South Walton Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

South Walton
South Walton
South Walton
South Walton
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

Seagrove 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
Seaside

Seaside

Seaside is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Seaside Beach and Central Square.

Seaside
Watercolor

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

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
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
Sunset photo at Dune Allen Beach in Santa Rosa Florida on March 11, 2024

Dune Allen Beach

If you're spending some time in Dune Allen Beach, Santa Rosa Beach and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park are top sights worth seeing.

Dune Allen Beach
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 Rp2.816.851 per night from 19 Apr to 20 Apr
Rp2.816.851
Rp3.154.873 total
19 Apr - 20 Apr
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! (1,179 reviews)
Internet was ok.

Reviewed on 8 Apr 2026

Hilton Garden Inn Destin Miramar 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 Rp2.463.120 per night from 26 Apr to 27 Apr
Rp2.463.120
Rp2.758.694 total
26 Apr - 27 Apr
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! (1,603 reviews)
Great service, staff and location. I would definitely recommend.

Reviewed on 7 Apr 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin Grand Boulevard
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa

4 out of 5
4000 S Sandestin Blvd Miramar Beach FL
The price is Rp5.177.341 per night from 19 Apr to 20 Apr
Rp5.177.341
Rp6.564.925 total
19 Apr - 20 Apr
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach resort in Miramar Beach. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,017 reviews)
Front desk staff checked in via text often, we had a great stay.

Reviewed on 8 Apr 2026

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
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! (3,853 reviews)
Loved this place!! Clean room and safe to be around.

Reviewed on 6 Apr 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! (109 reviews)
Room with ocean view. HUGE balcony, very nice. Could have used a bigger knife to cut cantalope but managed with a paring knife. A streaming TV would have been nice in the large bedroom. Wifi was pretty slow. Should have had the wifi password in the unit somewhere. Garbage removal was confusing since ...

Reviewed on 3 Apr 2026

Surfside Resort
Maravilla by Southern Vacation Rentals

Maravilla by Southern Vacation Rentals

3.5 out of 5
Miramar Beach FL
Stay at this golf condo in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and balconies. Popular attractions Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park and Destin ...
8/10 Very Good! (12 reviews)
We really enjoyed staying here! So close to the beach and our condo was very big!

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Maravilla by Southern Vacation Rentals
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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