First Timer's Guide to Gulf Place

Color and creativity flow through Gulf Place, a beach neighborhood that brings a diverse mix of restaurants, boutiques and art spaces to the beach. Home to the Gulley Amphitheater, Gulf Place is a hub for entertainment in South Walton and an excellent venue for live music.

Visiting Gulf Place for the first time? Here’s what you need to know.

The Gulf Place Town Center, located at the intersection of Highway 393 and 30A, serves as the cornerstone for the neighborhood. Grab a cup of coffee and a fresh pastry from Sunrise Coffee Co. and take a stroll through the local boutiques and shops. You’re sure to come home with a piece of homemade jewelry or even get the YOLO paddleboard you’ve been eyeing. (Don’t worry, you can rent from this location, too!)

Looking to get creative? Discover the Artists at Gulf Place, one of the hidden gems of South Walton. Located directly behind the town center, you can explore eight different artist’s stores, offering selections like recycled and wearable art, resin and ceramic sculptures, outdoor furniture and more. The best part? These artists offer on-site lessons, so you can create a piece of South Walton art to take home! Be sure to stop by Gordie Hinds Art, where you’ll find his energetic, colorful brushwork on full display.

Photo op: Located behind Sunrise Coffee Co. is the Gulf Place Turtle – be sure to use #SouthWalton and share your Gulf Place experience!

When visiting this neighborhood, be sure to bring your appetite. Known for their second-story view overlooking the Ed Walline regional beach access, Shunk Gulley is the perfect spot to grab an afternoon cocktail, a dozen oysters and soak in a South Walton sunset. Other must-eat stops include The Perfect Pig and Pizza by the Sea.

After dinner, be sure to leave room for dessert. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a scoop of ice cream from Pecan Jack’s or enjoy a treat and a round of games at the vintage-style ice cream and candy shop, Sunrise Ice Cream, Candy & Arcade.

If you love live music, then Gulf Place is the neighborhood for you. Just steps from the beach, restaurants and most accommodations, some great touring acts come to jam for locals and visitors year-round. The Growler Garage, located right along Highway 30A, has nightly entertainment and more than 40 different beers on tap. Other hot-spots for live music include Shunk Gulley and the Gulley Amphitheater, a wide-open green space that’s perfect for the little ones to run around.

However you plan to relax, Gulf Place is the casual escape you’ve been waiting for. Kick-off your flip flops, climb the observation tower at the Ed Walline Regional Beach Access and check out the view – we’ll save you a seat in Gulf Place!