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. Fittingly, with a wide array of Gulf-front dining options to choose from in our portfolio, toasting to the sunset is a must during your visit. Choosing from where, however, is a decision you’ll have to make. Below, a roundup of the best sunset dining spots – from Santa Rosa Beach to Rosemary Beach and in more unexpected spots along the way.
Head to the Rooftop
Nothing beats taking in the sunset from up top, and with several rooftop locations to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for this end-of-day ritual. 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. Staying at WaterColor Inn? 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. Sit at the bar or in an outdoor cabana to take in the cotton-candied colors of the Gulf Coast sky.
Grab a Seat
For the ultimate sunset spot, there’s perhaps no more timeless Santa Rosa Beach spot than FOOW. At WaterColor Inn’s award-winning restaurant, 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. Further east, the outdoor veranda at Havana Beach Bar & Grill provides a delectable AAA Four-Diamond dining experience in a laidback and cozy atmosphere with views overlooking the Gulf and the town’s Main Street. We can’t think of two more impressive stages for a sunset dinner, can you?
Settle in Poolside
Sit by the poolside firepits with a drink in hand and see the sun set against WaterColor Inn at The Gathering Spot. The reimagined, coastal-inspired lobby bar and lounge is open to the public and provides an unexpected spot yet idyllic spot for closing out the day just footsteps away from the beach. In fact, WaterColor Inn guests have plenty of sunset dinner experiences to choose from, thanks to ample poolside restaurants to choose from at WaterColor Beach Club (available to WaterColor Inn and WaterColor Community residents and guests only).
Bask in Your Balcony
Who says you can’t have your sunset and the comfort of your room, too? Whether your balcony at The Pearl Hotel overlooks the pool, the Gulf or the town below, you’ll have the chance to take in the sunset while enjoying a fine-dining experience on your balcony – complete with all of the luxury and convenience you expect from the boutique hotel. Staying at WaterColor Inn instead? The pair of Adirondack chairs on your private balcony (or patio, on the first floor rooms) are already situated at precise sunset-level (seriously!). Simply order yourself a delicious in-room dinner (don’t forget the wine), sit back and enjoy. Bon appétit!
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For the most up-to-date information on hours of operations, menu items and accessibility, please contact the properties directly. Additional information may also be found online at WaterColor Inn and The Pearl Hotel, respectively.
Details included in this story were accurate at time of publication but are subject to change based on seasonal schedules, amenity and/or operational updates. For the most current information, please visit the respective property’s website.
