Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast offers a beach experience unlike any other – and not just because of the area’s emerald-green waters and sugar-white sand. Beaches along Scenic Highway 30A have both beauty and charm, and it’s this combination that has made the place we call home a beloved vacation destination. In fact, for many travelers, 30A itself has become an annual tradition.
So, in the spirit of such tradition, we’ve rounded up our favorite, classic beach experiences. We hope they’ll soon become part of your traditions, too!
Take in a Sunset
We might be biased, but there is simply nothing more stunning than a Gulf Coast sunset – and certainly not more beautiful than catching it while on 30A. Toast to it on a rooftop with a drink in hand at the Havana Beach Rooftop, or have the cotton-candy skies be the backdrop to a fresh seafood dinner at Fish Out of Water. Gather your family for an unforgettable barefoot photo-op Gulf-side just before the sun sets, or schedule a private kayaking class around Western Lake just in time to see the sun set over the dunes.
Build a Sandcastle
Sometimes simple pleasures really are the most joyful. Whether you’re crafting a family masterpiece, simply tracing your fingers on the beach’s sugar-fine sand, or booking professional instruction from some of the area’s most acclaimed sand sculptors, you won’t regret spending time just playing in (and with) the sand.
Nosh on Fresh Seafood
We think Gulf Coast seafood is the best seafood (and you will, too!). Our coast’s bounty is plentiful and unlike any other in the world, which is why you’ll find only the freshest, most seasonal seafood featured in our restaurants’ inventive creations – from the Taste of the Sea Tower at Fish Out of Water (pictured above) and the Hot Grouper Bites at Havana Beach Bar & Grill, to Panhandle Fish Sandwich (with Gulf Mahi) at Costa Chica and Gulf Shrimp Ceviche at WaterColor Grill. All we’re really saying is, save room for lots of seafood!
Huddle by a Beach Bonfire
Sand, stars and s’mores – need we say more? Wind down a beach day with an expertly set-up beachside bonfire, complete with all of the fixin’s for s’mores. WaterColor Inn offers beach bonfire packages for two hours of bonfire fun for up to 30 guests. Book a spot in time for sunset, and choose to add on food, beverages and even games for a truly memorable sendoff to a beach day.
Go Crab “Hunting”
Right after the sun sets on the Gulf Coast, ghost crabs (named for their pale appearance) come out in the dozens to look for small prey on the sand. That’s when visitors and locals alike love to go out beach, flashlights in hand, to look for them – quite an interesting and fascinating sight! While it’s called “hunting,” you won’t want to harm these little guys. Searching for them is part of the fun.
Bike Along 30A
One of the best ways to explore South Walton is to biking along 30A, weaving your way in and out of the 16 distinct beach neighborhoods that dot the area. Each coastal community is just as charming as it is distinct, so you’ll have plenty to see and enjoy at each stop – from the West Indies-inspired town of Rosemary Beach® and the nostalgic, family-friendly feel of WaterColor®, to the more secluded, scenic style of WaterSound®. Staying at WaterColor Inn, The Pearl Hotel or Watersound Inn? All three properties offer complimentary bike rentals to their guests!
Just as the colorful and storied old-town Havana haunt from which it draws its inspiration, Havana Beach Bar & Grill, The Pearl Hotel’s AAA Four-Diamond restaurant, celebrates the joy of living, eating and drinking well. And it takes the latter to heart – crafting made-to-order cocktails that creatively engage all of the senses at the restaurant’s hand-carved mahogany bar.
Celebrating is what Havana Beach’s professional mixologists are all about, all while highlighting the best flavors and trendiest bartending techniques and still mixing up the classics. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or interested in trying something new, this team has you covered. In fact, during the restaurant’s busiest days, you’ll catch them shaking up more than 1,700 cocktails a day!
Sip your way through the classics with “A Taste of Havana” or opt for something “Elegant & Timeless.” Feeling “Light & Playful” after a day on the beach, or “Bold & Confident” ahead of a night on the town? Whatever the occasion, Havana Beach Bar & Grill has the cocktail to fit the mood of your celebration.
