A vacation is often referred to as a “getaway”— not simply because you are leaving home, but because it’s a time meant to transport you from any day-to-day stress or routines. Visiting South Walton truly transports you, not only through all the fun new adventures but also through the rich overall experience that will leave you with lifelong memories. World-class shopping, dining, art, outdoor activities and entertainment are all at your fingertips within this tight-knit group of 16 distinct beach neighbourhoods. Wander down streets with uniquely different influences: the white-washed Mediterranean feel of Alys Beach, the French Quarter style of Rosemary Beach, the New Urbanism of Seaside. Float across rare coastal dune lakes, which are only found in locales such as Madagascar, Australia and New Zealand. Hike through cypress swamps, past ancient live oaks, or up the beach access path leading to stunning sugar white sand and turquoise water.

 

With the diversity of 16 beautiful beach neighborhoods, South Walton off Northwest Florida - Panhandle offers enough fun to last a lifetime’s worth of vacations. Whether you’re out for a day of exploring by yourself or trying to find a great restaurant for the whole family, you now have an expert personal guide to keep right in your pocket! It’s the perfect way to discover the countless hidden gems nestled along these 26 stunning miles of beaches. Fill your entire day, starting with customizable reminders for the sunset and sunrise. 

 

Pick the ideal place to stay, from condos to camping. Browse a wide variety of options for sports, shopping and delicious dining.

 

 

MIRAMAR BEACH

 

South Walton’s westernmost beach neighborhood offers a perfect introduction to all that the area has to offer: sweeping panoramic views of sugar white sand and turquoise water, a laid-back vibe and a great variety of amenities. The classic beach town feel is alive and well as you cruise the wide scenic boulevard right along the Gulf. Colorful shops, eclectic eateries, family-friendly resorts and private beachfront homes bring the scene to life. Activities include an array of water sports, and Miramar Beach is home to Silver Sands Premium Outlets, featuring over 100 designer and name brand stores.

 

 

SEASCAPE

 

For those that live an active lifestyle, Seascape is the beach neighborhood for you, with its eight lighted tennis courts, five swimming pools, championship golf and abundance of bike trails. You can still easily relax in this setting of pristine white beaches, refreshing Gulf waters and quaint beachfront restaurants. Seascape offers accommodations to suit any family’s traditions, from luxury resorts to the homey charms of privately owned residences. It’s fine to be lazy here, but consider yourself warned: all the activity can be contagious!

 

 

SANDESTIN

 

Whether you’re looking to celebrate a family vacation or a romantic getaway for two, Sandestin provides just about everything you’re looking for in one place. This lively community offers accommodations ranging from private homes to the full-service resorts. Sandestin is home to South Walton’s only marina, the vibrant Village of Baytowne Wharf, championship golf courses, a world-class tennis program and the exquisite shopping of Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. Enjoy an amazing assortment of restaurants, from charming diamonds in the rough to the AAA Four Diamond-rated Seagar’s.

 

 

DUNE ALLEN

 

Nature takes center stage here in Dune Allen. Coastal dune lakes are rare ecosystems found only in a few spots around the world, and this is the proud home to three of them, offering photographers and nature lovers pristine areas to watch wildlife or sunsets. The Topsail Hill Preserve State Park provides a rare glimpse of what the Gulf Coast looked like centuries ago, but a quick stroll up any popular access point will remind you how wonderful Dune Allen is today. Modern accommodations run from simple to spectacular, and popular casual dining here includes Stinky’s Fish Camp and Elmo’s Grill.

 

 

GULF PLACE

 

Quaint but spunky, Gulf Place offers lively activity while still retaining the charm of a quiet beach neighborhood. Its diverse accommodations provide easy access to the beach, refreshing pools and tennis. A large amphitheater green lends plenty of social space for games and gatherings. The Gulf Place Town Center is filled with amenities such as boutique shops, a day spa, a salon, bike rentals, plus plenty of spots to eat, drink and relax. The colorful Artists at Gulf Place showcases locally made treasures and even offers art classes.

 

SANTA ROSA BEACH

 

Santa Rosa Beach serves as the geographical and historical heart of South Walton. Founded in 1910 as the center of a vibrant turpentine industry, the area’s original beach neighborhood now touts luxury beach houses, upscale dining and a Cultural Arts Alliance. It is also home to Point Washington State Forest, a 15,000-acre park that preserves nature for future generations and includes more than ten miles of trails for hikers and bikers. Of course, the white sand and turquoise water are still the main draws here in Santa Rosa Beach.

 

BLUE MOUNTAIN

 

It’s fitting that Blue Mountain’s name derives from its native blue lupine flowers and some of the highest dunes on the Gulf. Passing sailors made note of these striking attributes on the coastline in past centuries. The pristine natural beauty of this community still stands out today, creating a perfect match for the laid-back beach lifestyle here. Blue Mountain is known for accommodations that range from 60s-era Florida beach cottages to luxurious new homes. After a day of relaxing at the beach or riding bikes along the Timpoochee Trail, treat yourself to some freshly made ice cream from the local corner shop.

