3 Lists to Get You Ready for the Beach

Shifting into leisure mode helps the mind and body relax. But before you kick your feet up, make sure you have everything you need for a day in the sun. Take a load off and keep these beach essentials on hand.

What To Pack

Even after careful planning, forgetting that one little thing can put a damper on the fun. That’s why we’ve compiled a friendly reminder of the best beach essentials to bring so that you’re ready for relaxation:

• Towels
• Waterproof sunscreen
• Lip balm with SPF
• Hats
• Sunglasses
• Umbrella or sun shelter
• Plastic or metal tumbler (no glass) for cold drinks
• Insulated jug for drink refills
• Snacks
• Small portable Bluetooth speaker
• Watertight pouch for phones or electronics
• Books or magazines
• Toys for the kids
• Small plastic bag for any trash
• Cover-ups for lunch in town

Missing an item? We have plenty of fun local merchandise to make sure you’re covered. From baseball caps to bottle openers, these beach day necessities are also available for purchase at our Visitor Center.

And if all your gear is starting to pile up, consider a collapsible wagon for toting things back and forth. Look for one whose wheels roll well on sand, so you don’t feel like a sled dog once you hit the end of the boardwalk.

Know Before You Go

When setting up on the sand, you’ll want to pay attention to the surf, too. South Walton has a dedicated flag system to keep you informed about the water conditions before you wade in. The following list will get you familiar with the various colors to look for and what these South Walton beach flags mean.

• Double Red Flags: Water Closed to Public
  • Entering the Gulf during double red flag conditions can result in a $500 fine and criminal charges.
• Red Flag: High Hazard, High Surf and/or Strong Currents
• Yellow Flag: Medium Hazard, Moderate Surf and/or Currents
• Green Flag: Low Hazard, Calm Conditions, Exercise Caution
• Purple Flag: Stinging Marine Life – Man O’ War, Jellyfish, Stingrays

Want to find out where you can access the beach? There are more than 50 beach and bay access points within Walton County that make it easy for you to enjoy the surf and sand. Check out our interactive map for different ways to access beaches, as well as other public and private amenities.

By typing a physical address into the map’s search field, you can locate the nearest beach access that applies to you.

Leave No Trace

At the end of the day, it’s time to pack up and head home. You’ll want to leave the beach just as you found it, so here’s a quick checklist to help you make a responsible retreat.

• Dispose of any trash.
• Remove all personal items (ones left overnight will be discarded).
• Fill in any holes you’ve dug.

From May through October, our beaches are precious nesting grounds for endangered sea turtles who need us to keep the beaches #CleanDarkFlat. Here’s how to help protect these species during South Walton turtle watch season:

• Prevent all lights from illuminating the beach.
• Look but don’t touch. Disturbing is a federal and state violation.
• Don’t leave holes in the sand.
• Keep the beach clean.

Keeping South Walton’s beaches pristine minimizes mess so that everyone can continue to enjoy them each day. Start planning your trip and pass these lists along to anyone who might need a friendly reminder.