16 Beach Neighborhoods
Located along a 26-mile stretch in Northwest Florida, South Walton encompasses a strand of 16 beach
neighborhoods, each with its own personality and visual style. Renowned for scenic beauty, turquoise
waters and sugar-white sand beaches. An upscale, yet casual place to unwind, South Walton is the place
to rejuvenate and build lasting memories.
Miramar Beach
Vacationing in Miramar Beach is like taking a stroll down memory lane through the beach towns of your
childhood. This beach neighborhood brings back the feel of those classic coastal enclaves with its scenic
beach roads, surf shops, fabulous restaurants, beachfront homes and beachside resorts and condos with
panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico. But don’t let the nostalgic beach feel of Miramar fool you. It also
has ultra-modern amenities and activities that are ideal for family fun. Spend the day enjoying jet ski
rentals, parasailing and endless shopping opportunities at one of the nation’s largest designer outlet
centers, Silver Sands Premium Outlets.
Seascape
In Seascape, natural beauty meets beachside luxury and outdoor adventure. This upbeat beach
neighborhood boasts 2,000 feet of sugar white sand for you to relax on and enjoy – as well as endless
opportunities for active exploration. With eight lighted tennis courts, five swimming pools, a world-class
golf course, several bike trails, and a full-scale fitness facility, Seascape has everything an active
vacationer is looking for. Paired with upscale and comfortable accommodation options, it’s the perfect
place to embark on an athletic adventure and rest up for another day of fun.
Sandestin
There’s never a shortage on fun in Sandestin. From golf courses and world-class tennis programs to spas
and adventure activities, Sandestin caters to both the romantic beach getaway and the family vacation.
Home to the vibrant Village of Baytowne Wharf and the only marina in South Walton, Sandestin plays
host to numerous festivals and events year round. Overlooking the stunning waters of the Gulf of Mexico,
Sandestin offers full-service hotels with championship golf courses. For those in need of a little retail
therapy and great food, Grand Boulevard can satisfy both in its lively town center.
Dune Allen
At Dune Allen, you don’t have to seek out the best scenery – because you’re completely surrounded by it.
One of South Walton’s most naturally stunning beach neighborhoods, Dune Allen boasts three rare dune
lakes, an abundance of walking trails, and plenty of beach access points. The raw, untouched ambiance
of Dune Allen draws photographers, birdwatchers, fishermen, and nature lovers from around the world. Of
course, there’s more to Dune Allen than its gorgeous landscape. This beach neighborhood also has cozy
beachside cottages, funky boutique shops, and casual, seafood-focused dining spots to round out your
naturally refreshing vacation.
Gulf Place
A pristine and beautiful respite, Gulf Place is known for its vibrant artist colony, three beach walkways,
amphitheater with manicured lawns, and sidewalks lined with lush native plants and towering palm trees.
Gulf Place is quickly making a name for itself as a complete vacation experience. With more than 200
options for vacation rentals, you’re almost guaranteed a unique view of the clear Gulf waters, tranquil
ponds or several wonderful swimming pools.
Santa Rosa Beach
Founded in 1910, Santa Rosa Beach was the start of South Walton as we know it today. But this
community of luxury beach houses, upscale dining and the beautiful Eden Gardens State Park is certainly
not a relic of the past. Named one of the “10 Best Beach Destinations for 2011” by Yahoo! Travel, Santa
Rosa Beach is praised for its “lapping waves and cool sand” and the endless array of indoor and outdoor
activities offered – like kayaking the tranquil waters of Choctawhatchee Bay or playing a round of golf on
a championship course.
Blue Mountain
Blanketed with native blue lupine flowers and some of the highest dunes on the Gulf Coast, Blue
Mountain is a naturally laidback beach neighborhood that stands out along the South Walton coastline. A
great retreat for the outdoor enthusiast, Blue Mountain is filled with outdoor adventures like hiking through
the cypress swamps and pine groves of Point Washington State Forest and biking the Timpoochee Trail
that are sure to stand out in your memories of perfect beach vacations.
Grayton Beach
With a neighborhood motto of “Nice Dogs, Friendly Folks”, Grayton Beach is about as laidback and
organic as a beach town can get. From the narrow neighborhood streets lined with live oaks and the oldstyle wooden beach bungalows to the “hippie kitsch” feel of the iconic Red Bar, it’s easy to fit in and feel
at home. But this is more than just a cool beach town. Home to the vastly diverse coastal ecosystems of
Grayton Beach State Park and Western Lake, Grayton Beach is a haven for fishermen, boaters and
beachcombers alike.
