1 of 2
2 of 2
Seeking some fun in the sun after the long days of winter?
Whether you drive or fly, you can leave Nashville in the morning and have your toes in the sand on one of South Walton’s pristine beaches by sunset. With more than 16 unique neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality and style, you’re sure to discover your perfect getaway along the 26 miles of sugar- white sand beaches that wind alongside Scenic Highway 30A.
Families and friends who return year after year to their beloved “30A,” as well as those exploring the area for the very first time, are sure to delight in these new stops along the coast while relishing the beauty and tranquility this laid-back beach destination has to offer.
EAT
With more than 200 restaurants, featuring fresh Gulf seafood and locally sourced ingredients, South Walton offers everything from beachside food trucks to four- star dining rooms with sumptuous settings. There’s truly something to satisfy every budget and palate.
New on the restaurant scene, The Oasis in Santa Rosa Beach brings a 100 percent vegan experience to the table. With a menu that focuses on flavor-forward dishes like Greek nachos, veggie sushi stacks, and (Impossible) burgers with sidewinder fries, vegans and omnivores alike rave about the fresh, creative fare lunch through dinner. Prefer to stay a little closer to home? Maybe sip a handcrafted cocktail poolside while someone else takes over in the kitchen? Chef Dan Vargo’s Fine Coastal Cuisine answers the call. With over 25 years of culinary experience, Chef Dan offers a selection of on-site, personal chef services catered to each client’s specific culinary and dietary needs, including plated dinners, family-style meals, fresh-catch prep, themed cooking parties, and bespoke dining experiences. A talented chef creating an exquisite meal for your family in the comfort of your vacation home—what could be more luxurious?
PLAY
With four state parks, a 15,000-acre state forest, 15 rare coastal dunes and, of course, access to the picture-perfect turquoise surf and white-sand beaches, South Walton boasts an abundance of outdoor activities beyond the beach. Both the Gulf and The Choctawhatchee Bay offer a premier setting for stand- up paddle boarding or kayaking. For those seeking more leisurely pursuits, there’s no shortage of fishing spots (both fresh and salt water), plus more than 200 miles of trails where nature lovers of all ages can soak up all the scenic splendor at their own leisurely pace.
Golfers have long flocked to South Walton to play championship golf courses with vistas that provide breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, Choctawhatchee Bay, and the serene surroundings. Adding to the allure, the Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club, 30A’s celebrated member-owned club, completed a multi-million-dollar renovation this fall, with a redesign that offers a challenging course for the most skilled golfers, yet remains perfectly suitable for recreational players. All levels are sure to appreciate the addition of pops of white sand and a landscape that encourages the gentle ocean breezes to blow across the green.
SLEEP
Charming beach cottages, full-service resorts, and award- winning boutique hotels—from Inlet Beach to Miramar Beach and everywhere in between—there are plenty of places to rest your head.
In August 2013, the highly anticipated Pearl Hotel opened its doors in Rosemary Beach, providing a new level of luxury lodging never before seen along 30A. Its old-world elegance combined with modern amenities, and spectacular Gulf views, has made the 55-room boutique property a destination in its own rite over the years. An extensive renovation that will be completed this spring ensures visitors will keep coming back for years to come. Rooms will be reimagined in a palette of orange, blues, and emerald in keeping with the area’s coastal vibes, while marble café tables and custom chairs will add a comfortable yet refined space for working and dining. The Pearl’s signature restaurant, Havana Beach Bar & Grill, and the well-appointed poolside spa will also get a refresh. The Pearl offers continued access to St. Joe Club & Resorts’ amenities, which include private golf and beach club access, beach bonfire services, complimentary bicycle use, and discounts on kayak, paddleboard and boat rentals, delivering a welcoming and sophisticated stay that guests have come to adore.
1 of 2
2 of 2
GETTING THERE
South Walton is conveniently located approximately 35 miles from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport and Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) and is less than a 7-hour drive from Nashville.
1 of 2
2 of 2
