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 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 sandy beach

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 showing a sandy beach

Watercolor

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

Watercolor
The Red Bar

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
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 P12,313 per night from Jun 29 to Jun 30
P12,313
P19,352 total
Jun 29 - Jun 30
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! (3,681 reviews)
"Beautiful"

Reviewed on Jun 23, 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 P9,567 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
P9,567
P10,715 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
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! (1,194 reviews)
"Super clean and well maintained property with a modern look. I would return for sure!"

Reviewed on Jun 26, 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 P9,618 per night from Jul 8 to Jul 9
P9,618
P10,772 total
Jul 8 - Jul 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,058 reviews)
"The property was nice , present and quite as could be definitely would recommend"

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Miramar Beach-Destin
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! (3,681 reviews)
"Beautiful"

Reviewed on Jun 23, 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! (82 reviews)
"Affordable price, close to the ocean."

Reviewed on Jun 17, 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 Silver Sands Premium Outlets and Miramar ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (109 reviews)
"Went for a conference, and really enjoyed having this beach front condo so close to everything. Everywhere we chose to go when we weren’t on the beach was within 10 minutes. The condo was great for our family of 4, but we could’ve comfortable had more people with the couch."

Reviewed on Jun 2, 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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