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 East 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
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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
Had to have the blooming onion

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
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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
The price is P6,782 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
P6,782
P7,596 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 16 - Mar 17
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! (1,048 reviews)
"Very accommodating"

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin Grand Boulevard
Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard
Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard
3 out of 5
325 Grand Boulevard, Miramar Beach, Miramar Beach, FL
The price is P7,542 per night from 18 Mar to 19 Mar
P7,542
P8,447 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 18 - Mar 19
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! (1,141 reviews)
"Very clean"

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2025

Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard
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
The price is P14,529 per night from 18 Mar to 19 Mar
P14,529
P18,833 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 18 - Mar 19
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! (1,007 reviews)
"Very clean and comfortable room very big and beautiful ocean view and I arrived early but the room is ready for us. Good customer service highly recommend.."

Reviewed on Mar 7, 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 ...
7.6/10 Good! (3,476 reviews)
"There was work going on, so a little noise one day, and construction fences were around, but that wasn't too bad. The only major issue I had was checking in. There were not clear and easy directions on where to check in. Once checked in, everything else was fine."

Reviewed on Mar 7, 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! (70 reviews)
"We had a great stay here! The condo was very clean and I loved the huge balcony and we could see the ocean. The kitchen was well equipped, however, there was not any pantry items like salt and pepper or olive oil. Not surprising but just something to be aware of. It was very quiet and we were able ..."

Reviewed on Nov 17, 2024

Surfside Resort
Bay Club of Sandestin
Bay Club of Sandestin
3.5 out of 5
120 N Sandestin Blvd, Miramar Beach, Miramar Beach, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Sandestin Golf Resort - Raven, Burnt ...
9/10 Wonderful! (136 reviews)
"This is our favorite place to stay when we visit Sandestin. Close to the beach and dining, spacious rooms, and safety/quiet makes it the perfect place to relax! Even with construction going on, we had the perfect trip!"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2024

Bay Club of Sandestin
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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