Safety on the beaches is a priority in Walton County and the "official" Beach Safety season kicked off on Sunday, March 1, 2026, as South Walton Fire District (SWFD) lifeguards returned to their posts across 26 miles of shoreline for daily surf rescue and coverage.
Here is the 2025-2026 School Calendar from Visit South Walton - Use it to help plan your trips to SoWal. Locals can see when to promote business, events, and when to plan around traffic, and crowds at restaurants and grocery stores. The school calendar shows when K-12 schools and universities/colleges in our major travel markets will be on break and for school start dates.
South Walton School Calendar includes 30A travel info for Fall Break, Winter Break, Spring Break and other holidays.
Walton County Tourism is expanding its free Beach Tram service on March 1, with routes running to and from regional beach accesses from the new 393 Municipal Parking Facility, which is 4 blocks north of 30A on Hwy 393 at Gulf Place, and Grayton Beach Municipal Parking Facility, which is 4 blocks north of 30A on Hwy 283.
Note that these large public parking lots have covered waiting areas with seating and restrooms, as well as inside air-conditioned waiting areas with local art.
The air in the Village of Baytowne Wharf changes every February. It isn’t just the crisp winter breeze coming off the bay, it’s the heavy, savory scent of dark roux and slow-simmered spices drifting through the streets.
If you follow your nose toward the center of the Village, you’ll find the 37th Annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival in full swing.
The heart of Seagrove is about to get a whole lot more accessible.
Finding your perfect spot along South Walton’s 26 miles of shoreline is a breeze, especially with our regional beach accesses designed to make your day easy and enjoyable. These spots come fully equipped with parking, restrooms, seasonal lifeguards, and those all-important flags to let you know the beach conditions at a glance.
If you’re looking for specific accessibility features, South Walton has worked hard to make the sand welcoming for everyone.
ADA Accessible Regional Beach Accesses
South Walton is an enviable vacation spot — and just off the beach at the growing and vibrant Watersound Origins community you can live the life full time!
Surrounded by majestic natural splendor and pristine beaches, Watersound Fountains at Watersound Origins is one of the most exclusive 62+ residential communities in the world.
Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) is clearing the stage for big laughs this March as it hosts the year’s first "Comedy on the Boulevard." The one-night-only showcase brings together a trio of the Southeast’s most entertaining stand-up talents for an evening of quick wit and relatable storytelling.
Scheduled for Thursday, March 12, at 7:00 P.M., the event promises to transform the professional theatre space into a relaxed, high-energy comedy club.
The Seaside Institute awarded Marieanne Khoury-Vogt and Erik Vogt the recipients of the prestigious 2026 Seaside Prize, which is given annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to the fields of architecture, urban planning, and community development.
Here's a recap from the Seaside Institute:
Adventure seekers in Walton County have a new reason to explore our local parks and trails.
Walton County has officially launched its own Geocaching program, turning our scenic county parks into a massive, real-life treasure hunt. Whether you’re a seasoned "cacher" or just looking for a new family outdoor activity, the game offers a unique way to discover corners of the county you might normally overlook.
