South Walton

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Visit South Walton
Photo provided by Visit South Walton
Grayton Beach State Park which includes 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 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 general coastal views and a coastal town

Seaside

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

Seaside
Fort Walton Beach which includes a sunset and a sandy 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
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
Grayton Beach State Park which includes 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, Miramar Beach, FL
The price is HK$530 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
HK$530
HK$593 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
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! (1,493 reviews)
Beautiful hotel and rooms!! Very clean! Courteous front desk staff! Will definitely be back!

Reviewed on 2 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 HK$591 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
HK$591
HK$662 total
11 Nov - 12 Nov
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,184 reviews)
The facility was clean and good staff

Reviewed on 5 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is HK$1,454 per night from 30 Nov to 1 Dec
HK$1,454
HK$2,021 total
30 Nov - 1 Dec
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a marina. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
Loved staying at Hotel Effie, everything was outstanding from the staff to the room and amenities. Will definitely come back.

Reviewed on 27 Oct 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 WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,833 reviews)
Excellent

Reviewed on 3 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
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! (100 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 WiFi, 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do