Guides

Stunning white beaches, challenging golf and world-famous fishing define the Emerald Coast – and some of the best shopping and dining anywhere  draw visitors to this seaside destination every year. Read more

This Northwest Florida destination enjoys recognition as a top U.S. beach from TripAdvisor, Conde Nast Traveler, The Travel Channel, USA Today, Southern Living, Dr. Beach and the Clean Beaches Council. Family attractions, championship golf courses, sporting events, award-winning dining, predictably sunny weather and a vast number of recreational activities draw visitors to this seaside destination annually. Read more

For those whose perfect beach vacation includes a true resort experience, Sandestin offers the best of all worlds. Choose accommodations to suit any style, whether it’s full-service leisure or a cozy private rental. Regardless of where you stay in this welcoming, diverse neighborhood you’ll have no shortage of fun activities — from spas and nightlife to exhilarating water activities and championship golf courses. The Village of Baytowne Wharf bustles with dining options and entertainment options for the whole family. Or, treat yourself to a gourmet meal at Seagar’s, an AAA Four Diamond-rated restaurant. With Sandestin’s incredible variety, you’ll start planning you... Read more

Spend your time in Seascape relaxing on its pristine beach; change things up by diving into one of this beach neighborhood’s five swimming pools. Then, explore Seascape by foot — there’s plenty of space to cover along its walking trail and golf course. Fresh seafood and live music are offered at many of Seascape’s laid-back restaurants; sweeping Gulf views add elegance to many of this beach neighborhood’s outdoor patios. Luxury resort accommodations and charming beach cottages make it easy for you to find your perfect space, no matter what your vacation style. Read more

Founded in 1910, Santa Rosa Beach has a rich history. This long-standing vacation destination remains a hotspot for visitors years later — in fact, Santa Rosa Beach was recently named as one of Travel + Leisure ’s Top 5 Favorite Towns in America. Santa Rosa Beach’s sugar-white sand and turquoise water draw in vacationers from around the world; retreats like Point Washington State Forest attract those searching for an all-natural escape. Delicious dining, boutique shopping, and family-friendly attractions round out this lively beach neighborhood.  Read more

This intimate beach neighborhood has everything you need for a perfect vacation — all located within walking distance. WaterSound is an enclosed, private paradise designed to help you escape, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty of South Walton. Wide walkways and winding boardwalks intertwine beautifully with WaterSound’s stunning scenery. Three golf courses boast gorgeous fairways; a 7,000-square foot pool invites guests to dive right in. Nearby, a wooden path leads to sugar-white sand and turquoise water. Come to WaterSound and escape from it all. Read more

This active, upbeat beach neighborhood boasts a beautiful landscape and stunning architecture shaped to complement the area’s natural features. Accommodations range from intimate private rental homes to the award-winning WaterColor Inn & Resort. Spend time relaxing on WaterColor’s sugar-white sand; then, treat yourself to some time in the boutique shops and luxurious spas of this beach neighborhood. Get out and explore WaterColor’s outdoors with a trip to Western Lake or Point Washington State Forest; come back and treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of this beach neighborhood’s many restaurants. Read more

In the colorful neighborhood of Seaside, you’ll feel immediately at ease — here, most people get around by bike or by foot. Funky airstream trailers serve hot dogs, fresh juice, shaved ice and more; just down the road you’ll find cozy cafés and a specialty market. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Seaside while you walk along its sugar-white sand; or, grab a seat at a restaurant patio for a perfect beach sunset view. Explore this beach neighborhood’s artistic side by visiting a local art studio or seeing the local theater troupe. Read more

This easygoing beach neighborhood is the perfect place to escape for a beach vacation. Spend a day wandering through the shops and sights of Seacrest — you’ll spot everything from gorgeous dune lakes to gourmet restaurants. Then, unwind with a stroll along Seacrest’s sugar-white sand. A lively community gathers in Seacrest’s Peddler’s Pavilion. Sip coffee on an outdoor patio, stock up on homemade sweet treats, or rent a bicycle and go exploring. With wide-open green spaces and plenty of ecosploring opportunities, this beach neighborhood is a perfect fit for active vacationers.  Read more