To learn more about the restaurant’s thoughtfully curated cocktail menu, we asked The Pearl’s Director of Food & Beverage, Kevin Dixon, to share some insights. Cheers!
What is the inspiration behind Havana Beach’s cocktail menu?
Our cocktail menu offers an inventive mix of classic and modern libations. Through our signature cocktails, we wanted to tell the story of Havana in the 1950s, a time of lively gatherings, where trendy travelers wanted to see and be seen. Each cocktail is an opportunity to expand upon that story, whether through historical references or through ingredients. Additionally, all of our professional mixologists bring their own inspiration and creativity to their craft, continually innovating flavors and bartending techniques. More than a menu, Havana Beach cocktails provide a full experience, and it’s one that can’t be experienced anywhere else on 30A.
What are some of the menu’s standouts?
Every Havana Beach cocktail deserves a spotlight of its own, but the Banana Boulevard and the Wolf on Mainstreet are particularly interesting. A fun take on the classic Boulevardier of the post-Prohibition Era, the Banana Boulevard fuses Caribbean flavors like banana and citrus with the classic cocktail’s traditional balance of sweet and bitter. More adventurous cocktail lovers will love the Wolf on Mainstreet. Spicey, earthy, sweet and smokey, this cocktail dances on your palate from start to finish, thanks to the flavors of pineapple, jalapeño, lime and Mezcal.
Which cocktail is a tried-and-true guest favorite? What do you think makes it so?
The Roseberry has been a Havana Beach staple for more than two years now and has become a go-to drink for our regulars. With flavorful rosemary-thyme-infused vodka as a base and layered with rose, elderflower and dark berry flavors, it’s refreshing yet earthy enough to appeal to everyone.
Which is your personal favorite?
I don’t like to play favorites, but my current go-to is the San Cristobal Sour, which is Havana Beach’s inventive play on a Tamarind Sour. With its flavorful bourbon base, coupled with the creamy and tropical notes of tamarind and orgeat, the sweet-and-sour flavor keeps things interesting from first to last sip.
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Havana Beach Bar & Grill is located at The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach®. Havana Beach is open daily, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Full cocktail menus are available in all dining areas. The cocktails referenced above are available only in the restaurant’s bar area and main dining room and at the Havana Beach Lounge. Hours and offerings may vary seasonally. For more information, visit Havana Beach online.
Nestled within The Pearl Hotel’s AAA Four-Diamond restaurant, Havana Beach Bar & Grill, but hidden away from its lively main dining room, the tropical hideaway-inspired Havana Beach Lounge feels tucked away in Old Havana. Just as Havana Beach draws its inspiration from Ernest Hemingway’s favorite old-town Havana haunt, El Floridita, so too does The Havana Beach Lounge celebrate that very warmth and style – in true Papa Hemingway fashion!
Whether joining us before or after dinner, sipping on craft cocktails, or indulging in some light afternoon bites, the Havana Beach Lounge provides a vibrant respite for those seeking a cozy and more intimate gathering space that beckons celebration.
We sat down with Havana Beach’s Food & Beverage Director, Kevin Dixon, to learn more about what makes The Havana Beach Lounge a must-experience dining (or toasting) spot for those guests staying at The Pearl or enjoying a visit to this beautiful spot on 30A and Rosemary Beach.
What distinguishes the Lounge experience from the Havana Beach Rooftop or Main Dining Room? While our Rooftop Lounge and Main Dining Room are wonderful spaces for larger gatherings, the intimacy of the Lounge is perfect for smaller parties, especially for couples. The quieter atmosphere away from the busier dining spaces makes it an ideal spot for reading a book, enjoying a beverage or tasting a small plate; it has somewhat of a speakeasy vibe to it. Whereas Havana Beach is a family-friendly restaurant, the Lounge is an adult-oriented space, serving guests 21 and up, and awarding them with an intimate gathering spot during their visit to our Havana-inspired space.
