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
Default Image

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
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 West.

Seagrove 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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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 Rp1.139.743 per night from 14 Jan to 15 Jan
Rp1.139.743
Rp1.276.512 total
14 Jan - 15 Jan
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! (1,568 reviews)
The location

Reviewed on 4 Jan 2026

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

Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
1 Grand Sandestin Boulevard Miramar Beach FL
The price is Rp2.809.800 per night from 19 Jan to 20 Jan
Rp2.809.800
Rp3.989.915 total
19 Jan - 20 Jan
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! (1,006 reviews)
Very nice and clean

Reviewed on 1 Jan 2026

Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection
Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard

Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard

3 out of 5
325 Grand Boulevard Miramar Beach FL
The price is Rp1.404.900 per night from 19 Jan to 20 Jan
Rp1.404.900
Rp1.573.488 total
19 Jan - 20 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,457 reviews)
Beautiful hotel located in a great area! We enjoyed our stay fully. :)

Reviewed on 4 Jan 2026

Hyatt Place Sandestin at Grand Boulevard
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! (3,834 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 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
Bay Club of Sandestin

Bay Club of Sandestin

3.5 out of 5
120 N Sandestin Blvd Miramar Beach FL
Stay at this aparthotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Sandestin Golf Resort - Raven, Burnt Pine, ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (155 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near South Walton