South Walton (SoWal) county Area Information
This page was updated July 30, 2008
- Area Map (Interactive)
- Area Facts & Figures
- Current Beach Conditions
- Lodging - Hotels, Motels, Inns and Bed & Breakfasts
- Publications - Newspapers
- Public Beach Accesses
- Restaurants (under construction)
- Weddings in South Walton
- Yoga and Meditation Classes
Have any questions about SoWal? Feel free to email me 24/7 at jill@sowalscene.com!
South Walton (SoWal), in the Florida panhandle, is situated directly in between Destin to the east and Panama City Beach to the west and includes the beach communities of Miramar Beach, Sandestin, Santa Rosa Beach, Dune Allen Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Grayton Beach, WaterColor, Seaside, Seagrove Beach, Point Washington, WaterSound, Alys Beach, Seacrest, Rosemary Beach & Inlet Beach.
THE COMMUNITIES OF SOUTH WALTON (courtesy of Beaches of South Walton)
Blue Mountain Beach - "Mountain" is somewhat of a misnomer for a Florida landscape that is only 345 feet above sea level at its highest point (northern Walton County), but the first European settlers may have mistaken the Blue Mountain community's towering dunes for mountains after being at sea for months.
Dune Allen Beach - South of Hwy 98 (a.k.a Emerald Coast Parkway) on Scenic Highway 30-A lies the heart of this coastal hideaway. Dune Allen is an established community that surrounds Stallworth Lake, one of 17 coastal dune lakes, which are unique to this part of the world.
Grayton Beach - Grayton Beach, Florida was the first community established in Beaches of South Walton, some time in the late 19th century. If you walk down one of Grayton Beach's oyster-shell roads, you may have the feeling things don't change very fast here. Pine and oak trees surround many of the natural old wooden homes. Grayton Beach which celebrated its 110th anniversary July 4th, 2000 still maintains that same “small cozy town” character with narrow tree lined streets and friendly people with funky art galleries, antique and specialty shops, a general store, and the infamous Red Bar.
Inlet Beach - Inlet Beach, Florida is located at the eastern edge of Beaches of South Walton. It gets its name from Phillips Inlet, which separates Walton and Bay Counties.
Miramar Beach - Miramar Beach begins at the Gulf of Mexico along Scenic Gulf Drive and meanders past condos and private homes with panoramic views of the gulf, a resort and scattered shops and restaurants. As it curves around to join Emerald Coast Parkway you will find the nation's largest designer outlet center, Silver Sands Factory Stores, encompassing more than 100 designer outlet shops. You could be away from the beach for quite some time
Rosemary Beach - With calm gulf waters, soothing rays of sunshine, and silky sand beaches, Rosemary Beach, Florida is a great place to unwind and soak up the scenery. Rosemary Beach's unique architecture is what first captures your attention, with its Dutch and West Indies-inspired homes and commercial buildings. Visit Rosemary Beach website HERE
Sandestin - Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast scenic beauty is defined by Sandestin, an upscale-yet-casual coastal community that offers something for everyone: from golfing, shopping, fine dining and spas to simply lounging on the beach with a good book, a cold drink and some SPF 30. With more than seven miles of sugar-white sand beaches, sparkling clear Gulf waters and beautiful bay frontage, Sandestin offers its visitors a truly memorable experience that brings them back, year after year. Visit Sandestin's website HERE.
Santa Rosa Beach - (includes the communities of Gulf Place south of Scenic 30A and Point Washington North of Hwy 98) Santa Rosa Beach includes the historic community of Point Washington, where the Wesley Mansion, built in the 1890’s and houses the largest collection of original Louis XVI antiques resides in the beautiful Eden State Gardens. Once a thriving lumber mill during the turn of the century, it has since been dedicated to the state for preservation. Topsail Hill State Preserve, located in the community of Santa Rosa, could be the state's most pristine piece of property; its beach, dunes, coastal dune lake and cypress swamp have remained nearly untouched since the first Europeans settled here five centuries ago.
Seaside - Seaside made a giant splash in the architectural world when developer Robert Davis achieved the most astonishing design achievement of its era, according to Time magazine. The new movement in land planning, known as New Urbanism contains narrow streets, unique picket fences and homes tightly knit to encourage walking and a community feel. It was the first of its kind, creating the model for towns across America. Seaside's "walk-to-anywhere" design works to bring necessary shops and services to its residents and guests, including a post office and a school. Visit Seaside's website HERE
Seagrove Beach - Back in the 1940s and 1950s, families came to Seagrove Beach, Florida to rent modest one-story cottages with paddle fans instead of air conditioning and wide screened porches (perfect for sleeping). The same families returned to Seagrove Beach year after year, and now second and third generations make the journey.
Secrest Beach - Seacrest Beach is a hidden paradise, where outdoor activity flourishes with Camp Creek Lake and golf club. Visit Seacrest Beach, Florida for the perfect relaxing vacation. Seacrest Beach , Florida begins after the big bend in the road on Scenic Highway 30-A. The road still follows the gulf here, and passes through areas with an up-close view of just how wild and dense the coastal scrub can get.
WaterColor - The WaterColor Inn and Resort, is an expansive 499-acre southern coastal resort and residential community located between Seaside and Grayton Beach State Recreation Area. Named the number one family resort by Travel + Leisure family readers and Northwest Florida’s only AAA Four diamond rated hotel, this elegantly appointed community is nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and a rare, 220-acre coastal dune lake. Visit WaterColor's website HERE.
WaterSound Beach - Situated along Northwest Florida's Gulf Coast, WaterSound Beach offers a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of scenic Highway 30A. The beauty of the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the distinctive flora and fauna that surrounds Camp Creek Coastal Dune Lake and the sugar white sand beaches and dunes are exquisite in this charming beach community. Visit WaterSound's website HERE.
