The WaterColor® beach community has long been beloved for its resort amenities, unrivaled hospitality, luxury and service standards, and its fresh, sophisticated and modern lifestyle. Of course, there are also delectable dining experiences to be enjoyed at WaterColor’s Fish Out of Water®, Gather Kitchen + Bar and Scratch Biscuit Kitchen, just to name a few, and plentiful ways to toast to an unforgettable beach experience.
This summer, there are even more reasons to raise your glasses and celebrate in true WaterColor style, thanks to the resort’s own private label wines! That’s right – while South Walton’s sugar-white beaches may not be conducive to viniculture, the team searched the world over for more than two years to find wines that reflect WaterColor’s essence. The result? A selection of WaterColor wines exclusively crafted by Rutherford Wine Company, a family-owned Napa Valley winery that meticulously sources its grapes from California’s most diverse growing regions. Sophisticated yet easy sips, all WaterColor™ private label wines represent WaterColor in a bottle and are meant to pair exquisitely with the diverse flavors of Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. Each wine was carefully and thoughtfully considered by WaterColor’s award-winning culinary team to capture the balance among taste, quality and affordability.
TASTING NOTES
WaterColor™ Cabernet Sauvignon
- Deep ruby color with fruit and spice characteristics; aromas of blackberry, black cherry and caramel
- Pairs With: Fish Out of Water’s Tenderloin Medallions
WaterColor™ Chardonnay
- Bright golden color with aromas of fresh citrus peel and apple, with vanilla and cinnamon
- Pairs With: Fish Out of Water’s Gulf Grouper (Blackened or Grilled); Gather Kitchen + Bar’s Smoked Gulf Coast Fish Dip
WaterColor™ Merlot
- Ruby color with aromas of ripe strawberry, cranberry, vanilla and dark chocolate; luscious flavors of Bing cherry, blueberry, cranberry and gingerbread
- Pairs With: Fish Out of Water’s Cajun Shrimp & Andouille Kebab; Gather Kitchen + Bar’s B.L.T. with Truffle Fries
WaterColor™ Pinot Grigio
- Vibrant aromas of green apples and citrus; bright acidity and flavors of green apple, tutti-frutti and lime zest
- Pairs With: Fish Out of Water’s Catch of the Day or Low-Country Seafood Boil; Gather Kitchen + Bar’s Gulf Fish Sandwich
WaterColor™ Red Blend
- Aromas of blackberry, cherry, anise, French vanilla and dried herbs with berry flavors and a light, rich spiciness
- Pairs With: Fish Out of Water’s Spaghettini Puttanesca; Gather Kitchen + Bar’s Wagyu Burger
WaterColor™ Sauvignon Blanc
- Aromas of grapefruit, lime zest and lemongrass with flavors of pink grapefruit, green apple and line
- Pairs With: Fish Out of Water’s Gulf Oysters on the Half Shell or Grilled Sweet Tea Chicken Breast; Gather Kitchen + Bar’s Gulf Fish Ceviche
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WaterColor™ private label wines are available for purchase by the bottle ($35) or by the glass ($10) at all of WaterColor Inn’s restaurants, including Fish Out of Water, Gather Kitchen + Bar*, Scratch Biscuit Kitchen, The Canteen Restaurant & Bar at Camp WaterColor, and WaterColor Grill, Costa Chica and Beach Cow at the WaterColor Beach Club*. And be sure to stop by The Package Store to stock up on several bottles for gifting or for enjoying yourself (we won’t tell). Tastings are also available at any time; all you have to do is ask!Additionally, take advantage of half-priced bottles and/or $5 glasses during Happy Hour at Fish Out of Water (2-4 p.m. daily) and Gather Kitchen + Bar* (3-6 p.m.).
Sipping WaterColor™ private label wine this season? Raise your glass high; take a photo and tag us (#watercolorinn) so that we can toast with you. Cheers!
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*Gather Kitchen + Bar and WaterColor Beach Club are private amenities available only to WaterColor Inn guests and Watersound Club Lifestyle members.
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.
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.
You’ve arrived to WaterColor Inn and are just counting down the minutes until you walk down to the beach – so, what items do you bring? What can’t you absolutely live without?
We’ve rounded up the essentials that are sure to make your beach day more enjoyable, fashionable and flexible, so you can just focus on soaking up the sun or soaking in the Gulf. Better yet? You can find all of these items right here in the resort, at the WaterColor Store in the Town Center. And of course, we’d never forget about the kiddos! Plenty of child- (and mom-) approved beach wares await at WaterColor Kids on Watercolor Boulevard.
Happy packing!
- Beach Bag. Nothing is more practical for a day on the sand than a trusty and stylish beach bag, and here in Watercolor, we’re big fans of Bogg® Bags! These durable, washable, tip-proof and sturdy designs are made for a Gulf Coast adventure. Better yet? These adventure-ready bags come in an array of colors and sizes.
- Skin Protection. No accessory can match well-cared-for skin, which is why a trusty SPF never goes out of style as a beach-bag essential. Locals seem to prefer Supergoop!®, but you can’t go wrong with any brand for protecting your skin from the sun.
- Water Bottle. Speaking of taking care of your body, staying hydrated is also a must. Be like the locals and grab a colorful WaterColor-branded one by Yeti or Corkcicle. Consider getting yourself two: one for water and one for a cold beverage of your choice (beachside cold brew, anyone?).
- Sunglasses. Every beach bag needs some stylish items, which is why we’re obsessed with the trendy yet affordable designs by I-SEA, available at the WaterColor Store. With all-day UV protection, you’ll be ready to set your eyes on making the most of your beach plans.
- Hat. For extra sun protection (and, let’s be honest, a very cute look), pack a hat of your choice – whether you prefer a stylish straw hat, a baseball cap or a trucker hat, you’ll be well dressed for the occasion – and you’ll find plenty to choose from at the WaterColor Store, too, including ones treated with SPF. What can we say? We’re always well equipped for the beach here.
- Sandals. Trust us, you won’t want to walk down to the beach barefoot during the hot summer months. Pack some Ipanema sandals for her and Peter Millar flip-flops for him, and you’ll be ready to pound the sugar-white sand in both comfort and style.
- Cold Beverages. On your way out to the beach, be sure stop by the Package Store, conveniently located on the first floor of Fish Out of Water, to choose from a curated selection of spirits, wines and beers to-go, as well as bagged ice and other specialty beach essentials. And don’t forget to place your Fish Out of Water order to-go for the perfect beach picnic.
- Bonus Item: UV-Protective Clothing. If you’re planning to be out in the sun all day or just need an extra bit of protection, we recommend packing some UV-protective clothing, like these ICW SPF hoodies and tees, also available at the WaterColor Store.
What else will you be adding to your beach bag? Let us know on Instagram by tagging #shopwatercolor Want to pack up your beach bag essentials before your beach trip? Head to shopwatercolor.com to browse the WaterColor Store’s online selection. And don’t forget to stop by the WaterColor Town Center to shop in person!
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.
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!