As winter winds down and the promise of warmer days beckons, thoughts naturally turn to sugar-white sands and the opportunity to unwind in a tropical setting. While Florida’s alluring beaches and comfortable temperatures make it a top choice for spring breakers, precious vacation time dissolves behind the wheel, shuttling between beaches, restaurants and excursions.
Located between Panama City Beach and Destin, Florida, 30A offers a refreshing spring break narrative – one where walkable, family-friendly entertainment replaces long drives between destinations. From choosing the right airport to timing your visit and discovering attractions just a quick bike ride away, these essential tips will help you navigate planning and booking an escape.
Top Things to Do, See & Experience
One of the most compelling aspects of a 30A spring break is its blend of outdoor adventure with upscale amenities. Morning paddle board sessions on the rare coastal dune lakes (found in only a handful of places worldwide) can be followed by private lessons with a professional tennis player. Sunrise beach walks naturally lead to brunching at artisanal cafes in a European-influenced town center.
Whether actively exploring or slowing down and enjoying your surroundings, 30A offers so much to look forward to within a small radius. Click the arrow box in the top left corner of the map below to learn more about the area’s can’t-miss activities.
Tips for Planning the Best Spring Break Vacation
While spontaneity has its place, knowing key details about 30A helps you avoid common pitfalls and discover hidden gems many visitors miss. From typical weather patterns to regional school calendars, plan your 30A spring break with answers to the most commonly asked questions.
What is the weather like on 30A during spring break?
Spring on 30A hits the sweet spot for both weather and crowds. During March and April, temperatures typically range from the mid-70s to low 80s – perfect for swimming in the Gulf’s crystal-clear waters or taking a breezy bike ride along the Timpoochee Trail.
What is the busiest week for spring break in Florida?
Florida’s spring break season runs from March through mid-April, with the heaviest crowds during mid-March when most colleges align their breaks. The second and third weeks of March are particularly busy as Northeast and Midwest schools schedule their vacations. Check out last year’s national spring break school calendar or the Walton County Tourism school calendar for additional information.
What is the best airport to fly into for a 30A vacation?
Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) in Panama City Beach and Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) provide convenient access to 30A. Both airports offer direct flights from major cities and are located within an hour’s drive to the properties.
Discover Places to Stay
30A strikes an ideal balance between seclusion and activity, making it perfect for families, couples, and anyone seeking a more refined coastal getaway. For the ultimate escape, with luxurious private amenities, consider booking a stay at one of our five unique properties.
Along our little sliver of coastal paradise, the fall and winter months seem to be colored with perfectly romantic hues. From colorful sunsets and cooler weather to fewer crowds that make for a more intimate experience, the result is an idyllic backdrop for a getaway with your favorite person.
Whether you’re escaping for a weekend or longer, we’ve compiled some of our favorite romantic experiences that’ll surely have you cozying up to a warm stay this season.
For the Adventurous Couple
Outdoor-loving couples may opt to take advantage of the myriad of outdoor recreational activities available in Northwest Florida, such as paddle-boarding, biking, kayaking, hiking or simply a beach bonfire – complete with s’mores. Guests staying at The Lodge 30A, a prime destination for couples retreats, can also enjoy the best of 30A’s iconic beach communities and picturesque trails with the YOLO Pedal & Explore Package, which includes two bike rentals from YOLO Board & Bike.
For the Classic Romantics
Located in one of the most romantic towns in America (the charming coastal community of Rosemary Beach®) and as the only full-service, adult-oriented hotel in South Walton, The Pearl Hotel provides the perfect setting for luxurious couples retreats. And because the hotel offers everything from beach and heated pool access to fine dining and plentiful shopping – you can truly have it all in one stay!
An early morning coffee on your private balcony (overlooking the Gulf or the town below) is sure to get you ready for a romantic day ahead. You’ll definitely want to book a relaxing couple’s massage in the couple’s suite at Spa Pearl, then spend the rest of the day lounging or enjoying a cocktail poolside by one of the firepits on the Havana Beach Rooftop. Dining options abound, so whether you’d like to dine in-room or at the hotel’s AAA Four Diamond restaurant, your experience will be equally elegant and delectable.
For the Active Resort Enthusiasts
For couples who love an active getaway, Camp Creek® Inn offers the perfect mix of luxury and recreation along the scenic Highway 30A. This boutique hotel provides exclusive access to the championship-level Camp Creek® Golf Course and Shark’s Tooth Golf Course, with a new links-style course debuting in spring 2025. For those who prefer other activities, the Wellness Center has top-tier tennis and pickleball courts with private lessons available.
After an active day, retreat to the Pine Suite for the ultimate in comfort and relaxation. With its private bedroom featuring a luxurious King-size bed, spacious bathroom stocked with L’Occitane toiletries, and serene private balcony, you’ll have the perfect setting to unwind together and plan your next day’s adventures.
