Best Men: Planning a Great Groom’s Getaway

When it comes to planning a bachelor party, it’s best to combine plenty of opportunities for action with a healthy dose of relaxation.

Walton County certainly has the chill time covered with our sugar-white sand beaches and relaxed overall vibe. And with so many interconnected communities, there’s no shortage of activity either.

Start with a bit of friendly competition at a number of award-winning golf courses across South Walton’s 16 beach neighborhoods – including Raven Golf Club and Burnt Pine Golf Club in Sandestin, and Camp Creek Golf Club in WaterSound. Head North of the Choctawhatchee Bay to check out Eagle Springs Golf Course in DeFuniak Springs. To keep the activities rolling, you can also stop by the Freeport Regional Sports Complex for basketball, tennis and more.

Burnt Pine Golf Club

Eagle Springs Golf Course

With all the natural beauty in Walton County, there are plenty of ways to get your crew into the great outdoors. The 19-mile Timpoochee Trail winds its way through 12 beach neighborhoods ­– ideal for a group adventure by bike. North of the Choctawhatchee Bay, near Paxton, you can climb Britton Hill, the highest point of geographical elevation in all of Florida. At only 345 feet above sea level, the brag will be bigger than the task. 

Looking for some off-land adventure? Get your group out with an experienced fishing guide. Dead Fish Charters guides exciting Gulf excursions out of Grayton Beach, while Santa Rosa Charters specializes in tours of the Choctawhatchee Bay. Or take the fishing out of it and simply enjoy being out on the water. Adventure 30A offers flexible rentals for stand-up paddleboards, and Seagrove’s Butterfly Bike and Kayak can set you up with a fleet of boats as well as tour options.

Near Freeport, the 161-acre Morrison Springs park offers an incredible place to refresh and unwind. The main spring-fed pool is 250 feet in diameter with crystal-clear water. If the groom really wants to take the plunge, there are three cavities for underwater exploration, the deepest of which is 300 feet and leads to an underground chamber that has yet to be fully measured.

All that physical activity calls for a cold beer. Saddle up to the bar at one of the area’s numerous local breweries and brew pubs to sample some artisanal ales. With 45 taps featuring beer and wine, Growler Garage has everything from local favorites to nationally acclaimed IPAs and more. One of Walton County’s first breweries, Idyll Hounds Brewing Company names many of their beers based on beachy inspirations. Stop in and enjoy the refreshing and amusingly named Divide N Conch'r DIPA or Ghost Crab Pilsna', as well as a host of seasonal options.

Next, move the party on to a man-sized feast. There are countless places to get fresh Gulf-to-table seafood, including Stinky’s Fish Camp, Shunk Gulley, Bud & Alley’s or Nick’s Seafood in Freeport.

And no guys’ trip would be complete without a little nightlife. The Red Bar in Grayton Beach is a well-known institution with a funky vibe, tasty food and great live music. Over in Seagrove, Old Florida Fish House has one of the county’s best sushi bars, as well as dueling pianos that help crank up the energy. And if you really want to take it up a notch with some dancing, head for The Village Door nightclub in Baytowne Wharf.

Stinky's Fish Camp in Dune Allen

The Red Bar in Grayton Beach

But if your idea of nightlife is just kicking back under the stars, bring it back to the sand with a beach bonfire through professional companies like 30A Blaze, Pirate’s Life and La Dolce Vita. As the flames grow taller, so too will the tales of past glory!