Walton County Tourism

The Top 13 Beaches in Florida for Sun and Adventure

Florida might be as flat as a pancake, making you wonder how much adventurous fun you can really have in this state. But the longer I live here (over half my life now), the more I’m convinced we have the most spectacular beaches of any place in the world along our roughly 1,800 miles of coastline.

This Scenic Stretch Of Florida's 30A Is Quieter Than Its Crowded

Southern Living

Florida's 30A has become one of the South's most popular destinations, and rightfully so. Its powdery-white sands, clear cerulean waters, unmatched sunsets, and string of idyllic beach towns come together like a vacation dream set to a Beach Boys song. Of the bustling towns, mostly nestled on the eastern side of the 20-mile stretch, Santa Rosa Beach is one of the quieter spots on the western end to enjoy the scenery (with more public beaches than its crowded neighboring towns) and attractions, including seafood dives, water sports, state parks, and more. Though busiest in spring and summer, it's perfect for a trip year-round.

9 Dreamy Hotel Bathrooms We Wish We Could Live In (and Design Ideas to Steal)

Better Homes & Gardens

POV: You’ve just checked into a hotel. You get your room key, swipe the card at your door, and step foot inside your home away from home. What’s the first thing you do?

The 10 Best Southern Desserts Of All Time, According To Chefs

Southern Living

Nearly all Southerners can agree that Duke's Mayonnaise and pimiento cheese are always welcome to the party. And once and for all, it’s cornbread dressing (not stuffing). However, when it's time to come to a consensus about what might be the best Southern dessert recipe, the plot thickens.

Florida: An Intersection of Meetings and Coastal Contact

Smart Meetings

If the last couple of months have proved anything, it’s that Florida is one tough state. With an abundance of dynamic coastline and tropical beauty, along with verdant forests and plenty of man-made attractions, the allure for attendees in the Sunshine State is unshakable.

Hidden On Florida's Emerald Coast Is A Garden State Park With Ponds, Ancient Oaks, And Wildlife

Islands

The Emerald Coast in Florida runs through the Northwestern portion of the state It includes parts of Panama, Fort Walton, Pensacola, and Destin, which is home to a beautiful sandbar island considered one of Florida's most unique destinations. This stretch is known for its beautiful, sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and a slew of amazing things to do. One of the many places worth exploring, especially for outdoor lovers, is Eden Gardens State Park. This attraction is located close to the coast and features an abundance of different ecosystems in its 163 acres. Whether you just want to explore some of Florida's natural beauty or jump into an adventure on the water, Eden Gardens is the place to go.

Discover South Walton: Florida's Top Beach Destination with a Vibrant Arts Scene

Gotham Magazine

One of Florida’s premier beach vacation destinations, South Walton stands out with a surprisingly sizzling arts scene.

7 Old-World Towns to Visit on Florida's Emerald Coast

World Atlas

Florida has a longstanding history, even containing the oldest permanent European settlement in North America, the town of St. Augustine, which was founded in 1565. This community sits on Florida's eastern coast, but today we will move west to the state's panhandle, the famed Emerald Coast.

Your magical stay awaits: These Florida hotels go all out for the holiday season

Miami Herald

It’s never too early to start planning for the holidays, and Florida’s warmth is just as magical as the nation’s more wintry destinations. Some hotels go to extremes to create a merry atmosphere, with ginormous trees to skating rinks and even winter wonderlands filled with light shows and Aspen-style chalets. Want a Christmas tree in your guest room? No problem, some hotels will even decorate your holiday hideout. Wish you could mingle with Santa and his elves? They make hotel cameos, as well.

America's 10 Best Coastal Drives You Should Take at Least Once

Men's Journal

Few classic American drives can match a stunning shoreline spin. Here are 10 favorite coastal drives for the rolling bucket list.

Should You Wash Oysters? It Depends—Seafood Chefs Reveal When You Must

Better Homes & Gardens

Perhaps you prefer enjoying oysters raw and straight from the shell. Or maybe you’re more fond of fixing oyster stuffing or stew, just like grandma made. Regardless of how you enjoy this popular type of shellfish, if you do so at home, you might be wondering, “should you wash oysters?”

I Asked 5 Seafood Experts if We Should Wash Shrimp—They All Said the Same Thing

Better Homes & Gardens

Although it pales in comparison to our consumption of chicken and beef (101 pounds and 58 pounds per person per year, according to USDA estimates), Americans are eating an increasingly substantial amount of fish and seafood. Back in 1990, the typical U.S. adult ate about 15 pounds of fish and seafood per year, the USDA confirms. By 2021, that average jumped to 21 pounds annually.