Looking for a last-minute gift for the special dad, dads or dad figures in your life? If you’ve come to WaterColor Inn, you’ve come to the right place! That’s because 30A’s beloved family-friendly resort offers a variety of unique gift options that are sure to delight every type of dad – whether he’s stylish, adventurous, epicurious or a mix of all of the above.
Below, our roundup of the ultimate WaterColor-inspired gift guide for dad. All items are available at, you guessed it, WaterColor Inn. So, what are you waiting for? Get to crossing these off your list and start shopping!
Better yet? Take advantage of The WaterColor Store’s 20% OFF storewide sale taking place Father’s Day weekend, June 14-16, 2024!
Coastal-Inspired Fashion
Classic fashion never goes out of style, and South Walton’s iconic coastal style is as timeless as it gets. Give dad the best in elevated yet approachable beach-inspired fashion with a gift from The WaterColor Store. From matching father-son polos by Peter Millar to resort-casual shirts by Rhythm and a wide assortment of WaterColor-branded merchandise, including Yeti ramblers, you’ll find just the right gift for your very fashionable dad. Visit and shop The WaterColor Store online or in person at 20 Goldenrod Circle in the WaterColor Town Center.
Specialty Bar Items
Give dad the ultimate bar-away-from-the-bar experience! At the FOOW Package Store you’ll find an impressive, well-curated selection of rare bottles of Blanton’s, E.H. Taylor Straight Rye, Eagle Rare, Louis XIII de Remy Martin Grande Champagne Cognac and more (based on availability), as well as Heathen wines and Grayton Beer Co. beers. Specialty items, including FOOW- and WaterColor-inspired barware and one-of-a-kind t-shirts and hats are also available, making it easy to pull together a truly unique gift for every dad in your life.
Delicious Dining
Kick off your Father’s Day festivities at Fish Out of Water with Pancakes with Pops on Sunday, June 16, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and enjoy complimentary coffee, all-you-can-eat pancakes and quality time with dad.
Fun Adventures on the Water
Give dad the gift of adventure with an excursion on the water! The BoatHouse Paddle Club at the WaterColor BoatHouse offers canoe and kayak rentals, SUP lessons and even kayaking adventure tours around Western Lake. Which will you choose for dad? Give the knowledgeable team at BoatHouse Paddle Club a call at (850) 419-6188 to explore your options and book your experience, or visit them in person to browse their wide retail offerings, including activewear by some of dad’s favorite fitness brands. Gift cards are also available!
Relaxing Resort Experiences
Comfort, relaxation and private resort perks? We’ll answer for dad: “Yes, please!” Gift dad a future stay at WaterColor Inn, where he can enjoy the very best of South Walton all in one convenient spot. Whether he wants to lay by one of the pools at WaterColor Beach Club, soak up the sun on the hotel’s private stretch of beach, order room service or do a little bit of at all, he may need more than a one-night stay. And of course, the whole family is invited too! Make it a family affair by taking advantage of WaterColor Inn’s family-friendly room amenities, as well as access to Camp WaterColor – a favorite among kids and parents alike.
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To learn more about WaterColor Inn’s amenities to book your family’s next stay, visit the resort online.
With a distinctive blend of experiences incorporating invigorating and therapeutic oceanic elements, the poolside Spa Pearl at The Pearl Hotel provides an innovative and intimate spa experience with signature treatments that fittingly incorporate the healing powers of the pearl gemstone itself. The intimate, boutique-like spa delivers on the same attention to detail and unparalleled levels of service for which The Pearl has long been synonymous.
But you need not be a guest of The Pearl to enjoy the spa! Spa Pearl is open to the public and personalized for each guest’s need(s). Whether upon arrival or completion of your spa service, spa guests receive a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. Additionally, spa guests have access to the hotel’s private pool and hot tub an hour before and after their spa treatment – providing them with the opportunity to enjoy a swim, a sunbath, a treat or a drink poolside, before, after or in between their treatments.
Within Spa Pearl’s four private poolside treatment rooms, men and women can select from an extensive menu of facials, massages, waxing services and signature body treatments, which range from two to four hours. Each treatment incorporates the best professional products on the market for enhanced relaxation and recovery, and Spa Pearl’s seasoned professionals can cater to your specific needs and areas of focus.
