South Walton: 26 Miles of Perfection
In South Walton, Florida, there’s more than meets the beach
Words by Paige Townley
There’s something for anyone in South Walton, Florida, and that statement holds true any time of year. Situated in Northwest Florida, South Walton is an easy weekend getaway from most any state in the Southeast—it’s also less than 25 miles from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport and Destin-Fort Worth Walton Beach Airport—and it maintains a temperate climate year-round that makes outdoor adventure easy to keep on any agenda.
Though the area may be best known for its natural beauty—in total, South Walton boasts 26 miles of pristine sugar-white sand and stunning turquoise water—there’s so much more to experience here than your average beach destination. South Walton is comprised of 16 beach neighborhoods, and while they all share a coastal connection, each neighborhood is distinct and unique, completing the package for anyone looking for a specific personality or overall style while vacationing with family or friends.
Always on the menu in all of South Walton’s beach neighborhoods is an expansive culinary scene. More than 200 restaurants can be found throughout the quaint neighborhoods and charming town squares, and all have been carefully crafted to provide exclusive offerings perfectly suited for even the most discerning of palates. The wide array of flavors found here range from eclectic Asian cuisine and rustic Italian meals to coastal casual and fresh-from-the-Gulf seafood.
The experience is always part of any meal, and there are a range of those as well. Whether you’re looking for waterfront dining, a private experience carefully curated by one of the area’s award-winning chefs, or even a customized and catered beach picnic, it’s all possible in South Walton.
Topping off the area’s fusion of flavors are the annual food and wine festivals. One-of-a-kind wine tastings, wine dinners, and farmers markets are frequent happenings in South Walton, and they are always a great way to experience the neighborhoods as well.
You can’t consider a visit to South Walton without checking out its many outdoor activities. In addition to the natural beauty and stunning beach atmosphere, the neighborhoods also serve as home to vast nature preserves. Adventure seekers will appreciate the 200-plus miles of hiking and biking trails, including Timpoochee Trail. The 18.05-mile Timpoochee Trail parallels the length of Scenic Highway 30A—winding past dune lakes, state parks, beach access points, and even through some of the neighborhoods—and is a unique way for runners or cyclists to get an up-close-and-personal glimpse of the beauty found in South Walton.
Those looking to experience the area’s natural beauty in a more relaxed way will also appreciate the other natural offerings of South Walton, which includes four state parks, a 15,000-acre state forest, and 15 rare coastal dune lakes. As nearly 40% of the land in South Walton has been specifically preserved for nature, there are many pristine, untouched areas to explore and take in while in South Walton.
With so much to see and experience, it’s easy to see why South Walton is continually recognized as a premier beach vacation destination, and it can be your go-to spot as well. Check out visitsouthwalton.com for more information or to book your stay today.