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 Watercolor isn't home to many top sights, Seaside Beach and Central Square are some notable places to visit nearby.

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
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$144 per night from 16 Jan to 17 Jan
AU$144
includes taxes & fees
16 Jan - 17 Jan 2025
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! (1,067 reviews)
"Nice hotel very suitable for vacation"

Reviewed on 20 Dec. 2024

Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard
Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection
Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection
4 out of 5
1 Grand Sandestin Boulevard, Miramar Beach, FL
The price is AU$368 per night from 23 Dec to 24 Dec
AU$368
includes taxes & fees
23 Dec - 24 Dec
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! (1,001 reviews)
Very nice place
"Very nice place. Excellent service. Very nice room. Many casual restaurants within walking distance."

Reviewed on 1 Dec. 2024

Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection
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$151 per night from 26 Dec to 27 Dec
AU$151
includes taxes & fees
26 Dec - 27 Dec
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Exercise in a good place and then you will feel good"

Reviewed on 13 Dec. 2024

Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin 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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (3,464 reviews)
"We loved all the options within the resort with things to do and places to eat!"

Reviewed on 22 Oct. 2024

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
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 property condition in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,143 reviews)
"Great stay!"

Reviewed on 16 Dec. 2024

Hilton Grand Vacations Club in Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
Bay Club of Sandestin by VRI Americas
Bay Club of Sandestin by VRI Americas
3.5 out of 5
120 N Sandestin Blvd, Miramar Beach, Miramar Beach, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Sandestin Golf Resort - Raven, Burnt ...
9/10 Wonderful! (136 reviews)
"This is our favorite place to stay when we visit Sandestin. Close to the beach and dining, spacious rooms, and safety/quiet makes it the perfect place to relax! Even with construction going on, we had the perfect trip!"

Reviewed on 13 Aug. 2024

Bay Club of Sandestin by VRI Americas
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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