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Located along a 26-mile stretch of white sandy beaches in Northwest Florida, South Walton encompasses 16 distinct beach neighborhoods, each with its own visual style, amenities and charm. South Walton is home to four state parks, one state forest, and more than 200 miles of hiking and biking trails. Renowned for natural scenic beauty, turquoise waters and sugar sand beaches, South Walton was named one of the “Secret Florida Beaches” by Travel + Leisure, but is easily accessible as a drive to destination or by flying to nearby airports Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) or the Destin – Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS). An upscale, yet casual place to unwind, South Walton is the place to recharge and build lasting memories. Learn more at VisitSouthWalton.com  Current information: Click on the links below for up to date information FLAGS BEACH CAMS WATER QUALITY Click READ MORE for more important visitors information
Before we begin, here is one thing you MUST know about rainy day activities. When it rains here everyone comes off the beaches and start looking for something else to do. This means TRAFFIC, especially around shopping areas such as the Sandestin Outlets. If you would like to go somewhere watch the weather and plan early. I would suggest looking for things in walking distance or see if your condo offers activities.
Art offerings: The Shard Shop: Nestled in The Shops of Grayton, this friendly Make-Your-Own-Art boutique offers daily classes in ShardWorx, the art of glass and resin on painted canvas. Classes are offered 4-5 times a day and last about an hour. All skill levels age 6-96 are welcome. All materials are supplied. Sign up online or call to reserve a spot in this new way of making art with glass!
Although only service dogs and dogs with proper permits (which require their owners to be Walton County residents or property owners) are allowed on Walton County’s public beaches, and only then while leashed and during certain hours (no dogs are allowed on the beach between the daylight hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. during Daylight savings time), there are still plenty of dog-friendly options for visiting dogs that don’t require beach permits. Please see below for suggested dog-friendly activities and accommodations for visitors. Socializing Let your dog run wild at the South Walton Dog Park, located at 342 J.D. Miller Road in Santa Rosa Beach or in Destin at Nancy Weidenhamer Dog Park 4100 Indian Bayou Trail, Destin, FL 32541. This is a great place for dogs to run, play and enjoy some fun in the Florida sun year-round. Divided into different sections for large, small and senior dogs, this amenity provides the perfect playtime environment for your pooch. Eco-adventures If you want to get some fresh air and exercise with your furry friend, look no further than South Walton’s more than 200 miles of trails in our four state parks and the Point Washington State Forest, all of which are perfect for walking your dog on a leash.
As a reminder, be sure to bring water for both you and your pooch, as well as dog bags to pick up after them while visiting the parks. Shopping While you’re out shopping the local boutiques of South Walton’s 16 beach neighborhoods, don’t forget to pick up something special for your four-legged companions. Stop by Bow Wow Meow Pet Company (4935 E County Hwy 30A) in Seagrove and check out the fantastic selection of healthy and organic food for your dog, as well as their wonderful line of pet clothing and accessories. You can also head over to Furry Fanatics (56 Spires Ln.) an adorable locally-owned and run pet store in Gulf Place to buy your four-legged best friend a special treat! Dining Many restaurants in South Walton with outdoor seating are pet-friendly, including:
Rentals You can find more than 100 pet-friendly accommodations on our at www.VisitSouthWalton.com by using the “pet friendly” filter. Here are a few examples:
Boarding Bringing your four-legged friend with you on vacation, but don’t want to leave them in your rental while you’re out exploring all day? South Walton has boarding options available where your dog can spend the day in style, all while being walked, fed and loved.
Before we begin, here is one thing you MUST know. When it rains here everyone comes off the beaches and start looking for something else to do. This means TRAFFIC, especially around shopping areas such as the Sandestin Outlets. If you would like to go somewhere watch the weather and plan early. I would suggest looking for things in walking distance or see if your condo offers activities. Art offerings: The Shard Shop: Nestled in The Shops of Grayton, this friendly Make-Your-Own-Art boutique offers daily classes in ShardWorx, the art of glass and resin on painted canvas. Classes are offered 4-5 times a day and last about an hour. All skill levels age 6-96 are welcome. All materials are supplied. Sign up online or call to reserve a spot in this new way of making art with glass!
Rock Paper Scissors 30A: Located in Grayton Beach, Rock Paper Scissors 30A is a fun space where you can channel your inner creative. The goal is for everyone to be able to find their artistic freedom. Parents can sit back and relax or browse the local shops while the little ones immerse themselves in art.
