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 Central Square 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
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 €81 per night from 9 Feb to 10 Feb
€81
includes taxes & fees
9 Feb - 10 Feb
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! (1,002 reviews)
"This hotel was amazing! My room was very comfortable and I enjoyed the happy hour. Great lobby area and I went in the hot tub as well. Everything was very clean and I loved the lobby area. But the best thing was the walkability. There were many shops and restaurants on Grand Boulavard that I could ..."

Reviewed on 1 Feb 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €86 per night from 13 Feb to 14 Feb
€86
includes taxes & fees
13 Feb - 14 Feb
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! (1,102 reviews)
"This was mine and my husband's 21st anniversary trip and when we arrived to our room, we had a sweet note and balloons, flower petals, and candy on the bed. We felt very special the entire stay! The breakfast was A we looked forward to it each morning! We are already making plans to come back this ..."

Reviewed on 4 Feb 2025

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 €231 per night from 17 Feb to 18 Feb
€231
includes taxes & fees
17 Feb - 18 Feb
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)
"Our stay the the Effie was nothing short of amazing. The valet are courteous and efficient, the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. The rooms are beautiful and quite comfortable. We will definitely be returning!"

Reviewed on 5 Feb 2025

Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection
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! (3,470 reviews)
Great stay
"Great stay with a nice view. This was a short trip, but I’d like to bring back the family for a longer stay soon."

Reviewed on 31 Dec 2024

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 Golf Course At Seascape Resort and ...
8/10 Very Good! (65 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
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! (1,154 reviews)
"Property is tucked away, they probably should add some better signage. Security you go thru does direct you well though and love that they are checking people. It’s a gorgeous area with walking trails and cute little village to go walk, shop and eat at that you MUST go to! Def go to the Marina as ..."

Reviewed on 31 Dec 2024

Hilton Grand Vacations Club in Sandestin Golf & Beach 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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