We gave our Outoria Team one job:
Find the best and most popular Inclusive Resorts in Florida
Here you go, now you should be all set for your next trip to Florida.
What’s Special About This Resort
While it’s hard to find a bad beach in Florida, it’s also hard to find any better than those on the Panhandle – often referred to as 30A, after the road that runs its length. WaterColor Inn is tucked between a quiet lake community and tall dunes that front the sugar-white sand and emerald water of the Gulf of Mexico.
There are just 67 rooms and suites, all beachfront and steps from the sand via wooden walkways through the dunes. Swimming pools, including an adults-only option, provide more ways to cool off and places to retreat from the hot Florida sun.
Sure, places like Destin and Sandestin have much larger brand-name resorts, more dining, and more entertainment, but the quiet communities of Seagrove Beach and Rosemary Beach are more peaceful and authentic – and they’re just down the road from all that, anyway.
WaterColor Inn is not an all-inclusive resort, which are hard to come by in this part of Florida especially. However, the Panhandle and 30A should definitely not be left out of our guide, and this place is an excellent choice for beach lovers. Book a breakfast package to at least have your first meal of the day covered.
Things we like:
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Beachfront to one of the best stretches of coastline in Florida, including a private section -
Quiet location in a small community but only 30 minutes away from larger destinations like Sandestin
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Family-friendly, especially with Camp WaterColor, a mini waterpark with slides and a lazy river
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Adults-only pool also provides relaxation opportunities to travelers without kids
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Very nice guest rooms including larger multi-room suites for bigger groups
Things we don't like:
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Water toys like surfboards, paddleboards, and boogie boards are not free -
Resort is part of the WaterColor community, which means local residents can use some of the amenities (although not the general public)
➞ What to Do
Going to the beach is definitely the main attraction at WaterColor Inn, and it’s not hard to see why. Waking up to views of the sand and sea, having easy access via paths across the dunes, and warm, shallow water make it easy to have a beach day. The resort can arrange beach sets for you, as well as loan out water toys like boogie boards, surfboards, and paddle boards.
The pools are just as great. Camp WaterColor is a kid’s paradise with a lazy river, two pools with slides, basketball courts, and a playground. The WaterColor Beach Club, on the other hand, is the more tranquil area, with three levels of swimming pools and seating. One is for adults only.
Take a walk in the direction opposite the sea to find the WaterColor Boathouse, which sits on the community’s lake. Guests can check out a kayak here for free to explore this side of the water. Adult bike rentals are available for anyone who wants to pedal further around town.
Valet parking is complimentary, and guests with a car can easily explore the rest of the region. To the east, you’ll find more quaint coastal beach towns, golf courses, and scenery. Driving west, you’ll quickly arrive in Sandestin and Destin, which are more lively Florida Panhandle destinations that offer lots of dining and entertainment.
➞ What to Eat & Drink
There are five restaurants and bars at WaterColor Inn. Breakfast is actually brunch, served every day from morning to late afternoon at Fish Out Of Water. The menu then transforms for an extended dinner period. Items are available to-go if you don’t want to dine in the casual, panoramic-view restaurant.
There are many lunch options during the day. Families at Camp WaterColor can enjoy casual bites and drinks from The Canteen, which has something for everyone as the only dining in this part of the resort. Guests at the WaterColor Beach Club can grab a build-your-own-burger from Beach Cow.
There’s also the WaterColor Grill, the signature dining outlet of the resort serving seafood, salads, sandwiches, and more, and which also offers entrées by the pool via the Costa Chica margarita bar. Finally, Gather Kitchen + Bar offers southern-style coastal cuisine you might find at a family kitchen table in the region. These latter restaurants are great places to enjoy dinner as well as lunch.
➞ Room Guide
With just 67 rooms and suites, a stay at WaterColor Inn should never feel too busy. All rooms are beach or waterfront, depending on how high of a floor you stay on, as the dunes block some sea views. If it’s important that you see the ocean, be sure to book an appropriate high-floor category.
Guest Rooms: Standard rooms here are oversized, with more than 500 square feet of space and either one king, one queen, or two queen beds. There are four views to choose from based on four floors: Dune View on the first floor, Coastal View on the second floor, and Gulf View and Premium Gulf View on the third and fourth floors, respectively. Go with the latter two if you want to see the water.
Rotunda Suites: While these aren’t suites with separate living rooms and bedrooms, they are a serious upgrade worth looking into. There’s just one on each of the top three floors with giant, panoramic bay windows from which to enjoy the ocean views, whether it be on the interior couch or the exterior Adirondack chairs.
One & Two-Bedroom Suites: Each family suite is unique, so look at a specific floor layout to see the one you want. Dune View options have bunk beds, which are great for kids. All are equipped with daily snacks, a small kitchenette area, and even board games.
➞ Special Experiences
One unique experience that WaterColor Inn offers is a beach bonfire. These are private arrangements, whether it be just for a couple or a group of up to 30 people traveling together, and the resort sets up everything. On the sand after dark, you’ll be provided with s’mores supplies, water, and chairs around your fire.
Guests who want to try some sport fishing can arrange a trip with Old Florida Outfitters, the resort’s local partner. You can cast out a line in one of the local dune lakes, a rare opportunity, or hunt for tarpon with a fly in the shallows.
Related Reviews
Things we like:
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Beachfront to one of the best stretches of coastline in Florida, including a private section
-
Quiet location in a small community but only 30 minutes away from larger destinations like Sandestin
-
Family-friendly, especially with Camp WaterColor, a mini waterpark with slides and a lazy river
-
Adults-only pool also provides relaxation opportunities to travelers without kids
-
Very nice guest rooms including larger multi-room suites for bigger groups
Things we don't like:
-
Water toys like surfboards, paddleboards, and boogie boards are not free
-
Resort is part of the WaterColor community, which means local residents can use some of the amenities (although not the general public)
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