30A Beach Towns

Explore the many varied communities making up South Walton's Gulf Coast! They don't call the  area Scenic 30A for nothing. Come experience paradise in Northwest Florida!

The 30A Communities:

County Update: Commissioners Approve Resolution on Public Beach Use

On May 26, 2026, the Walton County Board of County Commissioners approved a resolution supporting public use of the county's beaches. The resolution recognizes Walton County's beaches as a valuable community asset and highlights their significance to the local economy, tourism industry, and tax base. It also recognizes ongoing discussions and disputes over beach use in the past decade. The resolution states that actions by visitors, property owners, commercial vendors, and government responses, including legal proceedings related to customary use, have contributed to tensions among stakeholders.

What the Resolution Says

The resolution formally affirms the Board's…

413 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Seagrove Beach Access, Just Got a Little Easier

There’s a new beach access point in Seagrove, and it’s a meaningful addition to this stretch of 30A. Walton County has opened the Seagrove Regional Beach Access at 3910 E. County Highway 30A, making it the county’s 10th Regional Beach Access. In a place where beach access is sometimes hard to find, 100 feet of new public beachfront is a big improvement. The site includes 23 parking spaces, with spots for ADA access and bicycles, a 1,011-square-foot restroom, rinse showers, and a dune walkover that is ADA-accessible. It connects right to the multi-use path, so it’s easy to get there whether you drive or bike. Tower 21, the newest lifeguard tower in South Walton, is also on site.…

946 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

What’s Next for Walton County? Why This New Survey Matters for Homeowners and Buyers

Walton County is taking a forward-looking approach and wants to hear directly from the people who live, work, and invest here. County officials have opened a public survey inviting community members to share their input on priorities that will shape the future of Walton County. From infrastructure and growth to quality of life and long-term planning, this feedback will play a key role in guiding decisions over the next several years. The survey supports the County’s preparation for its Fiscal Year 2027–2032 Strategic Plan, which will outline goals, initiatives, and investments to address current and future needs. As Walton County grows, particularly in South…

188 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Celebrating Visionary Design: The 2026 Seaside Prize Goes to Marieanne Khoury-Vogt & Erik Vogt

Each year, the Seaside Institute gathers architects, planners, designers, and community leaders from around the country to recognize people whose work influences how we live and build. In 2026, Marieanne Khoury-Vogt and Erik Vogt, founders of Khoury & Vogt Architects (KVA), received the Seaside Prize™. This award honors those who make a real difference in architecture, urban design, and community development. This video is more than just a ceremony—it tells a story. It shows the people behind the projects, the places they have shaped, and the spirit of the New Urbanism movement. Whether you are a designer, a community advocate, or just someone who…

161 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

October is Coastal Dune Lakes Month

This month, Walton County invites locals and visitors to celebrate one of our coast’s most extraordinary natural treasures—our coastal dune lakes. The Walton County Board of County Commissioners has officially proclaimed October 27–31, 2025, as Coastal Dune Lakes Week, recognizing their global rarity and vital role in our ecosystem.

If you’ve followed our recent blog about what makes these rare lakes so unique, you already know they’re found in only a few places worldwide and support a delicate balance of saltwater and freshwater life.

Experience the Lakes Up Close

Throughout the week, the Walton County Coastal Dune Lake Advisory Board will host guided activities to help the public learn more about these…

213 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Fall 2025 IN•REVIEW: Reflections of the Coast

Fall along Scenic Highway 30A brings a slower rhythm and a renewed appreciation for the coast we call home. It’s also the perfect time to explore the stories, people, and places shaping our community today—something we’re celebrating in the latest Fall 2025 edition of IN•REVIEW, published by Davis Properties of NWFL.

In his opening letter, Broker-Owner Larry Davis shares how this season reminds us that reflection is more than looking back—it’s about recognizing how the visionaries, neighbors, and families who came before us shaped the thriving communities we call home today.

This year marks a milestone for Rosemary Beach, celebrating its 30th anniversary. From its beginnings as a bold idea rooted…

283 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Stay Safe This Summer: Where to Find Lifeguards on South Walton Beaches

Planning a beach day in South Walton this summer? Whether you're visiting for a weekend getaway or soaking up the sun all season long, it’s always a good idea to know where lifeguards are stationed to help keep you and your family safe.

The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) is committed to keeping beachgoers safe by staffing 15 lifeguard towers daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from March 1 through October 31 at key Regional Access points and popular beach neighborhoods. As of this summer, that includes a new tower added at WaterSound Beach in mid-June.

Where You’ll Find Lifeguards:
  • Inlet Beach Regional Access
  • Rosemary Beach
  • Alys Beach
  • WaterSound Beach (new for…

979 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

How Walton County Spends Its Tourism Tax: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Bed Tax in Action

Every time someone books a beachside rental, cozy condo, or charming bungalow here in Walton County, they're planning a great vacation and giving back to the place they came to enjoy. That's thanks to the tourism tax, better known as the "bed tax," which is quietly doing a lot of heavy lifting behind the scenes.

You may have heard about it in passing, or seen it listed on a receipt—but where does that money actually go? As it turns out, the answer touches nearly every corner of our community, from keeping our beaches beautiful to funding the lifeguards who keep us safe.

Let's take a closer look at how Walton County puts those tourism dollars to…

2295 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Free Park Access Is Back This Summer in Walton County!

Whether you're a long-time local or a first-time visitor, here's some sunny news to kick off your summer: Walton County Tourism is once again covering the day-use admission fees for both Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Grayton Beach State Park—from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Free access isn't a new initiative, but it's one that's become a beloved summer tradition. The complimentary admission program continues to connect people with the natural beauty that defines South Walton.

What's Covered?

  • Free day-use entry
  • At Topsail Hill Preserve and Grayton Beach State Parks
  • During regular park hours (typically 8 a.m. to sunset)
  • From Saturday, May 24 through…

342 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

New Recommendations Released for the Plan for Walton 2040

The momentum continues with Plan for Walton 2040, and even more detailed recommendations are now available. In addition to transportation and land use strategies, Walton County and DPZ CoDesign have released in-depth proposals covering housing, recreation, and coastal management and conservation. These newly published documents aim to address some of the county’s most pressing challenges while preserving the character and natural beauty that define the region.

  • Housing Recommendations focus on expanding attainable housing options, promoting a variety of housing types, and ensuring responsible growth patterns that reflect the community’s needs.

  • Recreation Recommendations…

378 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post