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
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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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$210 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
AU$210
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 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! (1,052 reviews)
Absolutely wonderful place to stay!
"It was absolutely amazing. Very beautiful! My daughter and I stayed for a little get away bonding time. They had so many accommodations. They have restaurants in the lobbs 24 hours customer service. The bedroom was so cute, spacious, lots of room, had a balcony, and super clean. All the other guest ..."

Reviewed on 10 Mar. 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin Grand Boulevard
Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard
Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard
3 out of 5
325 Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach, Miramar Beach, FL
The price is AU$230 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
AU$230
includes taxes & fees
19 Mar - 20 Mar
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,144 reviews)
"Very pleasant stay. Husband enjoyed the breakfast. Staff very Nice"

Reviewed on 10 Mar. 2025

Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
4 out of 5
4000 S Sandestin Blvd, Miramar Beach, Miramar Beach, FL
The price is AU$521 per night from 19 Mar to 20 Mar
AU$521
includes taxes & fees
19 Mar - 20 Mar
Book a stay at this beach resort in Miramar Beach. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Great property, super helpful staff. I was surprised by the $40/day parking fee when I had to park my own vehicle and parking is really a long way from the lobby. I guess I should’ve read the fine print. Glad I was only there for 3 days."

Reviewed on 9 Mar. 2025

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
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! (3,476 reviews)
"There was work going on, so a little noise one day, and construction fences were around, but that wasn't too bad. The only major issue I had was checking in. There were not clear and easy directions on where to check in. Once checked in, everything else was fine."

Reviewed on 7 Mar. 2025

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Surfside Resort
Surfside Resort
2.5 out of 5
1096 Scenic Gulf Drive, Miramar Beach, Miramar Beach, FL
Book a stay at this beach condo in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Silver Sands Premium Outlets and Miramar ...
8/10 Very Good! (69 reviews)
"We had a great stay here! The condo was very clean and I loved the huge balcony and we could see the ocean. The kitchen was well equipped, however, there was not any pantry items like salt and pepper or olive oil. Not surprising but just something to be aware of. It was very quiet and we were able ..."

Reviewed on 17 Nov. 2024

Surfside 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 Grayton ...
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
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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near South Walton