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!
The start of a new year brings with it boundless potential for new experiences. And so, with the anticipation of the 2024 beach season that awaits us – and in the sunny spirit of our beloved Gulf Coast – we’ve compiled a list of the things to see and soak up in the year ahead.
We hope you’ll join us!
Get Your Legs Moving
At the top of everyone’s list is incorporating more movement into their daily routine, and that means while on vacation, too! Lucky for you (and for us), South Walton offers plenty of opportunities to get your legs moving. Whether you prefer pumping your legs aboard a bicycle or getting them to work the old-school way on foot, you’ll find yourself logging in some invigorating steps along the distinct beach neighborhoods and natural sights that dot our beautiful coastal community.
Walk or bike your way through nature on the 30A Trail, formerly known as Cassine Trail. Accessible from the 30A Trailhead in Seagrove Beach’s Greenway Station, this trail offers a convenient starting point near The Lodge 30A and leads into Point Washington State Forest, where you’ll encounter diverse terrain that showcases the variety of ecosystems in Northwest Florida. The trail winds past the northwest portion of Eastern Lake- one of the area’s rare coastal dune lakes. Guests at The Lodge 30A receive discounted rates on bike rentals from YOLO Board + Bike, a fellow merchant within Greenway Station.
Or take a hike on the wild side and see 11 distinct ecosystems in one park. Located within close proximity of WaterColor Inn, Deer Lake State Park beautifully boasts magnolias, golden asters, woody goldenrod and scrub oaks. Walk across the dunes atop the boardwalk to access the beach and enjoy an idyllic picnic, take a mid-day swim or cast a line from the shore. Staying at WaterColor Inn or The Pearl Hotel? Both properties offer complimentary bike rentals to our guests.
Feast on Fresh Seafood
Everything in moderation – unless it refers to great food, right? We think Gulf Coast seafood is the best seafood, and – if you don’t already – soon 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 Featured Fish of the Day at Fish Out of Water and the roasted Oysters de Antigua at Havana Beach Bar & Grill, to the 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 this year!
Grab a Paddle
Whether you’ve visited Northwest Florida once or dozens of times, you’ve likely encountered some of the locals’ favorite activities: kayaking and standup paddle boarding (SUP) – and what better way to try your hand at one or both than in the new year?
Get up close and personal with one of South Walton’s rare coastal dune lakes, Western Lake (the largest and, perhaps, most popular) by kayaking or standup paddle boarding. Aside from being distinctly fun activities, their low-impact nature makes them suitable for all ages – and offers the chance to explore WaterColor’s natural beauty from a unique vantage point. All are available to rent seasonally from the WaterColor BoatHouse. Guests of all St. Joe Resort properties have access to use of these rentals for one hour each day. Guided kayaking adventure tours around Western Lake are also available and offer a great way to learn more about these beautiful natural rarities.
Moonlight as a Crab “Hunter”
Don’t worry – no creature will be harmed with your new hobby! Join the locals on the beach right after the sun sets to search for ghost crabs (named for their pale appearance), as they come out in the dozens to look for small prey in the sand. All you need is a flashlight or two to look for them up and down the shore – quite an interesting and fascinating sight that’s sure to become one of your favorite post-beach day beach activities this year.
Experience South Walton’s Newest Boutique Hotels
This year, comfort, convenience and contemporary coastal style await at St. Joe Resort’s newest hotel, The Lodge 30A. Inspired by the beauty of Northwest Florida’s lush coastal surroundings, The Lodge provides guests with a distinct and relaxing sense of place. Indulge in a nature-inspired beach escape to 30A this spring, and receive The Lodge’s best rates of the season, with savings of up to 25% when you book your stay March 1 – May 23 (Spring Presale available until February 29). Equipped with everything you might need and situated just steps away from dining, shopping and the state’s expansive network of trails, The Lodge makes it easy for guests to do as much, or as little, as you prefer – which might just be the best resolution yet.
Lock in the Savings
The past couple of years have taught us to not take even the smallest pleasures for granted and assured us that there’s no better place to be than surrounded by loved ones in a place we love. As we get ready to plan travel for 2024, beach vacations seem more popular than ever. Ensure your spring vacation doesn’t get away by locking in the season’s best savings. Book your family’s spring 2024 beach getaway at a St. Joe Resort property – The Lodge 30A, WaterColor Inn, The Pearl Hotel – and save up to 20% off your stay depending on how long you stay. With so much to enjoy and save, it’ll be like crossing two major resolutions off your list – you overachiever, you!
As summer comes to an end and the families head back to school, there’s a shift in the air along 30A. The air becomes a bit cooler, the sunsets more vibrant and visitors relish in the quieter beaches. In fact, these are just a few reasons why the fall is prime season for girlfriends’ getaways to South Walton.
