Photo by John Cross
With a string of 16 charming beach towns, South Walton is a welcome contrast to Miami’s glamour and bustle but boasts lively cultural attractions, in-demand eateries, and (of course) those famous white sand beaches. Opening this summer, the Underwater Museum of Art is a brilliant break from what usually constitutes public art. Seven large-scale sculptures, installed in the Gulf of Mexico 1 mile from shore at Grayton Beach State Park, will serve as habitat for ocean wildlife. Among them is Rachel Herring’s The Grayt Pineapple, an 8-foot-high stainless steel pineapple designed to give small fish places to hide. Choctawhatchee Bay also has two new features: Thomas Pilcher Park, with a 380-foot fishing pier and six docks, and Bayside Ranchettes Park, with a kayak launch and picnic area. Or head to the beach, where the South Walton Turtle Watch tracks nests of green and loggerhead turtles in the area. Look for turtles at Topsail State Park, Grayton Beach State Park, and Deer Lake State Park.
Photo by Tonya Long
Where to Eat
Last summer, chef Emeril Lagasse opened Emeril’s Coastal Italian, which makes use of that amazing fresh Gulf seafood and other local ingredients. At Big Bad Breakfast, James Beard Award–winning chef John Currence serves both regional dishes (shrimp and grits) and early-morning staples (bacon and eggs). And Destin Ice Market 30A offers Friday afternoon wine tastings and monthly cooking demos, with themed menus and wine pairings from local chefs and sommeliers.
Where to Stay
The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa just got a $5 million makeover, as well as a new menu at Sandcastles Restaurant and Lounge. New luxury boutique hotel The Pointe offers stylish suites, beachside service, complimentary bike rental, and a rooftop bar that’s perfect for watching sunsets. Opening this year, the 84-room Hyatt Place Hotel will feature rooms more like residential condos, with a common space separate from the bedroom. And Newman-Dailey Resort Properties offers a wide range of vacation rental options.