What’s unique about the Lounge’s menu offerings? The Lounge’s menu is not available in the main Havana Beach dining room. Our culinary team curated these items meant to be enjoyed in this setting – think small, shareable plates and plentiful craft cocktails and, of course, the restaurant’s standout wine list. Some unique Lounge offerings include Blue Cheese Fries, topped with aged cheddar cheese sauce and Roquefort blue cheese; Wagyu Beef Slides topped with red dragon horseradish cheese and bacon-onion jam. What can I say? We love a good cheese? Our Fried Chicken Sliders are also a guest favorite.
What’s your favorite thing about the Lounge? I love the décor in the space and often find myself peeking in there simply to be inspired. Tastefully decorated with classic photos of Caribbean rum advertisements, warm and vibrant colors and natural wood, straw and palm elements, the Lounge balances elegance with tropical relaxation. Not to mention, the seating is comfortable and inviting. Be warned: once you sit down, you won’t want to leave!
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The Havana Beach Lounge is located within Havana Beach Bar & Grill at The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach®. The Lounge is open daily, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.; hours may vary seasonally. For more information, call (850) 588-2882.
Timeless elegance, classically coastal charm and bespoke details… Weddings at The Pearl Hotel are filled with boundless enchantment.
From sophisticated receptions in the Pearl Ballroom and sun-kissed ceremonies on the Cabana Rooftop Deck to intimate toasts in the Hemingway Room, the award-winning boutique hotel provides endless opportunities for creating your idyllic wedding day.
And because we believe your focus should be on dreaming, our team is here to focus on the little details – none too small to ensure a memorable beginning to your happily ever after. Today, we sat down with The Pearl’s Kylie Bennett, the hotel’s Catering Sales + Events Manager , to help inspire your planning.
What do you think makes weddings at The Pearl so special?
With its pointed turrets, sunlit terraces and black-and-white striped awnings, The Pearl offers a stunning setting that blends European style with coastal charm, all within one of South Walton’s most iconic beach communities. Additionally, couples can rest easy knowing their guests will be well taken care of and have an unforgettable experience, too. Personalization for each couple and their guests is something we pride ourselves in. From breathtaking Gulf views to our team’s focus on the details, we are committed to making each wedding a dream experience.
What would surprise a couple most about what a wedding at The Pearl entails?
One of the first things we frequently hear from our brides is how thankful they are to have access to so many incredible vendors and opportunities, seamlessly and expertly bundled in one of our wedding packages! Planning a wedding can be stressful at times, but we pride ourselves on minimizing this stress by offering inclusive packages that help alleviate much of the planning. The Pearl’s wedding packages include food and beverage, silverware, glassware, tables, event staff, a wedding cake and even night-of accommodations for the couple
What’s the consistent thing couples say about getting married at The Pearl?
Once the wedding has come to an end, our couples immediately jump right into, “When can we come back?!” We also frequently hear from our couples that their guests praised their wedding as the best they’ve ever attended. Not only is this an amazing compliment but also a testament to the genuine care, thought and effort that our entire team puts into making each wedding a distinctly special one.
What’s your favorite thing about weddings at The Pearl?
Getting to be such an integral part of the best day of someone’s life! Wedding planning can be taxing, but seeing the joy on our couples’ faces after they say “I do” in front of their loved ones is an indescribable feeling. Watching them celebrate the night away with the help of our teams really just makes us smile! We love our couples, and we love watching their dream days unfold.
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Have other wedding-related questions? Browse our Wedding Guide or contact the team directly at [email protected]. Already a Pearl bride? Congratulations! Be sure to tag us on Instagram using #thepearlrb.
Don’t let its idyllic aesthetic and “World’s Best” rankings deter you from making The Pearl Hotel your next family vacation destination. Centrally tucked within the charming coastal community of Rosemary Beach® and just footsteps away from South Walton’s sugar-white beaches, The Pearl provides a treasure trove of gem-like experiences meant to be shared with the whole family.
