Editor’s Note: This article is written in partnership with Walton County Tourism.
South Walton is a golfer’s paradise that blends championship courses with luxury dining and southern costal charm alongside some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. A visit to South Walton may start as just a golf trip, but it will end with unforgettable experiences that will ensure a return trip.
The area offers golfers a challenge with some of the most distinct courses in the south designed by the most renowned architects in the game. Each layout delivers personality and strategy with beautiful scenery, creating a heightened experience.
Tom Fazio designed Camp Creek Golf Course in 2001 as a premier destination just off Northeast Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A with undulating fairways, native beauty and wildlife that offers unique touches everywhere, making this difficult layout the highlight of many Florida Panhandle vacation packages. Camp Creek was renovated in 2020 and continues to be recognized for its natural dunescape design that incorporates wetlands and pine forests.
Head west to Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort for its distinct offering of four golf courses—Raven, Baytowne, The Links and Burnt Pine. Whether you’re planning a buddy trip, a ladies golf weekend or seeking a family getaway, Sandestin has something for everyone. Raven is masterfully carved through marshes, wetlands and pines. Baytowne is one of the most unique golf experiences in Northwest Florida, and The Links is the original Sandestin course that has spectacular views with risk-reward options that have brought golfers back for generations. Burnt Pine was designed by Rees Jones and is the private option for members and guests that has been hailed as the Crown Jewel of Florida Golf.
“We certainly have changed quite a bit. We’re not a sleepy vacation town anymore,” said Rick Hileman, executive director of golf at Sandestin, who has been here for 19 years. “We’re lucky in that we have four really unique experiences that range from public options to one that has a very private and limited exclusive experience.”
In South Walton, golf is only part of the story. After an early round, the day can often transition into long lunches, sunset dinners and walks on the beach. The atmosphere is upscale without being formal, and it’s luxurious without losing the laid-back spirit of the Gulf Coast.
Dining, of course, plays a major role in the overall experience. Located in the heart of Seaside, Great Southern Café has become a staple for both locals and visitors, and it captures the personality of the region perfectly.
“I believe our histories are told by the food we cook and eat,” chef and owner Jim Shirley writes. “This restaurant tells the story of my history, of the great food and people I’ve met along the road. Here at Seaside, I mix my taste for international cuisines with Southern cooking and local food.”
Perhaps the best waterfront dining experience in the area is Vue on 30A, which delivers exceptional cuisine while perched directly on the beach. Wine, elegant dishes and panoramic ocean views are the perfect way to end a long day just as the sun sets.
Time spent at the area’s world-famous beaches and accommodations will match the experiences had on the golf courses and at the dining establishments.
The 26 miles of sugar-white sand beaches on turquoise water create a surreal setting in which to relax and put your mind at ease. Sixteen beach neighborhoods along the coast help compliment time spent on the golf course. Opportunities to decompress in this setting provide an experience that few golf destinations can match.
Framed by the tall pines and lush fairways of the Camp Creek Golf Course, the 75-room boutique-style Camp Creek Inn is a tranquil and charming escape that is much different than other typical Florida beach-town experiences. As a guest you become a member with access to an exclusive beach club, five outdoor pools, a lazy river, wellness facilities and three 18-hole golf courses. It’s laid-back luxury from the moment you arrive until the second you leave.
Guests at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa have full access to the four Sandestin golf courses. Those who choose this property do so because it’s directly on the beach, which is uncrowded with constant breathtaking views of the Gulf Coast. In addition to its prime beachfront location, the resort features multiple swimming pools, a full-service spa and fitness center, on-site dining options, tennis courts, and family-friendly activities, giving guests plenty of ways to relax and stay entertained throughout their stay.
“It’s been fun and exciting to see the growth,” Hileman said. “We never imagined there’d be a second boom that was bigger and better than the first.”
Simply put, South Walton offers balance, which is something that’s rare in a golf destination. Sure, there are championship-level golf courses, but visitors will also unwind at exceptional restaurants beside some of the most beautiful beaches in the world without a hint of pretentiousness.
It may be golf that brings you here, but it’ll be the total experience that’s sure to bring you back.
