Sandestin South Walton County Gem Along The Emerald Coast Offers golf, tennis, award-winning dining, and world-class accommodations in a family-friendly beach paradise.
Thinking of coming to The Beach in Sandestin, along the Emerald Coast in South Walton County, is the first beach community just west of Scenic Highway 30A, with world-class amenities, resorts, unparalleled views, powder white sands, and glistening clear emerald green waters. Sandestin is a must-do beach vacation destination in a family-friendly environment to relax and recharge your soul. Sitting on a large tract that borders Choctawhatchee Bay to the north and the Gulf to the south, and it sits on the narrowest strip of the peninsula at only one mile across. The scenic views, world-class accommodations, luxury beach rentals, and award-winning dining await you.
The area that has become known as Walton County was named after Col. George Walton, Jr., the Territorial Governor of West Florida at the time. The Euchees, a Native American tribe, hunted and fished the land in Walton County for centuries. Native American artifacts dated as early as 1000 B.C. have been discovered here.
Interesting Facts About Sandestin’s History
In 1930, Robert Bushnell purchased 3,000 acres for farming and raising livestock. It’s said that in 1960, Walt Disney thought about purchasing land in what would eventually be known as Sandestin to build Disney World but then decided to build it in the more centralized area of Orlando instead. Sandestin’s land has changed hands over the years as each purchaser had their own ideas of how they wanted to develop this gorgeous piece of paradise.
Must Do Things While in Sandestin Fl.
Now, there are over 20 distinct neighborhoods in Sandestin, built over a period starting in the 1970s. You can find all types of building styles and developments as well as high-rise condominiums on the beach. Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort comprise 2,400 acres. You’ll find four championship golf courses, fifteen tennis courts, and nineteen swimming pools within Sandestin. When you vacation in Sandestin, one thing you won’t be is bored. See our list of Sweet Sixteen Golf Courses Rated #1 thru #16, with world-class championship courses, scenic views, and amenities in our Emerald Coast Ultimate Golfers Guide.
The Village of Baytowne Wharf and the town center Grand Boulevard are popular shopping spots, but those are only the beginning. There are also numerous restaurants and cafes to satisfy any palate. Baytowne Wharf is a family-friendly spot with live music, fireworks, and beer and wine festivals. With lots of entertainment and shops. See our Events Calendar for things to do, or just enjoy the spectacular views and quaint Emerald Coast ambiance.
Cameron Tharp, owner of Rockwell Ladies Boutique, says this about Sandestin: “There is no place in the world like Sandestin,” Says Cameron Tharp, co-owner, along with his wife Kristi, Rockwell Tharp Ladies Boutique, located in the Village of Baytowne. “It’s calm, safe, and beautiful, with the amenities of a big city without the downside of living in a big city. Every day I wake up living here feels like a gift from God. We chose to live here and have never regretted it!”
At Grand Boulevard you’ll find a luxury shopping and dining mecca! You’ll find exclusive local boutiques and eateries, renowned national retail brands, and a mix of specialty services, making Grand Boulevard one of the most popular shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations in South Walton. A must-do for the whole family.
Sandestin is a Beautiful Beach Vacation Choice
Like all other beach communities in South Walton, Sandestin can boast about the beautiful white sand and turquoise water where you can lounge, swim, paddleboard, kayak, or fish. Or maybe you prefer to take a nice soothing walk along the water’s edge and let the white foam tickle your toes, and the warm breeze and the sparkling water refresh your soul. Standing on the beach as the sun slowly slides to the horizon, watching the changing colors of the sky while listening to the lapping waves, mysteriously brings healing to our minds and souls. Want to know the Best Places to Watch a Sunset over some great food and drinks? See our Top 10 Beachfront Restaurants on 30A.
Visiting Sandestin for the first time? CLICK HERE to check out Visit South Walton’s First Timer’s Guide.
