South Walton

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Visit South Walton
Photo provided by Visit South Walton
Grayton Beach State Park featuring forest scenes and tranquil 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 West.

Seagrove Beach
Grayton Beach State Park showing a beach

Watercolor

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

Watercolor
Default Image

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
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
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 S$266 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
S$266
includes taxes & fees
28 Apr - 29 Apr
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,538 reviews)
"Overall 1 of the best places i've stayed at in a long time. This resort has everything on site so there is really no need to leave - which is a huge plus to me. Food amazing. Drinks amazing. And if you do leave the property there are shopping and dining options that are very convenient."

Reviewed on 14 Apr, 2025

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
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 S$186 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
S$186
includes taxes & fees
22 Apr - 23 Apr
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! (1,110 reviews)
"No complaints! Would definitely stay again"

Reviewed on 15 Apr, 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
The price is S$198 per night from 5 May to 6 May
S$198
includes taxes & fees
5 May - 6 May
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,200 reviews)
"Super helpful and welcoming staff."

Reviewed on 17 Apr, 2025

Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,538 reviews)
"Overall 1 of the best places i've stayed at in a long time. This resort has everything on site so there is really no need to leave - which is a huge plus to me. Food amazing. Drinks amazing. And if you do leave the property there are shopping and dining options that are very convenient."

Reviewed on 14 Apr, 2025

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 Silver Sands Premium Outlets and Miramar ...
8/10 Very Good! (74 reviews)
"This is paradise ❤️"

Reviewed on 16 Apr, 2025

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! (1,156 reviews)
"The property is kept very beautiful. The kitchen was stocked with just the right amount of items. The furniture in our living room (505) was very uncomfortable. The room was beautiful and very spacious. The dining room and extra sitting room and the 2 bathrooms were all very comfortable to have. ..."

Reviewed on 10 Apr, 2025

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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do