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Find Family Adventure, Fun and Sun on the Beaches of South Walton
Florida
By Carol Muse Evans
Family Travel Editor
 Southern Families have long known the secret of
Florida’s Emerald Coast – this destination within driving distance of many
southern cities has developed a long-time love affair between southerners
and Florida’s sugar-white sands along its panhandle.
Now others from across the country are flocking like
seagulls to the serenity, quiet, and for some, nightlife and activity of
Florida’s sugar sand coastline.
The Beaches of South Walton take you back to a time
when the coastline was unspoiled, quieter, more natural and the most perfect
setting for a peaceful family vacation. This area is reminiscent of a family
vacation of 20 to 30 years ago – when things were slower, family time was
more a part of every day, and you needn’t have the latest gadget or
expensive entertainment to enjoy time together.
 The Beaches of South Walton aren’t just on any map –
it’s not a town. It’s a name describing 13 beach communities along the
Florida panhandle between Destin and Panama City Beach. You won’t find it
overrun with touristy beach spots or clusters of towering condominiums
blocking your view. Sure, there’s a bit of both of these, but this community
has been planned and the result is an unspoiled version of the best of both
worlds.
 What you will find are places families can hike, bike,
swim and explore. The area has award-winning beaches, and 40 percent of the
land – some 25,000 acres – is state parks. In addition, all 26 miles of
beaches here are certified as Blue Waves Beaches by the Clean Beaches
Council. Building restrictions dictate you cannot build a home or building
above four stories, so nothing obstructs the lovely view of the beach. And,
it’s the only place you’ll find the famous coastal dune lakes, other than
trekking across the world to Africa.
Families who love to explore will find the untouched
land where plants, birds, wildlife and even endangered species live free,
offering great educational opportunities, too. The South Walton Tourist
Development Council works with local agencies, like the local Loggerhead sea
turtle rescue organization, to ensure breeding refuges are protected. In
places like Grayton Beach State Park, not only can visitors enjoy the
shoreline for swimming, picnicking and fishing, but an area is also for
turtle nesting.
At Cassine Garden and Topsail Hill State Preserve, named for a dune that
stands 25 feet high above sea level, you can hike and bike along miles of
nature trails where you’ll see natural parts of Florida tourists don’t
usually see – coastal lakes, wetlands and cypress marshlands.
 The simple life is the one most desired in the Beaches
of South Walton, and Seaside is well known across the country for its simple
architecture and pastel-colored homes with bicycled paths. It was featured
in the Jim Carrey movie, “The Truman Show,” because it gave the idea of a
man living “the perfect life.” There’s also Rosemary Beach and the new
WaterColor community, as well as Seagrove Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, and
other great communities. Resorts like The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
and One Seagrove Place also echo the community’s commitment to nature,
preservation and family.
Accommodations in the area vary from camping and RV parks, cottages, cozy
bed and breakfasts to luxury hotels and full service resorts.
IF YOU GO:
Find out more about the area, accommodation, restaurants and more at:
800-822-6877
www.beachesofsouthwalton.com
WHERE TO STAY:
The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
9300 Emerald Coast Hwy. W.
Destin, FL 32550
800-622-`1038
www.sandestin.com
Seaside
Co. Road 30-A
Seaside, FL 32549
888-SEASIDE
www.seasidefl.com
WaterColor
1701 E. Hwy. 30-A
Seagrove Beach, FL 32459
888-775-2545
www.arvida.com/watercolor
or
www.watercolorinn.com
One Seagrove Place
4100 East Scenic 30A
Seagrove Beach, FL 32459
800-368-9100
www.oneseagroveplace.com
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