Not sure where to start? We recommend the popular Collagen Renew Lift & Sculpt Facial, Pearl Perfection Massage or, better yet, combining the two!
The 50- or 80-minute Collagen Renew Lift & Sculpt Facial combines the power of five intense HydroPeptide exfoliants to help improve cell turnover for a radiant complexion, leaving your skin glowing as it amplifies antioxidants and locks in hydration.
The Pearl Perfection Massage, which can also be scheduled for 50 or 80 minutes, incorporates a blend of deep tissue and relaxing Swedish techniques for ultimate relaxation. You may also consider adding in a therapeutic enhancement to any massage, including a warm oil scalp treatment, aromatherapy or foot scrub – or let the spa choose one that best meets your needs.
New to Spa Pearl this year is the popular and already highly requested HydraFacial™. Recognized as the future of skin health treatment, HydraFacial™ uses patented vortex-fusion technology that acts like a vacuum to open pores, extract, clean and effectively deliver active ingredients to improve skin health and appearance.
So, what are you waiting for? Sit back, relax and indulge in a Spa Pearl experience of your own.
All of Spa Pearl’s treatments can be booked in advance online or by calling (850) 460-9041. Pricing and details for services and treatments can also be found on the spa’s website.
For more than 10 years, Havana Beach Bar & Grill’s menu celebrates the joy of living, eating and drinking well, drawing inspiration from Ernest Hemingway’s favorite old-town Havana haunt, El Floridita. Vibrant and storied, it’s the Cuba of the late 1940s and ‘50s that deeply influenced the writings of the American-born author. More so, it was a love of food – and a love for gathering, hunting and fishing – that penned the author’s pursuit of delectable celebrations, from the Caribbean to Europe and back to the Florida coast.
Much like “Papa Hemingway” himself, so too does The Pearl Hotel’s award-winning restaurant believe that dining should delight all of the senses. Equal parts Gulf Coast and Caribbean, with French-inspired techniques, Havana Beach’s menu is sourced as close to the ground, as close to the water and through the woods as possible. When you dine here, consider each bite a story, each course a new chapter to dive into and each visit a journey.
To dig deeper into the Havana Beach experience, we sat down with Executive Chef Matthew Rolens to learn more about the restaurant’s inspired (and newly reimagined) menu, the dishes you must try and his approach to providing an unforgettable dining experience for all guests. ¡Salud!
What makes Havana Beach Bar & Grill’s menu different from other local restaurants?
Our menu melds Cuban-inspired and Caribbean flavors with Southern and coastal favorites, incorporating classical French cooking techniques. The result is a unique and inspired palate of flavors that can’t be found elsewhere on 30A. It’s truly a culmination of our team’s commitment to making it the best dining experience it can possibly be.
What can guests expect when dining at Havana Beach?
Havana Beach offers approachable food, served in a casual yet elevated environment that celebrates the dining experience. Our dining spaces, much like Havana herself, are vibrant and lively. On select evenings, our house pianist provides a lovely soundtrack for the dining room, and the bar area is always energetic and inviting. We like to mix in a sense of family and fun with our refined dinner service. Whether joining us for a night on the town, a special occasion or a laidback brunch any day of the week, we pride ourselves in providing guests with a welcoming and memorable experience.
What are some of your favorite dishes?
Where do I even begin? For brunch, the Ropa Vieja pairs exceptionally well with the Havana Beach Bloody Mary. And of course, El Supremo Cubano has been a guest favorite for years, and our Mandy Burger, a local favorite, has been hailed as the best burger on 30A. Need I say more? For dinner, the Whole Fish Catch of the Day is an experience you won’t regularly find in South Walton. We serve whatever fish has been caught locally that day, marinate it and lightly fry it to maintain its tenderness and serve it escabeche-style, a Caribbean preparation that includes pickled vegetables and spices. It’s mouthwatering delicious! I also recommend the Oysters de Antigua; roasted and combined with tamarind and coconut flavors, these tasty bivalves make the perfect pairing to our Hemingway Daiquiri. For something with a bit more of a Southern take, La Perla del Sur Ribs are just delicious (be sure to pair it with the Ernest Intentions cocktail for the ultimate experience).
