South Walton

Travel 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 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 showing 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 featuring a beach and a sunset

Seagrove Beach

Travelers come to Seagrove Beach for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Seaside Beach and Seagrove Beach West while you're in town.

Seagrove Beach
Grayton Beach State Park featuring 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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Dune Allen Beach

While visiting Dune Allen Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Santa Rosa Beach.

Dune Allen 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
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! (1,307 reviews)
"The rooms were clean and"

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin Grand Boulevard
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! (3,783 reviews)
"Convenient and lots of shoppikg"

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard

Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard

3 out of 5
325 Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach, Miramar Beach, FL
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,327 reviews)
"My daughter stayed at this property for 3 nights and 4 days. The front staff aswell the housekeepers were all polite. Whatever I needs were big or small from silverware in the middle of the night to transportation offsite, fresh linen etc...one of the best vacations ever. We will definitely ..."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 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! (3,783 reviews)
"Convenient and lots of shoppikg"

Reviewed on Aug 8, 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 Miramar Beach and Sandestin Golf Resort ...
8/10 Very Good! (86 reviews)
"View was absolutely beautiful. Private entrance to the beach. pools were clean and easy access."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Surfside Resort
Beach House Condominiums

Beach House Condominiums

3 out of 5
675 Scenic Gulf Dr, Miramar Beach, Miramar Beach, FL
Stay at this 3-star beach condo in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Miramar Beach and Sandestin Golf Resort ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (114 reviews)
Location is great. Carpet is questionable.
"We enjoyed our stay. The location next to the beach is absolutely perfect and overall it’s not a bad condo. I would probably book there again due to the location. However, the cleanliness of the carpet on the bedroom floors was concerning enough that we made sure to wear socks while there, especially ..."

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2025

Beach House Condominiums
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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