A Guide to Picture-Perfect Places in Walton County

Looking for the best photo spots in 30A? From Walton County parks to iconic beachfront photography spots, practice your poses and get ready to snap the perfect pic!

BEAUTIFUL BUILDINGS

Nothing provides proof of place quite like the signature buildings that create a destination’s distinctive identity. The iconic Rosemary Beach cobblestone streets merge with the brick-lined Main Street, creating a West Indies vibe with some of the most unique architecture in South Walton. Don’t miss the 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 in Seaside. Seaside Post Office photos are a must-snap memory, 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 stunning white facades in Alys Beach pics 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

Pep up your pictures with the built-in creativity of mural art in South Walton. Grayton Beach art installations evoke free-spirited community and a laid-back, artsy vibe as you stroll along the Grayt Wall of Art. Spanning a long fence, this public display of whimsical funkiness showcases 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 is one of the best places to take pictures in WaterSound. Swing by Adaro Art to pose for pics while you shop.

The Big Chill (Adaro Art) – WaterSound

@starfishad

Brush against the greenery walls at the Anthea Le Jardin boutique and share the message to “Spread Love.”

The Big Chill (Anthea Le Jardin) – WaterSound

@anthealejardin  |  @fozziethebeachdood

For 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, one of the best places to take pictures in Miramar Beach. Led by the Cultural Arts Alliance, the gallery hosts works by amazing area talents.

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

@yogabymallory_30a

If you need Santa Rosa Beach pictures, 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 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 have you needing a treat. Luckily, South Walton is filled with goodies that are not only tasty but quite photogenic as well! The Donut Hole Inlet Beach has been a local institution for more than 30 years. With so many bright colors and sprinkles, these confections 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 cones make for delectable snapshots, with an assortment 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 with 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 have a quintessential beach vibe that’s sure to delight you and all 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 great destination is Grayton Beach State Park, where the scrub oaks and magnolias of the 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

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 ­– 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