Beaches of South Walton Recognized Among Top Beaches in the World for 2011

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (March 7, 2011) –

The white sands of Beaches of South Walton have made not one, but two, rankings of the world’s best beaches, bringing new attention to this Northwest Florida Gulf Coast destination as the spring travel season begins.

Citing its calm, relaxing beaches in addition to shopping, dining, golfing, cultural and nature offerings, Yahoo! Travel named Santa Rosa Beach one of its 10 Best Beach Destinations for 2011, ranking this charming community at the heart of Beaches of South Walton alongside beaches in Hawaii, Bali and Mexico.

Whether visiting Santa Rosa, Seaside, Rosemary Beach or one of the other 15 charming communities of Beaches of South Walton, families find a relaxing atmosphere complemented by white-sand beaches that are among the world’s finest.

Trip Advisor’s FamilyVacationCritic.com has also recognized Beaches of South Walton as one of its Top 10 Beaches for Families. The destination was chosen because “not only is the sand sugar soft, it borders the most gorgeous emerald green water you’ve ever seen.” Family Vacation Critic describes the destination’s communities as family-friendly and providing a home away from home for vacationers.

From free performances in Alys Beach to the weekly Seaside Farmer’s Market, each beach community plays host to customized celebrations and activities that appeal to all ages. Families will enjoy the new Club KZ in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort and delight in the new rickshaw rides offered along Scenic Highway30A. There are also new takes on area classics. YOLO boarding becomes an eco-adventure when paired with a nature-based certified guide. While fishing charters off Grayton Beach are even more rewarding when the fresh catch is prepared in the home or condo by the talented executive chef of Table 5.

A study by Majority Opinion Research and commissioned by Beaches of South Walton indicates an expected resurgence of travelers. The study polled 422 visitors who vacationed in Beaches of South Walton in 2009, but did not book at the same accommodations in 2010. It revealed that 83 percent of those who did not travel last summer stated they “will return” to Beaches of South Walton this year.

To welcome back visitors this spring, accommodations throughout Beaches of South Walton are offering a number of packages including:

Seaside Cottage Rental Agency is offering a Spring Fling Promotion with discounts of up to 20 percent;
Rosemary Beach is providing its guests with a complimentary Passport to Paradise this spring break (March 12 through April 30). The Passport includes more than $750 in discounts on shopping, dining and other amenities in Rosemary Beach;
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa has several specials this spring including a Spring Celebration Package which includes two lattes at The Coffee Shop, cocktails at Barefoot’s Beachside Bar & Grill and lunch at Picnix Poolside Market. Other specials feature upgraded accommodations starting at $179 per night and a Picture Perfect Fun Package.
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is featuring a FREE Five for Spring Fun promotion which offers guests a fifth night free when staying four nights;

For more accommodations specials and packages throughout Beaches of South Walton, click here. Now is the time to discover your beach.

About Beaches of South Walton
Beaches of South Walton is a destination located along a 26-mile stretch of Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast and comprised of 15 picturesque beach communities, and white sand beaches and emerald green waters for which the region is renowned. Home to one of Yahoo Travel’s Top 10 beachesfor 2011, visitors to the destination enjoy a relaxing escape: an upscale, yet casual, place to unwind and rejuvenate. To learn more, visit www.BeachesofSouthWalton.com or call 1-800-822-6877.

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