Spend the day lounging on the beach, thanks to the convenience of complimentary beach setups, including beach chairs and oversized umbrella’s on The Pearl’s stretch of private beach. Whether you soak up the sun, play in the surf or build a sandcastle by the shore is entirely up to you. Rather swim in or lounge by the pool? Family pool passes are available at the Front Desk, granting you access to Rosemary Beach®’s community pools. With four fantastic ones to choose from (Coquina, Sky, Cabana and Barbados), your challenge will be making time to experience them all!
Explore the area by foot or by bike, with a leisurely stroll or bike ride through Rosemary Beach®, or – if you’re feeling more athletic – explore part or all of the scenic, 18.6-mile 30A Bike Trail through South Walton’s coastal dune lakes and communities. Along the way, soak up some of the area’s various family-friendly dining experiences, shops and photo-perfect spots – and be sure to save ample time for boutique-browsing and window-shopping along the distinct, independent shops that dot the Rosemary Beach Town Center, just steps away from the hotel.
Give the kiddos the ultimate delight with a visit to one of our area’s lovely butterfly gardens! You’ll find our closest butterfly garden on nearby West Kingston Road. Wind through the wooden footpath through a maze of colorful plants that attract thousands of beautiful butterflies. The kids won’t be the only ones oohing and aahing.
Feeling extra adventurous? Allow The Pearl to help arrange a sailing, biking, kayaking or deep-sea fishing excursion for your family. Turn it into an educational opportunity with an eco-tour to learn more about the area’s unique environment and history. Add an element of competition to your family getaway with a match of tennis, thanks to complimentary guest access to the Watersound Beach Club’s tennis facilities, or try your hand (or rather, foot!) at FootGolf (a combination of golf and soccer) at the Origins Golf Club, also available to guests of The Pearl Hotel.
When hunger calls, you’ll surely find something to satisfy every palate at Havana Beach Bar & Grill, which offers three distinct casual dining experiences suitable for families (in the main dining room, on the veranda and on the Havana Beach Rooftop); the menu is also conveniently available in-room. And certainly, you’ll also find an array of options outside the hotel doors with several Rosemary Beach® restaurants, coffee shops and treats located just a quick walk away.
However your family plans to enjoy their stay at The Pearl Hotel, it will undoubtedly be an unforgettable one – one meant to be slowly unpacked and lovingly shared.
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To learn more about The Pearl, find special offers or book your stay, visit the hotel online, or follow along on Instagram or Facebook for inspiration.
We think there’s no dessert quite as nostalgic and encompassing of all the senses as s’mores – especially beachside on a summer night! Havana Beach’s signature “Beachside S’mores”* dessert brings that same experience directly to the table.
The Pearl Hotel’s award-winning restaurant serves its flame-kissed vanilla marshmallows, fluff and spiced chocolate sauce in a mini swing-top smoke-filled bale jar filled with house-made graham crackers on the side, making the experience a truly immersive one. At home, use the recipe below to make your own spiced chocolate sauce for a simple yet delicious twist!
Ingredients
- 1 liter of crème anglaise
- 800 grams of Callebaut chocolate (or other dark chocolate bar)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
Recipe
- In a pot, combine chocolate with spices
- In a separate pot, warm crème anglaise over low heat
- Once warm enough to melt chocolate, pour over chocolate with spices and let sit for one minute before stirring
- Stir well until combined
- Enjoy while still warm!
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Havana Beach Bar & Grill is located at The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach®. Havana Beach is open daily, from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Brunch menu items are available daily, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Hours may vary seasonally. For more information, visit Havana Beach online.
*Please note that this dessert item is not currently on the menu.
