Walton County Tourism

Grayton’s Found Family

The idea of a utopia conjures a different image for everyone. Whether it’s a silent, blue-skied field of lavender or a nest of gleaming skyscrapers, the commonality is likely a desire for connection—with land, self, or others—and an erasure of our imperfect world’s stressors. First used in 1516 by Sir Thomas Moore, the word “utopia” is a pun on the ancient Greek word for “good place” but actually means “no place.”

The Ultimate Guide to a Weekend in South Walton, Florida

Modern Luxury

Even before I reached the beach, South Walton felt different from the rest of Florida. Driving down scenic Highway 30A past pastel cottages perched on stilts, palm-lined streets and rare coastal dune lakes, it quickly became clear that here, the drive is part of the destination.

24 Incredible Road Trips in the U.S.

AFAR

Whether you’re looking for sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean or a multiday adventure through national parks, these road trips provide plenty of opportunities to explore the United States.

South Walton's Late Summer Guide: Where to Stay, Eat and Unwind Throughout Florida’s Gulf Coast

Modern Luxury

Late summer along South Walton is its own kind of reward. This storied stretch of the Panhandle exhales after peak season. Crowds recede and the coastal communities settle back into their natural rhythm: sugar-white quartz sand underfoot, turquoise water on the horizon, palm trees resume their unhurried sway.

15 Stunning Places In Florida Only A Local Would Recommend

Southern Living

It’s not hard to find beauty in the Sunshine State. Yes, there are the beaches, of course. With two coasts, there’s a picturesque stretch of sand for everyone. But Florida also has botanical gardens, historic hotels, nature preserves, incredible architecture, and so much more.

Revealed: Modern Luxury's 2026 Best of Travel Awards

modern luxury

From private jet adventures and posh safari lodges to the world’s hottest new hotels and wellness retreats, our editors have curated the ultimate list for today’s luxury travel around the globe.

The Best Family-Friendly Resorts in Florida

Conde Nast Traveler

Oh, Florida. Everybody has something to say about the Sunshine State. But as Florida continues to boom as the number-one domestic tourist destination in the US, its perpetual pull on travelers remains undeniable.

This Florida Mini Road Trip Rolls Along 24 Miles of Powdery Beaches, Dune Lakes, and Seafood Restaurants

AFAR

If you don’t have enough time to traverse the Florida Keys, consider another, shorter Sunshine State road trip: Florida Scenic Highway 30A. Much of this 24-mile stretch runs along the Gulf of Mexico coastline in northwest Florida’s Walton County, a two-lane road unfurling along seaside towns and stretches of white sand powdery underfoot. You can easily drive it round-trip in a day, but the fun is in pulling over—maybe to admire the new urbanism architecture in Seaside and Alys Beach or to swim in the clear waters at Grayton Beach State Park.

12 Ideal Florida Destinations for a 3-Day Weekend in 2025

World Atlas

Florida is a famous travel destination because of its stunning beaches, small towns, and historic landscapes. The Sunshine State is also famous for extended stays because of the attractions and cultural exhibits, including living history events and historical recreations with period-appropriate actors. The bigger metropolises like Orlando and Miami are well known, but the smaller towns and villages exude a coastal charm that is hard to beat.

Where to Play, Eat, and Stay in Walton County, Florida

Matador Network

Walton County is a stretch of Florida’s Emerald Coast between Pensacola and Destin, full of Southern eateries, businesses focused on sustaining the environment, and an unabashed love of local artists and artisans. The more affluent and recently renovated part of Walton County, it’s characterized by eco-friendly businesses, walkable neighborhoods, and mid-range to upscale offerings. For generations, Walton County has been a road-trip vacation destination, thanks in part to Scenic Highway 30A. Living up to its name, the highway connects more than 20 miles of coastline along Florida’s panhandle.

21 Best Places to Travel in September

Travel + Leisure

If you’ve been waiting for summer vacationers to head back to work or school so you can enjoy your favorite—or new—destinations without the crowds, now is the time to plan your travel. Warm weather continues in most places, prices may be lower, and restaurant and tour reservations are easier to secure. With that said, we’ve compiled a variety of nearby and far-off places for you to explore. Here are our suggestions for your ideal September vacation.

St. Charles Avenue Magazine July 2025

St. Charles Avenue Magazine

Like a painting or a sculpture, a road map begins as a vision, a feeling or an idea.