The beaches of South Walton, including Destin and Navarre, are absolutely breathtaking. With so many beaches--what's a person to do? Take your time and visit them all! Maybe not in one trip--you don't want to rush the experience, but over time--try and visit them all. Each is more beautiful than the last! You all know how I feel about Destin (perfection), but I also can't say enough about Navarre Beach and Seaside. I was lucky to spend time at both. What I remember about Navarre is that the sand was the whitest I had ever seen and the water the greenest I had ever seen. It was SO clear and the beach was SO large and wide. Even if there were large crowds you would be able to find your own special spot. When we were there in April 2004, it felt like the beach was all ours--it was SO quiet and secluded. I am sure that is NOT the case in the summer! It is a short drive (15-20 minutes) from Destin and well worth it.
Seaside is like a DREAM! Seaside is the town "The Truman Show" with Jim Carrey was filmed. It is a small, quaint seaside (pun intended) village with a small town square, a handful of shops and restaurants, beautiful beach houses and one spectacular, dreamlike beach! It is worth the drive on SCENIC 30-A! It makes a great day trip and if you are a beach lover like me, you can daydream about living in a place like this. The smell of coconut oil and BBQ grills filled the air. People get around on bikes and flip-flops seem to be a requirement! Check this town out (and the surrounding beach towns of Santa Rosa Beach, Seagrove, Grayton Beach and Rosemary Beach--among others)! You'll love it!