Posted on 4/11/2025
It’s no secret—guests come to the Emerald Coast for the beach, but many stay for the flavor. Beyond the sugar-white sands and jewel-toned waters, South Walton (30A) and Destin offer a vibrant craft beverage scene that’s perfect for gathering with friends, raising a glass, and toasting to time well spent.
At Ocean Reef Resorts, we’ve been welcoming families to this stretch of shoreline for over 40 years. With hundreds of 30A vacation rentals, we know the area like a well-worn barstool—and we’ve seen firsthand how the local brewery and distillery culture has grown into something truly special. Our guests often ask for recommendations on where to sip local spirits or sample craft beer after a day on the beach, and we’re always happy to share our favorites.
If you're ready to sip something unique on your next coastal getaway, here's your guide to the best craft distilleries and breweries along Scenic 30A and Destin—starting with a trio of local legends located just steps from one another.
Craft Crawl on Serenoa Road
Tucked just north of Scenic 30A in Santa Rosa Beach is Serenoa Road—a quiet stretch that just so happens to be home to three of the area's most beloved beverage makers: Distillery 98, Idyll Hounds Brewing Company, and Grayton Beer Company. Whether you're in the mood for spirits or suds, this spot is ideal for an afternoon of laid-back tasting with zero stress over driving between venues.
Distillery 98
This small-batch micro-distillery opened in 2019 and quickly made waves with its commitment to sustainability and locally sourced ingredients. Founded by Harrison Holditch and David Kapitanoff, Distillery 98 produces handcrafted spirits that reflect the flavor—and values—of the Gulf Coast.
Top Picks:
Half Shell Vodka, Dune Laker Vodka, and Martin Migration Vodka (infused with citrus and berries). Their flagship Half Shell Vodka is filtered using Gulf Coast oyster shells and packaged in lightweight, beach-friendly paper bottles made from 94% recycled materials. These eco-conscious bottles are ideal for cooler bags and help reduce glass waste along the coast.
Visit & Sip:
835 Serenoa Rd, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Tours are offered Monday–Thursday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Their coastal-inspired tasting room is open Wednesday–Sunday and features handmade décor, local photography, and a relaxed vibe. Guests can sample spirits, purchase bottles (including their innovative cardboard-style packaging), or even reserve the space for private events. The lounge also includes board games and retro arcade tables, making it a fun and welcoming hideaway where you can kick back and hang with the locals.
Bonus Tip:
Bottles and giftable items are available for purchase on-site, and the lounge often features local musicians, storytelling nights, and community events.
Related Article:
This 30A Vodka is a Game-Changer
Discover how Distillery 98 is shaking up the cocktail scene in South Walton—one paper bottle at a time. Their award-winning Half Shell Vodka is crafted from local ingredients, filtered with Gulf Coast oyster shells, and packaged in eco-friendly bottles perfect for the beach. This is coastal sipping with a conscience.
Idyll Hounds Brewing Company
Established in 2013, Idyll Hounds Brewing Company is known for its inventive, hop-forward beers and a commitment to quality small-batch brewing. Tucked away on Serenoa Road just north of Scenic 30A, the brewery is a local favorite and a staple of the South Walton craft beer scene.
Top Picks:
Divide & Conch’r (Double IPA), Ghost Crab Pilsna, Palapa Pale Ale, Rosemary (a French-style saison), and Joe (a pale ale brewed with vanilla and coffee). Their rotating experimental brews often spotlight bold flavors and fun collaborations.
Visit & Sip:
845 Serenoa Rd, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
The Santa Rosa Beach taproom has a laid-back, unpretentious vibe and is perfect for beer lovers looking to sample limited releases and classic favorites. There's indoor and outdoor seating, and while food trucks frequently roll in during peak hours, the brewery also serves up a small but mighty menu of house-made snacks—including what many claim is the best Chicago dog on 30A. Keep an eye on their calendar for community events, local art shows, and special beer drops..
Bonus Tip:
Want to try Idyll Hounds with a side of upscale pub fare? Head to Idyll Hound Proper in nearby Inlet Beach. This elevated taproom and restaurant offers full pours of their most popular beers alongside dishes curated by Chef Nick Walton. From weekend brunch to late-night bites, it’s a great spot for a more refined—but still relaxed—take on the Idyll Hounds experience.
Extra Perk:
Fans of the brand can join the Idyll Hound Proper Founders Club, which includes a custom beer mug, taproom discounts, and early access to limited-run brews.
