Seaside, WaterColor, Watersound, Alys Beach, and Rosemary Beach
Photo courtesy of Seaside. SeasideFL.com
Nestled along Florida’s Emerald Coast, South Walton’s sugar-white beaches offer a blissful respite from the biting chill of a North Carolina winter. Between the winding boardwalks that overlook sparkling turquoise waters and cobblestone streets lined by maritime-inspired cottages, the promise of relaxation is delivered in spades.
Acclaimed neighborhoods like Seaside, Watercolor, Watersound, Alys Beach, and Rosemary Beach each boast their own unique personality, but the overarching theme among them is an atmosphere that breeds peace, serenity, and sheer joy. Mild temperatures and ample sunshine make winter in South Walton feel like paradise to snowbirds looking to explore the outdoors this time of year without sacrificing comfort.
Travel to the area is a breeze no matter where you live, as South Walton sits along the famous Highway 30A and is conveniently located 35 miles from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport and Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport. It’s almost too easy to get here because you won’t want to leave once you arrive.
Alys Beach
Walking past the white-washed buildings and lush courtyards of Alys Beach, you might think you’ve been transported to a Mediterranean island. While its unique architecture is a standout feature, Alys Beach has plenty more to offer, like fine dining, upscale boutiques, and a calming ambiance that exudes sophistication in every sense of the word. The vibe here is chic and inviting, with a distinctive charm during the winter months that attracts visitors from all over in the off-season.
Here in Alys Beach, the mornings begin with a stop at Charlie’s Donuts for the best breakfast bites in the area. Days are spent biking through the 20-acre nature preserve that makes up the northern part of town, followed by shopping excursions to local boutiques like Merit, Barefoot Princess, and SummerStory. When hunger calls, satisfy your cravings at hotspots like George’s, The Citizen, and Raw & Juicy. For a nightcap, Neat’s artisanal cocktails and sleek atmosphere offer a stellar end to a superb day.
Photo courtesy of Alys Beach. Alysbeach.com
Rosemary Beach
In Rosemary Beach, cobblestone streets and shaded pathways beg to be explored. Upon giving in, you’ll quickly find that this lively town is best discovered on foot anyway. An eclectic blend of New Urbanism design and West Indies style, Rosemary Beach reveals architectural excellence around every turn. Just when you think it can’t get any more beautiful, winter casts its spell and the endless stretch of cozy beachfront cottages is now adorned with twinkling lights for added tranquility.
During the winter months, Rosemary Beach boasts an abundance of cultural and artistic events. From intimate gallery exhibitions to lively street performances, you can find plenty of ways to enrich your blissful winter getaway. Luxury accommodations like The Pearl and The Rosemary Beach Inn further elevate your stay, allowing you to bask in this peaceful winter paradise in comfort and style.
Photo courtesy of Rosemary Beach. Rosemarybeach.com
Seaside
Seaside, a town so idyllic it served as the backdrop for The Truman Show, is best known for its pastel-colored beach houses and ultra-walkable town center. When summer fades and the vacation crowds head back north, the serenity of this charming community is undeniable. A peaceful stroll or bike ride through town guides you past rows of boutiques, cafes, art galleries, and the open-air amphitheater where live music plays all year long. Not to be missed is the iconic Airstream Row, a funky take on a food truck park where retro trailers serve everything from a touch of France at Crêpes du Soleil to Southern BBQ.
During the winter, Seaside’s dreamy atmosphere is made even more magical with the addition of palm trees dressed in twinkling lights and weekly events that celebrate the holiday season. Each November, the town gathers for the countdown to the tree lighting in Central Square. Christmas performances and holiday concerts are scheduled in abundance for all to enjoy throughout the month of December — leading up to the epic New Year’s Eve celebration and fireworks display, with off-season deals running rampant and a sense of tranquility that’s hard to come by in the summer, winter in Seaside guarantees to offer an unforgettable coastal retreat.
Photo courtesy of Seaside. SeasideFL.com
WaterColor
WaterColor pairs its small-town feel with upscale amenities for the ultimate home away from home. The town offers a wide array of family-friendly outdoor activities thanks to its proximity to Point Washington State Forest, Grayton Beach State Park, and Western Lake — one of the region’s most picturesque coastal dune lakes. Nature lovers can spend their days kayaking or paddle boarding on the lake, hiking or biking through the nature trails, and strolling along the powdery beach.
During the winter months when tourism slows down, life in WaterColor is more relaxed than ever and there’s a restorative aspect to the area’s natural beauty that makes it even more enticing. The diverse geography allows for prime birdwatching and nature photography opportunities, especially with fewer people around. For accommodations, guests can choose between Gulf-front vacation rentals and the town’s award-winning resort. With spacious front porches and dazzling water views, the AAA Four-Diamond hotel WaterColor Inn is a top choice among families looking for a relaxing getaway.
Photo courtesy of WaterColor Resort. Watercolorresort.com
Watersound
The private community of Watersound is the ideal hidden gem for discerning travelers seeking seclusion. The allure begins with pristine beaches where white sands meet calm emerald waters. Unlike more bustling beach communities, Watersound provides an exclusive oasis of tranquility, allowing visitors to unwind on stretches of shoreline unspoiled by crowds.
The accommodations in Watersound are equally enchanting, featuring luxurious beachfront homes and rentals that redefine seaside elegance. Guests can enjoy their slice of paradise from a charming coastal cottage or a modern beachfront condo. Embrace the community’s serene way of life with peaceful activities like beachcombing and shell hunting, then visit The Big Chill to socialize over a bite at Local Smoke or Macho Taco. With its blend of secluded beaches and upscale properties, Watersound offers a lavish escape along the enchanting Florida coastline.
Photo courtesy of Watersound Club. Watersoundclub.com
Finding Winter Bliss
When the summertime crowds have come and gone, the South Walton beaches collectively transform into picture-perfect havens of tranquility and peace. The mild winter weather allows visitors to enjoy the coastal beauty without the intensity of the summer sun. It’s a time when you can embrace uninterrupted relaxation, foster a genuine connection with the landscape, and discover the true essence of beach life.
From the Mediterranean-inspired design of Alys Beach to the cobblestone streets of Rosemary Beach, these pristine South Walton beaches each offer their own unique allure. The winter season allows visitors to relish an unhurried pace and find solace in cozy beachfront properties without a care in the world. In South Walton, elegance and coastal beauty converge for a rejuvenating winter retreat like no other.
Photo courtesy of Rosemary Beach. Rosemarybeach.com