With a variety of accommodation options, delectable Gulf Coast dining, unrivaled sunsets, outdoor exploration and plentiful ways to relax, the only challenge you’ll have in planning your next escape with your girl gang is figuring out just what you’ll pack into your itinerary.
To get your planning started, we’ve pulled together a few of our top St. Joe resort experiences. Whether you’re seeking a full-service boutique hotel experience or a laidback home-away-from-home vibe, fun or relaxation indoors or outdoors, or simply looking to bask in the simplicities of the Gulf, these will surely have you and your friends covered.
Now, gather the ladies and get your getaway going! We look forward to welcoming you.
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Make Yourself at Home
From full-service elegance to a more laidback, limited-service approach, St. Joe’s portfolio of lodging experiences provides consistent customer service, comfort and coastal style (of course).
Stay at South Walton’s only adult-oriented hotel, The Pearl Hotel in picturesque Rosemary Beach, for a thoughtfully curated boutique hotel experience that’s as distinct as each guest, complete with on-site dining, a spa, complimentary beach setups and more. Enjoy a quintessential and long-beloved 30A tradition at WaterColor Inn, the flagship of the iconic WaterColor community, and indulge in a guest experience that delivers on the extra touches, including a variety of pools and recreational opportunities. Seeking the ultimate in comfort and convenience? Escape to Seagrove Beach’s newest boutique hotel, The Lodge 30A, to enjoy a prime location and home-away-from-home hospitality. If you’re seeking rejuvenation and relaxation, Camp Creek Inn is the ideal location to meet your needs. Enjoy the privacy and serenity of this newly opened boutique hotel’s luxury accommodations and private club amenities.
Toast to Friendship
Cheers to good times spent with even better friends with an unforgettable dinner or cocktail celebration at any of our St. Joe dining establishments. Celebrate the joy of living, eating and drinking well at Havana Beach Bar & Grill, featuring a colorful food and cocktail menu that is equal parts Gulf Coast, equal parts Caribbean; or head to the Havana Beach Rooftop for tapas, cocktails and stunning sunset views. Indulge in a long-standing WaterColor dining tradition at Fish Out of Water, complete with fresh seafood and panoramic Gulf views.
And of course, you’ll find plentiful dining options along 30A, all in close proximity to The Lodge 30A, The Pearl Hotel and WaterColor Inn. Additionally, guests of WaterColor Inn also have access to a plethora of delectable offerings of Gather Kitchen + Bar and the WaterColor Beach Club. A stay at Camp Creek Inn affords you access to six private dining venues, including three onsite at the hotel.
Disconnect to Reconnect
Traveling with your friends offers an invaluable opportunity to disconnect and reconnect with one another, making simplicity and relaxation a tenet of the ultimate girlfriends’ getaway.
And there’s perhaps no more relaxing (or analog) 30A amenity than South Walton’s beaches themselves! With sugar-white sand and the emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico, it’s no surprise that our area’s beaches are consistently ranked among the best in the world. And whether you’re a guest of The Pearl Hotel, Camp Creek Inn, WaterColor Inn or The Lodge 30A, you and your girlfriends will have plentiful opportunities to soak in our beaches however you choose. Take in an early-morning dip, lounge in the sun to your heart’s content or indulge in an iconic 30A sunset with your toes in the sand.
For the ultimate R&R experience, book yourselves a service or two at Spa Pearl, where you can all enjoy an invigorating and therapeutic poolside spa escape.
Explore Like a Local
The sky is the limit when it comes to exploring South Walton’s natural wonders. Whether you stay in Rosemary Beach, Seagrove Beach or WaterColor, you’ll find yourself in close proximity to walking, biking hiking, kayaking or standup-paddleboarding your way through 30A’s coastal beauty. Rentals and excursions are available through the WaterColor BoatHouse (WaterColor Inn guests have special access to rentals), and there are plentiful parks and trails to explore on your own, too (we recommend the Watersound Trail, Deer Lake State Park and Western Lake). Guests of WaterColor Inn and The Pearl Hotel have access to complimentary bike rentals, so be sure to add pedaling through South Walton’s distinct beach communities to your itinerary!
Shop ‘til You Drop
We think every girlfriends’ getaway requires some retail therapy, and in 30A, you’ll find yourself in great company. No matter where you stay within the St. JoeÒ portfolio, you’ll find yourself in close proximity to some of the area’s best shops – from the merchants of Rosemary Beach and the stores of the WaterColor Town Center to the variety of amenities at Greenway Station and every beach community in between.
