The Ultimate Beach Guide: South Walton
Visit Miramar Beach and make your way through one of South Walton’s most diverse beach neighborhoods. From antique shopping to beach volleyball, this vibrant beach neighborhood has something for everyone. Sugar-white sand, handmade sushi, outlet shopping, and so much more is in store for you in Miramar Beach.
Variety is the name of the game in Seascape. Spend your time relaxing on the pristine beach or change things up by diving into one of this beach neighborhood’s five swimming pools. Then, explore Seascape by foot—there’s plenty of space to cover along its walking trail and golf course.
Explore thousands of acres of beach, accommodations, pools, tennis courts, golf courses, and more. With events and activities lined up year-round, there’s never a bad time to take a trip to Sandestin for the complete resort experience. This beach neighborhood is known for its fun, family-friendly atmosphere with a variety of options for groups at places like Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa.
Dune Allen is just the type of escape you’ve always imagined. Explore a natural preserve, embark on a hike or bike ride, then indulge in fresh Gulf seafood. This beach neighborhood boasts three coastal dune lakes, which are extremely rare bodies of water found in only a handful of places across the world. Dune Allen also offers more than five miles of breathtaking trails in Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, making it a dream destination for nature lovers. Come unwind and relax in the most inspiring setting.
Creative, casual, and colorful, Gulf Place is a go-to destination for those looking to add variety to their vacation. Visit this lively beach neighborhood to enjoy shopping, dining, art, and plenty of time outdoors. Start your morning off at Sunrise Coffee Co. and walk over to YOLO Board + Beach to rent a stand-up paddleboard. Take a stroll on the sugar-white sand, and, before you go back home, make sure to pose for a picture by one of Gulf Place’s signature painted turtles.
As South Walton’s largest beach neighborhood, there is something for everyone here. Variety is at the heart of this beach neighborhood–lush parks, sugar-white sand, craft breweries, and amazing eats. Founded in 1910, Santa Rosa Beach has a rich history. This long-standing vacation destination remains a visitor hotspot years later—in fact, Santa Rosa Beach was recently named one of Travel + Leisure’s Top 5 Favorite Towns in America.
Boasting South Walton’s highest elevation (a mere 65 feet!), this “mountain” of a beach neighborhood is laid-back and low key. Blue Mountain Beach beckons to adventure seekers, art enthusiasts, and avid beach goers. Named after the area’s brilliant blue lupine flower, this neighborhood offers accommodations from cozy beach cottages to luxurious new homes.
Grayton Beach is one of South Walton’s original neighborhoods–and originality is something this community celebrates. Bustling with life, Grayton Beach’s eclectic vibe is complemented by art galleries, quirky restaurants and lively bars. This funky beach neighborhood is home to artists, musicians, chefs, and longtime beach lovers who are always up for some laid-back fun. With so much personality, it’s no wonder that this beach neighborhood’s unofficial motto is “nice dogs, strange people.”
WaterColorFeel welcomed in WaterColor, where you can make yourself at home in a vibrant, family-friendly beach neighborhood. Paddleboard across a dune lake, dive into the swimming pool, or dig your toes into the sugar-white sand. The architectural stylings of the WaterColor Inn & Resort are designed to enhance South Walton’s natural beauty. Wide porches and sweeping balconies showcase the beautiful South Walton sunset, while pastel and earth tones complement the colors of our sugar-white sand.
Praised for both its stunning architecture and its upbeat atmosphere, Seaside greets travelers with a warm welcome-–and you’ll recognize it as soon as you see it. Perfectly pastel houses, white picket fences, and manicured lawns look like they’re straight out of a movie. (And, in fact, they are--The Truman Show was filmed here.) Stroll or bike your way between restaurants, art galleries and boutique shops. Or connect with family and friends at the Central Square, farmers market, Ruskin Place shops, outdoor amphitheater, or shaded pavilion. And if you need to pick up a few items to have on hand at the house, stop by Modica Market!
Discover the charm of Seagrove, a beach neighborhood that locals and guests love. The lush oak trees and magnolias give it a laid-back, all-natural vibe; its upscale boutiques, cafés, and warm ambiance add a touch of luxury. Every day is defined by variety in Seagrove. Walk the boardwalk, wander into a boutique shop, or choose from countless ecotourism activities.
WaterSound’s classic, all-American style mixes the colors and shapes of an Eastern seaboard town with the beauty of the South Walton beach. This private community offers hiking and biking trails, breathtaking scenery, and a variety of restaurants, shops, and natural retreats. Choose from maritime-inspired cottage homes or modern condos with beachfront views. Stroll along the boardwalks, sit down for a Gulf-to-table dinner, and explore everything within walking distance.
Seacrest welcomes those who want to relax without a worry. Lounge by a dune lake, bask by the beach, hop on a bike, or stroll to the shops. In Seacrest, you don’t need a set schedule. Head to this family-friendly spot to join a tight-knit community in all-natural surroundings, but also for shopping, dining, outdoor adventure, and--of course--the beach.
Discover a carefully crafted world in Alys Beach. This beach neighborhood boasts striking architecture, boutique shopping, and delicious dining--all of which are perfect accompaniments to the white sand and turquoise water just steps away. From its signature white buildings and palm trees to its secluded courtyards and 20-acre nature preserve, Alys Beach offers a breathtaking escape from everyday life. An oasis for beach lovers, art enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and foodies, Alys Beach is immediately recognizable and totally unforgettable.
Discover award-winning architecture, acres of pristine natural land, and some of the area’s most highly rated restaurants. Rosemary Beach’s breathtaking scenery and inviting atmosphere draw in beach lovers, art enthusiasts, and foodies from around the world. Carefully planned and beautifully executed, Rosemary Beach’s signature look makes it stand out as one of South Walton’s most visually enticing neighborhoods. Named one of America’s most romantic towns by CNN, this New Urbanist community is the definition of charming.
Relax in pristine Inlet Beach, where a quiet neighborhood lays claim to the largest beach access point in South Walton, boutique shopping, and a variety of dining gems. Variety is at the heart of Inlet Beach, where cozy cottages and modern villas can be found side by side. Simply pack a beach chair, sunscreen, and a good book to enjoy your stay in this low-key beach neighborhood.