South Walton, FL

Travel Guide

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

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 kilometers) 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 a coastal town and general coastal views

Seaside

4/5(1 area review)

This unincorporated area on Florida's Panhandle boasts a Seaside Farmers Market and a picturesque interfaith chapel. Explore the town center and stroll along pedestrian alleys radiating from the heart of the community.

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

Seagrove Beach

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

Travelers come to Seagrove Beach for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Seaside Beach and Seagrove Beach East while you're in town.

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

Watercolor

5/5(10 area reviews)

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
Destin in January.

Crystal Beach

4.5/5(75 area reviews)

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 FL
The price is NT$2,367 per night from Feb 2 to Feb 3
NT$2,367
NT$2,651 total
Feb 2 - Feb 3
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,582 reviews)
yes and yes

Reviewed on 2026/1/24

Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin Grand Boulevard
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 NT$6,018 per night from Feb 17 to Feb 18
NT$6,018
NT$8,320 total
Feb 17 - Feb 18
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this 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)
Clean room, excellent staff accommodations . Great service.

Reviewed on 2026/1/11

Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection
Embassy Suites by Hilton Destin Miramar Beach

Embassy Suites by Hilton Destin Miramar Beach

3.5 out of 5
570 Scenic Gulf Drive Miramar Beach FL
The price is NT$3,801 per night from Feb 8 to Feb 9
NT$3,801
NT$4,257 total
Feb 8 - Feb 9
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Staff was awesome, your bartender Nick is friendly and informative great guy

Reviewed on 2026/1/26

Embassy Suites by Hilton 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 FL
Book a stay at this beach condo in Miramar Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,836 reviews)
Great view

Reviewed on 2026/1/8

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Surfside Resort

Surfside Resort

2.5 out of 5
1096 Scenic Gulf Drive 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! (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 2025/11/17

Surfside Resort
Bungalows at Seagrove by Southern Vacation Rentals

Bungalows at Seagrove by Southern Vacation Rentals

4 out of 5
198 Somerset Bridge Road Santa Rosa Beach FL
Stay at this condo in Santa Rosa Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Seaside Beach and Alys Beach are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (8 reviews)
Great location. Property management was very responsive.

Reviewed on 2026/1/6

Bungalows at Seagrove 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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