South Walton Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

South Walton Beaches featuring landscape views and a sandy beach
South Walton Beaches featuring landscape views and a sandy beach
Grayton Beach State Park showing a river or creek and kayaking or canoeing
Grayton Beach State Park which includes forests and tranquil scenes
Grayton Beach State Park which includes a sunset and a sandy beach

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

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 Central Square.

Seaside
Fort Walton Beach which includes a sandy beach and a sunset

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
Grayton Beach...one of my favorites on 30A

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
Watercolor Seaside is my favorite beach in the South! It has the prettiest white sand and fun things to do! #LifeAtExpedia

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; Shutterstock ID 104491910; purchase_order: SP-1269 HA 2018 Batch 1; Order: ; client: ; other:

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
Destin in January.

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
Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection

Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
1 Grand Sandestin Boulevard Miramar Beach FL
The price is AU$396 per night from 17 Feb to 18 Feb
AU$396
17 Feb - 18 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a marina. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Clean room, excellent staff accommodations . Great service.

Reviewed on 11 Jan 2026

Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection
Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin Grand Boulevard

Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin Grand Boulevard

3 out of 5
100 Grand Blvd Miramar Beach FL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$114 per night from 4 Feb to 5 Feb
AU$114
4 Feb - 5 Feb
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,580 reviews)
Everything great one suggestion, tea would be nice as well as coffee as i am not a coffee drinker!

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin Grand Boulevard
Embassy Suites by Hilton Destin Miramar Beach

Embassy Suites by Hilton Destin Miramar Beach

3.5 out of 5
570 Scenic Gulf Drive Miramar Beach FL
The price is AU$180 per night from 26 Jan to 27 Jan
AU$180
26 Jan - 27 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Room was spotless , very comfortable and housekeeping was amazing

Reviewed on 12 Jan 2026

Embassy Suites by Hilton 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 condo 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! (3,835 reviews)
Great view

Reviewed on 8 Jan 2026

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Surfside Resort

Surfside Resort

2.5 out of 5
1096 Scenic Gulf Drive Miramar Beach FL
Stay at this beach condo in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Miramar Beach and Sandestin Golf Resort - ...
8/10 Very Good! (104 reviews)
Large condo complex right across the street with private beach access. Front desk has limited hours. Balcony looked at parking lot / pickle bar court. Pool was emptied for the season. Room and bed was nice, some aspects dated but very overall.

Reviewed on 17 Nov 2025

Surfside Resort
Coastal Cabana! 7 Bed 7 Bath Gulf Front Luxury Home!  Private Heated Pool!

Coastal Cabana! 7 Bed 7 Bath Gulf Front Luxury Home! Private Heated Pool!

Miramar Beach FL
Stay at this beach holiday home in Miramar Beach. Enjoy private pools, a beach locale and a water park. Popular attractions Sandestin Golf Resort - Raven, Burnt ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (70 reviews)
Booked this place particularly for the view from the kitchen and proximity to the beach.

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Coastal Cabana! 7 Bed 7 Bath Gulf Front Luxury Home! Private Heated Pool!
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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