Nestled along the scenic Emerald Coast of Northwest Florida, Walton County is a destination that offers much more than stunning beaches and luxury real estate. It’s a place where outdoor recreation, fine dining, art, and coastal heritage intersect to create an exceptional lifestyle for residents and visitors alike. For those considering relocation, second-home ownership, or investment in this part of Florida, it’s essential to understand the range of experiences available. From Seaside to Santa Rosa Beach, the number of high-quality, engaging things to do in Walton County continues to grow each year, reflecting the region’s unique blend of small-town charm and elevated living.
Discover Florida’s Most Iconic Beaches
One of the most compelling things to do in Walton County begins with its world-renowned beaches. Stretching across the 26-mile corridor known as Scenic Highway 30A, the coastline offers sugar-white sand and clear turquoise waters that have become synonymous with the Emerald Coast lifestyle. Grayton Beach State Park, consistently ranked among the top beaches in the United States, is an ideal destination for swimming, kayaking, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon with a Gulf view.
Equally impressive is the community of Seaside, where the beach is framed by pastel-colored cottages, pavilions, and a charming walkable town center. Residents and visitors can enjoy beachside yoga, live music at the amphitheater, and exceptional seafood just steps from the shore. Whether it’s paddleboarding at Blue Mountain Beach or sunset strolls in Rosemary Beach, living in Walton County means unlimited access to some of Florida’s most picturesque and pristine coastlines.
Equally impressive is the community of Seaside, where the beach is framed by pastel-colored cottages, pavilions, and a charming walkable town center. Residents and visitors can enjoy beachside yoga, live music at the amphitheater, and exceptional seafood just steps from the shore. Whether it’s paddleboarding at Blue Mountain Beach or sunset strolls in Rosemary Beach, living in Walton County means unlimited access to some of Florida’s most picturesque and pristine coastlines.
Enjoy Outdoor Recreation Beyond the Shoreline
While the beaches may draw the most attention, there are countless outdoor activities that define the lifestyle here. One of the most rewarding things to do in Walton County is to explore its natural inland beauty. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, located just west of Santa Rosa Beach, features over 1,600 acres of rare coastal dune lakes, longleaf pine forests, and hiking trails. The park offers exceptional opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife photography, and biking along its shaded paths.
For freshwater adventures, Morrison Springs in northern Walton County is a local favorite. This 161-acre park centers around a crystal-clear spring that flows into the Choctawhatchee River, providing a perfect setting for swimming, scuba diving, or launching a kayak. With over 200 natural lakes, rivers, and protected parks throughout the county, outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of places to explore.
Golfers are also well accommodated in Walton County, with award-winning courses such as Camp Creek Golf Club near Watersound and Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club offering both challenging play and beautiful views. These amenities attract not only avid players but also homeowners seeking properties with access to top-tier recreational features.
For freshwater adventures, Morrison Springs in northern Walton County is a local favorite. This 161-acre park centers around a crystal-clear spring that flows into the Choctawhatchee River, providing a perfect setting for swimming, scuba diving, or launching a kayak. With over 200 natural lakes, rivers, and protected parks throughout the county, outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of places to explore.
Golfers are also well accommodated in Walton County, with award-winning courses such as Camp Creek Golf Club near Watersound and Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club offering both challenging play and beautiful views. These amenities attract not only avid players but also homeowners seeking properties with access to top-tier recreational features.
Immerse in Local Art and Culture
The creative community in Walton County is a key part of what makes the region so unique. One of the most enriching things to do in Walton County is to immerse yourself in the local arts scene. The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County regularly hosts exhibits, artist talks, and public art installations. Their annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival in Grand Boulevard draws talent from across the Southeast and is a signature event that showcases the area’s vibrant cultural identity.
The town of Seaside is home to the REP Theatre, a highly regarded professional theater company that stages performances ranging from Shakespeare to contemporary productions. The presence of such institutions adds depth to Walton County’s small-town charm and appeals to residents who appreciate both natural beauty and intellectual engagement.
A visit to the Watersound Origins community often includes a stop at the Watersound Monarch Art Trail, where sculptures by regional artists are integrated into nature paths for a self-guided walking tour that celebrates creativity in the outdoors. Art galleries in Alys Beach and Santa Rosa Beach also feature works by Gulf Coast artists, many of whom live and work in the area.
The town of Seaside is home to the REP Theatre, a highly regarded professional theater company that stages performances ranging from Shakespeare to contemporary productions. The presence of such institutions adds depth to Walton County’s small-town charm and appeals to residents who appreciate both natural beauty and intellectual engagement.
