Vacation rentals in Seacrest

Situated in the Florida Panhandle, Seacrest is a low-key coastal community in South Walton whose lack of commercial development makes it easy to hear the sound of the waves and the rustling of the wind through the palm trees. The elevated boardwalk that rests on top of the grassy sand dunes is an ideal spot to take in panoramic views of the aquamarine waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the white-sand Seacrest Beach.

Many of the residences in town are modeled after Old Charleston architecture. A short distance from the beach, you’ll find a small commercial center called the Village of South Walton, where a variety of restaurants will satisfy a range of tastes and where local shops sell beachwear, jewelry, and souvenirs. Bike rentals are easy to come by, and you can follow the Timpoochee Trail up and down the coast.

Each season in Seacrest has something unique to offer. In the spring, the weather is warm, and the area gets the least amount of rain, ideal for lounging about on the beach. The heat intensifies in summer, but along with the higher temperatures, the Gulf waters warm, becoming even more comfortable for a dip. Afternoon showers are fairly common in mid-summer on the coast.

Seacrest continues to have warm weather in the fall, with scattered cool days, and the warmest water of the year. The sunsets are most spectacular in October, which is the same month that the annual Bloody Mary festival takes place at Miramar Beach, just north of town. Winter weather is mild, but the views of the Gulf are still just as spectacular, and finding Seacrest Beach rentals is easy at this time of year.

Seacrest Beach

With its quiet atmosphere and unmarked nature trails, Seacrest Beach attracts birdwatchers, beach dwellers, hikers, and photographers alike. Since the beach is home to the tallest sand dunes in the area, its access points were constructed over the dunes, making it easy to survey the shore from on high, catching the sunset or spotting dolphins in the distance.

Timpoochee Trail

Timpoochee Trail, a 19-mile paved bike path along the coast, connects several coastal communities, Seacrest included. Rent a bike in the village and set out for an excursion. You may find yourself exploring rare coastal dune lakes that are home to both saltwater and freshwater creatures, or stopping at one of the three state parks along the route to picnic, fish, or beachcomb. If you’re driving to one of the trail access points you’ll find parking at the beaches and state parks.

Camp Creek Lake

Occurring in only a handful of places around the world, South Walton’s coastal dune lakes are a rare phenomena that take tens of thousands of years to form. The 10,000-year-old Camp Creek Lake, found right off Seacrest Beach, is one the most beautiful. The lake’s calm waters are only five feet deep, making it ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, or kayaking.