South Walton Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

South Walton Beaches featuring landscape views and a sandy beach
South Walton Beaches featuring landscape views and a sandy beach
Grayton Beach State Park showing a river or creek and kayaking or canoeing
Grayton Beach State Park which includes forests and tranquil scenes
Grayton Beach State Park which includes a sunset and a sandy beach

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.

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.

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 Central Square.

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
Watercolor Seaside is my favorite beach in the South! It has the prettiest white sand and fun things to do! #LifeAtExpedia

Watercolor

While visiting Watercolor, you might make a stop by sights like Grayton Beach State Park and Seagrove Beach West.

Watercolor
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 or Grayton Beach State Park.

Grayton Beach
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
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, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Santa Rosa Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Dune Allen 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 NZ$126 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
NZ$126
24 Feb - 25 Feb
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! (1,592 reviews)
Staff was nice. Clean hotel.

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin Grand Boulevard
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$146 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
NZ$146
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,131 reviews)
Clean. Good location. Friendly staff. Quiet

Reviewed on 10 Feb 2026

Hilton Garden Inn Destin Miramar Beach
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 NZ$156 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
NZ$156
23 Feb - 24 Feb
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! (1,454 reviews)
The room was spotless. Great amenities. Very friendly and professional staff. Nice and quiet.

Reviewed on 13 Feb 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.
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! (105 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
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! (3,837 reviews)
Clean room

Reviewed on 7 Feb 2026

Sandestin Golf and Beach 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 FL
Stay at this beach holiday home in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a water park. Popular attractions Miramar Beach and Sandestin Golf Resort ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (23 reviews)
Everything was perfect! The hot tub was amazing in January overlooking the Gulf. Beds were super comfortable, and it felt like home. Highly recommend!

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026

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.

Cities near South Walton

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