Everyone in our SoWal community wants locals and visitors to enjoy our beaches safely and to respect our wonderful natural areas. Please follow beach safety rules and guidelines.
We are committed to Beach Safety Every Day - For Gulf conditions and flag updates, text "SAFETY" to 31279.
See current beach conditions on the live SoWal BeachCams.
South Walton Beach Safety Flag information
Beginning March 1, 2025, Walton County opted to go with one main chair and umbrella rental vendor across South Walton Beaches. For 2026 the singular company is Coastal Beach Service, which has served the area for decades.
The service offers more than just chairs and umbrellas - see their website for locations and options, or call 850-233-0914.
Tucked away along the shimmering shores of the Choctawhatchee Bay, The Village of Baytowne Wharf continues to serve as the vibrant heart and soul of Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. As we move into March, the Village is shedding its winter coat and leaning fully into a season of outdoor festivals, open-air music, and the kind of coastal energy that only spring in South Walton can provide.
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.
Sea turtle nesting season begins in May on many Florida beaches, including the beaches of South Walton (SoWal) and northwest Florida. The season lasts through the end of October and is the critical time when people can help keep sea turtles and hatchlings safe.
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.
South Walton has many great events, festivals, live music and performance series every month of the year. While there are always activities and events all Summer during the busy season, the major festivals are in the off season in Spring and Fall. That's great for locals and visitors. Temperatures are cooler and rentals and restaurants are less crowded.
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.
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.
