Inlet Beach

 

The waterfront village of Inlet Beach in Walton County has a perfectly secluded location that’s ideal for escaping the bustle of life. With sugar-white sand and gently sloping dunes that seem born from a dreamscape, this beach town set along the Florida Panhandle has exceptional access to the ivory-capped waves of the emerald Gulf. 

 

Inlet Beach also boasts close vicinity to the largest coastal dune lake in Florida—Lake Powell—as well as a shared border with the beautiful Camp Helen State Park, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Less than thirty minutes away from the energetic Panama City, it’s easy to see how Inlet Beach’s nonpareil location easily has the best of both worlds—ample to do and wide-open spaces to relax in. 

 

Rich in history, Inlet Beach is a testament to an Old Florida aesthetic that blends harmoniously with an exclusive vibe. The area began to grow in earnest after World War II when the government bequeathed portions of land to returning soldiers through a lottery system. Idyllic and serene, the majority of residential areas in Inlet Beach are composed of well-maintained and eco-friendly charming cottages that speckle the coastline and even offer private beach access.

 

 

People & Lifestyle

The residents of Inlet Beach are desirous of two things: peace and luxurious beauty. The area offers an abundance of customizable cottages—perfect for a vacation home or permanent residency—and lots so that anyone can have the chance to build a fairytale beach life. Inlet Beach also has several up-and-coming gated communities with newer single-family homes and plenty of convenient amenities. 

 

Inlet Beach is able to maintain its slight urban flair in addition to its historic, laid-back charm through the presence of boutique shops and must-try eateries. Take a short stroll to 30 Avenue for the best in shopping and browse through chic stores like Willow + Mercer, which offers curated designer clothing in fashionable styles for both men and women. Featuring pearls from the gulf and exotic jewelry, Shimmering Seas is the perfect place to grab a one-of-a-kind gift to take home.

While you’re at 30 Avenue, drop in at Tim Creehan’s Cuvee 30A to savor famous dishes such as Amy Grant’s Seared Tuna Rare inside the beautiful upscale venue. Another popular choice for seafood enthusiasts, Pescado rooftop bar and seafood grill offer up a cornucopia of punchy cocktails and delicious bites, all with staggeringly beautiful views. 

 

For family-fun dining and elevated bar-style cuisine, dine-in at Shades on 30A to experience the friendly atmosphere and delectable choices like the grouper tacos or the steak fajita flatbread. Don’t let the cozy, casual ambiance of The Terrace Restaurant fool you—this beloved restaurant is serving up world-class fine dining, and you won’t want to miss your chance to try their decadent menu that features enticing meals like the char-grilled New Zealand lamb chops. In the mood for Italian? Amici 30 is the place to go for flavorful Neapolitan pizza, the best local polenta, and even margaritas with an Italian twist.

 

It should come as no surprise that the primary draw of Inlet Beach are the heavenly beaches themselves. With the area's largest regional beach access, it’s easy to find the perfect spot to bask in the sun and balmy breezes.

 

Off-shore is an alluring artificial reef to explore through snorkeling, and just a half-mile’s walk away, Camp Helen State Park offers up its 180 acres for exploration. Here you can visit the mounds that indicate a human presence as early as 4,000 years ago or take advantage of the opportunity to catch both salt and freshwater fish in Lake Powell. Take the time to slow down and hike through the unparalleled beauty of Florida’s wildlife or try paddleboarding in the pristine waters. No matter your need, Inlet Beach has the outdoor recreation option to meet it. 

 

Inlet Beach is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include: