Located on a beautiful 26-mile stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast, South Walton is a hidden gem that’s just begging to be discovered by travelers in search of sun, sand – and plenty of surprises. We’ll have plenty more to share about South Walton in the upcoming months, but for now, here are five things we love about the destination.
Those Beaches
It’s obvious but inescapable. Anyone who’s been to South Walton is going to wax poetic about the beaches. Boasting 16 distinct beach neighborhoods, the destination is located along 26 miles of sugar white sand and turquoise Gulf Coast water (warm enough for swimming almost year-round). There’s plenty to do other than go to the beach here … but we wouldn’t blame you if you spent a good portion of your trip on the sand here, soaking up that Florida sunshine.
A Lively Arts & Culture Scene
South Walton offers a different kind of Florida escape – one with all the sun and sand you expect, but with a cultural allure that sets it apart. The area’s numerous artists’ colonies and more than 20 art studios and galleries form a vibrant creative community of fine painters, crafters, and sculptors. There’s art on every corner here. The sound of live music adds an infectious soundtrack to the air. And The Seaside Repertory Theater (The REP, as locals call it) brings an array of performing arts to South Walton –plays, ballets, musicals and more.
The Fantastic Food (and Drink)
There’s some seriously great cuisine happening in South Walton. South Walton’s oldest – and most beloved – restaurant, the beachfront Bud & Alley’s, offers great, unpretentious beach grub: fish tacos, crab cakes, pizza, and much more. Enjoy local fresh seafood cuisine at the al fresco Fish Out of Water restaurant, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Choose from BBQ gourmet grilled cheeses and more at Airstream Row, where eateries are housed in shiny retro-cool aluminum trailers. Get a cut of prime beef at Seagar’s, a classic New York steakhouse – and save room for the chocolate soufflé. Take a seat at the Havana Bar & Grill’s hand-carved mahogany bar, order the handcrafted cocktail of your choice and soak in the ambiance. And of course, craft brew lovers will find plenty of new beers to try at such hotspots as Grayton Beer Company and Idyll Hounds Brewing Company.
Incredible Coastal Dune Lakes
Coastal dune lakes exist in a handful of places in the world: New Zealand, Madagascar, Australia, the Northwest US … and South Walton. These rare, biologically diverse ecosystems are truly spectacular, and are home to endangered species and lush vegetation. South Walton’s 15 coastal dune lakes were created by wind and waves thousands of years ago and are constantly evolving. The beautiful landscapes are perfect for birdwatching, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and fishing.
The Outdoor Adventures
If you’ve made it this far, you’ve realized that the outdoors are big in South Walton. And locals and visitors love taking advantage of the area’s natural assets, whether it’s biking along the 19-mile coastal Timpochee Trail, scuba diving in Morrison Springs’ fresh, crystal clear water, or exploring the teeming wetlands of Topsail Preserve State Park, populated by all sorts of birds, mammals and reptiles. Want an out-of-the-ordinary workout? Try RUN/SUP, a pulse-quickening activity that combines the best of running and stand-up paddling. Whatever you end up doing, if you love fresh air fun, South Walton won’t disappoint.
Get in touch about South Walton at SouthWalton@TurnerPR.com .