Havana Beach Bar & Grill – The Pearl Hotel’s hallmark AAA Four-Diamond restaurant – now offers an additional dining experience, providing you with ample opportunities to savor its offerings in four different ways. Dine in the vibrant dining room; on the outdoor Veranda for scenic town views’ on the Havana Beach Rooftop, serving up an incomparable sunset spot; or wind down at the brand-new Havana Beach Lounge.
The Havana Beach Lounge provides an intimate and casual hideaway ideal for sharing a menu of small plates, pre-dinner cocktails or both. Standouts include a Chef’s selection of regional and international meats and cheeses, accompanied by accouterments and a warm freshly baked baguette; and warm pimento cheese gratin, complete with bacon, chives and house-made rosemary crackers (yum). What can we say? We love a good cheese!
Nestled within the restaurant’s main dining room, the cozy and tropical hideaway-inspired Lounge feels tucked away in Old Havana. Just as the restaurant draws its inspiration from Ernest Hemingway’s colorful and storied old-town Havana haunt, El Floridita, so too does the Lounge give a nod to its warmth and style. We think Papa Hemingway would join us in toasting to that!
The Havana Beach Lounge is located within Havana Beach Bar & Grill at The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach®. The Lounge is open daily, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.; hours may vary seasonally. For more information, call (850) 588-2882.
Because we can all use a little pampering – and it need not be extravagant. The team at The Pearl Hotel believes it’s the little details that create the grandest gestures, so we asked them to share their tips for bringing The Pearl experience right into your home. No doubt you’ll be feeling pampered, relaxed and, well, right at home!
COZY up in your favorite robe and slippers to enjoy breakfast in bed. Our team recommends going for simple, yet classic, breakfast items. Consider fresh fruit, bacon, omelets, waffles or bagels – pour yourself a glass of fresh orange juice for an extra dose of simple luxury (and vitamin C!).
LIGHT a candle to fill your home with your favorite scent. We recommend going with The Pearl’s signature scented candle, available for purchase at Spa Pearl. The hotel’s beach-inspired Marine Sawgrass scent – with crisp green notes, floral undertones of jasmine and lily of the valley, and warm accents of musk and vanilla – will have you feeling relaxed and feeling like the coast is just a short walk away.
DROP slices of fresh fruit into your water for a refreshing afternoon drink. We suggest lemons, oranges, cucumbers or strawberries. You’ll be feeling fancy – and well hydrated!
SERVE your favorite cocktail in a chilled martini glass for a bit of an extra cool flair. Havana Beach Bar & Grill’s head bartender recommends adding a savory garnish too. Jumbo stuffed olives are a Havana Beach favorite for martinis, Bloody Marys and the restaurant’s signature Bloody Maria (made with smoky tequila). The team hand-stuffs the olives with Moody Blue Cheese, which provides a smoky and nutty flavor. Olives not your thing? Try a torched rosemary sprig for the ultimate Rosemary Beach experience; the aromatics provide an ideal pairing for gin cocktails.
TREAT yourself to a sweet bite before bed to experience at-home turndown service. Try leaving a few bite-sized pieces of your favorite chocolate bedside or indulging in a favorite homemade treat.
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We hope you’ll incorporate these mini luxury moments into your daily routine – please share them with us on Instagram or Facebook when you do by tagging #thepearlrb. We can’t wait to see what you do!
But we get it, sometimes it’s time to rest your head elsewhere. Choose from any of our existing offers, and we’ll make sure you have a relaxing, memorable and luxurious stay.
Just as the colorful and storied old-town Havana haunt from with it draws its inspiration, Havana Beach Bar & Grill, The Pearl Hotel’s award-winning restaurant, celebrates the joy of living, eating and drinking well. And it takes the latter to heart – crafting made-to-order cocktails that creatively engage all of the senses at the restaurant’s hand-carved mahogany bar.
In addition to beloved classic cocktails, like its signature Hemingway Daiquiri and a festive always-evolving seasonal cocktail menu, Havana Beach distinguishes itself with an out-of-the-box and opulent offering: The Millionaire’s Menu. Ranging from $125 to $800, the featured Millionaire’s Cocktails are modernized takes on classic cocktails, recipes for which date to the late 1800s and early 1900s. The approach, paired with the finest spirits and ingredients, make it a priceless experience – literally!
