Inlet Beach is just about as authentic ‘Old Florida’ as you’ll find in South Walton, and perhaps anywhere. Quiet and bordered by 13-acres of protected dunes, this pristine beach neighborhood feels as if time somehow forgot it.

Most homes here are classic Florida cottages.

Think A-Frame with a front porch, concrete block cottages and homes raised high on stilts.

Once known as “Soldiers Beach” (named after World War II vets who purchased land in this area through a government homestead program), the dunes often soar to massive heights here, and the extra long neighborhood walkovers allow for some pretty spectacular photography.

On the beach, take a stroll toward the old pier at Camp Helen State Park and dip your toes in the warm waters of Lake Powell, the largest coastal dune lake in all of Florida. If you’re really lucky, you might happen to arrive on a day when the lake has burst out into the Gulf of Mexico — mixing water the color of iced tea with the bright blue hues of the Gulf. Grab a YOLO board or kayak and enjoy all of Lake Powell’s beauty, first hand.

If you’re not that lucky, well… hey, if you’re here in Inlet Beach, you’re still pretty darn lucky.

EDITOR’S NOTE: We regret to report that in late March 2022, the remains of the Inlet Beach Pier were suddenly removed by officials, without any public notice. While we are glad we were able to document its history prior to the demolition, we mourn the loss of this part of our community history.