11, was built in 1907 next to where these buildings had stood. This 2,228-acre coastal Park boasts a coastal dune lake that you can explore via kayak or YOLO board. Relax in the high-end spa, farm-to-table eateries, and serene swimming pools. YOLO Board, founded in South Walton by SUP-aficionado Jeff Archer, is one of the most trusted brands for gear rentals in the area, offering group paddle activities and beginner lessons. It boasts scenic beach roads, classic surf shops, and fabulous restaurants like Bistro Bijoux, a hidden gem with top-class cuisine. Charles Sage took ownership in 1868. Copyright 2023 Waterton Hotels - Waterton.ca | All Rights Reserved. 6 S Walton Lakeshore Dr, Inlet Beach, FL 32461. Places To Go \ Northwest \ South Walton South Walton With 26 miles of stunning sugar-white sand beaches and 16 unique beach neighborhoods, South Walton offers endless opportunities for visitors to find their perfect beach. Bioluminescence Florida When Can You View This Amazing Wonder? The cocktail program was designed by nationally lauded bartender Kellie Thorn, so expect to find showstoppers like the toasted coconut pia colada. THE 10 BEST South Walton Beaches (Updated 2023) - Tripadvisor A favorite activity among locals and visitors alike, its hands-down the best way to discover South Waltons dune lakes. Cuba meets Charleston on the wraparound veranda at Havana Beach Bar & Grill. This means pedestrian-friendly design means a central commercial hub easily reached on foot from any point in town. In actuality the beach isnt endless, but a mile long. because of its large green spaces and plenty of outdoor adventure options. Paddle (or drift, we won't judge) past windswept, white sand dunes. Tallest Waterfall in Florida (4 Impressive Views), 10 Interesting Restaurants in Lake Mary FL, Smathers Beach Florida: The Locals Guide. 17, Grey Twp. Recreation and activities abound for everyone and every lifestyle. Its simple to get here. Vacationing in Miramar feels like stepping back in time, to a neighborhood where no ones in a hurry. The geography of the region was shaped by the Wisconsin Glacial Episode. Driving on Grayton beach is only allowed with a properly permitted vehicle for about 300 yards along the beach. Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you. Water Activities - Visit South Walton, FL Nine distinct pavilions, each designed by a different architect, stand at the beach access points in [+] Seaside. Its beach, thick with sugar-sand, begs you to take off your shoes. Best Beaches of South Walton | VISIT FLORIDA Welcome to Waterton Lakes National Park , a UNESCO world heritage site in Alberta Canada. Located between Pensacola and Panama City along North Florida's glittering Gulf Coast, Fort Walton Beach offers visitors its powdery white beaches, emerald waters, enjoyable golf courses, and more. South Walton understands the value of simple pleasures: a sunset savored with a glass of wine, a lopsided sandcastle built with loved ones, or a bicycle ride that includes lunch. There are four state parks and one 15,000-acre state forest, home to campgrounds, diverse wildlife, and hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails you may not even think to look for in a beach town. Browse our Seagrove Beach Vacation Rentals and our Seacrest Beach rentals today to find the perfect beach house or condo for your next vacation. While the largest assessment was in Grey Township, it included 25 lots in McKillop Township belonging to the Walton School, Union No. Things To Do in South Walton - Visit South Walton, FL These are the best places for groups seeking beaches in South Walton: Santa Rosa Beach; Grayton Beach State Park; Rosemary Beach Public Beach; See more beaches for groups in South Walton on Tripadvisor Some South Walton towns are more budget-friendly than others. All ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet is homemade, the scoops are (very) generous, and there's plenty of outdoor seating, making it the perfect spot for cooling off after a day on Blue Mountain Beach, one of the few public beach access points in South Walton, just a short walk down the road. Get The Coast on Instagram: "NEW ARTIFICIAL REEF: On Thursday, the Water was perfect!! It was pouring rain on our tour, and we still had a blast. Dappled with shade from the thick canopy of oaks, magnolias, hickories and sand pines that surround it, Seagrove is a quirky mix of old beach homesteads and newer cottages. The hotel isnt on the beach, but its only a five-minute (complimentary) tram ride away. Santa Rosa Beach is home to the artist colony at