If you’ve attended more than your fair share of corporate events (and maybe planned a few), you know the hard truth: location matters.
South Walton, Florida (whose 16 beach communities are affectionately known as 30A) is quickly becoming known for partnering with meeting planners to create the opposite of sterile, ballroom-centered gatherings. After a recent event for meeting planners in Nashville, where South Walton brought its beach vibes to Music City (including their artist of the year, Sarah Page), it’s clear that more event planners need to discover this magical 26-mile stretch of coastline and its impressive amenities.
Those sugar-white beaches that look straight out of a filtered Instagram post? They’re 100% real. The turquoise Gulf waters that seem too blue to be true? Not enhanced. When hosting an event in South Walton, you’re giving attendees something that actually excites them about showing up. And, it’s beautiful 12 months out of the year.
Let me walk you through why this place should top your list for your next company gathering, corporate event, or business retreat.
1. Those Views …
First off, can we talk about the scenery? Even if you’re not typically someone who gushes about beaches, South Walton’s coastline is legitimately distracting in the best possible way. Business travelers consistently report that their teams are more creative, engaged, and significantly less stressed than during typical downtown hotel meetings.
Each of the 16 beach neighborhoods has its distinct vibe. Rosemary Beach feels like you’ve stepped into a perfectly planned European coastal town, while Grayton Beach gives off this laid-back artistic energy that’s perfect for creative brainstorming. And Seaside? It’s the soul of the area with its delightful town square, shops, and restaurants. The fun is in matching the location to whatever you’re trying to accomplish.
What’s particularly impressive is that 40% of South Walton is preserved land. Between meetings, attendees can wander trails and spot wildlife in environments that feel completely untouched — definitely not your typical conference experience!
2. Venues That’ll Make Your Coworkers or Attendees Thank You
Let’s be real, finding the right venue is usually the biggest headache when planning corporate events. South Walton offers options that work whether you’re bringing eight people or 2,000. And, with over 10,000 rooms available between hotels and rentals, there are plenty of options to fit your specific needs.
The Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort stands out as a premier choice for larger gatherings. With over 62,500 square feet of meeting space, it can accommodate groups of up to 2,000 with room to spare. The staff is known for its anticipatory service, and those beachfront spaces for evening receptions? Total game-changers for networking. And, yes, they have a spa! The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, on the property, is known for its hospitality with groups of all sizes.
For smaller gatherings, WaterColor Inn & Resort offers an impressive setting. As its events manager, Kelly Gray, explains, “WaterColor Inn & Resort is one of those hidden gems that makes any event feel extra special. We’re tucked between the Gulf and a rare coastal dune lake, which means the views are stunning … I think people would be surprised at how easy and customizable it is to plan an event here. We don’t do cookie-cutter; we really take the time to listen and help bring ideas to life in a way that feels thoughtful and unique.”
With the ability to host small groups to large events, the team from Seaside points out how you can easily hold a tiered event with pre- or post-events for the C-suite or divisions within the company that need additional planning time. Imagine having that conference (large event) and then your company stays for two additional days to debrief (smaller event) and the C-suite stays for two additional days to plan next steps (stay in Seaside for this intimate gathering!). The neighborhoods and accommodations at South Walton lend themselves seamlessly to this setup and creativity.
Other Notable Venues:
- The Pearl Hotel has this intimate European feel that’s perfect for executive retreats.
- Seaside Assembly Hall works beautifully for workshops where you want people to actually participate.
- For something completely different, Eden Gardens State Park offers historic charm with a magnificent 600-year-old Wedding Tree.
- To point out something completely unexpected, Drive The Coast classic car dealership just opened a stunning 10,000-square-foot air-conditioned space just a mile north of HWY 30A on County Hwy 393 (north of Gulf Place). It’s one of those venues that instantly creates a buzz. Imagine hosting your next corporate event surrounded by gleaming vintage automobiles! They’re welcoming everything from corporate gatherings to charity fundraisers, and it’s quickly becoming one of the area’s most talked-about spaces.
- See more stylish event spaces here.
3. Getting There Is Actually … Easy?!
For a destination that feels so removed from everyday stress, South Walton is surprisingly accessible. You’ve got two international airports — Northwest Florida Beaches (ECP) and Destin-Fort Walton Beach (VPS) — both just about 35 minutes away.
Direct flights are available from major cities like Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Nashville, Denver, and even New York, making it convenient for attendees from across the country. For those within driving distance, it’s about a four-hour drive from Birmingham, Atlanta, or New Orleans.
What’s particularly appealing is how walkable everything is once you’re there. Many groups barely need transportation between meeting venues, restaurants, and accommodations. For a planner juggling a million details, this is a massive logistical win.
And the South Walton team is on hand to steer you in the right direction to ensure your meeting (large or small) is a hit.
4. Team Building That People Actually Enjoy (Really!)
Let’s be honest, mandatory fun activities usually end up being awkwardly forced. Not in South Walton. Corporate groups consistently report that team bonding happens naturally in this environment, sometimes making the formal agenda feel almost unnecessary.
Between scheduled sessions, attendees can:
- Try paddleboarding on its fascinating coastal dune lakes (They are incredibly rare and only found in a handful of places worldwide!)
- Head out for deep-sea fishing (perfect for those competitive team members)
- Explore 200+ miles of biking and hiking trails through preserved forests
- Take a glass-making workshop at The Shard Shop (where even the most reserved team members often discover hidden creative talents)
- See even more options here.
A beach bonfire under the stars becomes the perfect setting, where conversations flow easily and naturally. It’s common to see people mingling across departments who rarely interact during regular office hours.
5. The Food Deserves Its Own Section
Few corporate destinations can compete with South Walton’s impressive food scene. With over 200 restaurants, ranging from upscale dining to beachfront-casual spots, meal planning becomes less about logistics and more about which amazing experience to choose.
Vue on 30A offers sunset views that compete with the seafood for attention. Great Southern Cafe’s shrimp and grits have been known to convert even the most skeptical non-seafood eaters. For more casual gatherings, Old Florida Fish House has earned a reputation as a group favorite.
Pro tip: Many restaurants offer private dining spaces perfect for corporate groups. This is precisely the kind of memorable touch that elevates a standard business gathering into something special.
Art is the BONUS!
The art in South Walton is the heartbeat of the area. From public murals to galleries, a sense of artistry permeates the entire region. Your attendees will likely come home with something they purchased from a local shop or a photo in front of a mural or sculpture. It will have them reminiscing about their time spent there for years to come.
When the Sun Sets, In-between Moments, and Extended Stays
When work concludes for the day, South Walton seamlessly transitions into leisure time. Attendees can unwind at award-winning spas, browse high-end boutiques, or simply sink their toes into the sugar-white sand. The destination’s family-friendly atmosphere also makes it ideal for extending business trips into personal vacations — a perk that increases attendance and satisfaction.
South Walton stands out from typical beach destinations by providing an environment where corporate events deliver real value. The combination of professional amenities and beautiful surroundings creates an atmosphere where teams can focus, connect, and return to work energized and motivated.
Find out more about meetings at South Walton by visiting their website, visitsouthwalton.com/meetings, or getting in touch with the group sales team at [email protected].
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The StyleBlueprint team recently got a taste of South Walton in our home base of Nashville, TN! Take a peek inside the fabulous event HERE.
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