South Walton Travel Guide

Tourist 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 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 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 beach

Seagrove Beach

5/5(1 area review)

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
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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 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
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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 Rp1.137.497 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
Rp1.137.497
Rp1.273.997 total
23 Nov - 24 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,514 reviews)
Clean room and location.

Reviewed on 15 Nov 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 Rp1.333.219 per night from 18 Nov to 19 Nov
Rp1.333.219
Rp1.493.206 total
18 Nov - 19 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,196 reviews)
It was clean!

Reviewed on 8 Nov 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Miramar Beach-Destin
Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection

Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
1 Grand Sandestin Boulevard Miramar Beach FL
The price is Rp2.940.432 per night from 30 Nov to 1 Dec
Rp2.940.432
Rp4.135.318 total
30 Nov - 1 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
By far the best service out of any hotel I have stayed at….ever

Reviewed on 7 Nov 2025

Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,834 reviews)
We love staying here been a couple times always great.

Reviewed on 13 Nov 2025

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Surfside Resort

Surfside Resort

2.5 out of 5
1096 Scenic Gulf Drive, Miramar Beach, 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! (101 reviews)
The resort is beautiful, the room was amazing had everything you needed right there. The private beach and beach bar were perfect and the onsite restaurant was amazing!

Reviewed on 26 Oct 2025

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 Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Sandestin Golf Resort - Raven, Burnt ...
9/10 Wonderful! (154 reviews)
Stayed here many times. It is my happy place and will continue to go! Plenty to do and the beach is always a crowd pleaser. The resort is family friendly, safe and has so much to offer.

Reviewed on 25 Oct 2025

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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