South Walton was once home to a large black bear population. The 15,000-acre Point Washington State Forest spans a large portion of SoWal and many bears live among the pines. Hunting and development has nearly eliminated Florida's largest land mammal. But in recent years we've seen bears return to the area in larger numbers.
There is still time to join the Florida Wildlife Federation for a memorable morning field trip through Grayton Beach State Park on Saturday, October 3, 2026.
Ever wonder how the town of Seaside, Florida began? It's become an extremely popular place to visit and served as a model that many new small towns have followed. Read on to learn about the history of Seaside.
Time was, families coming to the beach stayed in simple cottages…in beach towns where porch-sitting and strolling were activities at least as important as swimming and sunbathing.
Everyone in our SoWal community wants locals and visitors to enjoy our beaches safely and to respect our wonderful natural areas. Please follow beach safety rules and guidelines.
We are committed to Beach Safety Every Day - For Gulf conditions and flag updates, text "SAFETY" to 31279.
See current beach conditions on the live SoWal BeachCams.
South Walton Beach Safety Flag information
We recently received inside information about Walton County tourism directly from the top - Walton County Tourism Director Matt Algarin.
At SoWal, we try to keep on top of all business in Walton County in our stories and on our Forum. It's very helpful when officials weigh in directly with a bit of the behind-the-scenes info.
This October, experience the best of Southern culture as the Garden & Gun Society and Friends Gathering comes to Alys Beach, October 22–25, 2026.
Hosted in partnership with Garden & Gun, this immersive four-day event brings together celebrated chefs, artisans, designers, musicians, conservationists, and storytellers for an unforgettable weekend along Florida's Scenic Highway 30A.
Seaside began in 1981 on eighty acres that Robert Davis inherited from his grandfather. The goal was not a resort concept, but an idea to build a place where families can go to spend their time together. Robert and his wife, Daryl, wanted a place where families could leave their workday lives behind, slow down, and simply enjoy being together, the way Robert remembered doing as a child on this same stretch of coast.
Following another successful summer of camps, Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) is excited to welcome students back for its 2026 Fall Education Programs. As the summer concludes with performances of Something Rotten Jr. on July 30 and 31, registration is now open for a wide variety of classes designed for students of all ages and experience levels.
For years, stepping into the wonder of Nokuse Plantation in Walton County meant waiting for a special event or tagging along on a school field trip.
Thoughtfully planned to encourage spending time together, Seaside is a town that feels good to be in, where neighbors gather and talk, kids ride bikes and play, and families enjoy a leisurely walk about town. When Robert and Daryl Rose Davis founded Seaside in 1981, they envisioned a small patch of beautifully detailed, densely grouped cottages surrounded by natural landscape, with easy access to the emerald Gulf waters.
