Inlet Beach got its name when the McCaskill Investment Company of DeFuniak Springs introduced it to the buying public during the 1920?s.

Development followed when young returning veterans after World War ll applied for land offered through a latter-day version of the Homestead Act. In 1947, the Birmingham News ran an article about the Bureau of Land Development giving veterans first choice in a lottery. So many veterans built in the area, it was referred to as "Soldiers Beach." Eventually the name was changed to Inlet Beach. A 1920?s sales brochure said the following; "Inlet Beach is a fairyland of beauty tucked away in this secluded spot on the Gulf of Mexico, sheltered by encircling forests and flanked by the turquoise waters of Lake Powell."

Inlet Beach is located at the eastern edge of South Walton's thirteen beach communities. It gets its name from Phillips Inlet, which separates Walton and Bay Counties. Inlet Beach is where Scenic Highway 30-A again meets up with Emerald Coast Parkway(Hwy 98). Inlet Beach is a well-established neighborhood, defined by modest homes inland, newer multi-storied homes on the gulf side and sprawling lots north of Emerald Coast Parkway where rolling hills define the terrain. Look for a couple of funky but charming art galleries and outdoor antique stores along this last stretch of coast that makes up the Inlet Beach area.

A 19-acre beach access is just one example of how important eco-tourism and preservation are to Beaches of South Walton.

There are several new developments under construction.