South Walton County’s 26-mile stretch of the Gulf is a refreshingly natural and serene area within the Florida Panhandle, and its baker’s dozen of quiet beach communities exudes a slow-paced charm.  Here picket fences, wine tastings, gourmet dining, live jazz, gallery hopping and bird-watching win over the louder and more flamboyant pursuits of the conventional beach town.

            Drive along scenic Highway 30-A, and you’ll find huge stretches of undisturbed shoreline and maritime forests dotted with sleepy old towns and eco-consciously planned resort communities.  The area’s mix of natural beauty and progressive flair has made it a haven for artist, nature-lovers and city refugees looking to simplify.  The fancifully designed developments of Seaside and Rosemary Beach are home to artists’ colonies and frequently host open-air concerts.  State parks at Grayton Beach and Deer Lake are popular spots for guided eco-tours, kayakers and hikers.

Getting Around

            North of Highway 98 on County Road 395 is the beautiful Eden State Park.  From Highway 98 you can also intersect the popular Highway 30-A from the east or west side.  Highway 30-A parallels the beautiful beaches and lakes and world-famous beach communities.  Many choose to explore Scenic 30-A by the picturesque 18.6-mile-long paved bike trail.

The Residents

            The past growth and development of Walton County can be attributed to its larger historical industries, farming and forest products.  Today, over 25,000 acres of lush natural habitat—dunes, bayous, lakes and forests—are now protected as state parks, forests and preserves, and tourism is king in this paradise.  But there is a rich and varied local culture here, too, and the distinctive art galleries, antique shops and charming boutiques of the pedestrian-friendly streets stand in testament to this.

Don’t miss:

• The house band at Red Bar, a hipster hangout with great eats and even greater people watching
• Dinner on the screened-in porch at Bud and Alley’s, one of Florida’s most celebrated restaurants
• Outdoor movies, concerts and wine tastings at Seaside’s open-air market
• Gopher, tortoises and rare bird species in the wild at Point Washington State Forest