What might guests be surprised to learn about Havana Beach’s menu?
That in addition to delicious and inspired dishes, our mixologists have also crafted an equally thoughtful cocktail menu. Inspired by 1950s Havana, our signature cocktail menu offers classic favorites with a Caribbean twist. These include the Hemingway Daiquiri (a longtime guest favorite) and the Banana Boulevard. Whether you’re eating, toasting or both, we hope this menu provides a vibrant taste of the past. Additionally, to accommodate the dietary restrictions of all of our guests, our menu offers several gluten-free options, and our team is always happy to make modifications based on guests’ needs.
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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. Brunch menu items are available daily, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Hours and offerings may vary seasonally. For more information, visit Havana Beach online.
Craving a delicious daytime delight? Look no further than Scratch Biscuit Kitchen in the WaterColor Town Center! Served up in true Southern style, Scratch’s beloved delicacies – including the restaurant’s signature fluffy and buttery square-shaped biscuits – are freshly prepared daily.
Whether you treat yourself to one, three or a full dozen, personalize your biscuit(s) with a variety of house-made jams, jellies and gravies. And, of course, as one would expect from a Southern scratch kitchen, the coffee is always flowing, with daily selections of Scratch’s own signature blend. In fact, die-hard coffee enthusiasts can join Scratch’s “Mug Club” to receive their own branded mug and unlimited $1 coffee!
Craving something a bit heartier? Take advantage of Scratch’s daily Lunchbox Special, available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It includes the Special of the Day with your choice of side, dessert and beverage. How’s that for hospitable?
You may also choose from a variety of handhelds like the signature Chicken Biscuit or pick from one of the Southern Plates & Bowls, including a make-your-own Grub Bowl option and a delectable N’awlins Shrimp & Grits that’ll have you coming back for more. Those wanting to keep things on the lighter side will also find plenty to choose from on the Good for Ya! menu, which includes favorites like a Smoked Salmon & Avocado Toast and a Granola & Yogurt Boat. There are plentiful homecooked-style sides, small bites and delectable sweet treats, too (the scrumptious French Toast Sticks are among guests’ favorites!).
And much like grandma’s kitchen, the name of the game at Scratch is comfort and convenience. Step right up to the counter! Whether you choose to dine in or place your order to-go at the restaurant’s convenient pickup window, you’ll experience family-friendly service. There’s also plentiful seating to accommodate parties of all sizes.
Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty pre-beach breakfast, some by-the-beach snacks, a post-pool lunch, an afternoon sweet treat or your second coffee of the day, Scratch has all of your family’s cravings covered!
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Scratch Biscuit Kitchen is located in the WaterColor Town Center and is open 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. daily (closed on Tuesdays), featuring live music on Wednesdays during the summer months. Counter, indoor and outdoor seating is available; online ordering and carryout are also available (carryout window opens at 6:30 a.m.). For more information, visit scratchbk.com or call (850) 231-6550.
With so many options to unwind, soak up the sun, enjoy rooftop cocktails or savor a taste of the coast with a fine-dining experience, no stay at The Pearl Hotel is the same. That’s why we’ve pulled together a five-day itinerary, packed with some of our favorite experiences, to help plan your ideal getaway to The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach® Community.
Day One
Valet your car and check in to The Pearl Hotel at 4 p.m. to promptly enjoy your complimentary cocktail greeting as you’re directed to your room – will you choose a Gulf, Town or Pool view? Take a moment to unpack and unwind, or enjoy the hotel’s signature welcome treat, its house-made pimento cheese (you might opt for saving some for a midnight snack). Then, head up to the Havana Beach Rooftop to enjoy a menu of shareable plates, creative cocktails and a can’t-miss sunset from atop the hotel. Retreat into your room for a freshly baked turndown treat before you slumber into sweet dreams.
Day Two
Treat yourself to room service for breakfast (it’s vacation, after all). Then, the sugar-white sand and emerald-green water beckon… head to the beach, where your complimentary beach setup awaits (for convenience, it includes chairs, an umbrella and towel service) Not quite ready for the beach today? Lounge the day away poolside at the hotel’s adults-only pool, where you can also enjoy towel service and poolside food and drinks and towel service.