 

GRAYTON BEACH

 

Laid back and organic, Grayton Beach has a spirit all its own. From the narrow neighborhood streets lined with live oaks to the whimsical icon that is the Red Bar, there’s no question that this community is centered on good times in a spectacular natural setting. It’s not uncommon to see friends and family gathering for a drink in their yards or firing up the grill after a day at the beach. Despite the relaxed vibe, there’s plenty of action by land and by sea. Explore the intricate ecosystems of Western Lake and Grayton Beach State Park, or charter a sport fishing expedition leaving right from the beach. A variety of shops, restaurants and galleries help keep this great oasis conveniently self-contained.

 

WATERCOLOR

 

Green spaces in WaterColor are often filled with bicycles. It’s a testament to the active and accessible nature of this stately neighborhood, designed to be compatible with its beautiful surroundings. You’ll see families and couples cruise by on their way to the beach, a tennis club, the pool or the spa. The vibrant town center features myriad shops and restaurants, including the award-winning coastal cuisine of Fish Out of Water. Rent a canoe, kayak or stand up paddleboard for an exploration of Western Lake’s ecosystem, or head out on the Eastern Lake hiking trail to explore Point Washington State Forest. When it’s time for some rest, accommodations here cover any and all needs, from unique private rentals to the beautiful WaterColor Inn & Resort.

 

SEASIDE

 

Each narrow street in Seaside seems to lead to a new surprise. Hidden guesthouses nestle among coastal masterpiece homes. A grove of live oaks gives way to a beautiful chapel. Food trucks are disguised as classic Airstream trailers. A rooftop restaurant gazes out at the sugar white beach on one side and a whitewashed post office on the other. Boutiques reveal books, toys, candy and curious relics of the past. Home to an artists’ colony, a repertory theatre troupe and a rich calendar of community events, Seaside is an idyllic fusion of form and function. Variety, creativity and fun all interact seamlessly here against a whimsically picturesque backdrop.

 

 

SEAGROVE BEACH

 

With its classic beach homesteads and stately new cottages, Seagrove is the ideal blend of the old and new Gulf Coast style. While boasting the great recreation, shopping, dining and sugar white beaches that South Walton is famous for, this classic beach neighborhood distinguishes itself with signature details. Enjoy the grouper sandwich at the Seagrove Village Market Cafe, labeled one of the “100 Things You Must Eat Before You Die” by a national publication. One-of-a-kind funky finds like hand-painted mermaid treasures await you at 30A Art & Junk. Physically setting Seagrove apart is the canopy of lush oaks, magnolias and pines that puts the “grove” in its name.

 

WATERSOUND

 

WaterSound’s planners carefully encompassed the windswept dunes and forested wetlands within their neighborhood landscapes by connecting accommodations with a winding path of bridges and boardwalks. This spectacular gated resort community treats its visitors to a secluded paradise where the design elements exist in perfect balance with the natural splendor. The stunning emerald fairways of the three golf courses mirror the deep green wooded grasslands. The turquoise blue of the Gulf water is honored by four swimming pools.

 

SEACREST BEACH

 

The personality of Seacrest is about as low-maintenance as it gets. In fact, if you prefer your beach vacations on the quiet side, few places are better. This relaxed neighborhood is primarily residential, with everything from classic beach bungalows to elaborate modern vacation homes. There’s still plenty of activity with fishing, kayaking, swimming and golf to complement a day at the beach here. There’s also great hiking and bird watching at Camp Creek Lake, one of South Walton’s coastal dune lakes. 

 

ALYS BEACH

 

It’s Florida luxury with a Mediterranean flair. Tucked against the turquoise Gulf waters, the stunning white stucco architecture of Alys Beach takes on almost otherworldly magic. Eye-catching butteries stand sentry at each end, signaling your entrance to this luxurious but laid-back neighborhood. Go for a morning run beneath the majestic palm trees of the esplanade-style green, or walk through the finely manicured gardens. Spoil yourself with a treat from Charlie’s Donut Truck, or enjoy drinks around the upscale Caliza Pool. In the evenings, keep your eye out for screenings of “Movies Under the Stars” at the local amphitheater.

 

 

ROSEMARY BEACH

 

Close-knit Rosemary Beach lends itself to socializing and escape exploration alike. With an eclectic selection of shops, galleries and eateries, the French Quarter-style town square area serves as its vibrant heart. The surrounding neighborhood features rows of stately cottages and carriage houses with wide balconies and patios that encourage interaction with neighbors. Nine dune walkovers lead you to a stunning white sand beach. A network of footpaths and trails—ideal for running or biking—make it easy to get anywhere, even the butterfly garden! 

 

 

INLET BEACH

 

Perched on the eastern end of Scenic Highway 30A, Inlet Beach beckons with wide, welcoming beaches and a carefree attitude. The quiet, residential streets wind between brand-new beach villas and old-school Florida cottages, inevitably leading you to the tall sand dunes along the neighborhood’s beautiful Gulf waters. Inlet Beach is a great place to spend an entire day sunning, swimming and fishing. Later, locals and visitors gather at Shades Bar & Grill to catch a game over dinner and drinks. After a few days, even newcomers start to feel like they’ve been here for years.