Gulf Place, the sprawling Point Washington State Forest, and beaches with powdery sand. 9,897 talking about this. With beautiful beach roads, surf shops, great restaurants, beachfront houses, seaside resorts, and condominiums offering panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico, this beach community reintroduces the atmosphere of classic coastal enclaves. COOL BLOCKS, MAIN STREETS AND WALKING TOURS, Certified Visitor Information Centers North Central Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Northeast Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central West Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Central East Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Southwest Florida, Certified Visitor Information Centers Southeast Florida, Florida Travel and Vacation Guides - United States, Exchange Rates, Conversions, And Processes, one of Best Beaches on Earth for families. Summer is the high season, when rental properties tend to be more expensive and more families visit. Dont be alarmed by the odd coloring of the lakes: Tannins from vegetation give them their tea-like hue. From east to west, the sixteen coastal towns of South Walton are Inlet Beach, Rosemary Beach, Seacrest, Alys Beach, Watersound, Seagrove, Seaside, WaterColor, Grayton Beach, Blue Mountain, Santa Rosa Beach, Gulf Place, Dune Allen, Sandestin, Miramar Beach, and Seascape. Works for me. You can visit Jim Carrey's character's fictional home, 31 Natchez St., and recreate his famous catch phrase "Good morning and in case I don't see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night! Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear())2021 VISIT FLORIDA. From families to hikers, people seeking solace to those looking for a thrilling adventure, there is something here for everyone. Inlet Beach, on the east, and Miramar Beach, on the west, form the boundaries of South Walton. Make sure to pay a visit to the iconic Red Bar for great music and good times. Traveling to South Walton is simple, whether by vehicle or plane: its just 35 miles from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) and Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS), and its less than a days drive from much of the Southeast. Beautiful walking pathways, bordered with Loblolly trees and studded with rare coastal dune lakes, add to South Walton Beachs soothing, gentler pace. This South Walton beach is the most famous of them all. in 1874. Best of 30A Florida: Travel Guide to South Walton - The Wanderlust Within Frequently Asked Questions about South Walton. When the Ancient Order of United Workmens hall was sold and converted to residential use, the community purchased the Orange Hall in 1938 for $50. South Walton has more than 50 beach and bay access locations along its 26 miles of shoreline. Country music stars like Sheryl Crow and Luke Bryan vacation here (and sometimes play free concerts, if youre lucky enough to catch one), as do well-heeled Southerners, which explains the perhaps inevitable Hamptons of the South comparisons. In Rosemary Beach, every wooden walkway leads to the beach (including this one!). Waterton offers up a wide variety of things to do, whether you're looking to stroll through our many shops, hike our world famous trails, explore our waters or have fun doing some or our many activities, there is something here for everyone of every age! when you come to Serenity Spa, we allow you to shift your focus relax, revitalize and reconnect with yourself. And lets not forget the beach. You dont have to be a beer enthusiast to stop by the taproom of South Waltons only brewery in Grayton Beach, known around town for its 30A Beach Blonde Ale. Pack your bags. Justin Gaffrey, whose studio is located just off 30a in Santa Rosa Beach, layers heavy acrylic paint for a thick, textured style to depict local wildlife and gulf coast landscapes. 11, and also 14 McKillop lots belonging to Union School No. with three unique coastal dune lakes, a plethora of walking paths, and numerous beach accesses. For adults, Beach and Brew on 30A is one of the newest businesses in Seacrest and showcases a large variety of craft beer and unique wines in their taproom. This picture-perfect community is so cute it starred on the big screen in "The Truman Show." So unwind at the adult-only swimming pool and poolside spa or head down to the beach, where beach chair and umbrella service is included in your stay. If you prefer camping under the stars, there are several options available in Waterton Lakes National Park. 2. Discover South Walton Beaches & Scenic 30A in the Florida Panhandle - live BeachCams, events, activities, rentals, forums, shop, dine, reviews, photos & videos, real estate and more - the SoWal Staff helps you Beach Like A Local. Its fun, charming, and though undeniably upscale, it also has profound sense of community. The communities of South Walton are beach towns, which means the dress code is scanty swim attire bathing suits, flip flops on and off the sand. The beautiful Beaches of South Walton are characterized by dazzling white, sugar-fine sand and the brilliant emerald-green water of the Gulf of Mexico. Youll also see incredibly rare bodies of water likely without realizing it. