A Guide to Picture-Perfect Places in Walton County

BEAUTIFUL BUILDINGS

Nothing provides proof-of-place quite like the signature buildings that create a destination’s distinctive identity. Cobblestone side streets merge with the brick sidewalks lining Rosemary Beach’s Main Street, marked by West Indies-style architecture and filled with charming local shops and restaurants.

Main Street – Rosemary Beach

@southwalton  |   @kaitleap

Nearby, The Pearl Hotel features a peaked clock tower, pointed turrets and black-and-white striped awnings.

The Pearl Hotel – Rosemary Beach

@laikynjaiphoto  |   @tailsuppup

The Rosemary Beach Post Office has a unique design that includes beautiful white stucco walls and Dutch West Indies parapet roof detail. It’s a miniature version of the Town Hall building that’s located next door.

United States Post Office – Rosemary Beach

@southwalton  |   @kateecoffey

Speaking of post offices, perhaps the most photographed one in America is the iconic Seaside Post Office, standing out in classic white against the colorful homes and shops nearby.

United States Post Office – Seaside

@adventuresofbuoy   |   @devonariana

And if whitewashed architecture strikes your fancy, the stark white facades over in Alys Beach recall visions of Greek villages along the Mediterranean Sea.

Alys Beach

 @ann.delaney   |   @marthamari_

Nestled in Eden Gardens State Park, the historic Wesley House dates back to 1895. As if the house isn’t amazing enough, it’s surrounded by ancient live oak trees, as well as ornamental gardens, a butterfly garden and a reflection pond filled with water lilies and koi fish.

Wesley House, Eden Gardens State Park – Santa Rosa Beach

@live30a  |  @brookefalzone

PUBLIC ART

Another way to pep up your pictures is with the built-in creativity of local artists. Grayton Beach’s free spirit of community is evident as you stroll along the Grayt Wall of Art. Showcased on a long fence, this public display of whimsical funkiness has a variety of works from local artists. 

Grayt Wall of Art – Grayton Beach

@eleanor_rochford_  |  @tinaborra 

Home to a festive blend of entertainment, restaurants and shops, The Big Chill in WaterSound also serves up some great photo ops. Swing by Adaro Art to pose for pics before a little shopping.

The Big Chill (Adaro Art) – WaterSound

@starfishad

Or brush against the green walls at the Anthea Le Jardin boutique and share the message to “Spread Love.”

The Big Chill (Anthea Le Jardin) – WaterSound

@anthealejardin  |  @fozziethebeachdood

To spread some further inspiration, snap a photo in front of the sunny “Be the Light” mural on the side of The Foster Gallery at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin in Miramar Beach. Led by the Cultural Arts Alliance, the gallery hosts works by some amazing area talents.

The Foster Gallery (Grand Boulevard at Sandestin) – Miramar Beach

@yogabymallory_30a

If you’re in Santa Rosa Beach, strut your stuff by posing with the mural of whimsical peacock wings at North Beach Social.

North Beach Social – Santa Rosa Beach

@glxplorerbaby

And up the road in Seaside, a larger-than-life Vincent Scully Mural honors the great educator of art and architecture whose lectures ultimately inspired the “New Urbanism” movement, a principle on which Seaside was founded. This beautiful mural was created by world-renowned street artist Andrew Pisacane, known as Gaia.

Vincent Scully Mural – Seaside

@southwalton

SOMETHING SWEET

All your exploring will eventually create the need for a treat. Luckily, South Walton is filled with goodies that are not only tasty but quite photogenic as well! The Donut Hole in Inlet Beach has been a local institution for more than 30 years. With so many bright colors and sprinkles, these goodies will add a little flash to your feed before you eat them.

The Donut Hole – Inlet Beach

 @eat_up_yall

Create some edible envy by flaunting your fresh-baked fare from Black Bear Bread Co. This Parisian-style café and bakery in Grayton Beach got its name after the owners found local bears eating test bread from the dumpster one morning.

Black Bear Bread Co. – Grayton Beach

 @southwalton  |  @miasnacks

Show off your sugary selection from It's Heavenly in Seaside’s Central Square. Their bright blue awning and giant triple-scoop cone make for an ideal picture with your choice of ice creams, gelatos and many other delights.

It’s Heavenly – Seaside

@itsheavenly_seasidefl  |  @hotgirlseatcarbs

Another hot spot for cold treats is Blue Mountain Beach Creamery, a family-owned operation that has homemade ice cream, frozen yogurt and sorbets daily.

Blue Mountain Beach Creamery – Blue Mountain Beach

@southwalton  |  @mr.jonathan.wilson

BEACH BUSES

Keep an eye out for Classic VW buses across the 16 beach neighborhoods – including one that’s usually parked outside Tribe Kelley Surf Post in Grayton Beach. These retro buses just have a quintessential beach vibe about them and are sure to delight your friends.

VW Bus at Tribe Kelley Surf Post – Grayton Beach

@kay.nicole.photo  |  @mrs.paulina.wise

@emeraldcoastenthusiast  |  @unconventionalramblings 

 Roaming VW Bus

@indigeauxdenim  |  @portfolio_automotive

GREAT OUTDOORS

Mother Nature has a way of upstaging us all when it comes to photos. One of the best chances of capturing some of her beauty is on the hiking and biking trails throughout the state forest and four state parks.

Nature Trails – Pictured: Santa Rosa Beach, Grayton Beach

@lyndsey_w_fisher  |  @hikingvol

Countless miles reveal surprises from serene vistas to amazing local plants and wildlife. One good example is Grayton Beach State Park, where the scrub oaks and magnolias of its coastal forest are bent and twisted by salt winds. Catch some reflective shots of the glassy surface of Western Lake along the way.

Grayton Beach State Park

@shutterjo  |  @morganpaigewalker

Thanks to an intricate underwater cave system, Morrison Springs is one of Florida’s most popular diving destinations. But you don’t have to SCUBA to appreciate this spectacular setting. The water here boasts exceptional clarity due to its limestone base and sandy floor. Even casual swimmers can enjoy real-life, high-definition views of this oasis.

Morrison Springs

@ourtreeoflife  |  @tom.in.abf 

BEACH BASICS

This one may be a no-brainer, but you just can’t forget to post from our local beaches. South Walton's pristine sugar-white sand and turquoise water make for the ultimate Instagram post, no filter required. Amplify the visual interest by capturing photos from unique perspectives ­– whether from the top of a beach access point, seated on a paddleboard or from the Gulf looking back at shore. 

 @bay.layne  |  @ademetre 

@with_lindsay  |  @our30alife

@adventure30a  |  @kylieandbryn