WaterColor
With nearly 500 acres dedicated to natural beauty and preservation, WaterColor is a place where
breathtaking views abound. WaterColor seamlessly weaves award-winning restaurants, shops, and more
amidst its natural landscape, creating a perfect mix of indoor and outdoor adventure. In WaterColor, you
can get away from it all in a cozy cottage or quiet resort, and then jump right back into the action at a
bustling neighborhood restaurant or busy boutique store. Escape again by basking on this beach
neighborhood’s sugar white sands or enjoying a relaxing treatment at one of WaterColor's many spas.
Seaside
Although there are plenty of books written about New Urbanism, no town can hold a candle to the shining
example that is Seaside. Hailed as one of Travel + Leisure magazine’s “Best Beaches on Earth” for
families, this picture-perfect community lit up the big screen in The Truman Show. But this beach
neighborhood has plenty of personality to go with its beautiful design. There’s a profound sense of
community, a family-friendly feel, and a whimsical sense of fun that will permeate your entire visit. An
outdoor amphitheatre. A nationally acclaimed wine festival. A local repertory troupe. When it comes to
pairing beauty and the beach, the folks in Seaside have, well… made an art of it.
Seagrove
Named for the thick grove of windswept trees that surround it, Seagrove has stayed true to its roots by
preserving the same green canopy of oaks, magnolias, hickories and sand pines that came to define it a
half a century ago. An eclectic mix of old beach homesteads and newer cottages, Seagrove has a wellbalanced menu of beyond-the-beach activities that range from biking along Scenic Highway 30A to
browsing the one-of-a-kind beach shops and restaurants.
WaterSound
From the beautiful turquoise water of the Gulf of Mexico and the deep-green wooded grasslands to the
serenity of riding a beach cruiser bike between two dunes and driving a ball on the Camp Creek Golf
Course, the gated resort community of WaterSound gives its visitors an exclusive peak into everything
South Walton has to offer. As a place that both reflects and complements its surroundings, WaterSound
allows guests to enjoy relaxing beach getaways at their own pace.
Seacrest
With an up-and-coming food and shopping scene, Seacrest is one of the best places to be in South
Walton right now. Enjoy this beach neighborhood’s beautiful beach views, and then head to The Village to
join in the Seacrest community. From boutique shopping to upscale dining to self-serve sweet treats,
Seacrest’s central gathering space has something for everyone. Outside of the main streets, you’ll find a
gorgeous golf course and a stunning state park to explore. Add these tranquil spots to your Seacrest todo list, and line up the perfect beach vacation.
Alys Beach
From its dramatic architecture to its casual culture, Alys Beach is where simplicity meets luxury. This
beach neighborhood’s striking palm trees, lush green spaces, and intimate walkways make visitors feel
relaxed and at home. A bustling coffee shop, a breathtaking swimming pool, and two upscale restaurants
bring Alys Beach’s tight-knit community together. Alys Beach was carefully crafted with a focus on
walkability, sustainability, and artistic detail. The result is a welcoming beach neighborhood characterized
by beauty, both naturally and architecturally.
Rosemary Beach
Settle into a relaxing routine of beachside strolling, patio dining, and boutique shopping. Unwind at the
high-end spa, farm-to-table restaurants, and tranquil swim spots. Rosemary Beach has everything you
need to rejuvenate and reconnect. Rosemary Beach delights visitors with more than 100 acres of lush
greenery and wide sidewalks. Local shops and luxurious restaurants line bike-friendly boardwalks and
pedestrian paths. This neighborhood beach’s French Quarter feel creates a sense of both intimacy and
community – making it the perfect place to get away from it all, and then jump back in again.
Inlet Beach
Inlet Beach has a laid-back vibe that makes locals and visitors alike want to linger at this beach
neighborhood just a little longer. Unwind at Inlet Beach’s peaceful stretch of sugar white sands, or stroll
down its quiet streets. You’ll spot rustic beach cottages mixed right in with modern multi-story homes –
creating an eclectic, welcoming atmosphere. A handful of casual eateries serve as neighborhood icons
where locals share stories over cold drinks and fresh seafood. Inlet Beach’s impressive beach access
point – the largest in South Walton – welcomes visitors from around the world.
About South Walton:
Located along a 26-mile stretch of Northwest Florida’s Coast, South Walton encompasses an
unparalleled strand of 16 distinct beach neighborhoods, each with its own traditions, charm and visual
style. South Walton is renowned for natural scenic beauty, turquoise waters and sugar sand beaches,
including one of Travel + Leisure magazine’s “Best Beaches on Earth” for families in 2013. An upscale,
yet casual place to unwind, South Walton is the place to rejuvenate and build lasting memories. It is here
that visitors find their perfect beach. Learn more at VisitSouthWalton.com.