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. . Not all accesses listed on map. Soon there were two stores, a lodging house, a blacksmith shop and a sawmill and gristmill. 10 Fun Things to Do in South Walton from $13 | Expedia If you're not yet able to fly direct, multiple daily flights leave from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International to the three airports (flight time is under an hour), making for easy connections. amazing, and Seaside is as unique and fun as it was a decade ago when I was one of the man We spent a wonderful carefree day at the Santa Rosa Beach! South Walton Guide Service is located in Santa Rosa Beach and offers to show you a memorable time in these waters. Copyright 2023 Coastal Maps, Inc. For More Info. Golf courses, world-class tennis programs and adventure activities ensure no one in your gang will be bored. However, the community once again came to the rescue. The bikes are designed for all skill levels if you can ride a bike, you can e-bike but first timers may want to start with a guided tour led by Eventure Tour Company, which offers a wide range of group and private themed tours around South Walton. South Walton Tourism: Best of South Walton, South Walton Hotels with Air Conditioning, Hotels near Party Boats DESTINY & DESTIN PRINCESS, Hotels near Ft. Walton Beach Airport (VPS), Hotels near Northwest Florida Beaches Intl Airport (ECP), Motels near Northwest Florida Beaches Intl Airport (ECP), Motels near Ft. Walton Beach Airport (VPS), Hotels near Walton Career Development Center. It's hard to miss the Blue Mountain Beach Creamery. We walked a ways for privacy and had a stretch of beach to ourselves even on memorial weekend! this new four-room schoolhouse was opened officially on December 12, 1962 with the total cost of construction and equipment and other expenses amounting to about $84,000. Visit the Beaches of South Walton to discover why this is the ideal location for a peaceful family vacation with a gorgeous beach background. There are rental car agencies in Destin, Panama City Beach, and at the airports, but if you dont have a car and want to avoid renting one, Uber and Lyft are already well established. During periods of heavy rainfall, freshwater outfalls, or currents of lake water, breach sand barriers and flow out into the gulf, while salt water flows in until salinity levels stabilize. Discover rare coastal dune lakes, quiet beaches, old-growth longleaf pines, sand pine scrub and a variety of wetlands within the preserve. The first log schoolhouse was built in 1860 S.S. No. Alys Beach, South Waltons newest community, is known for its glittering white stucco architecture that lends the town a polished, Mediterranean vibe. In 1862, still governed under colonial rule, they named their new community Walton, just prior to Confederation (1867).[6]. Offering some of the most amazing scenic hiking trails in the world, you can enjoy Waterton Parks in any season. Seaside, with its quaint, pastel-colored beach cottages, was born, and fifteen other communities soon followed. This seaside area is ideal for relaxing or engaging in outdoor activities. This is our family's new 30A favorite. South Walton 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor They'll get you from A to B, but if you're particular about your ride or looking to cover long distances, you should bring your own. Public beaches are surveilled by lifeguards from mid-March through September, and a colored flag system at every beach monitors surf conditions. For a wider array of carbs, head to Parisian-inspired Black Bear Bread Co. for pastries and sandwiches (plus cold brew or a cappuccino a la Stumptown Coffee Roasters). We rented a house here in August 2021 for kids / grandkids, and found this to be less crowded, very family friendly beach compared to other 30A beaches we've enjoyed in prior years. Hilton Grand Vacations Club