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 Seaside Repertory Theatre.

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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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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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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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
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 AU$329 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
AU$329
includes taxes & fees
14 Apr - 15 Apr
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,525 reviews)
"My stay was awesome! I enjoyed everything about my stay and the staff was very friendly 😊"

Reviewed on 7 Apr. 2025

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
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$229 per night from 17 Apr to 18 Apr
AU$229
includes taxes & fees
17 Apr - 18 Apr
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! (1,099 reviews)
"I didn't like having to pay for our breakfast that should have been free options on the menu."

Reviewed on 8 Apr. 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$229 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
AU$229
includes taxes & fees
16 Apr - 17 Apr
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,180 reviews)
"Great Stay! Very quiet and safe area."

Reviewed on 6 Apr. 2025

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.
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,525 reviews)
"My stay was awesome! I enjoyed everything about my stay and the staff was very friendly 😊"

Reviewed on 7 Apr. 2025

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
'Domus Pacis' | TWO POOLS, Beach Front,  Next to Seaside 30A
'Domus Pacis' | TWO POOLS, Beach Front, Next to Seaside 30A
Seagrove Beach
Stay at this vacation home in Santa Rosa Beach. Enjoy private pools, a beach locale, and concierge services. Popular attractions Seaside Beach and Grayton Beach ...
10/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
WOW! Beautiful, well-equipped home and great customer service
"Wow, wow, wow. The pictures do not do this place justice. The views are jaw dropping. Besides its beauty, this home is well-appointed with everything you may need, including dish ware and utensils for the babies. This is a great house for family reunions or group trips because there are many spaces ..."

Reviewed on 3 Mar. 2025

'Domus Pacis' | TWO POOLS, Beach Front, Next to Seaside 30A
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! (73 reviews)
"One of the sliding closet doors in the hallway was off the track, and the other one fell off and caused some of the wood wallets to come out. It was ok, but worrisome . I didn’t want the owners to think we did that."

Reviewed on 30 Mar. 2025

Surfside 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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