A visit to the Watersound Origins community often includes a stop at the Watersound Monarch Art Trail, where sculptures by regional artists are integrated into nature paths for a self-guided walking tour that celebrates creativity in the outdoors. Art galleries in Alys Beach and Santa Rosa Beach also feature works by Gulf Coast artists, many of whom live and work in the area.
Dine in Award-Winning Restaurants
Culinary excellence is another defining feature of Walton County. Some of the best dining in the region can be found along 30A, where restaurants balance locally sourced ingredients with coastal flair. Whether dining at the rooftop bar of Pescado in Rosemary Beach or enjoying fresh oysters at Stinky’s Fish Camp near Dune Allen, there is no shortage of exceptional options.
Chef-owned eateries, artisanal bakeries, and farm-to-table concepts are woven into the dining scene, creating experiences that are both refined and welcoming. The Airstream Row in Seaside offers a unique collection of gourmet food trucks with everything from cold-pressed juices to wood-fired pizza, making it a casual favorite for families and visitors.
Those looking for wine and cocktail culture can explore the curated wine list at Vin’tij in Miramar Beach or enjoy mixology-forward bars throughout the county’s resort communities. These culinary destinations add to the long list of things to do in Walton County and contribute to its reputation as a hub for elevated yet approachable dining.
Chef-owned eateries, artisanal bakeries, and farm-to-table concepts are woven into the dining scene, creating experiences that are both refined and welcoming. The Airstream Row in Seaside offers a unique collection of gourmet food trucks with everything from cold-pressed juices to wood-fired pizza, making it a casual favorite for families and visitors.
Those looking for wine and cocktail culture can explore the curated wine list at Vin’tij in Miramar Beach or enjoy mixology-forward bars throughout the county’s resort communities. These culinary destinations add to the long list of things to do in Walton County and contribute to its reputation as a hub for elevated yet approachable dining.
Shop in Stylish, Locally Curated Retail Centers
Boutique shopping is another popular activity in the region, especially in walkable town centers like Seaside, Rosemary Beach, and Grand Boulevard at Sandestin. These areas feature independent retailers offering home décor, designer apparel, specialty foods, and luxury accessories. Grand Boulevard, located just east of Miramar Beach, provides an upscale retail experience with national and regional brands, spas, and fine dining, all in a beautifully landscaped pedestrian-friendly environment.
For those furnishing a new home or searching for distinctive coastal style, shops like The Zoo Gallery and Not Too Shabby Boutique in Santa Rosa Beach offer curated selections that reflect the artistic character of the region. These retail spaces aren’t simply places to shop—they are community hubs where local entrepreneurs, artists, and designers shape the aesthetic identity of Walton County.
For those furnishing a new home or searching for distinctive coastal style, shops like The Zoo Gallery and Not Too Shabby Boutique in Santa Rosa Beach offer curated selections that reflect the artistic character of the region. These retail spaces aren’t simply places to shop—they are community hubs where local entrepreneurs, artists, and designers shape the aesthetic identity of Walton County.
Attend Seasonal Festivals and Community Events
Throughout the year, Walton County plays host to a variety of festivals and events that celebrate its local culture, food, and community spirit. The 30A Songwriters Festival, held each January, attracts nationally recognized musicians and thousands of attendees who enjoy intimate performances across multiple venues. The South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival is another seasonal highlight, bringing vintners and chefs together for a weekend of tastings, seminars, and live music.
Farmers markets are held weekly in towns like Seaside and Rosemary Beach, where residents gather for local produce, artisan goods, and homemade specialties. These markets offer a welcoming, community-driven experience that connects new residents with the agricultural roots and culinary traditions of the region.
Specialty events like the Flutterby Arts Festival, Harvest Wine & Food Festival, and Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach contribute to the diverse selection of cultural activities that are available throughout the year. For residents and visitors alike, engaging in these events provides an opportunity to feel a deeper connection to the community.
Farmers markets are held weekly in towns like Seaside and Rosemary Beach, where residents gather for local produce, artisan goods, and homemade specialties. These markets offer a welcoming, community-driven experience that connects new residents with the agricultural roots and culinary traditions of the region.
Specialty events like the Flutterby Arts Festival, Harvest Wine & Food Festival, and Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach contribute to the diverse selection of cultural activities that are available throughout the year. For residents and visitors alike, engaging in these events provides an opportunity to feel a deeper connection to the community.
Discover More With The Gettings Group
For those exploring relocation, second-home ownership, or investment in Northwest Florida, understanding the many things to do in Walton County is key to envisioning the lifestyle that awaits. From beach days and outdoor adventures to fine dining and local art, this region offers an unparalleled coastal experience rooted in both relaxation and refinement. Reach out to The Gettings Group to begin your journey today and discover what makes Walton County one of Florida’s most sought-after places to live, invest, and thrive.