in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Residence Inn by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard, Embassy Suites by Hilton Destin Miramar Beach, Candlewood Suites Destin-Sandestin Area, an IHG Hotel. The rooftop, complete with a full bar, fire pits, and alfresco lounge seating, is the spot in Rosemary Beach for pristine Gulf views. Their signature spirit, Dune Laker, is made with Florida-grown corn and filtered through Gulf oysters, which adds a little something-something to the flavor. Fitting the neighborhoods exclusive vibe, if you want to stay, youll have to book a luxury rental. It effortlessly blends award-winning restaurants, shops, cozy cottages and resorts into the perfect recipe for relaxation. In 1901, the adjoining house was destroyed by fire and two years later, an auction was held for the chattel of McKim's Royal Hotel and household goods. The private beach is one of the many perks of staying at The Pearl. WaterSound offers tourists a behind-the-scenes look at all South Walton has to offer, enabling them to enjoy peaceful beach vacations at their leisure. accessories, toys, apparel, gifts, sunscreen, etc. Miramar Beach Sandestin Blue Mountain Beach Santa Rosa Beach Watercolor Seaside Seagrove Beach Rosemary Beach, local product at the highest possible quality, Finest Outdoor Apparel & complete section of fly & fishing tackle. structures mark the entrance to Alys Beach. This beach, which has luxurious beach homes, premium restaurants, and the lovely Eden Gardens State Park, is far from being a throwback. Another St. Joe member property, guests benefit from exclusive access to a wide array of resort-style amenities without having to sacrifice the comforts of a cozy, charming inn. The beaches of South Walton embrace uniqueness and beauty. Beaches of South Walton Vacations The Walton Women's Institute's[9] Tweedsmuir Collection[10] provides some of the history of the Walton schoolhouses. You can almost see Truman Burbank walking around in paradise here. Each beach town is more beautiful than the next. THE 10 BEST South Walton Beach Hotels - Tripadvisor Treatments at the Serenity Spa and Wellness Center are designed to restore energy, promote well-being and make your trip to Waterton Lakes that much better. Whether you live on the east coast or west, 60 minutes away from any point here will be an ocean!The sun shines brightly year-round and there are beaches for everyone to enjoy at all times! You can choose to hang out in the taproom or . St. George's Anglican Church drew parishioners from 1880 until 1968. your next vacation. There are also six beautiful golf courses to select from, and the surrounding, LOW HAZARD Calm Condition, Exercise Caution, MEDIUM HAZARD Moderate Surf and/or Moderate Currents. While strolling along Main Street, grab a bite at the popular Cowgirl Kitchen, which serves casual Tex-Mex, or opt for the elevated seafood (literally, its a rooftop) plates at Pescado. ", A Chef's Tour of the Best Restaurants in Birmingham, Nashville for the Weekend: It's All Fun and Games, This is a BETA experience. In Alys Beach, dramatic architecture and laid-back culture combine to create a mix of simplicity and elegance. South Walton recognizes the importance of simple pleasures, such as a sunset accompanied by a glass of wine, a lopsided sandcastle constructed with family, or a bicycle trip that includes lunch. Thats Seaside, and it required very little effort to make Trumans hometown seem like a paradise of pastel-colored houses and dreamlike beaches. The sugar white sand and turquoise water are the main attractions, but there's never a dull moment on or off the beach. This park features a rare coastal dune lake that shares its name, as well as easy access to the beach via a boardwalk across the dunes. Beautiful walking pathways, bordered with Loblolly trees and studded with rare coastal dune lakes, add to South Walton Beachs soothing, gentler pace. Find Your Beach Access These lakes can only be found in a few countries around the world. The sprawling green lawns and French Quarter-style architecture only adds to the sense of intimacy. South Walton is made up of sixteen planned towns built less than 30 years ago, affording regional planners and architects an opportunity most can only dream of: to construct entire towns from the ground up. The American Civil War (18611865) generated a widespread economic boom. Bud and Alley's is 25 years old, an ancient relic in South Walton years and its oldest restaurant. The menu is a blend of traditional Gulf Coast cuisine and Caribbean flavors that highlights locally-sourced and harvested