South Walton

Travel Guide

South Walton
South Walton
South Walton
South Walton
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

Seagrove Beach

Seagrove Beach

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

Seagrove Beach
Seaside

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

Watercolor

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

Watercolor
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
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
Crystal Beach

Crystal Beach

If you're spending some time in Crystal Beach, Miramar Beach and Henderson Beach State Park 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 FL
The price is P7,711 per night from May 17 to May 18
P7,711
per night
May 17 - May 18
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,663 reviews)
Friendly staff, clean room, nice pool and hot tub. The housekeeping freshened up our room every day during a 7 night stay and room had a very nice view.

Reviewed on May 15, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin Grand Boulevard
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 P9,376 per night from May 18 to May 19
P9,376
per night
May 18 - May 19
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,222 reviews)
Bar only opened from 5:30p-9:30pm

Reviewed on May 15, 2026

Hilton Garden Inn Destin Miramar Beach
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

4 out of 5
9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W Miramar Beach FL
The price is P8,698 per night from May 31 to Jun 1
P8,698
per night
May 31 - Jun 1
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,880 reviews)
I think we were a little in between seasons w/ construction & landscaping all being done where we stayed. Pool amenities weren’t open yet (snack bar)… but that’s ok. Would have been nice to have pool towels👍

Reviewed on May 15, 2026

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 FL
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,880 reviews)
I think we were a little in between seasons w/ construction & landscaping all being done where we stayed. Pool amenities weren’t open yet (snack bar)… but that’s ok. Would have been nice to have pool towels👍

Reviewed on May 15, 2026

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Bay Club of Sandestin

Bay Club of Sandestin

3.5 out of 5
120 N Sandestin Blvd Miramar Beach FL
Stay at this aparthotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Sandestin Golf Resort - Raven, Burnt Pine, ...
9/10 Wonderful! (162 reviews)
I loved the location of the Bay Club Sandestin, and the amenities of the area. We had access to 3 outdoor pools (2 heated), and there was a trolley to the beach area. We were able to visit other local attractions with just a 15min drive. Within the community there was a dedicated walking path that ...

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2026

Bay Club of Sandestin
Maravilla by Southern Vacation Rentals

Maravilla by Southern Vacation Rentals

3.5 out of 5
Miramar Beach FL
Book a stay at this golf condo in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and balconies. Popular attractions Miramar Beach and Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure ...
8/10 Very Good! (13 reviews)
This location placed us in the center of all the activities we wished to partake. The weather was beautiful, and it was a plus to have beach umbrella and chairs. Definitely would consider staying in the same spot for an upcoming visit!

Reviewed on Mar 29, 2026

Maravilla by Southern Vacation Rentals
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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