Santa Rosa Pottery: Make your own creation on a potter’s wheel, sculpt a masterpiece to take home or just visit the gallery to watch quality stoneware being made. Classes can hold up to 5 people, and children 3 years old and up with parent supervision. Combine the beautiful, natural elements of Santa Rosa Beach with clay and glaze for a truly unique experience and keepsake.
The Zoo Gallery: Located in Grayton Beach and Grand Boulevard Sandestin, this gallery and retail location is filled with fun, unique and spectacular art pieces from artists and designers around the United States and globe.
Andy Saczynski Gallery: If you’re looking for a unique and unexpected contemporary art piece to brighten a dreary room or day, visit the Andy Saczynski Gallery at the Shops at Grayton. A former Artist of the Year winner, Andy’s work features reclaimed and recycled materials with bold colors, and each piece has a story. If you’re lucky, Andy may be there creating some of his one-of-a-kind pieces!
Mary Hong Gallery: Also at the Shops at Grayton you can find another of our South Walton Artist of the Year winners at Mary Hong’s Gallery of beautiful glass and reclaimed material work. Pop in to see what Mary is working on or to take home your own beautiful piece of South Walton. With pieces ranging from serene beach scenes to small fish and crosses, Mary has something for everyone!
Justin Gaffrey Gallery: Another Visit South Walton Artist of the Year winner, Justin Gaffrey hosts a display of his works in a gallery in Blue Mountain Beach. A self-taught artist, Justin’s pieces are eclectic and truly unique to his style. You can view his work in oils, sculpture and more, Monday-Saturday 10-6.
Shopping: Grand Boulevard: Located at Miramar Beach, Grand Boulevard has a plethora of shopping and dining options to occupy the family for hours on end on rainy days. Visit shops like Lilly Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines, DB Art Gallery and more! If the weather clears up, take a seat on one of the benches in the Grand Park area and enjoy the relaxing fountain or let the kids run around on the grassy area for while!
The Shops of Grayton: Treat yourself at the Shops at Grayton. With home décor, jewelry, boutiques and tasty treats, there is something for the whole family here! Stop at their North or South locations for various offerings and grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants housed at both locations.
Gulf Place Town Center: This community corner offers a bit of everything for its visitors. YOLO Board+Bike, The 30A Store and SOHO beach all call the Town Center home, along with shops like Furry Fanatic, Deep South Market and Jewel Toffier. Shop ‘til you drop and then grab a caffeine pick-me-up at Sunrise Coffee or snag a slice at Pizza by the Sea. Gulf Place Town Center has something for everyone!
Seaside Shops: Art galleries, clothing boutiques and specialty shops can all be found at the central square in Seaside. Pick up a new beach read at Sundog Books or take the kids in Duckies Shop of Fun before heading over to Seaside Beach shop for a signature Seaside t-shirt or hat to take home.
Downtown Watercolor: With some of the most unique shops offered in South Walton, Downtown Watercolor is a can’t-miss stop. Get your candy fix from The Candy Bar before popping into The Blue Giraffe for some fun and funky art pieces, cover all of your resort-wear needs at The Barefoot Princess, Island Clothiers or The WaterColor Store, and get your fishing gear and tips at Old Florida Outfitters before grabbing a bite for yourself from The Wine Bar, Fish Out of Water or Beach Club Grill.
Downtown Rosemary: Cobblestone streets connect unforgettable boutique shops throughout Downtown Rosemary. Featuring boutique clothing shops, children’s stores, a day spa, art galleries and a book store, Downtown Rosemary is an all-encompassing shopping destination.
Entertainment: The REP Theatre: Based in Seaside, the REP is Northwest Florida’s premier professional theatre company. With a constant cycle of shows passing through the 75-seat theatre, The REP has something for the whole family to enjoy.
Boulevard 10 Movie Theater: Enjoy movies in this state-of-the-art theatre with the “Big-D” auditorium, Ovation Dining Club and seating for 1,800. Order traditional movie concessions from the counter or scoot over to the Ovation counter and order dinner, appetizers and even beer and wine.
Blast Arcade & Laser Maze: Nestled in the heart of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin, Blast is fun for the whole family with a laser maze, over 50 arcade games, a shootin’ gallery and more!
Thrills Laser Tag & Arcade: Sister company to Blast, Thrills in Seascape features a one-of-a-kind experience with a 3,500 square foot, 2-level laser tag arena and over 70 player stations of games. There’s something for all ages at Thrills!
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