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 £124 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
£124
20 Apr - 21 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! (1,182 reviews)
The room was clean. The price for breakfast was extremely too pricey.

Reviewed on 10 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 £102 per night from 10 May to 11 May
£102
10 May - 11 May
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! (1,609 reviews)
All the staff was very welcoming and very polite. I’ve stayed at this property poor times and never disappointed. Awesome

Reviewed on 10 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 £280 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
£280
21 Apr - 22 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! (1,025 reviews)
We booked through Hotels.com which said ALL fees included. At check-in we were not told about being charged resort fees and taxes. When I asked if there were any other fees, the receptionist told me “No” but when we checked out they charged us a resort fee of $40 plus taxes. Yes, it’s only 40$ but ...

Reviewed on 9 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! (3,854 reviews)
Property was nice but check in process was terrible! Check in was at 4pm but our room wasn’t ready until 6pm. So disappointing!

Reviewed on 9 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
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 parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Sandestin Golf Resort - Raven, Burnt ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (42 reviews)
Yes everything was great

Reviewed on 1 Apr 2026

Edgewater 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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