Located where Walton County Road 393 dead-ends into Scenic Highway 30A, Gulf Place was one of 30A’s earliest town centers. And while there are reportedly major changes coming to Gulf Place in the months ahead, there are still many reasons to check out this 30A original.
Fronting both 30A and Highway 393, Shelby’s patio is perfectly positioned for porch sippin’ and people-watching. Happy Hour is 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. everyday often accompanied by local live music. With such varying dishes as Pimento Cheese Wontons, Lobster Grilled Cheese, “Slaw”py Dawg foot long, Heirloom Panzanella salad, and the very healthy Power Bowl waist watchers on both ends of the spectrum are sure to be satisfied.
Who wouldn’t want pizza for dinner? This fan favorite boasts locations across 30A with Gulf Place conveniently one of the three along our coastal hamlet. Offering restaurant favorites together with a build-your-own option there’s plenty of pizza on the menu. Not into pizza tonight? Not a problem with solid servings of salads, sandwiches, pastas, and sweet endings always available.
Though they can boast of several locations on scenic 30A, I’ve heard many a local say this outpost is their favorite. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch it’s always a perfect time to have a good time meal. Their quiche is a reason to live and thankfully it’s offered breakfast, brunch, and lunch. For a serious lunch salad, do not pass up the immense-in-size and flavor of smoked chicken salad. To finish off the feasting, stop in at dinner for the pork chop with its coffee crust, stir-fried vegetables, and chocolate mole. Makes you want to Praise the Lard.
Not to be missed is the back side of Gulf Place where you’ll find this tasty gem. Lots of luscious Jamaican dishes are on hand which in these parts aren’t easy to come by. Solid and diverse breakfast choices with fresh pressed juices on tap. Lunch can be light or hearty, depending on your mood, with poke bowls, wagyu burgers, hot or cold sandwiches, and garden fresh salads. But dinner is the serious draw with jerk chicken, escovitch fish, duck fat ribeye and so much more.
Conveniently located right near Chef’s Bistro 30A lies this oh-so-sweet delight. Cake pops, custom cakes, scrumptious cupcakes and, of course, cava, the Spanish cousin of prosecco, are all on hand. Grab a cava and a sweetie after dinner, or before. No judgement if you have your cake and eat it too, before dinner.
Not technically part of Gulf Place, but just a quick hop the street, Shunk Gulley’s open-air dining downstairs spills out onto a sun-dappled patio facing the Gulf and 30A with an additional overflow seating tent complete with big-screen TVs. Upstairs you can indulge your senses with tasty libations, delicious grub, and an eye-popping view of the Gulf. The salads are filling, the seafood is fresh and the duck fat fries should NOT be missed.
A brief walk past Shunk Gulley you’ll find more libations in beer form. Growler Garage’s interior is an ode to motorcycles, music and those who appreciate both. It’s the perfect mix of modern grunge, Elvis suave and 1950s garage with a touch of sea. They host a sizable number of local, regional and national beers on tap to satisfy your thirst. Grab a brew, head outside to their patio and chat up some locals.
Cher Jean Boutique is your new go-to destination for all your favorite high-end wardrobe essentials. Located on the Emerald Coast, this boutique offers a stunning selection of beautiful, quality clothing that indulges your sense of style. Whether you’re seeking the perfect outfit for a special occasion or simply looking to elevate your everyday look, Cher Jean Boutique has something for every fashion-forward individual. And the best part? These elegant, must-have pieces are now also available online, making it easier than ever to shop your favorite styles from anywhere!
Serving the area for over 20 years this jewel has fashion-forward ready-to-wear items designed and manufactured locally along with an array of other stylish options to keep you looking dapper from head to toe. Check out their webpage here.
Along the back side of the green sits a fantastic shop with locally designed clothing and various curiosities. This is definitely NOT the place for touristy knick-knacks and logo wearables. A fair selection of vintage items and garments are also available. A less shabby more chic positive aura prevails in this fun, funky treasure box of a boutique.
Join locals and visitors for a Gulf Place tradition: Wine Walk. Guests can enjoy a selection of music, noshes, and, as the name implies, wine all while browsing the charming shops and businesses of Gulf Place. Don’t miss out on this celebration each third Thursday of the month from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
A full-service spa, this locale has varying massages, facials, waxes, scrubs and acupuncture as well as the seldom offered reiki energy healing.
Sand ruined your pedicure? Opening those cans on the beach got your manicure a bit mangled? Stop in after beaching or call for an appointment for a refresher.
Sometimes things can go awry for your best friend. Luckily there’s a comprehensive services vet right here for your feline and canine children. Like they say “Peace, love, and Sandy Paws.”
