Plan a Bridal Getaway in South Walton

For the Bachelorette:

If there's a better place than the beach to celebrate with your girlfriends before the big day, we don't know of it! We put together a sample itinerary for the ultimate South Walton bachelorette party, though we wouldn't blame you if you just stayed at the beach.

Start your trip with a spa morning. Relax, pamper yourselves and get ready to have a blast. South Walton has a variety of amazing spas to choose from:

• Spa Pearl at The Pearl Hotel
• Serenity by the sea Spa at Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
• Spa Lilliana at Hotel Effie Sandestin

Next up: shopping. Our 16 beach neighborhoods are filled with boutique shops selling clothes, jewelry, swimwear and more. Spend a few hours perusing luxury skincare and makeup products or high-end fashion – or hit the outlet stores! Some great shopping destinations:

• Alys Shoppe in Alys Beach
• Willow + Mercer in Inlet Beach
• Grand Boulevard Town Center in Miramar Beach
• Ophelia Swimwear in Seaside, Seacrest and Sandestin
• Pish Posh Patchouli’s in Rosemary Beach
• Willow in Rosemary Beach
• Willow + Woods in Seaside
• The Merchants of Seaside in Seaside
• Silver Sands Premium Outlets in Miramar Beach

Fancy a cocktail? No matter your preferred atmosphere, you'll find a spot perfect for catching up with your friends.

• Pescado Rooftop Bar in Rosemary Beach for punchy cocktails with a stunning view
• Havana Beach Bar & Grill at The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach for cocktails on the chic veranda, the scenic rooftop or in the cozy lounge
• The Citizen in Alys Beach for inventive cocktails in a lively, design-forward atmosphere
• Wine tasting at The Wine Bar in WaterColor
• Sunset cocktails at Bud & Alley’s Roof Deck Bar in Seaside

Following cocktail hour, it's time to think about dinner. If you brought a crowd, there are plenty of award-winning restaurants perfectly suited for groups, and in South Walton, the standards for food and ambiance are sky-high. Some great dinner options:

• Edward’s Fine Food & Wine in Rosemary Beach for French cuisine in a beautiful courtyard
• George’s at Alys Beach for upscale coastal fare infused with global flavors
• La Crema in Rosemary Beach for tapas and chocolate
• Vue on 30A in Santa Rosa Beach for a stunning beachside view and classic gourmet eats
• Surfing Deer in Seagrove for a refined international menu with outdoor dining
• Seagar's in Sandestin for steak and an award-winning wine list

After a packed day, the next morning calls for brunch at Great Southern Café, where you'll find Southern classics like Grits à Ya Ya, Biscuits and Gravy, and Crab Cake and Fried Green Tomato Benedict. Or start the day with beignets and mimosas!

The best way to see the sights and experience the beach is to rent a bike – plus it's a great way to get your blood flowing after a big brunch! There are tons of great rental spots – search for one closest to you here.

The afternoon can go a few different ways. If you're feeling active, enjoy a friendly tennis match, scenic nature walk, group yoga class or stand-up paddleboarding. If you feel like getting a little culture in, South Walton has an amazing array of art galleries, and you can even take art classes at The Shard Shop or with renowned artist Kathleen Broaderick at Chroma 30A. Of course, the beach always makes for the perfect backdrop to simply relax and spend some quality time with your girlfriends.

After dinner at another award-winning restaurant, the perfect nightcap is a little live music at The Big Chill, The Village Door or The Red Bar.

For the Bachelor:

Tell your future hubby there are amazing private charter fishing and championship golf courses in South Walton, including Burnt Pine Golf Club, Raven Golf Club and Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club.

On top of that, there's a burgeoning craft beer scene, with local breweries Grayton Beer Company and Idyll Hounds Brewing Company, plus some fantastic beer-focused bars. (A craft beer tour is a great option!) And just steps away from Idyll Hounds is Distillery 98. You’ll find creative cocktails featuring their signature small-batch vodka, which makes the perfect gift for your groomsmen.

In addition to the live music and activities recommended above, there's also a great cigar shop at The Hub, Shore Thing Cigars. After all, that's what's done on a guys’ getaway, right?