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
Beginning March 1, 2025, Walton County opted to go with one main chair and umbrella rental vendor across South Walton Beaches. For 2026 the singular company is Coastal Beach Service, which has served the area for decades.
The service offers more than just chairs and umbrellas - see their website for locations and options, or call 850-233-0914.
Safety on the beaches is a priority in Walton County and the "official" Beach Safety season kicked off on Sunday, March 1, 2026, as South Walton Fire District (SWFD) lifeguards returned to their posts across 26 miles of shoreline for daily surf rescue and coverage.
Walton County Tourism is expanding its free Beach Tram service on March 1, with routes running to and from regional beach accesses from the new 393 Municipal Parking Facility, which is 4 blocks north of 30A on Hwy 393 at Gulf Place, and Grayton Beach Municipal Parking Facility, which is 4 blocks north of 30A on Hwy 283.
Note that these large public parking lots have covered waiting areas with seating and restrooms, as well as inside air-conditioned waiting areas with local art.
The heart of Seagrove is about to get a whole lot more accessible.
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.
Walton County Board of County Commissioners recognizes the ecological importance of the globally rare and imperiled coastal dune lakes and have made a local dedication making October 27-31, 2025, as Coastal Dune Lakes Week!
For the past six years, South Walton public beaches have had a Managed Beach Vendor Program.
Three years ago, the county took over the program from the Tourist Development Council (Visit South Walton). The program has generated a total of just over $1.1 million in revenue for the county over that span.
On Tuesday, county commissioners awarded a two-year contract to Coastal Parasail for just over $1.5 million a year.
Beginning March 1st, 2025 Coastal Parasail will rent beach chairs & umbrellas on South Walton public beaches.
Walton County offers a variety of Beach Driving Permits, Charter Fishing Permits and Dogs on the Beach Permits for Walton County landowners and/or residents.
The procedures for applying for and receiving a permit are outlined and dictated by the Walton County Beach Activities Ordinance 2024-21 and the Boating on Waterways within Walton County Ordinance 2024-20.
Representatives for the Walton County Board of County Commissioners and Walton County Tourism participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Visitor & Nature Center at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park on December 20th.
The $4.2 million project will provide education, host events and connect visitors to the park's natural wonders. Walton County provided $285,000 in Tourist Development Tax funds to support the project, which is expected to be completed in late 2025.
