The 24th annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic takes place June 17 - 21, 2026.
Timed to coincide with the peak of the Gulf Coast’s blue marlin season, and located at the South’s number-one ranked resort destination, the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort sets the new precedent for world-class sportfishing tournaments.
The South Walton Fire District Junior Lifeguard Program returns this summer with more than 200 participants preparing to dive into a season of beach safety education, lifesaving skills, and hands-on surf rescue training along the Emerald Coast.
The program kicks off Tuesday, June 2, and once again features both Foundations and Advanced curriculum tracks, allowing first-time and returning Junior Lifeguards to learn at a pace tailored to their experience level.
Camp Helen State Park invites you to go beyond your park visit, joining a Park Ranger for a nature hike held each first Thursday of the month at 10AM on Camp Helen's user-friendly trail system. Learn about the park's flora and fauna and the larger ecosystem of the Florida Panhandle. The hike lasts about an hour and is great for all experience levels and requires moderate endurance.
Just to the east of SoWal in Panama City Beach, Dolly Parton has brought a large dose of swashbuckling excitement, and you are invited to trade your beach towel for a pirate hat.
If you are looking for an action-packed escape that takes family entertainment to a whole new level, Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show in Panama City Beach is delivering a legendary coastal spectacle that you truly have to see to believe.
Summer visitors to Walton County will once again be able to enjoy complimentary day-use admission to Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Adventure seekers in Walton County have a new reason to explore our local parks and trails.
Walton County has officially launched its own Geocaching program, turning our scenic county parks into a massive, real-life treasure hunt. Whether you’re a seasoned "cacher" or just looking for a new family outdoor activity, the game offers a unique way to discover corners of the county you might normally overlook.
There is no better way to get up close and personal with South Walton's beauty and charm than to pedal along our paved 18.5-mile bike path.
Officially known as the Timpoochee Trail—named after an influential Euchee Indian Chief—it winds past rare coastal dune lakes, through world-class state parks, and across several iconic beach towns. Whether you’re looking for a family activity or a scenic workout, the trail offers a safe, wide, and relatively flat route that stretches from the west end of Santa Rosa Beach to the east end of Inlet Beach.
True Coastal Dune Lakes occur in only a few places around the world, but 15 are found along the white beaches of SoWal!
When is the best time to visit 30A?
SoWal insiders know that it's hard to beat fall days in South Walton with fewer visitors, cooler temps, and the busiest schedule of events of the year.
St. Joe Hospitality has assembled a legendary collection of hotels along Scenic 30A for your visits any time of the year. We share below the most recent offerings from our community website supporter: unforgettable experiences for fall events and activities.
There’s no better way to get up close and personal with South Walton's beauty and charm than to pedal along our paved 18-mile bike path. It winds past rare coastal dune lakes, stellar state parks, massive dunes, and through several charming SoWal beach towns. Biking in SoWal is a perfect family activity, an ideal way to get some exercise, and a whole lot of fun.
