South Walton, FL

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Visit South Walton
Photo provided by Visit South Walton
Grayton Beach State Park featuring tranquil scenes and forests
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

4/5(1 area review)

This unincorporated area on Florida's Panhandle boasts a Seaside Farmers Market and a picturesque interfaith chapel. Explore the town center and stroll along pedestrian alleys radiating from the heart of the community.

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

Seagrove Beach

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

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
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
Grayton Beach State Park showing a sandy beach

Watercolor

5/5(10 area reviews)

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

4.5/5(75 area reviews)

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, Miramar Beach, FL
The price is ₩93,719 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
₩93,719
₩104,966 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
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! (1,394 reviews)
"The property is very nice and clean and I like the fact that it’s four minutes away from the beach."

Reviewed on Sep 12, 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 ₩116,383 per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
₩116,383
₩130,348 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
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! (1,149 reviews)
"Nice, just need to fix ant problem around the property"

Reviewed on Sep 16, 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Miramar Beach-Destin
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 ₩137,595 per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
₩137,595
₩154,106 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,076 reviews)
"First of all, the carpet in the room & hallways were dirty. The bottom of our feet were black plus Keurig coffee machine was dirty. Other than that the beds were comfy, the pool was great. There were other amenities the site presented but staff did not inform. Did not eat or take advantage of the ..."

Reviewed on Sep 15, 2025

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, 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! (3,815 reviews)
"Great time"

Reviewed on Sep 15, 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 Miramar Beach and Sandestin Golf Resort ...
8/10 Very Good! (93 reviews)
"The details were a little unclear, but the desk staff explained everything once we got there. It was a wonderful vacation."

Reviewed on Sep 9, 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 Miramar Beach and Sandestin Golf Resort ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (116 reviews)
"Everything was excellent except for there is only 1 pass for parking per stay. We drove 2 cars so 1 car have to park across the street while the other one park in the property"

Reviewed on Sep 13, 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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