South Walton Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Two people sitting on a white sandy beach with turquoise water and a clear blue sky.
A calm river with a canoe, surrounded by tall grasses and trees.
A sandy path surrounded by dense foliage and a large tree with twisted branches.
A wooden bench on a sandy beach facing the ocean at sunset.
A sandy beach with people walking along a path towards the ocean.

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.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

4 out of 5
9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W Miramar Beach FL
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$595 per night from 12 July to 13 July
NZ$595
12 July - 13 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach aparthotel 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! (3,982 reviews)
"Great place to stay for a beach trip. Will definitely be back for another stay. Easy access to beach. Can’t say enough of how nice and great this place is."

Reviewed on 3 July 2026

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
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$349 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
NZ$349
4 Aug - 5 Aug
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! (1,279 reviews)
"Close to the beach"

Reviewed on 3 July 2026

Hilton Garden Inn Destin Miramar Beach
Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard

Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard

3 out of 5
100 Grand Blvd Miramar Beach FL
The price is NZ$282 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
NZ$282
4 Aug - 5 Aug
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! (1,755 reviews)
"Jennifer booked our stay for us and was very knowledgeable and easy to talk to. Jason checked us in and was kind enough to loan us a box fan for our stay. I appreciate the friendly staff."

Reviewed on 2 July 2026

Courtyard by Marriott 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 aparthotel 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! (3,982 reviews)
"Great place to stay for a beach trip. Will definitely be back for another stay. Easy access to beach. Can’t say enough of how nice and great this place is."

Reviewed on 3 July 2026

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Edgewater by Southern Vacation Rentals

Edgewater by Southern Vacation Rentals

4 out of 5
291 Scenic Gulf Drive Miramar Beach FL
Stay at this beach condo in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Sandestin Golf Resort - Raven, Burnt Pine, ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (49 reviews)
"There were roaches in the dishwasher. We texted the host and was told the HOA handled pest control. The host said pest control could go on Thursday, which is when we checked out. The side of the refrigerator was gross. The kitchen cabinets are dated and smelled bad. The bathrooms are out dated and ..."

Reviewed on 2 July 2026

Edgewater by Southern Vacation Rentals
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, ...
9/10 Wonderful! (169 reviews)
"Everything was ok except I had move to different unit in middle of the stay on a Saturday. Ask me to be ready around 9am for transition but it did occur before 11:45 so with packing and a unpacking it blocked 6-7 hours of that day. No remorse. Was not given any form of relief. Just an apology. And ..."

Reviewed on 24 June 2026

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.

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