South Walton

Travel Guide

South Walton Beaches which includes a beach and landscape views
South Walton Beaches which includes a beach and landscape views
Grayton Beach State Park showing a river or creek and kayaking or canoeing
Grayton Beach State Park showing tranquil scenes and forest scenes
Grayton Beach State Park which includes a sunset and a sandy beach

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

Fort Walton Beach showing a sunset and a sandy 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
Seaside featuring 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 Seagrove Beach West.

Seaside
Watercolor Seaside is my favorite beach in the South! It has the prettiest white sand and fun things to do! #LifeAtExpedia

Watercolor

While visiting Watercolor, you might make a stop by sights like Grayton Beach State Park and Seagrove Beach West.

Watercolor
Boardwalk Hiking Trail Through Longleaf Pine

Grayton Beach

You'll enjoy the beaches and bars in Grayton Beach. You might want to make time for a stop at Grayton Beach State Park or Grayton Beach.

Grayton Beach
Pathway and sea oats on beach at Santa Rosa Island near Pensacola, Florida

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
Sunset photo at Dune Allen Beach in Santa Rosa Florida on March 11, 2024

Dune Allen Beach

If you're spending some time in Dune Allen Beach, Santa Rosa Beach and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park are top sights worth seeing.

Dune Allen Beach
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 RM417 per night from 4 Mar to 5 Mar
RM417
RM467 total
4 Mar - 5 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,140 reviews)
Was not told that there was complementary fresh coffee in the morning and instead given 2 Kcup pods for my coffee maker in my room. Would’ve been nice if she had greeted me and told me about the fresh Complementary coffee. The bathroom plug-in didn’t work for my Small plug-in nightlight. The shower ...

Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026

Hilton Garden Inn Destin Miramar Beach
Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin Grand Boulevard

Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin Grand Boulevard

3 out of 5
100 Grand Blvd Miramar Beach FL
The price is RM397 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
RM397
RM445 total
22 Mar - 23 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,597 reviews)
Great location. Clean and comfortable.

Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin Grand Boulevard
Embassy Suites by Hilton Destin Miramar Beach

Embassy Suites by Hilton Destin Miramar Beach

3.5 out of 5
570 Scenic Gulf Drive Miramar Beach FL
The price is RM647 per night from 5 Mar to 6 Mar
RM647
RM724 total
5 Mar - 6 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
This hotel was exceptional! Breakfast, location to their private beach access, the room, the front desk staff, all were fantastic. Would definitely recommend this hotel to my friends and family.?

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026

Embassy Suites by Hilton Destin Miramar 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.
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 condo 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! (3,848 reviews)
The building we were in was very poorly lit outside and difficult to find. They called that building condos and it was far from a condo so very deceiving. You were left with the impression not to dirty anything. There was a sign by elevators that said “these rooms are condos NOT a hotel”. I didn’t ...

Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Surfside Resort

Surfside Resort

2.5 out of 5
1096 Scenic Gulf Drive Miramar Beach FL
Stay at this beach condo in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Miramar Beach and Sandestin Golf Resort - ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (106 reviews)
It was great

Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026

Surfside Resort
Landing Apartments Santa Rosa Beach

Landing Apartments Santa Rosa Beach

4 out of 5
158 Malachite Way Santa Rosa Beach FL
Stay at this aparthotel in Santa Rosa Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour fitness centre. Popular attractions Seaside Beach and Alys Beach are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
It was wonderful! Clean and peaceful.

Reviewed on 7 Feb 2026

Landing Apartments Santa Rosa 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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