South Walton

Travel Guide

Two people sitting on a white sandy beach with turquoise water and a clear blue sky.
A calm river with a canoe, surrounded by tall grasses and trees.
A sandy path surrounded by dense foliage and a large tree with twisted branches.
A wooden bench on a sandy beach facing the ocean at sunset.
A sandy beach with people walking along a path towards the ocean.

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.

Hilton Garden Inn Destin Miramar Beach

Hilton Garden Inn Destin Miramar Beach

3 out of 5
220 Scenic Gulf Drive Miramar Beach FL
The price is RM378 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
RM378
RM423 total
21 Sept - 22 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
Hilton Garden Inn Destin Miramar Beach
Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard

Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard

3 out of 5
325 Grand Boulevard Miramar Beach FL
The price is RM371 per night from 13 Sept to 14 Sept
RM371
RM416 total
13 Sept - 14 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,527 reviews)
"First time going to FL and 1st time staying at the Hyatt hotel very clean room friendly staff breakfast wasnt bad hot breakfast at that. They also have happy hour everyday they have a bar down stairs. The pool was very big and very clean and relaxing as well plus it was close to the beach there alot ..."

Reviewed on 5 Sept 2026

Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard
The Lodge 30A

The Lodge 30A

2 out of 5
4721 E County Hwy 30A Santa Rosa Beach FL
The price is RM643 per night from 20 Sept to 21 Sept
RM643
RM720 total
20 Sept - 21 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Rosa Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (867 reviews)
"We had such a wonderful stay at Lodge 30A! From the moment we arrived, every staff member we interacted with was incredibly welcoming, kind, and supportive. Their attention to detail and willingness to help throughout our stay truly made our experience that much more special. We absolutely loved ..."

Reviewed on 5 Sept 2026

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 FL
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (4,171 reviews)
"This is a large resort, so it's wonderful that they have complimentary tram service. And I enjoyed making use of the bikes and kayaks. There's plenty of active outdoor things to do in addition to the beach and pools."

Reviewed on 1 Sept 2026

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Bay Club of Sandestin

Bay Club of Sandestin

3.5 out of 5
120 N Sandestin Blvd Miramar Beach FL
Stay at this aparthotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Sandestin Golf Resort - Raven, Burnt Pine, ...
9/10 Wonderful! (182 reviews)
"The condo building and the unit we stayed in are outdated and need to be modernized. Common areas were not clean and the hallway off the elevator where our unit was located had a very pungent smell of mildew and mold. The unit itself needs major updating from new kitchen and bathroom fixtures as ..."

Reviewed on 31 Aug 2026

Bay Club of Sandestin
Edgewater by Southern Vacation Rentals

Edgewater by Southern Vacation Rentals

4 out of 5
291 Scenic Gulf Drive Miramar Beach FL
Stay at this beach condo in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Sandestin Golf Resort - Raven, Burnt Pine, ...
Edgewater by Southern Vacation Rentals
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.

Stay near popular South Walton attractions

Things to do

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