Day Three
Rise with the sun and with a delicious breakfast outdoors on the veranda at Havana Beach Bar & Grill. Today’s itinerary calls for family-friendly fun at one of the Rosemary Beach® community pools, or by reserving a standup paddleboarding or kayaking excursion through one of South Walton’s rare dune lakes with The BoatHouse Paddle Club. Want to get even closer with nature? On nearby West Kingston Road, you’ll find an enchanting butterfly garden with a wooden footpath winding through a maze of colorful plants that attract thousands of beautiful butterflies.
And, of course, you’ll want to leave some room for dinner, too! At Havana Beach (or on the Rooftop), you’re bound to want to treat yourself to a delectable menu that’s equal parts Gulf Coast, equal parts Caribbean.
Day Four
Take in the sights along Scenic Highway 30A by biking through our neighboring beach communities and exploring dining, shopping and so much more. Park your complimentary bike and spend the afternoon lounging under the warm Northwest Florida sun. In the evening, have yourself a lively night, complete with a casual dinner, drinks and delightful conversations in the Rosemary Beach® Town Center – or take it all in from your private balcony as you enjoy room service.
Day Five
It’s time to check out, so why not treat yourself to a relaxing goodbye at SpaPearl? With a distinctive blend of experiences that incorporate the therapeutic and invigorating elements of the coast and of the hotel’s namesake gemstone, the hotel’s poolside spa is an idyllic place to unwind before heading home. Treat yourself to one of the spa’s signature treatments, or purchase SpaPearl-inspired items to have you feeling relaxed at home long after your vacation is over. Be sure to book your service(s) online!
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To learn more about The Pearl Hotel, book your stay and enjoy the latest seasonal specials, visit thepearlrb.com, or follow along on Facebook or Instagram for a daily dose of #thepearlrb inspiration.
If you know Fish Out of Water, you already know about its inspired beverage program, which boasts a variety of signature beach-inspired cocktails, an eclectic selection of craft beers and a long list of award-winning wines, stored in the restaurant’s on-site cellar – but did you know you can enjoy all of this right at the Fish Out of Water bar? Prefer to enjoy an at-home bar experience? The restaurant’s curated selection of bar essentials, including local beers, select liquors, barware and even ice can be found at the Package Store.
Sip on Convenience, Craft Liquors and Creative Cocktails
Forgo a table and grab one of the 10 bar seats inside the Fish Out of Water dining room, or head outside to claim one of the outdoor bar seats, while still enjoying the restaurant’s beloved laidback ambiance and stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Let the bartender decide your next libation; chances are they’ll concoct something creative, while sharing some stories and local recommendations! Craving something quintessentially WaterColor? You can’t go wrong with a Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Beach Hair Don’t Care or Swim to the Second Sandbar (giant gummy shark included!). With a diverse beer selection and an extensive list of high-end scotches, bourbons, rums and whiskeys, the bar has something for every palate – even the exquisitely discerning ones! Bourbon lovers will delight over our Pappy lineup (until it’s gone), and gin lovers will find the entire line of the deliciously fun Sipsmith® Gin brand.
With a daily happy hour (2-4 p.m.), ongoing specials and live music available seasonally, the bar truly offers the very best of Fish Out of Water – in a few glasses or less.
Everything You Need for a Bar-Away-from-the-Bar ExperienceConveniently located next to the WaterColor Beach access, the Package Store is your one-stop shop for everything you need to create a bar experience at home; enjoy some iced beverages on the beach; or take home some unique Fish Out of Water- and WaterColor-inspired barware and gifts.
The store’s curated collection of WaterColor favorites includes Duckhorn Decoy Flavored Seltzers, Grayton Beer Company Beers, Heathen Wines, Casa Dragones Joven Tequila and even ice for your convenience!
Looking to bring home something special? Specialty gift items include locally beloved “Theo the Stuffed Turtle,” proceeds from which go towards protect sea turtles in Northwest Florida and Carrie Rhea Jewelry, including a Fish Out of Water-inspired line of necklaces.