For the Beach-Loving Type
For the ultimate coastal retreat, look no further than WaterColor Inn. From the David Rockwell-designed beachfront accommodations, which bring the outdoors mere steps from the door, to the pair of Adirondack chairs on each private balcony (situated at precise sunset-level), you’ll have your own romantic seaside oasis. Even the shower comes with its own stunning Gulf view!
Located within one of the most iconic communities on 30A, you’ll find plenty of romance to soak up. Take a cozy walk (or bike ride) along Western Lake or enjoy a picnic for two at Cerulean – just be sure to get back before sunset! Pair a stunning Gulf sunset view with fresh coastal cuisine at WaterColor Inn’s beloved Fish Out of Water restaurant. And of course, room service is always available – champagne and chocolate strawberries for dessert, anyone?
No matter how you dream of spending time together, your perfect romantic escape awaits along 30A. Visit our stay page to compare properties and start planning.
There’s perhaps no artist more synonymous with South Walton than Justin Gaffrey, whose richly textured paintings colorfully depict the area’s distinct coastal landscape and wildlife.
At WaterColor Inn, Justin’s iconic artwork is displayed throughout the lobby, common areas and at Fish Out of Water, adding both interest and beauty, as well as a sense of place. The boutique hotel first commissioned Justin’s works shortly after its opening in 2012, where they have become décor staples and beloved pieces by adoring guests.
Justin’s first artwork for WaterColor Inn was that of the area’s dunes, complete with dancing sea oats – a landscape he hadn’t yet attempted to capture. Drawing inspiration from his grandmother’s coastal artwork but veering away from a traditional seascape depiction, his resulted in coastal-inspired paintings that are as rich and layered as they are simple and soothing. The rest, as they say, is history.
To date, WaterColor Inn has featured more than 70 works by the lauded artist, including custom pieces that depict whimsical compositions of animals and florals in Justin’s beloved style, which now line the hallway leading to the hotel’s Family Suites. Additionally, exclusive Justin Gaffrey designs were recently featured on a limited line of WaterColor-branded t-shirts that have since sold out.
All of Justin’s featured work is available for sale, meaning that guests of WaterColor Inn not only get a “first look” at one-of-a-kind pieces but also the opportunity to own one! Simply scan the code that accompanies each painting for more details, or head to JustinGaffrey.com to see available works for purchase.
“Much like WaterColor, Justin’s works draw their inspiration from nature, and many of his pieces highlight our natural dune lakes, local animals and southern whimsy, making him the ideal artist to partner with our resort,” says Gabrielle Testa, WaterColor Inn’s General Manager. “I particularly love his variation in colors, ideas and thoughts and think that’s what inspires our guests, too.”
Justin credits WaterColor’s pristine natural beauty, including the serenity and lushness of nearby Western Lake, with inspiring the acrylic works that now hang around WaterColor Inn and its award-winning Fish Out of Water restaurant. To that effect, he encourages guests to take in the paintings wholistically and not be afraid to touch them, as their palpability is part of their distinct appeal.
As a professional, self-taught artist since 2001, Justin’s heavy-textured, sculptural painting style was first inspired by Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” and “Sunflowers.” His striking works, which consistently convey the connection between nature and human nature, are staged on wooden canvases handmade at his studio on 30A.
Beckoned by South Walton’s beauty, laidback lifestyle and budding culture, Justin first relocated to the 30A area in 1988 as a then chef, ultimately opening his own restaurant before turning 30. In 2001, when he set out to pursue art full-time, Northwest Florida provided the landscape against which to create freely, raise a family and operate a successful art gallery, which today serves as a must-visit destination in its own right.
In addition to being a prolific artist, Justin also produces Gaffrey Art Material, his proprietary line of heavy-body texture acrylics, thus empowering a new generation of self-made artists along the way.
Admire Justin’s work during your next WaterColor Inn stay – and tag @watercolorinn #watercolorfl on your photos of your favorites. And be sure to stop by his gallery in Santa Rosa Beach, where you’ll find him painting every day. Justin also hosts ongoing gallery events and shares his love for all things art, including tutorials and demos, on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok.
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Ready to book your getaway? Browse accommodations and seasonal offers at watercolorresort.com, or follow along at @watercolorinnfl.
Beach season is almost upon us, which means longer days spent on Northwest Florida’s beautiful shores and enjoying the Gulf’s turquoise waters. It also means respecting our natural surroundings and local rules for your safety, the safety of others and the safety of area wildlife.
Whether you’re staying at WaterColor Inn, The Pearl Hotel, The Lodge 30A, Camp Creek Inn or WaterSound Inn, your beach experience deserves to be an unforgettable one. To help make your escape to the beach a safe one, our friends at the South Walton County TDC have put together a treasure trove of resources, which we’re sharing with you here!