Here, neighbors share small talk from wide balconies and open patios; groups of young ones gather for games of tag on sprawling green lawns. Nearby restaurants are full of foodies trying out the chef’s latest seasonal dish; down the street, families sip hand-made sodas and milkshakes. Rosemary Beach is full of charm that draws visitors back again and again — which is just one reason why this beach neighborhood was named by CNN as one of America’s most romantic small towns. Come visit Rosemary Beach and let this destination sweep you off your feet. Read more

Sitting along a wide, scenic boulevard right along the Gulf, Miramar Beach is a hub of activity. Visit this beach neighborhood’s colorful shops and eclectic eateries; stay in a family-friendly resort or private beachfront home. Test your balance during a stand up paddleboarding lesson, or find the perfect accessory at one of Miramar Beach’s hundreds of designer and name-brand stores. Start and end each day with a beautiful view of the sun shining against Miramar Beach’s turquoise water. Read more

Come explore Inlet Beach, one of South Walton’s most untouched beach neighborhoods. Here, it’s easy to spend a day daydreaming by the beach or strolling along the sand. Laid-back and carefree, the Inlet Beach community welcomes all. Cozy beach cottages mix with modern homes in this old-meets-new beach neighborhood; sweeping sand dunes shape the landscape in a memorable way. Inlet Beach hosts many restaurants that are loved by locals — stop by for a casual drink or dinner and feel right at home. Read more

With a neighborhood motto of “nice dogs, friendly folks,” it’s clear that Grayton Beach is a place that embraces the easygoing lifestyle. Retreat to this beach neighborhood and become a part of a welcoming, fun-loving community. Funky shops, local boutiques, and artists’ galleries line the streets of Grayton Beach. You can find live music almost any night of the week; and it’s not uncommon to wear flip-flops from sunrise to sunset. The character of Grayton Beach is apparent in its dining scene, which includes everything from beach bars to wine bars. In Grayton Beach, anything goes — and that’s just how locals like it. Read more

Looking for an escape? Come to Dune Allen, where visitors enjoy abundant outdoor space and a welcoming, tight-knit community. This beach neighborhood boasts three coastal dune lakes, which are extremely rare bodies of water found in only a handful of places across the world. Dune Allen also offers more than five miles of breathtaking trails in Topsail Hill Preserve State Park — making it a dream destination for nature lovers and ecosplorers. Come unwind and relax in the most inspiring type of setting. Read more

Named after the area’s brilliant blue lupine flower, Blue Mountain is an unforgettable sight. Enjoy gorgeous views of turquoise water from the top of this beach neighborhood, which sits at a slight incline compared to the rest of South Walton. From cozy beach cottages to luxurious new homes, Blue Mountain offers a variety of accommodations for beach-goers to choose. Explore this beach neighborhood’s eclectic eateries and locally owned boutiques; or pick up a handmade creation at a Blue Mountain art studio. Experience more of what makes Blue Mountain unique as you jog along a running trail or enjoy a cup of homemade ice cream. Read more

Stroll along Gulf Place’s sugar-white sand and lush green spaces; then, get out and see the stores and restaurants at Gulf Place Town Center. Energize with a refreshing session in the swimming pool, a game of tennis, or a jog along the Timpoochee Trail. Eat, drink, and relax at a family-friendly spot like La Playa. Gulf Place is the perfect spot to please almost any palate, and easygoing enough to welcome any type of visitor. Read more

You’ll know exactly where you are when you enter Alys Beach – from its signature palm trees to its iconic butteries to its stunning white stucco architecture, Alys Beach makes a strong, stylish statement. Experience the high-end yet low-key feel of this beach neighborhood. Take a seat on a bench at one of Alys Beach’s many community green spaces; or, seek out some quiet time with a stroll along its stunning nature walk. This beach neighborhood includes a 20-acre nature preserve and celebrates its surroundings with winding trails, outdoor sculptures, and elegant landscapes. Whether you’re sitting on the sugar-white sand or strolling along a quiet sidewalk, Alys Beach al... Read more

Discover the charm of Seagrove, a beach neighborhood that locals and guests love. Lush oak trees, magnolias, and pines have spread deep roots in Seagrove — and so have long-time visitors who keep coming back. Laid-back but luxurious, Seagrove is a place that embraces variety. From upscale boutiques to casual cafes, this beach neighborhood offers a little bit of everything — including two rare coastal dune lakes, a state park, and sugar-white sand. Read more