ingredients, like blue corn and soft shell crab. Afterward, stroll around the neighborhood to admire the colorful houses and outdoor art wall, a gallery with more than a dozen pieces that continues to evolve as more art is added. South Walton & Destin Beach Access Map - Vacayzen Due to extensive repairs needed at that time, and the increasing difficult task of getting volunteer help, the building was sold to the Women's Institute. The two Presbyterian congregations had joined in 1910. Grab a paddle and hit the lakes in Grayton Beach State Park. Mrs. Sage continued to run the business until 1901. Besides its many dining accommodations, Waterton also offers venues for the 18 and up crowd interested in enjoying a few drinks, dancing with friends or seeing live musical acts. You may opt-out by. Inlet BeachCam | SoWal.com Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is named for the tallest dune in the preserve, which, when viewed from the Gulf of Mexico, resembles a ship's topsail. 25 mi. Located between Panama City Beach and Pensacola, in the northwest part of the state, it serves as a popular vacation destination for visitors from neighboring Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. On the whole, South Walton trends towards upscale, which sets it apart from nearby Panama City Beach, another popular vacation spot. South Miami. You can indulge in retail therapy and great food at Grand Boulevard in the town center. There are three airports in the area: Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) in Panama City, Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS), and Pensacola International Airport (PNS). A group of restaurantslike Crpes du Soleil and Frost Bitesset up shop in Airstreams along 30A, lending a little funk to the fluffed-up scenery. Get inspired. In the neo-traditional beach community (named one of Americas Most Romantic Small Towns), everything is within walking distance of the colorful downtown area, where youll find art galleries like Curate30A, which focuses on collectible fine art. Places to see, ways to wander, and signature experiences. Beach Service Public Accesses. If you could describe Inlet Beach in just one word, "peaceful" is what might roll off of your tongue. Seagrove Beach Florida: Tranquility, Serenity, and Stunning Sunsets, St. Petersburg Lions Club Beach House Florida: Make Unforgettable Memories, Lake Istokpoga: Get Lost in Natures Beauty. It offers unique restaurants and shops, as well as a pristine mile-and-a-half long beach that encircles a small cove. The park boasts 1,640 acres of coastal ecosystem, making it a nature lover's paradise. Waterton offers up a wide variety of things to do, whether youre looking to stroll through our many shops, hike our world famous trails, explore our waters or have fun doing some or our many activities, there is something here for everyone of every age! A committee to oversee operations and fundraising formed and the hall was busier than it had been for many decades. Scoop up treasures at boutiques, bask on sugar-white sands or splurge on a massage at one of many spas. Gorgeous sugar sand beaches with beautiful blue-green water. It is probable the area was first occupied by Paleo-Indians almost as soon as the land was exposed by melting ice around 11,000 and 10,500 years ago, based on regional archaeological evidence. The Walton Hotel was the most successful in the hamlet as it still functions as an inn and restaurant today. But this comes with a big caveat, as June through November is hurricane season. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the main dining room or on the airy outdoor veranda with views of the Gulf, then move upstairs to the rooftop lounge for a refreshing cocktail. When the open kitchen becomes the kitchen table. Its iconic white walls, lush greenery and intimate walkways are the very height of luxury. Take a guided kayak tour on one of 17 coastal dune lakes, or venture out on your own. There are eight public beach entry points in South Walton, but a stay at a hotel or in a rental property will usually include access to that neighborhoods own private beach. Its neighborhood motto is Nice Dogs, Friendly Folks, and truer words have never been spoken. Drift past sawgrass marshes and rolling, white sand dunes, or, if youre lucky (and brave), paddle down an outfall, the narrow channels that spill out from the dune lakes into the Gulf. From east to west, the sixteen coastal towns of South Walton are Inlet Beach, Rosemary Beach, Seacrest, Alys Beach, Watersound, Seagrove, Seaside, WaterColor, Grayton Beach, Blue.