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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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 P4,850 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
P4,850
P5,432 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,282 reviews)
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Reviewed on Aug 1, 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
The price is P7,313 per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
P7,313
P13,726 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
includes taxes & fees
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! (3,772 reviews)
"The first room we were give was awful. There was construction being done to the building and our room had what seems to be an air mattress on the bed and the windows to the balcony was covered with plastic. We had no visibility to the beach and the door was sealed shut to the balcony. We returned ..."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
4000 S Sandestin Blvd, Miramar Beach, Miramar Beach, FL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P16,266 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
P16,266
P20,823 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in Miramar Beach. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Rooms are spacious for large family - we have beds for everyone! great pools and easy access to beach."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
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! (3,772 reviews)
"The first room we were give was awful. There was construction being done to the building and our room had what seems to be an air mattress on the bed and the windows to the balcony was covered with plastic. We had no visibility to the beach and the door was sealed shut to the balcony. We returned ..."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 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! (85 reviews)
"View was absolutely beautiful. Private entrance to the beach. pools were clean and easy access."

Reviewed on Jul 30, 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 coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Seaside ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (11 reviews)
"was the 2nd leg of a 4 leg stellar vaca & my wife is demanding a return!"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 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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