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For more information about Fish Out of Water, including hours of operation and to take a peek at the menu, visit www.dinefish30A. The Package Store is open seasonally, from 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Planning a visit to South Walton and craving comfort and convenience with an elevated style? Look no further than The Lodge 30A in the heart of Seagrove Beach, where seasonal offers will help you lock in up to 20% OFF standard rates this spring and summer. Nestled in the heart of the idyllic beach community and nestled between the sugar-white beaches and lush pines, the boutique hotel’s convenient location allows guests to enjoy the very best of 30A, including hiking, dining, golfing, shopping and plenty of relaxing, too!
Experience the Best of 30A
Situated in Greenway Station, the hotel puts a variety of shops and restaurants at your fingertips, as well as access to a private heated pool and a fitness center. You’ll be close to both the stunning beaches and – with the trailhead conveniently located just footsteps from the hotel – the renowned hiking and biking trails that 30A is known for. Whether you’re a beach lover looking to soak up the sun or an outdoor enthusiast seeking adventure, you’ll find it all within reach. Guests of The Lodge 30A also receive discounted pricing on rentals at nearby YOLO Board & Bike and access to premier resort experiences, such as a private beach club and private championship golf courses, through the Watersound Club® (available as an opt-in amenity for a daily fee).
Play (or Work) in Style
Inspired by Northwest Florida’s natural coastal surroundings, The Lodge 30A combines comfort and convenience with contemporary coastal style for an approachable lodging experience that feels equal parts laidback and luxurious. All of the boutique hotel’s 85 rooms, which include king suites, double queen suites and adjoining rooms, are designed to make your stay feel like a home away from home – complete with essential kitchen appliances and the latest technology. An onsite boardroom and business center also ensure that whether you’re here to play, work or both, you’ll find yourself settling right in.
Indulge in Comfort
At The Lodge 30A, comfort and convenience are top priorities. Daily housekeeping is available upon request, ensuring that your room remains fresh and inviting throughout your stay. The hotel’s friendly and dedicated guest service staff is available 24/7, making check-in a breeze and ensuring that any needs or inquiries are promptly addressed. Parking at The Lodge 30A is hassle-free, since guests of the hotel enjoy complimentary onsite parking.
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Ready to book your beach getaway? Visit TheLodge30A.com to see current offers, explore accommodations and discover all that the hotel has to offer.
Timeless luxury, coastal sophistication and personalized touches abound at The Pearl Hotel, where the littlest details are the biggest gestures. As the only full-service, adult-oriented hotel in South Walton, The Pearl provides the idyllic setting for a romantic beach getaway.
From the cocktail greeting at check-in to the hand-delivered freshly baked treat at bedtime, each detail is meant to be slowly unpacked and enjoyed (in front of a stunning Gulf sunset and with a glass of bubbly in hand, a plus). Much like its name implies, The Pearl is a gem that’ll dazzle guests visit after visit.
The Pearl’s thoughtfully curated experience makes each couple’s visit a distinctly memorable one. Not to mention, its surroundings within the coastal, West Indies-inspired community of Rosemary Beach® provide an air of romanticism, complete with pointed turrets, sun-splashed terraces and black-and-white striped awnings just footsteps away from the sugar-white sands of the Gulf of Mexico.
The 55-room boutique hotel is intimate in scale and classic in style, with elegant, modern and recently reimagined accommodations that all showcase picturesque views of either the Gulf, Town or Pool. For an extra special stay, couples may opt to book one of The Pearl’s nine Gulf-View Suites or splurge on The Pearl Suite, complete with its own separate master bedroom, private balcony, soaking tub and rainfall shower.
At the intimate poolside Spa Pearl, couples may choose from a unique blend of treatments incorporating invigorating and therapeutic oceanic elements for a truly serene experience. Couples looking to explore the picture-perfect town may do so by foot or bike, thanks to the complimentary bikes available to guests of The Pearl.
Additionally, guests of The Pearl also receive complimentary beach chairs and oversized umbrellas at the hotel’s private beach, but couples may choose to reserve a poolside cabana at which to lounge the day away.
When it’s time for a delectable meal, couples may choose to enjoy in-room dining in their private balcony, savor an unforgettably romantic dinner at the hotel’s AAA Four Diamond restaurant, Havana Beach Bar & Grill, or enjoy plentiful celebratory toasts (and sunsets) at the Havana Beach Rooftop.
