Best Spots for a Group Picnic on the Emerald Coast

The Emerald Coast is known for its stunning beaches, beautiful parks, and scenic views, making it the perfect destination for outdoor gatherings. Whether you’re planning a family reunion, a milestone celebration, or just a fun day out with friends, the region offers plenty of picturesque spots for a group picnic. From Destin and Miramar Beach to Santa Rosa Beach and 30A, here are the best spots for large group picnics, along with catering options and local picnic basket services to make your event even more special.

1. Henderson Beach State Park – Destin

Henderson Beach State Park in Destin is one of the top spots for group picnics on the Emerald Coast. The park offers picnic pavilions, grills, and easy access to the beach, allowing your group to enjoy a picnic with beautiful Gulf views. The soft white sand and crystal-clear waters make it an ideal destination for groups looking to combine a day at the beach with a picnic.

• Website: Henderson Beach State Park
• Estimated Time: 2-4 hours
• Cost: $6 per vehicle (up to 8 people)
• Group Accommodation: Picnic pavilions can be reserved in advance for larger groups.

Whether you’re staying at a Destin large beach rental by Legacy Beach Homes or just visiting for the day, Henderson Beach State Park provides a relaxing setting for a family-friendly picnic. Pack a lunch or take advantage of local catering services to create a perfect beach picnic experience.

2. Eden Gardens State Park – Santa Rosa Beach

For a more serene and shaded setting, Eden Gardens State Park in Santa Rosa Beach is an excellent choice for a group picnic. This historic park is home to a beautiful mansion, moss-draped oaks, and lush gardens. It’s perfect for groups that want a peaceful, scenic location away from the hustle and bustle of the beach. The park features several picnic tables and pavilions, making it ideal for large groups.

• Website: Eden Gardens State Park
• Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
• Cost: $4 per vehicle
• Group Accommodation: Pavilions can be reserved for large groups, and guided tours of the mansion are available.

If your group is staying in Santa Rosa Beach or along 30A, Eden Gardens is a beautiful spot for a leisurely picnic. The park is also a popular venue for events like birthday celebrations or family reunions, and you can easily arrange for local catering services to provide a gourmet picnic spread.

3. James Lee Park – Destin

Located along Scenic Highway 98 in Destin, James Lee Park is a beachfront park that offers picnic areas, pavilions, and beautiful views of the Gulf. The park provides a great blend of beach access and shaded picnic areas, making it a fantastic spot for groups who want to enjoy both a meal and some time by the water. With large open spaces and facilities like restrooms and grills, it’s a convenient and picturesque location for a group picnic.

• Website: James Lee Park Info
• Estimated Time: 2-4 hours
• Cost: Free access (parking is available)
• Group Accommodation: Multiple picnic pavilions with tables and grills available for large groups.

James Lee Park is ideal for groups staying in Destin who want a beachfront picnic experience. Whether you’re bringing your own picnic basket or ordering from a local caterer, this park offers the perfect setting for a fun and relaxed day at the beach.

4. Grayton Beach State Park – Santa Rosa Beach & 30A

If you’re looking for a more natural and secluded picnic spot, Grayton Beach State Park along 30A offers beautiful landscapes and quiet beaches. This park is a favorite for nature lovers and provides picnic tables near the beach as well as scenic trails that your group can explore before or after your meal. With stunning views of the coastal dune lakes and Gulf of Mexico, it’s a picturesque and peaceful spot for a group gathering.

• Website: Grayton Beach State Park
• Estimated Time: 3-5 hours (combine with hiking or beach time)
• Cost: $5 per vehicle
• Group Accommodation: Picnic areas available, and pavilions can be rented for larger groups.

This park is especially convenient for groups staying in Santa Rosa Beach or along 30A. Consider hiring a local picnic basket service to create a gourmet beach picnic experience, or pack a DIY spread with fresh seafood from nearby markets.

5. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park – Santa Rosa Beach

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is a gem located in Santa Rosa Beach, offering miles of pristine beaches, trails, and shaded picnic areas. The park’s unique coastal dune lakes and quiet atmosphere make it a great spot for a peaceful picnic away from the crowds. For groups looking to experience the natural beauty of 30A while enjoying a picnic, Topsail Hill is a fantastic option.

• Website: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
• Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
• Cost: $6 per vehicle
• Group Accommodation: Several picnic areas available, and larger groups can reserve pavilions in advance.

For groups staying at a large 30A beach vacation home, Topsail Hill Preserve is an easy and scenic spot for a picnic. Pack a picnic basket or contact one of the local picnic services to deliver a fresh, locally sourced meal to your gathering.

Picnic Catering and Picnic Basket Services

If you’re planning a large group picnic, catering can make the event more convenient and special. Here are a few services in the area that can help create a memorable picnic experience:

• The Perfect Pig: Known for its gourmet Southern cuisine, The Perfect Pig offers catering services that are ideal for group picnics in the 30A area. You can order a delicious selection of sandwiches, salads, and sides perfect for a beach picnic.
  • Website: The Perfect Pig
  • Cost: Prices vary based on menu selection and group size.
• Gourmet Picnic Baskets by Roux 30A: For an upscale picnic experience, Roux 30A offers gourmet picnic baskets packed with local favorites. This service is perfect for groups staying in Santa Rosa Beach or 30A who want a chef-prepared picnic to enjoy on the beach or in a park.
  • Website: Roux 30A
  • Cost: Custom pricing available for picnic baskets.
• La Dolce Vita Picnic Services: La Dolce Vita offers curated picnic setups for large groups, complete with beachside dining setups, blankets, umbrellas, and gourmet food options. They provide the ultimate hassle-free picnic experience in Destin, Miramar Beach, and 30A.
  • Website: La Dolce Vita
  • Cost: Packages start at $200.

Plan Your Stay with Legacy Beach Homes

At Legacy Beach Homes, we specialize in providing large vacation rentals that are perfect for multi-family vacations and multi-generation gatherings. Our 8-bedroom beach homes sleep 20+ guests, and we offer side-by-side homes that accommodate even larger groups. Whether you’re planning a picnic day at one of the beautiful parks or beaches in Destin, Miramar Beach, or 30A, our spacious homes provide the ideal home base for your Emerald Coast adventure.

With features like private pools, easy beach access, and free golf carts and paddleboards, our homes are designed to make your group vacation as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Visit Legacy Beach Homes today to find the perfect vacation rental for your group and start planning your picnic adventure on the Emerald Coast.

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