South Walton Travel Guide

Tourist 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 kilometres) 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

Seagrove Beach is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Seaside Beach or Seagrove Beach East.

Seagrove Beach
Seaside

Seaside

Seaside is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Seaside Beach and Central Square.

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, Henderson Beach State Park and Henderson Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Crystal Beach
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
4000 S Sandestin Blvd Miramar Beach FL
The price is AU$591 per night from 7 May to 8 May
AU$591
7 May - 8 May
includes taxes & fees
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 clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,011 reviews)
The room was spacious and clean. The restaurants were nice. The only thing was that my family and I went on an excursion, we were dropped off by the tram and wasn’t told we had to get our own way back. Otherwise, it was a great visit!

Reviewed on 23 Apr 2026

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
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 AU$191 per night from 7 May to 8 May
AU$191
7 May - 8 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,626 reviews)
Enjoyed our time, the place was spaces and neat. 6 minutes away from nearby beach. We enjoyed overall.

Reviewed on 22 Apr 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 AU$249 per night from 12 May to 13 May
AU$249
12 May - 13 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,194 reviews)
Stay was great overall. Easy access to the beach and loved the shuttle service. The only downside was how they said it was a breakfast buffet available for additional charge. I paid the extra fee for the amount of my stay but, to find out it was not buffet style it was à la carte. It was still good ...

Reviewed on 21 Apr 2026

Hilton Garden Inn Destin Miramar Beach
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
Stay at this beach aparthotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,861 reviews)
Check in was very long. They were short staffed was my understanding. The room is a basic room with no updates for modern technology. The tv is pretty basic. No streaming. The property itself is great! Easy to get around and lots to do!

Reviewed on 14 Apr 2026

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Maravilla by Southern Vacation Rentals

Maravilla by Southern Vacation Rentals

3.5 out of 5
Miramar Beach FL
Stay at this golf condo in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and balconies. Popular attractions Destin Beaches and Miramar Beach are located ...
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 29 Mar 2026

Maravilla by Southern Vacation Rentals
HUGE Private Pool w/ 6 seater Cart 4 bikes, 4 min to Beach, 3 hole Putting Green

HUGE Private Pool w/ 6 seater Cart 4 bikes, 4 min to Beach, 3 hole Putting Green

Santa Rosa Beach FL
Stay at this holiday home in Santa Rosa Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private pools and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Santa Rosa Beach and Blue Mountain Beach ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Great for families!

Reviewed on 30 Oct 2025

HUGE Private Pool w/ 6 seater Cart 4 bikes, 4 min to Beach, 3 hole Putting Green
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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