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.

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.

Where to stay in South Walton

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
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 Seagrove Beach West.

Seaside
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
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
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
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
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$162 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
AU$162
22 Mar - 23 Mar
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! (1,601 reviews)
This place is an incredible value with a great location, just outside of the gate of Sandestin resort and walking distance to everything on grand Boulevard great room, comfortable bed, great little restaurant with Starbucks coffee downstairs

Reviewed on 5 Mar 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$213 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
AU$213
22 Mar - 23 Mar
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! (1,145 reviews)
Clean, comfortable rooms! Short walk to the beach! Great breakfast to order! Would ask for balcony next time!

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2026

Hilton Garden Inn Destin Miramar Beach
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$310 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
AU$310
29 Mar - 30 Mar
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! (1,010 reviews)
Unfriendly front desk staff and room not ready. Noisy.

Reviewed on 7 Mar 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! (3,848 reviews)
The building we were in was very poorly lit outside and difficult to find. They called that building condos and it was far from a condo so very deceiving. You were left with the impression not to dirty anything. There was a sign by elevators that said “these rooms are condos NOT a hotel”. I didn’t ...

Reviewed on 17 Feb 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 - ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (106 reviews)
It was great

Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026

Surfside Resort
LUXURY ON PRIVATE BEACH: Gulf Front Hot Tub, Remodeled 2024, Beach Svc, 4 Kings

LUXURY ON PRIVATE BEACH: Gulf Front Hot Tub, Remodeled 2024, Beach Svc, 4 Kings

Miramar Beach FL
Stay at this beach holiday home in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a water park. Popular attractions Miramar Beach and Sandestin Golf Resort ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
House was in a perfect location - host was extremely communicative without being overbearing - quick to respond! Beautiful rental, quiet and lots of little touches throughout that made our stay wonderful. Highly recommend!

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2026

LUXURY ON PRIVATE BEACH: Gulf Front Hot Tub, Remodeled 2024, Beach Svc, 4 Kings
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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