vacation
"Amazing house, pool, beach. First rate"

Reviewed on 1 Jun. 2024

Gulf Front Sanctuary|Private Deeded Beach|One Of The Largest Gulf Front Pools
Gulf Front in Seagrove With Beach Setup; Heated Pool
Gulf Front in Seagrove With Beach Setup; Heated Pool
4 out of 5
3768 E County Highway 30a, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Stay at this 4-star golf condo in Santa Rosa Beach. Enjoy furnished balconies, in-room washers/dryers, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Alys Beach ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"I loved that it was right on the beach with gorgeous scenery. The heated pool was nice. We had a wonderful time! We had a crazy start on Friday. They sent us the access code to get in the condo but neglected to tell us we needed to push the check mark also so we had a problem getting in. There could ..."

Reviewed on 15 Feb. 2025

Gulf Front in Seagrove With Beach Setup; Heated Pool
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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