South Walton

Travel Guide
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 kilometres) 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 Fusion Art Glass Gallery.

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 Grayton Beach State Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Watercolor
Default Image

Crystal Beach

If you're spending some time in Crystal Beach, Henderson Beach State Park and Miramar Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Crystal Beach
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

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
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Miramar Beach-Destin
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Miramar Beach-Destin
2.5 out of 5
12839 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Miramar Beach, FL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM469 per night from 13 May to 14 May
RM469
per night
13 May - 14 May
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,203 reviews)
Absolutely Wonderful
"They have a wonderful staff and the location is the best. Also, They are clean, has a bar, and nice amenities. Stay there!"

Reviewed on 11 May 2024

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Miramar Beach-Destin
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 RM474 per night from 13 May to 14 May
RM474
per night
13 May - 14 May
Stay at this 4-star beach condo in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
7.6/10 Good! (3,189 reviews)
"Check in process went smooth but, did not realize until we got to our room that it was not the room I had booked. Asked for king size bed and ended up having a room with 2 double beds. This was not told to us at check-in. Also, note not all rooms have balconies. So will make sure next time we have ..."

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection
Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection
4 out of 5
1 Grand Sandestin Boulevard, Miramar Beach, FL
The price is RM1,488 per night from 19 May to 20 May
RM1,488
per night
19 May - 20 May
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! (1,002 reviews)
"The property was in a great location. If you didn’t want to leave the area they had everything in walking distance."

Reviewed on 9 May 2024

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 pool and the helpful staff in our ...
7.6/10 Good! (3,189 reviews)
"Check in process went smooth but, did not realize until we got to our room that it was not the room I had booked. Asked for king size bed and ended up having a room with 2 double beds. This was not told to us at check-in. Also, note not all rooms have balconies. So will make sure next time we have ..."

Reviewed on 8 May 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 pool and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,126 reviews)
"Conveniently located in the SanDestin Beach and Golf Resort. We had a very nice king studio suite. The kitchenette was very good. Nice pool complex. Good walking trails."

Reviewed on 29 Feb 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 aparthotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Sandestin Golf Resort - Raven, Burnt Pine, ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (125 reviews)
"Our stay was great. Clean quiet room. Friendly staff!"

Reviewed on 16 Apr 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do