South Walton Beaches, Florida

Tucked between the fishing haven of Destin and the Spring Break Mecca of Panama City is an area known as the South Walton Beaches. This strip of undeveloped, pristine, white sand beaches is the perfect spot for vacationers who value that greatest of vacation activities: nothing at all. What the area lacks in amusement parks, high rise condominiums, and tee-shirt shops, it more than makes up for with sunshine, golf, tennis, fishing, and general relaxation.

Like most of Florida, Walton County was originally inhabited by Native Americans, specifically the Euchee and Choctaw tribes. In contrast with other tribes, these were not nomadic, but created large villages, and were excellent hunters and fishermen. The indigenes were conquered by the Spanish, and the area eventually turned over to the United States. In 1824, shortly after Florida was recognized as a U.S. territory, Walton County was created under the territorial governorship of Andrew Jackson. The county was named for Col. George Walton, secretary of West Florida and son of former Georgia governor George Walton, who signed the Declaration of Independence.

The most famous community along this stretch of paradise is Seaside. Called "America's most famous small town," Seaside was conceived in the early 1980s as a community within walking distance of all amenities. The town square is the centerpiece of the town, and all services are close at hand. The unique architectural style, a retro pastel motif, was made famous in the movie The Truman Show, with Jim Carrey.

Blue Mountain Beach, the highest point along the Gulf of Mexico in the U.S., offers spectacular views of the Gulf. Sunrise and sunset should not be missed!

Miramar Beach offers excellent public beach access and is home to the largest designer outlet center in the United States.

Seascape Beach straddles both Scenic Gulf Drive and Emerald Coast Parkway, and offers an excellent scenic drive as well as awesome sunbathing.

Seacrest offers excellent opportunities for a secluded picnic in the sand. The huge dunes hide visitors from neighboring homes.

Grayton Beach has remained basically the same as when it began nearly 100 years ago. Residents have worked vigorously to prevent the over development of the area. Grayton Beach State Park, which is generally considered one of the nation's best beaches, is a must-see for any visitor.

Santa Rosa Beach encompasses the largest tract of land of all the beach communities. Located here is the Topsail Hill State Preserve, which could be the state's most pristine piece of property; its beach, dunes, coastal lake and cypress swamp have remained nearly untouched since the time the first Europeans landed here five centuries ago.

Seagrove Beach is home to Eastern and Deer Lakes, which make wonderful spots for putting in a canoe or kayak for a day of exploration around the Seagrove Beach area. Inlet Beach is the closest point to Panama City Beach, and makes a great jumping off point into that more traditionally tourist oriented community.

The Beaches of South Walton make an ideal spot for enjoying a peaceful, sun drenched vacation. But if a more active time is what you seek, pop into Destin, and rent a charter boat from one of the area's many marinas. Or head into Panama City Beach for some amusement park fun. But whatever your particular taste, the Beaches of South Walton will satisfy any appetite.