Destin, South Walton and Grayton Beach Among the Best Spots for Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Northwest Florida was one of the leading Florida destinations to embrace the stand-up paddle boarding movement more than a decade ago. In the spring of 2007, YOLO Board launched, highlighting a sport that was common around the globe to locals. In 2009, BOTE Boards launched with a focus on merging the capabilities of boat with the simplicity of board. It didn’t take long for locals and visitors alike to embrace the sport and SUP boards were quickly on waterways all along the Emerald Coast.  

Northwest Florida is well suited for stand-up paddle boarding due to many calm bodies of water. On days when the Gulf of Mexico is smooth, stand-up paddle boards provide a birds eye view into the clear Gulf waters. If the surf is up, paddle boarders simply head inland to enjoy paddling on South Walton’s rare coastal dune lakes or along the Choctawhatchee Bay. But don’t just take our word for it, check out the Florida Paddle Boarding Guide online to see some the best spots in Florida to SUP. On pages 20-27, you’ll find Destin, South Walton and Grayton Beach featured along with where readers can go to take a city tour, rent a board or get a great cup of coffee.  

At Newman-Dailey, we have premier vacation rentals at resort properties near all these hot spots:

In Destin, Jade East Towers and Beachside Inn are great places to stay for experienced and first time boarders.  Jade East is a beach-front condo near the Destin Harbor while Beachside Inn is located just steps away from the beach in the quiet Crystal Beach neighborhood. For those with their own SUP board, the Beachside Inn's spacious first floor rooms can easily accommodate your luggage and your board. 

In South Walton, Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort is an ideal location where White Diamond Beach service is ready to rent you a paddle board for an hour or a full day and even carry it down to the water’s edge.  

On Highway 30A near Grayton Beach, Sanctuary at Redfish nestled along one of the area’s rare coastal dune lakes is a great location to paddle your board across the lake to the beach and then paddle the Gulf of Mexico on calm days.  

View Newman-Dailey’s premier vacation rentals at these resorts as well as Destin condos and vacation rental homes online. Or call one of our friendly vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652 to have our team find the perfect vacation rental for your group..  

See you @ the beach!