Destin & South Walton Parks & Beaches

The list of reasons why people relocate and purchase second-home property in Northwest Florida is endless. The common inspiration among them all, however, is something that cannot be overlooked: the beaches of South Walton County and the Emerald Coast are among the most spectacular in the United States with pristine white sand, beautiful and diverse dunes systems and, of course, the Gulf of Mexico’s radiant warm waters.

With more than 30 miles of virtually unbroken sugar sand you’re never more than a few hundred yards from a portal to the beaches and seaside state parks.

Near Destin, where numerous harbors and marinas provide a direct link to the gulf for fishing, boating and sailing, the beaches are lively and reachable via walkways at oceanfront resorts and rental properties, as well as 13 public access points including Henderson Beach State Park.

The beaches of South Walton county, farther east, are generally quieter and accessible through eight county-operated locations, each with parking, restrooms and seasonal lifeguards. Additionally, 47 private boardwalks between Miramar Beach and the communities along 30A through Rosemary Beach enable guests and residents to transition from shopping, dining and festivals to the sand and water in a matter of seconds.

Interspersed throughout these communities are three magnificent open spaces—Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Grayton Beach State Park and Deer Lake State Park—offering camping, hiking on secluded nature trails and pathways leading to the gulf beaches.

Buyers and visitors are lured to south Okaloosa and Walton counties because of a desire to submerge themselves in the region’s sublime beauty and unique coastal lifestyle. Few places anywhere make that transition between land, sand and sea in is as seamless as it is here.