Step out in style with the latest seasonal styles from TheWaterColor Store (including items for the kiddos back home at WaterColor Kids); treat yourself to one-of-a-kind, locally made jewelry from Carrie Rhea Designs; or snag the essentials for recreating a relaxing spa experience at home at Spa Pearl. And because t’s not too early to get your holiday shopping started, our 30A Gift Guide may also come in handy.
Still on the fence on what to pack? We have you covered with our Beach Bag Essentials!
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.
WaterColor Inn and The Pearl Hotel offer an award-winning lodging experience that’s sure to leave you wanting to come back year after year – but don’t just take it from us!
Both hotels have once again received a Four-Star designation from Forbes Travel Guide. Not only are they the only properties on Florida’s Gulf Coast to tout the distinction in 2023, but they have also consistently received Forbes Travel Guide’s acclaimed standing since 2013 (WaterColor Inn) and 2015 (The Pearl Hotel). That means that when you stay at either hotel, you can count on the highest levels of service and on an experience that delivers on luxury and comfort.
Every year, Forbes Travel Guide – deemed to be the global authority on luxury travel – evaluates hotels against up to 900 rigorous industry standards that range from their level of service to the quality of their respective facilities. The hotels are inspected independently and anonymously, ensuring the ratings are both objective and consistent and graded on things like cleanliness, amenities, dining options and comfort.
“Travel is in an incredible position for continued growth, as people prioritize authentic, in-person experiences,” says Amanda Frasier, President of Ratings for Forbes Travel Guide. “The hotels, ocean cruises, restaurants and spas on our 2023 Star Rating list demonstrate an impressive commitment to creating memorable environments that nurture connection, joy and sense of place as we experience the world to its fullest.”
In addition to the coveted Forbes Travel Guide recognition, WaterColor Inn and The Pearl Hotel have also maintained a AAA Four Diamond rating since 2007 and 2017, respectively, and have made an appearance on some of the travel’s industry most honorable lists, including Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best,” Conde Nast Traveler’s “Readers’ Choice Awards” and U.S. News and World Report’s annual hotel rankings.
Need we say more?
Learn more about WaterColor Inn and The Pearl Hotel – or plan your stay! – here or here.
The Pearl Hotel may be known for its romantic aesthetic, idyllic location within the charming beach community of Rosemary Beach® and its countless accolades among the world’s best hotels, but it’s also a treasure trove of gem-like experiences for the whole family. Elevated yet approachable, luxurious yet grounded, The Pearl is best enjoyed in the company of all of your loved ones.
Splish, Splash to Your Heart’s Content
Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun, play in the surf or build a sandcastle by the shore, your family will love spending the day at The Pearl’s private beach, where guests enjoy complimentary beach setups, including beach chairs and oversized umbrellas. Ready to swap out the sugar-white sand for some family pool fun? Grab your pool passes at the Front Desk for instant access to Rosemary Beach®’s four community pools.
Embark on an Adventure
Sailing, kayaking, standup paddle-boarding or deep-sea fishing adventures await, thanks to The Pearl’s state-of-the-art concierge services and a variety of local excursions. Turn your experience into an educational opportunity with an eco-tour to learn more about the area’s unique environments and history, including these five must-see natural sights within a short distance from the hotel.
Let the Games Begin
Those families who love a physical challenge and a little bit of competition can also enjoy a match of tennis or try their hands (or rather, feet!) at FootGolf (a combination of golf and soccer) at the Origins Golf Club, thanks to a plethora of Watersound Club® private resort amenities, including a private beach club and championship golf courses.
Soak Up the Best of 30A
Explore South Walton’s most iconic sights and attractions by foot or by bike (thanks to complimentary beach cruisers available to guests of The Pearl). Pedal along part or all of the scenic, 18.6-mile 30A Bike Trail through the area’s rare coastal dune lakes and distinctive beach communities. Along the way, you’ll also discover plenty of photo-perfect spots. For the ultimate souvenir(s), be sure to browse the boutiques along the independent shops that dot the Rosemary Beach Town Center, just steps away from the hotel.
Taste the Gulf’s Bounty
Guests of The Pearl will find something to satisfy every palate, thanks to three distinct casual dining experiences available at the hotel’s Havana Beach Bar & Grill. Celebrate the joy of living, eating and drinking well with a menu that’s equal parts Gulf Coast, equal parts Caribbean – all served up in an approachable, family-friendly ambiance – in the main dining room, on the veranda or on the Havana Beach Rooftop. And, of course, when hunger calls but the day’s adventures have gotten the very best of you, Havana Beach also offers a delectable in-room menu that can be enjoyed in your private balcony. Looking to change things up? An array of dining options, including restaurants, coffee shops and on-the-go treats, are also available just outside the hotel doors.
