South Walton

Travel Guide
Photo provided by Visit South Walton
Photo provided by Visit South Walton
Grayton Beach which includes tranquil scenes and forest 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

5/5(1 area review)

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 Seaside Repertory Theatre are some notable places to visit nearby.

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
Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection
Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection
4 out of 5
1 Grand Sandestin Boulevard, Miramar Beach, FL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €232 per night from 8 Jan to 9 Jan
€232
includes taxes & fees
8 Jan - 9 Jan
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! (1,000 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
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 €91 per night from 20 Jan to 21 Jan
€91
includes taxes & fees
20 Jan - 21 Jan
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! (353 reviews)
"Heated salt water pool. Very friendly. Great breakfast."

Reviewed on 31 Dec 2024

Home2 Suites By Hilton Santa Rosa Beach
The Lodge 30A
The Lodge 30A
2 out of 5
4721 E County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
The price is €126 per night from 21 Jan to 22 Jan
€126
includes taxes & fees
21 Jan - 22 Jan
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! (351 reviews)
"Fabulous hotel in a great location."

Reviewed on 21 Dec 2024

The Lodge 30A
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
Cozy studio in the heart of Seaside walking distance to the beach
Cozy studio in the heart of Seaside walking distance to the beach
Santa Rosa Beach
Stay at this apartment in Santa Rosa Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (75 reviews)
Perfect location little studio!
"Overall our stay at this property was perfect! It is about 10 steps from the shops and you just walk across the street and you’re at the beach! Loved our stay here!"

Reviewed on 8 Dec 2024

Cozy studio in the heart of Seaside walking distance to the beach
PERFECT FOR A COUPLE'S GETAWAYS! 2 MINUTE WALK TO POOL & BEACH
PERFECT FOR A COUPLE'S GETAWAYS! 2 MINUTE WALK TO POOL & BEACH
Seaside
Stay at this vacation home in Santa Rosa Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Seaside Beach and Fusion Art ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (50 reviews)
Charming Guest House
"We loved our stay at Turkish Delight, and I'd recommend it to pretty much anyone else (as long as you weren't booked during a time we'd like to book, that is...) I would make two recommendations to the property manager, though: 1.) the place needs a cutting board; and 2.) it can also use sink sponges. ..."

Reviewed on 11 Nov 2024

PERFECT FOR A COUPLE'S GETAWAYS! 2 MINUTE WALK TO POOL & 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.

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