Ready to dream up your romantic getaway? Visit thepearlrb.com to explore accommodations, see current offers and book your stay.
Spring is officially in bloom! And longer and warmer days means more opportunities to soak up the sun in more fun ways than one in South Walton. As Northwest Florida’s premier hospitality-management company, St. Joe® is an expert in family-friendly resort experiences, which is why we’ve compiled some of our top picks for a spring day well spent.
Whether you’re here for a day, a weekend or an extended stay, we hope you’ll put that extra spring hour (and sunshine) to work. Now, let’s spring to it!
Take in the Sights on Bike
Take in the sights along Scenic Highway 30A by biking through South Walton’s distinct beach communities and exploring dining, shopping and so much more along the way. Park your complimentary bike (available to guests of WaterColor Inn, The Pearl Hotel, and Watersound Inn) and spend the afternoon lounging under the warm Northwest Florida sun. In the evening, have yourself a lively night, complete with a casual dinner, drinks and delightful conversations with a stunning view at Fish Out of Water or Havana Beach Rooftop.
Explore a Rare Coastal Dune Lake
South Walton is home to 15 of some of the rarest and most spectacular natural wonders: coastal dune lakes, shallow basins of fresh water created when winds redistribute sand over thousands of years – within feet from the Gulf of Mexico. Get up close with South Walton’s second-largest (and, perhaps, most popular) coastal dune lake, Western Lake, by kayaking or standup paddle boarding. All are available to seasonally from the WaterColor BoatHouse, which also offers kayaking adventure tours. WaterColor Inn, The Pearl Hotel and Watersound Inn guests have access to complimentary use of canoes rentals for one hour each day and discounted SUP rentals.
Catch a Gulf Sunset
Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast is well known for its sugar-white beaches, but it’s the sunsets over the Gulf that provide the cherry on top of an unforgettable beach day here in our corner of paradise. Head to Havana Beach Rooftop at The Pearl Hotel for tapas and cocktails, served with stunning views of the Gulf and of the charming coastal town of Rosemary Beach below. At Costa Chica (located within the private WaterColor Beach Club), you can enjoy coastal-infused TexMex dishes and handcrafted margaritas in a casual rooftop setting overlooking the pool deck. For the ultimate sunset spot, there’s perhaps no more timeless Santa Rosa Beach spot than Fish Out of Water. Here, the best seat in the house is always guaranteed, thanks to glass walls that showcasing breathtaking views from every seat, while enjoying an authentic taste of the Gulf.
Take a Dip in the Pool – or in 10!
Whether you are looking to lounge, dip your feet, go for a lap or splish-splash about with the kiddos, you’ll have plenty of pools to choose from as a guest of WaterColor Inn. With 10 pools to choose from, WaterColor Inn boasts the most pool accesses on 30A, providing families with plenty of options for basking in the sun, just steps away from sugar-white sand beaches. Guests have access to the private, zero-entry family pool at WaterColor Inn, three pools at Camp WaterColor and three pools at WaterColor Beach Club, including an adults-only infinity pool with lounge seating. As if that weren’t enough, WaterColor Inn guests also have access to the Sandhill, Dragonfly and Marina pools within the WaterColor Community.
Savor the Ultimate Outdoor Picnic
Picturesque Cerulean Park provides the most idyllic backdrop for the ultimate 30A picnic outdoors. Build your own picnic basket with your favorite South Walton treats from the WaterColor Town Center, or order to-go dishes from some of WaterColor’s most popular (and delicious!) restaurants, including Fish Out of Water, WaterColor Grill and Beach Cow, all of which offer curbside pickup. Looking for the ultimately decadent convenience? Place your order at the Scratch Biscuit Kitchen carryout window, then walk over to your favorite spot in the park.
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As if all of that fun time in the sun weren’t enough, the spring months also provide an opportunity for BIG seasonal savings – of up to 20% OFF, in some cases, when you book your spring stay before May 19, 2024. Be sure to check out WaterColor Inn, The Pearl Hotel, Watersound Inn and the newly opened The Lodge 30A for each hotel’s spring savings.
Lastly, no matter what you choose to do with your longer days this spring, please remember to make your beach days safe days with these local precautions. Wishing you and yours a sun- and fun-filled spring season! We look forward to seeing you soon.
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!