Join us in sharing SoWal!
One of the ways we like to promote our area, and help you do the same, is sharing our collection of more than 5,000 photos for you to download and share for FREE! We are pleased and proud to share photos of our beloved South Walton. It's why we started SoWal.com - to share our love for the beach. Please help us spread the joy and Share SoWal!
January 1, 2026 by admin
Film maker Elam Stoltzfus produced this short documentary about the coastal dune lakes of SoWal. He is currently working on an hour-long documentary about the lakes. http://www.liveoakproductiongroup.com
True Coastal Dune Lakes occur in only a few places around the world, but 15 are found along the white beaches of SoWal!
South Walton is a strong and proud community, and an important part of our purpose at SoWal.com is to foster community growth. We are blessed to have so many great groups and organizations, and we enjoy supporting all of them. You can help through membership, cash contributions, volunteering, or even by sharing their achievements with others in the community and beyond.
Rinse off the old and welcome the new! South Walton Fire District will hold its Annual Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day at Ed Walline Public Beach Access. In-person sign-up starts at 11AM at Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar on January 1, 2026, which will be followed by a costume contest at 12PM, and the Plunge itself at 1PM.
Mystery, intrigue, and suspense take center stage as Emerald Coast Theatre Company (ECTC) presents Ken Ludwig’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s novel, Murder on the Orient Express, running January 15 through February 1 at its theatre at Grand Boulevard in Miramar Beach.
Sinfonia Gulf Coast continues the celebration of its 20th anniversary season with Simply the Best: The Music of Tina Turner, a powerhouse tribute concert performed live with the Sinfonia Gulf Coast orchestra. This high-energy main event takes the stage Thursday, Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Destin–Fort Walton Beach Convention Center.
Step into the kitchen with Chef Jim Shirley, founder of many South Walton favorites such as Great Southern Café, Farm & Fire, The Bay, North Beach Social and The Meltdown on 30A! Shirley’s unique take on modern Southern cuisine was inspired by learning international cooking from his two classic Southern grandmothers. Watch and learn more about how his vision for his restaurants is to create a shared experience that aligns with the overall sense of interconnectedness in these local beach neighborhoods.
Leapin’ lizards! Join your favorite red headed orphan Annie, Daddy Warbucks, and the eternally grumpy Miss Hannigan for this feel good story of finding your forever home. With hits like “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” “It’s a Hard Knock Life,” and “Tomorrow,” you will experience the magic of the holidays and the spirit of generosity that always comes this time of year.
SoWal.com has a complete list of all South Walton public beach accesses along Scenic30A, searchable by features such as lifeguards, parking, restrooms, and more. In addition we have an interactive map of beach accesses that will help you find the access nearest you.
Each access has a video and photo gallery which show the features and beautiful Gulf views.
Property owners and businesses are welcome to link to the maps and videos, you can even embed the videos on your site - very helpful for rental owners and managers!
