Beaches of South Walton Among the Top Places to Travel In December & Beyond

Are you looking for the best places to travel in December and beyond? As locals, we are blessed to live alongside some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. That said, it’s reassuring to know that respected publications such as Conde Nast Traveler, Southern Living, and Good Housekeeping Magazine also recognize the Emerald Coast among the best places to travel in December and in the coming year. Here’s a look at how our beaches rank:

Best Places to Travel in December - #7 South Walton

Good Housekeeping Magazine recently ranked the best places to travel in December and we’re proud to share that the beaches of South Walton earned the #7 spot. Check out their top destinations for a winter wonderland or warm weather retreat here. Here's what they had to say: "Looking for a welcoming retreat with stretches of sugar-white beaches and turquoise blue water? If so, South Walton is a sure bet. Located in northwest Florida, it’s home to 16 beach neighborhoods. Scenic and serene, it’s the perfect backdrop for family vacations and couple getaways. From taking in a live theatrical performance with the Emerald Coast Theater Company to checking out art galleries like Red Bird and Foster Gallery, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities to keep them entertained." 

Best Places to Visit at Christmas - #9 Seaside, Florida

Southern Living asks readers “Is there anything better than December in Florida?” Those that agree, will appreciate their roundup of the best places to visit at Christmas. Making the list at #9 is Seaside, Florida. Here's what they had to say: “Seaside is a charming, yet bustling vacation spot no matter the season—but when the holiday decor goes up in December, it somehow gets even more picturesque.” We agree. 

Conde Nast Best Small Cities – #8. Santa Rosa Beach

Now in its 35th year, Conde Nast Traveler’s annual Readers' Choice Awards continues to capture the travel experiences that readers love best. With a million travelers filling out this year’s survey, we were honored to learn that Santa Rosa Beach ranked #8 among the top 10 reader favorites for the best small cities in the United States. Whether you're on the lookout for a cutting-edge arts scene, inventive new restaurants, or eye-catching architecture, you're bound to find what you're after, their best small cities list. At #8, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida proves a worthy reader choice, here’s an excerpt from the article about why: “The city is home to an impressive three state parks and a state forest, with the 163-acre Eden Gardens State Park making for an especially worthwhile visit; here, you’ll find the 1897 Wesley homestead, all white columns and wrap-around porches, surrounded by moss-draped live oaks. Unsurprisingly, Santa Rosa Beach is also a great place to indulge in some of the freshest Gulf seafood around, from the grouper ceviche at Local Catch Bar & Grill to Chardonnay-poached shrimp at Stinky’s Fish Camp.” Again, we agree!

Planning Your Winter Escape

If you’ve been pondering where to go for the holidays and beyond, consider the beach towns of South Walton, Florida. Now is a great time to start planning your winter getaway by viewing our premier South Walton and 30A vacation rentals online or call one of our friendly vacation specialists 1-800-225-7652. Be sure check out luxury resort options on 30A such as condos at Sanctuary at Redfish in Blue Mountain Beach as well as vacation rentals at Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort located in a gated resort community in Miramar Beach near Sandestin. Remember to always book direct with Newman-Dailey for our best rate guarantee and no third-party fees.

See you @ the beach!