South Walton Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Visit South Walton
Photo provided by Visit South Walton
Grayton Beach State Park which includes forests 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 showing 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 Seagrove Beach West.

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

Seagrove Beach

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 featuring a sandy 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, Miramar Beach, FL
The price is NZ$131 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
NZ$131
20 Oct - 21 Oct
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! (1,431 reviews)
"Very clean & nice"

Reviewed on 30 Sept 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$146 per night from 14 Oct to 15 Oct
NZ$146
14 Oct - 15 Oct
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! (1,176 reviews)
"Clean room, good service."

Reviewed on 30 Sept 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 NZ$170 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
NZ$170
2 Nov - 3 Nov
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! (1,094 reviews)
"Pet had a space to use on the property, shopping in walking distance, restaurants nearby"

Reviewed on 1 Oct 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! (3,820 reviews)
"One of my favorite places to stay when in Destin. My previous two visits weren’t the best due to construction and hot water issues but this last stay was just what I’ve always known it to be. Peaceful and beautiful. The new pool was amazing and so relaxing."

Reviewed on 26 Sept 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 9 Sept 2025

Surfside Resort
LUXURY ON PRIVATE BEACH: Gulf Front Hot Tub, Remodeled 2024, Beach Svc, 4 Kings

LUXURY ON PRIVATE BEACH: Gulf Front Hot Tub, Remodeled 2024, Beach Svc, 4 Kings

Miramar Beach
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and a water park. Popular attractions Miramar Beach and Sandestin ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
Awesome Vacation Stay
"We were under the impression that this home would have a grill for us to use of a daily basis. I reached out to Glam Destin and they brought us a new grill the nest day they were open and all of the accessories to go with it. This alone was huge for us for we wanted to grill on a daily basis. The ..."

Reviewed on 21 July 2025

LUXURY ON PRIVATE BEACH: Gulf Front Hot Tub, Remodeled 2024, Beach Svc, 4 Kings
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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