South Walton Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Visit South Walton
Photo provided by Visit South Walton
Grayton Beach State Park which includes 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 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 Seagrove Beach West.

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
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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
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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
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 ₹8,680 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹8,680
₹9,722 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,235 reviews)
"Muy buena experiencia, primera vez hospedándome en este hotel, agradable, limpio y bien ubicado.. tiene cerca un área muy linda para caminar y comer. Lo único que no me deja darle todas las estrellas es que no limpiaron la habitación ningún día de los que estuve hospedada, no cambiaron toallas ni ..."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin Grand Boulevard
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Miramar Beach-Destin

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Miramar Beach-Destin

3 out of 5
12839 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Miramar Beach, FL
The price is ₹12,147 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹12,147
₹13,605 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,101 reviews)
"Breakfast not the greatest, but our stay was good!"

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

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 ₹13,902 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
₹13,902
₹23,842 total
12 Aug - 13 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach condo in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,733 reviews)
"Fresh towels is all you get by way of housekeeping. We were all the way on the other side of the resort so beach access wasn’t great. It was very quiet and relaxing which was a big part of what we were looking for."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Sandestin Golf and 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.
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,733 reviews)
"Fresh towels is all you get by way of housekeeping. We were all the way on the other side of the resort so beach access wasn’t great. It was very quiet and relaxing which was a big part of what we were looking for."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Surfside Resort

Surfside Resort

2.5 out of 5
1096 Scenic Gulf Drive, Miramar Beach, Miramar Beach, FL
Stay at this beach condo in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Silver Sands Premium Outlets and Miramar ...
8/10 Very Good! (83 reviews)
"My two adult children and I had a fabulous trip. Plenty of space and nice view. Easy access to the beach."

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Surfside Resort
Hidden Beach Villas

Hidden Beach Villas

3.5 out of 5
3605 E County Highway 30a, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Santa Rosa Beach. Enjoy furnished balconies or patios, an in-room coffee maker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Seaside ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (10 reviews)
"was the 2nd leg of a 4 leg stellar vaca & my wife is demanding a return!"

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

Hidden Beach Villas
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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