The beaches of South Walton and Destin, Florida, have become a popular vacation spot for many St. Louis families. The area’s white sand beaches make the trip well worth it. There’s also no denying the incredible culinary offerings along Florida’s Emerald Coast. Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse, chef/author Jim Shirley, and many other talented chefs call South Walton and Destin home. The result: an abundance of award-winning restaurants sprinkled throughout the scenic beach towns. Here are just four additions worth a visit.
1. Brotula’s Seafood House and Steamer: Located along Destin Harbor, Brotula’s might not be the newest restaurant on the coast, but it’s definitely one of the most popular. Opened by Tyler Jarvis and Chris Ruyan, the restaurant is winning over hearts and taste buds with its steamed and boiled seafood entrées. Locals and visitors alike are buzzing about the Fish Trax program, which tracks and monitors local catches. Diners can simply scan the QR code on the flag placed on their meal to see where and when their fish was caught. Sunday brunch is also popular. With live music, bottomless mimosas, Bloody Mary specials, and all-you-can-eat crawfish, what’s not to love?
Where to stay nearby: Jade East Towers, a 15-story condominium with a Gulf-front pool, hot tub, tennis courts, grilling station, and private beach access.
2. Vin’tij: Grand Boulevard at Sandestin has become the place to go for foodies. Vin’tij is a local favorite, with seasonally inspired dishes that utilize the freshest ingredients from local farmers, fishermen, and purveyors. The restaurant also specializes in menus for diners who are gluten-sensitive or on peanut-, grain-, or dairy-free diets. Vin’tij is renowned for its impressive wine shop, which stocks hard-to-find boutique wines from small family wineries all over the world. The restaurant has also introduced house-made cold pressed juices and superfoods, and it plans to open for breakfast soon.
Where to stay neaby: Hidden Dunes Beach and Tennis Resort offers secluded bliss. With winding foot paths, lush gardens, and relaxing fountains, the 27-acre Gulf-front resort boasts three pools, hot tubs, grilling stations, basketball, horseshoes, and a top-ranked tennis center.
3. Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar: A legendary locale in the fishing community, Shunk Gulley is now also the name of one of 30A’s newest restaurants. Chef Tyler McMahan’s menu combines familiar classics with creative spins on local favorites. Renowned for its oysters, Shunk Gulley brings flavor out of its shell. As an added bonus, oyster shells are recycled in partnership with the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance to create a living shoreline in the bay.
Where to stay nearby: A wonderful 3-bedroom home just steps from the beach at Ed Walline Park. With a large manicured yard, spacious second-level porch and open floor plan, Leisure Lookout vacation rental home is conveniently located near the Gulf Place Town Center and Shunk Gulley restaurant.
4. Grayton Beer Brewpub: Located in the heart of Grayton Beach, the brewery, restaurant, and bar offers shareable plates, a family-friendly vibe, and more than 15 styles of beer. With three bars and live music, the brewpub has all the ingredients to be a 30A hot spot.
Where to stay nearby: At nearby Blue Mountain Beach, Sanctuary at Redfish is located on approximately 14 acres along one of South Walton’s rare coastal dune lakes. With breathtaking views, the luxury condominium resort features four pools, two jacuzzis, a large fire pit, two outside grills, and pontoon boat rides to the beach.
This post was created by St. Louis Magazine Partner Studio on behalf of Newman-Dailey Resort Properties in Miramar Beach, Florida. Also see this video and book your next vacation with Newman-Dailey Resort Properties.