“We first created the Millionaire’s Menu as a bit of a fun experiment to see what we could come up with using the most expensive ingredients on our shelves,” says Kevin Dixon, the restaurant’s Food & Beverage Director. “To our surprise, it resulted in delicious and distinguished cocktails that have really resonated with our guests and have quickly become a staple of our cocktail program.”
The Millionaire’s Menu includes the following splurge-worthy cocktails:
- Sidecar $800
(Louis XIII | Grand Marnier 1880 | Lemon) - Margarita $200
(Casa Dragones Joven | Lime | Grand Mariner Quintessence) - Vieux Carre $130
(Whistle Pig Boss Hog | Delamain Famile Reserve | Benedictine) - Rum Old Fashioned $125
(Rhum Clement X/O | Demerara | Orange)
On average, Havana Beach Bar & Grill serves two to four Millionaire’s Menu cocktails per month, but it’s not uncommon to see up to 12 orders per week during the restaurant’s busier spring and summer seasons – and notably, during Bachelor Party festivities. While the Sidecar is a clear guest favorite, Dixon prefers the Vieux Carre, which embodies classic New Orleans mixology dating back to the 1930s.
“The Vieux Carre represents the melting pot of NOLA in its day, with influences from France, Italy and the Caribbean,” he says. “It’s delightful to taste the distinct spirit styles that are used to make this cocktail, which is a perfect example of what makes the Millionaire’s Menu so special.”
In addition to its imaginative cocktails, Havana Beach provides an inspired taste of place. In true Hemingway-approved style, the restaurant also serves up delectable dining in a laidback ambiance. Dive into the experience in four ways, each worthy of its own visit: in the main dining room (a bustling scene set to live piano entertainment on select nights), on the Rooftop (a can’t-miss sunset spot), on the veranda (with views overlooking the Gulf and Main Street), or in the Lounge (a laid back gathering spot).
Havana Beach Bar & Grill’s bar is open daily, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Happy Hour is from 3-6 p.m. Hours may vary seasonally. For more information, visit Havana Beach online.
Havana Beach Bar & Grill’s handcrafted “Wheyt a Minute” cocktail distinctly changes with the seasons, drawing inspiration from the flavors of each. We think its warm notes of spice and fruits make it the perfect companion for a wintertime toast – but don’t just take it from us. Peter DeRosa, The Pearl Hotel’s Assistant Food & Beverage Manager agrees.
“This cocktail is intentionally crafted to evoke the warmth and nostalgia of a holiday family dinner, while warming your spirits on a cold winter night with well-rounded flavors of fruit and spice.”
So what makes the Wheyt a Minute the ideal winter cocktail? The base is Big 5 Spiced Rum (a rum local to Florida), which emphasizes warm spice notes of nutmeg, vanilla and clove. It’s complemented with cherry liquor and calvados (an apple brandy) reminiscent of a fresh, homemade apple pie, and garnished with fresh cranberries. But that’s not all – what further distinguishes the cocktail its its unique preparation. As a type of “clarified milk punch” dating back to the 1600s, the handcrafted cocktail is pre-batched, beginning by combining warm milk with the spirits. Once poured, the whey blends in with the other ingredients (hence its name), as the milk curds separate and settle. Once chilled (for more than an hour), the mixture is carefully strained (a minimum of three times with a cheesecloth), so that what remains is a translucently clear yet delectable cocktail ready to be served over a giant ice cube.
Pretty neat huh?
Warm up with us on your next visit to Rosemary Beach® or give the Wheyt a Minute a try at home. Havana Beach Bar & Grill’s bar, located at The Pearl Hotel, is open daily, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Happy Hour is from 3-6 p.m. Hours may vary seasonally. For more information, visit Havana Beach online.