Pay Attention to Beach Flags
Knowing whether you should go in or stay out is as easy as knowing your colors, thanks to our local beach flag warnings. Double red flags flying? The water is closed to the public, and water activity is prohibited (in fact Entering the Gulf during double red flag conditions can result in fines and criminal charges). A red flag means high hazard due to high surf and/or strong currents, whereas a yellow flag implies a medium hazard, with moderate surf and/or currents. When a green flag is flying, hazard is low, but you should still exercise caution. Is a purple flag in the mix? Watch out for man o’ wars, jellyfish and stingrays nearby.
Be Mindful of Rip Currents
Rip currents are common in the Gulf of Mexico and can be extremely dangerous, so it’s important to pay attention to the beach flags and know the surf conditions before entering the water. If you see someone caught in a rip currently, notify a lifeguard right away and call 911. If possible, throw them a flotation device and don’t lose sight of them. Do not enter the water under any circumstance, as you will also get caught in the strong current. If you unexpectedly find yourself in a rip current, stay calm and float with the current until it dissipates; do not try swimming against it. If possible, swim parallel to shore and back in until help can get to you.
Know the Rules of the Beach
Safety comes first, and so does the protection of our natural environment and local wildlife. That means leaving no trace! Littering and glass containers are not permitted, and any items left on the beach overnight will be discarded unless otherwise permitted. Vehicles, dogs and bonfires all require permits. Take a lasting look, but taking sand, water or vegetation from our beaches is strictly prohibited. Also, please stay off the dunes, and be sure to follow local ordinances during Sea Turtle Season (late spring through early summer).
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Time at the beach should be fun, relaxing and memorable for all of the right reasons. Learn more about local beach rules and ordinances from our friends at the South Walton County TDC. For Gulf conditions and flag updates, text “SAFETY” to 31279. Stay aware, courteous and safe out there!
A stunning coastal setting, elegant touches, a variety of indoor and outdoor venues, delectable cuisine, an unforgettable backdrop… Wedding dreams really do come true at WaterColor Inn!
From lush parks and lawns within the WaterColor Community and the rustic elegance of the WaterColor BoatHouse to the whimsical setting of the WaterColor LakeHouse, weddings at WaterColor Inn cater to every imagination and possibility.
And because we believe your focus should be on dreaming, our team is here for the doing – no detail too small to ensure a beautiful beginning to your happily ever after. Today, we sat down with Cheryl Walton, WaterColor Inn’s Director of Weddings, and Sales & Events Manager Kelly Gray to talk all things WaterColor Weddings, just in time to inspire your planning!
What do you think makes weddings at WaterColor Inn so special?
WaterColor Inn is perfectly located between the white sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico and Scenic Highway 30A, providing the opportunity to have a distinct wedding surrounded by beauty and serenity. Our experienced team is also one of the best in the business, and we’re committed to making each wedding special. We have the resources to work with inspiring and talented partners to bring every vision to life.
What’s the most important aspect to plan for when considering a wedding at WaterColor Inn?
With every outdoor wedding, the number one concern is always weather. Understandably, every couple wants that perfect outdoor ceremony, so having a solid Plan B is essential. At WaterColor, we literally have them covered! Any outdoor function can be moved indoors with little notice. Our team prides itself on our flexibility to take an outdoor ceremony inside without losing the essence or beauty of the ceremony. Not a lot of venues can say that.
What would surprise a couple most about what a wedding at WaterColor Inn entails?
Planning a wedding can be stressful, so we pride ourselves in “bringing the calm.” We collaborate with couples on all the details of their big day, so that we can create a fun, memorable and seamless experience for everyone. We plan so thoroughly that by the time they arrive for their wedding, they can spend their time making great memories with their guests; we’ve got everything else taken care of.
What’s the consistent thing couples say about getting married at WaterColor Inn?
Our couples are incredibly grateful and do not withhold their praise for us. They thank us for providing them with their perfect wedding, for taking care of every detail for them and for the delicious food. They receive a lot of compliments from their guests too and in turn share that feedback on sites like Google, Wedding Wire and The Knot – which of course we love seeing!
What’s your favorite thing about a WaterColor wedding?
The creative process! No two weddings are ever the same, just as each couple is unique. We absolutely love to infuse the couple’s personality into the wedding. Our greatest reward is being able to take their vision and their story and creating a beautiful celebration of their new life together. We absolutely love what we do!
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Have other wedding-related questions? Learn more here, or contact the team directly at [email protected]. Already a WaterColor bride? Congratulations! Be sure to tag us on Instagram using #watercolorinn.
At The Pearl Hotel in the charming coastal community of Rosemary Beach®, guests can expect a thoughtfully curated boutique hotel experience that’s sure to make each visit a distinctly memorable one. One such Pearl experience can be enjoyed on the sugar-white sands of the hotel’s stretch of private beach, accessible to guests only.