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To learn more about The Pearl, find special offers or book your stay, visit the hotel online.
We might be biased, but we can’t picture a more cheerful way to spend the holidays than with the backdrop of our sugar-white sand (our much nicer version of snow) and the cooler coastal weather that seems to make every sunset just that much brighter. Besides, with fewer crowds, it feels like we have every inch of the stunning Gulf Coast for ourselves!
It’s undeniable: the holidays bring a bounty of good cheer to Northwest Florida, including:
Lower Rates
Lock in the best rates of the year when you stay at WaterColor Inn, The Pearl Hotel or WaterSound Inn during the winter and holiday months. Better yet? Guests at any St. Joe Company property have access to an array of our private membership club amenities.
30A in Lights
Experience a coastal winter wonderland as you stroll or drive through the beautiful holiday decorations along Scenic Highway 30A and tucked within the WaterColor Community and beyond. The only downside might be the number of times you’ll be compelled to stop for a magical photo.
Festive Events
‘Tis the season to gather with loved ones and celebrate – and we know how to do just that. Each year, WaterColor Inn, The Pearl Hotel and their acclaimed restaurants, Fish Out of Water, Havana Beach Bar & Grill, get into the spirit of the season with a variety of festive holiday-themed events for the whole family, taking place in December.
Fuss-Free Family Time
Spend quality time on the beach without having to worry about what to do or where to eat. WaterColor Inn and The Pearl Hotel have your gathering covered. We take the hassle out of family time so you can focus your time on family – and who wouldn’t want to cheers to that?!
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For details on the holiday offerings and events available at WaterColor Inn or The Pearl Hotel, visit watercolorresort.com or thepearlrb.com, respectively.
Winter in Northwest Florida means trading in your snow shovel for a different kind of white backdrop: our sugar-white beaches, that is! With milder weather, fewer crowds and the festive spirit of the season, there’s even more reason to celebrate during the winter months – and plenty of ways to stay warm while you do.
Here are our top picks for warming up and cozying up to enjoy a winter wonderland in true 30A style!
A Beachside Bonfire
Guests of WaterColor Inn can reserve two hours of bonfire fun for up to 30 guests – complete with beach chairs, bottled water and all of the fixings for s’mores. The expertly set-up bonfire experience, which can be set up before or after sunset, takes place behind the WaterColor Beach Club and provides a laidback and fun way to cozy up with the beach during the cooler winter months. Outdoor game packages and food-and-beverage amenities can also be added for an additional fee.
A Hot Stone Massage
Experience a hot stone massage at Spa Pearl at The Pearl Hotel and melt your winter blues away. Within four private poolside treatment rooms, men and women enjoy facials, signature body treatments and massages that incorporate invigorating and therapeutic oceanic elements. Better yet? All spa bookings receive complimentary access to The Pearl Hotel’s heated adults-only pool – and we can’t quite picture a winter day more relaxing than that.
A Swim in the Pool
The winter months won’t keep us away from the water – the pool water, that is! And because all of our pools at WaterColor Inn and The Pearl Hotel are heated, our guests can enjoy a leisurely swim year-round. Not to mention, WaterColor Inn now has a new 2,800-square-foot zero-entry family pool, complete with whirlpool bench and hydro jets. We think there’s nothing quite as invigorating like a warm winter dip!
A Walk on the Beach
Never underestimate the simple, heart-warming pleasure of taking a stroll on the beach. Throw on your favorite hoodie (we have a preference for this super cozy WaterColor Shop sweatshirt) and head Gulf-side to take in a picturesque winter sunset or bask in the stunning display of stars that light up our coastal sky.
A Seafood Feast with a View
Winter months are still perfect for enjoying freshly caught seafood just footsteps away from the Gulf. And cooler weather doesn’t mean forgoing the view either! Take it in indoors at Fish Out of Water, where every seat is the best in the house and every dish boasts the Gulf’s most delicious seasonal flavors.
A Fresh Cup of Hot Coffee
Load up on some extra fuel at Scratch Biscuit Kitchen, where you’ll find plenty of coffee flowing, thanks to the restaurant’s daily selections of its own signature blend. Consider yourself a die-hard coffee enthusiast well beyond the winter months? Join Scratch’s “Mug Club” to receive your own Scratch “Mug Club”-branded mug and $1 unlimited coffee (cheers to that!).
A Tropics-Inspired Happy Hour
Retreat to the Havana Beach Lounge, an intimate tropical hideaway nestled within The Pearl Hotel’s Havana Beach Bar & Grill, to enjoy a menu of small plates, pre-dinner cocktails or both. Bold, tropical prints and a lively Havana-inspired theme are surely to warm up your evening.
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.