Branching off U.S. Highway 98, Highway 30-A runs through some of the most stunning scenery in Northwest Florida. It’s a land of contrasts, with the white-sand beaches and emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico, wetlands and marshes teeming with wildlife, and forests of pine and century-old live oaks. Collectively called the Beaches of South Walton, the area is made up of 15 communities with personalities as diverse as the landscape.
There’s Alys Beach, a new resort town whose architecture was inspired by that of Bermuda, Antigua, and Guatemala. Its shops, restaurants, and art galleries are easy to explore on foot or by bicycle.
Unspoiled Blue Mountain Beach is a tiny community that draws hikers and other nature lovers to its coastal dune lakes, dense woodlands, and towering sand dunes.
Lake meets beach at Dune Allen, a historic community built around another of the area’s 17 coastal dune lakes.
Another community brimming with Old Florida charm is Grayton Beach. Founded in the 19th century, it still retains its cozy, small-town feel, with oyster-shell roads and wooden houses surrounded by mature pines and oaks.
Inlet Beach became a haven for World War II veterans after the Bureau of Land Management offered returning soldiers the opportunity to acquire land in the area. Today, this quiet town is the ideal beachside getaway.
Shopping is among the most popular pastimes at Miramar Beach, a resort town that’s home to the largest designer outlet center in the country.
Established in 1995, Rosemary Beach is a growing community of homes, shops, and restaurants overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.
Visitors to Sandestin can enjoy both bay and beach, plus all the shopping, golfing, and dining amenities you’d expect to find in a much larger community.
Santa Rosa Beach takes its name from the Santa Rosa Plantation, which had its heyday in the late 1800s. Today, the area is also a tourist mecca, with high-end condominiums, upscale restaurants, and plenty of places to shop.
The quiet, mostly residential community of Seacrest Beach boasts some of the highest sand dunes along Highway 30-A. It’s also home to Deer Lake State Park, which offers unspoiled beach and lake areas for nature lovers.
Once a sleepy little hamlet with a few cottages and one hotel, Seagrove Beach has taken off in recent years, with new restaurants, shops, homes, and condos making it a popular tourist destination.
A 300-acre resort is the centerpiece of Seascape, which offers facilities for golf, tennis, hiking, swimming, and other water sports.
Seaside made a splash in the architectural world when it was developed some thirty years ago as the perfect small town, planned to encourage walking and a community spirit. Today, it still boasts a pedestrian-friendly design, with shops, restaurants, and services all just a short walk or bike ride away.
Located between Seaside and Grayton Beach State Recreation Area is WaterColor, a new 499-acre resort and residential community built around a AAA four-diamond-rated hotel.
Another new beachside community is WaterSound, a spot offering both a peaceful atmosphere and proximity to shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
No matter what you’re looking for in a beachside getaway – a sunny spot to relax and rejuvenate, or the opportunity to get up close and personal with dolphins and other sea creatures – the chances are good that you’ll find it in the Beaches of South Walton.
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Where to stay
The Beaches of South Walton vacation rental companies offer a wide variety of accommodations. Choices range from cottages to townhouses, beach houses to low-rise condos.
To see photos, amenities, and other details on South Walton vacation rentals, choose from our list of condos, hotels, and beach houses. Or use our custom search feature to find the vacation rental that’s best for you.
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restaurants
The Beaches of South Walton are as famous for their top-award-winning dining establishments as they are for their sugar-white sand beaches. Dining options range from open-air eateries on the beach to white-tablecloth establishments serving dinner by candlelight.
Of course, with the Gulf and so many inland waterways nearby, seafood tops the menu at a number of local restaurants. You’ll find it battered and fried, broiled, baked – just about any way you like it. Other culinary offerings range from filet mignon to stuffed pork chops to fried chicken.
Discover the delicious side of Highway 30A by choosing from our list of restaurants.
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golf
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The moderate Gulf climate makes golf a year-round attraction at The Beaches of South Walton communities. Plus, abundant top-rated courses ensure golfers will always find a new, challending course to play.
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fishing
shopping
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Shopping is a favorite pastime for most tourists and frequent visitors to The Beaches of South Walton. With so many quaint shopping villages, art galleries and clothing boutiques, you'll definitely want to schedule some shopping time into your next vacation getaway to these spectacular seaside communities.
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Entertainment
Other things to do
Special events
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There's a celebration going on just about all the time at The Beaches of South Walton, making it a fun place to be year-round. Every month sees plenty of live concerts, theater and dance performances, wine tastings, food festivals, and arts and crafts shows. Check out our calendar of events for an up-to-date list of what's going on while you're in town.
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| Biking is a popular activity in area communities. Photo by Walton County TDC. |
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| Cottages in Seaside, FL attract visitors with unique architecture and pedestrian-friendly community planning. Photo by Walton County TDC. |
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| Seafood takes center stage at many local eateries. Choices range from casual to world-famous award-wining fine dining. |
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| Local art galleries abound with a diversity of artists to please any shopper. A vacation to The Beaches of South Walton would not be complete without a trip to the art galleries and area shops. |
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