Guests of The Pearl enjoy complimentary beach chairs and oversized umbrellas. No reservations are required; beach setups are provided on a first-come, first-served basis! Just look for the distinctive black-and-white striped umbrellas that match the property’s iconic awnings. Better yet? The setups are arranged in such a way that every seat is the best seat on the sand, with ample space for enjoying your beach experience while taking in stunning views of the Gulf’s emerald-green water.
Need something while lying on the sand? Wave down one of The Pearl’s beach attendants for complimentary sunscreen, towels, water and even classic beach games.
Those guests wanting to enjoy the perks of being on the beach without having to step onto the beach also have plenty of opportunities for take in the beach views or an Instagram-worthy beach sunset from the Havana Beach Rooftop, from a Gulf-view room, or from the Western Green lawn, just footsteps from the hotel’s main entrance.
There’s no doubt that the beach is the backdrop to The Pearl experience, but so too does the hotel elevate the beach experience in a beautiful way. We’ll see you on the sand!
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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.
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!
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!
We think there is nothing more stunning than a fall sunset along the Gulf Coast – and certainly no more idyllic spot from where to catch it than WaterColor! We might be biased, but with an array of picture-perfect spots in one central and iconic location on 30A, can you really blame us?
Enjoy a fresh seafood dinner with cotton-candy skies as your backdrop, or take in the end of a day well spent with your toes in the pool – or with a cocktail in hand. Gather your family for an unforgettable barefoot photo-op Gulf-side just before the sun sets, or schedule a private kayaking class just in time to see the array of orange, pink and violet cast their shades over the dunes. Of course, you can always take in the splendid sights casually from the comfort of your balcony at WaterColor Inn. You really can’t go wrong in choosing how to catch the season’s most dazzling colors when you’re a WaterColor Inn guest.
Below, a roundup of the ultimate spots for catching a sunset in WaterColor this fall!
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In the Sand
There’s perhaps no better spot to take in the sunset than directly on the sugar-white sand of WaterColor beach, just steps from the area’s beloved emerald-green waters. Several area photographers offer sunset packages for families and couples alike, but you also can’t go wrong with a good, old-fashioned selfie. Be sure to claim the perfect spot in the sand with a beach setup from WaterColor Inn, or book a beach bonfire package in time for the sunset. For a truly memorable sendoff to a beach day, add on food, beverages or even games. How’s that for the ultimate beach sunset experience?
Poolside
With 10 resort pools to choose from – the most pool access on all of 30A – your biggest challenge will be choosing which pool to settle into! Lounge poolside at WaterColor Inn’s new 2,800-square-foot zero-entry family pool, which includes an extensive pool deck just footsteps away from the beach, while taking in sips or bites from the nearby Gather Kitchen + Bar. At the WaterColor Beach Club, enjoy plentiful space for lounging, swimming, dining or toasting while awaiting the sunset Gulf-side.
On Your Balcony
Who says you can’t have your sunset and the comfort of your room, too? All of WaterColor Inn’s beachfront guest rooms* offer the chance to take in the sunset, complete with a pair of Adirondack chairs on your private balcony (or patio, on the first floor rooms) – each situated at precise sunset-level (seriously!). Opt for a more luxurious experience by booking one of the Inn’s spacious 600-square-foot Rotunda Suites offering panoramic Gulf views. With only three Rotunda Suites available, these are extremely popular, so you’ll want to book yours quickly!
*please note that this does not include the hotel’s seven new Family Suites, which are not beach-facing.
From Your Dining Spot
For the ultimate sunset spot, there’s perhaps no more timeless Santa Rosa Beach spot than Fish Out of Water. At WaterColor Inn’s award-winning restaurant, the best seat in the house is always guaranteed, thanks to glass walls that showcase breathtaking views from every seat, while enjoying an authentic taste of the Gulf. For the best photo-op, head outside to the FOOW balcony. We can’t think of a more impressive stage for a sunset dinner, can you?
On the Lake
Take in a splendid sunset from one of South Walton’s rare coastal dune lakes. Book a private kayaking adventure tour with WaterColor BoatHouse around sunset time for a one-of-a-kind sunset-viewing experience on Western Lake, or opt for a bike ride around the lake (the WaterColor Bike Barn staff will be happy to provide you with maps and details for making the most of your experience).
However you find yourself taking in a WaterColor sunset this season, we invite you to share it with us on Instagram, using the hashtags #watercolorinn #watercolorfl.
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WaterColor Beach Club & Camp WaterColor is a shared community amenity for WaterColor residents and guests of WaterColor Inn & Resort. Only WaterColor Inn guests have access to the hotel’s main pool and complimentary bike and kaya rentals. Gather Kitchen + Bar is open to WaterColor Inn guests and Watersound Club Lifestyle members. FOOW is open to the public.