Grayton Beer Company
Established in 2011, Grayton Beer Company is a cornerstone of the 30A craft beer scene, offering a diverse range of brews that capture the spirit of the Gulf Coast. Located on Serenoa Road, this expansive brewery features a welcoming taproom where visitors can enjoy a rotating selection of over 20 beers on tap.
Top Picks:
30A Beach Blonde Ale, 30A IPA, Pale Ale, 1890 Founders Ale, and Franklin County Oyster Stout. The brewery also offers seasonal and limited-edition releases that showcase their innovative approach to brewing.
Visit & Sip:
217 Serenoa Rd, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459.
The taproom is open Tuesday through Sunday from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM, offering a relaxed atmosphere with ample seating, games like cornhole and life-size Jenga, and occasional live music events. Guests can enjoy pints, flights, and take-home options like growlers and six-packs.
Bonus Tip:
For those looking to pair their beer with a meal, Grayton Beer Company also operates a full-service restaurant at their original brewpub in historic Grayton Beach, serving up coastal fare and local favorites.
Craft Sips Beyond the Crawl
While Serenoa Road is a hub for hops and spirits, there’s more to explore beyond the crawl. Just off Scenic 30A, 30A Distilling Co. infuses its small-batch spirits with local flavor and beach-town charm. And if you’re up for a short drive west, Destin Brewery delivers award-winning beers and a relaxed backyard vibe that’s well worth the trip.
30A Distilling Co.
"Smell the salt air and take a sip." That's the call from 30A Distilling Co., a local gem founded by lifelong friends who grew up vacationing along 30A. Their passion for the coastal lifestyle is bottled up in a lineup of handcrafted spirits, each named after iconic beach towns and crafted with local ingredients like Florida oranges and wild honeysuckle.
Top Picks:
Blue Mountain Beach Bourbon, Dune Allen Rye Whiskey, Inlet Beach Peach Vodka, Seacrest Rum, Santa Rosa Citrus Rosemary Gin, and more—each in eye-catching vintage-style bottles.
Visit & Sip:
605 North County Hwy 393, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Public tours run Tuesday–Thursday at 12 PM, 1 PM, and 4 PM, including a tasting of three spirits, a behind-the-scenes look at the distillation process, and a complimentary branded glass. The tasting room is open Wednesday–Sunday and also serves a creative lineup of craft cocktails like the "Day in Paradise" Agave Rum cocktail, bacon-smoked Old Fashioneds, and the vibrant "30A Sunset." It’s a relaxed spot to sip something new, whether you’re touring or just stopping by for a drink.
Bonus Tip:
You can purchase bottles, cocktail kits, and branded merch on-site—perfect souvenirs for spirit lovers.
Want more?
Join the Explorers Club ($149/quarter) or Founders Club ($249/quarter) for curated bottles, exclusive events, and VIP tours.
Destin Brewery
Founded in 2015, Destin Brewery is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, known for its relaxed vibe, award-winning beers, and deep ties to the Emerald Coast community. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day on the beach or exploring the harbor.
Top Picks:
East Pass IPA, Red Sky Rye, Emerald Köast Kölsch, Destin Ale, and Puh-Kahn Brown Ale. Seasonal favorites and fruit-forward ciders like Purple Reign and Surfcider Dewberry are also worth trying.
Visit & Sip:
Taproom: 505 Mountain Dr, Destin, FL 32541
The Deck at Destin Brewery: 110 Mountain Dr, Destin, FL 32541
The brewery’s original taproom is open on Mondays, but most of the action happens at The Deck at Destin Brewery, just around the corner. This open-air beer garden features live music, food trucks, and plenty of space to relax.
Bonus Tip:
This brewery is both kid-friendly and pet-friendly. Expect yard games, shaded seating, and a welcoming local crowd—ideal for groups and families.
Plan Your Coastal Crawl
From spirit tastings and cocktail lounges to live music and taproom vibes, these local spots serve up more than just drinks—they offer a taste of the coastal lifestyle that keeps so many guests coming back year after year.
At Ocean Reef Resorts, we have distinctive vacation homes and condos just minutes from these destinations. Whether you're staying along 30A or Destin, you're never far from your next favorite pour.
Explore our handpicked 30A vacation rentals and plan a getaway where you can sip, savor, and stay in style.
Cheers to beach days and better brews!
Keeping Reading:
How much do you love craft beer? How much do you love 30A? How much do you love the beach? If you answered a lot to any of the above questions, please read on. If you're looking for the most craft beers in one place, don't look farther than Growler Garage...
