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.

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 ฿2,978 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
฿2,978
฿3,336 total
28 Sept - 29 Sept
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! (1,389 reviews)
"Great place, great staff and close to the beach"

Reviewed on 21 Sept 2026

Hilton Garden Inn Destin Miramar Beach
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

4 out of 5
9300 Emerald Coast Pkwy W Miramar Beach FL
The price is ฿4,798 per night from 23 Sept to 24 Sept
฿4,798
฿10,013 total
23 Sept - 24 Sept
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! (4,205 reviews)
"Worst and weirdest stay"

Reviewed on 21 Sept 2026

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
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 ฿2,861 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
฿2,861
฿3,204 total
28 Sept - 29 Sept
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,546 reviews)
"Perfect place to stay while in the area. Friendly staff. Clean."

Reviewed on 21 Sept 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.
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! (4,205 reviews)
"Worst and weirdest stay"

Reviewed on 21 Sept 2026

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
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! (183 reviews)
"We had a good stay overall. The property is on the bay side, so there is no direct beach access, but the free shuttle to the beach across the road was convenient. Driving to the beach is also an option. One thing to note is that a golf cart is not included with the package, so plan accordingly. The ..."

Reviewed on 12 Sept 2026

Bay Club of Sandestin
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! (117 reviews)
"The property was as pictured. It does need to be updated. The closets have a lot of pillows and what nots that shouldn’t in the unit taking up space for renters. Patio furniture needs to be painted and it’s not enough for more than 5 people."

Reviewed on 29 May 2026

Surfside Resort
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.

Stay near popular South Walton attractions

Things to do

Cities near South Walton