How to Host an Epic Shrimp Boil During Your Emerald Coast Vacation

One of the best ways to celebrate a group vacation on the Emerald Coast is with a classic shrimp boil or seafood cookout. Whether you’re staying in Destin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, or anywhere along 30A, a shrimp boil brings family and friends together for a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-plan meal. With access to some of the freshest seafood in Florida, hosting a seafood feast is a perfect way to enjoy the local flavors while creating memories with your group. Here’s a step-by-step guide to planning the ultimate seafood cookout during your Emerald Coast vacation, including where to rent an outdoor cooking setup if you need one!

1. Planning Your Shrimp Boil or Seafood Feast

The key to a successful seafood cookout is preparation. Whether you’re hosting a large family reunion or a gathering of friends, a shrimp boil is a simple way to feed a big crowd without too much hassle.

What You’ll Need:

• A large pot or boiler (big enough to handle the seafood and fixings for your group)
• A propane burner or outdoor cooking setup (see rental options below)
• Fresh shrimp, crab, or other seafood of your choice
• Corn on the cob, red potatoes, sausage, lemons, onions, and your favorite boil seasonings (Old Bay is a classic choice)
• Seafood dipping sauces like melted butter, cocktail sauce, or garlic aioli

Cooking Tip: Start by boiling the potatoes, onions, and corn, then add the sausage and seafood toward the end of the cooking process to avoid overcooking. For a fun touch, spread newspaper over picnic tables and serve the seafood straight from the pot!

Time Needed: About 1-2 hours for prep and cooking, depending on the size of your group.

2. Where to Rent an Outdoor Cooking Setup

If you’re planning a shrimp boil and don’t have the equipment you need, don’t worry! There are several local rental companies that offer outdoor cooking setups, including propane burners and large pots. These rental companies make it easy to get everything you need for a successful cookout.

• Rent Gear Here – This company offers everything from propane burners to outdoor cooking setups, perfect for a shrimp boil or seafood cookout. They also deliver to many locations across Destin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, and 30A, making it easy for you to get your gear without hassle.
  • Website: Rent Gear Here
  • Cost: Equipment rentals typically range from $25 to $50, depending on the setup.
• 30A Party Rentals – Serving Santa Rosa Beach and 30A, 30A Party Rentals offers propane burners and large stockpots, as well as other cooking equipment for rent. Perfect for large groups, their rental options can help make your seafood cookout a breeze.
  • Website: 30A Party Rentals
  • Cost: Rentals start at $25 for cooking setups.
• ABC Rental Center – Located in Fort Walton Beach, ABC Rental Center provides outdoor cooking equipment like large boiling pots, propane burners, and grilling equipment. They serve the wider Emerald Coast area, making it a great option for groups staying in Destin or Miramar Beach.
  • Website: ABC Rental Center
  • Cost: Outdoor cooking setups can be rented for $20-$50, depending on your needs.

Renting a cooking setup ensures that you have everything you need for your shrimp boil or seafood cookout, without the hassle of purchasing or bringing equipment with you on vacation.

3. Where to Buy Fresh Seafood

The Emerald Coast is home to some of the best seafood markets, offering locally sourced shrimp, crab, oysters, and fish. Here are some of the top seafood markets near Destin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, and 30A where you can pick up everything you need for your shrimp boil or seafood feast.

• Destin Ice Seafood Market – Located in Destin, this market is known for its fresh shrimp, Gulf fish, and crab. Whether you’re planning a traditional shrimp boil or looking to add fresh oysters to the menu, Destin Ice has you covered.
  • Website: Destin Ice Seafood Market
  • Address: 663 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
  • Cost: Prices vary by market availability; expect shrimp to cost around $10-$15 per pound.
• Sexton’s Seafood Market – A local favorite in Destin, Sexton’s has been serving the freshest catches from the Gulf for decades. The market offers a wide selection of seafood perfect for a group cookout, including shrimp, crab, scallops, and fish.
  • Website: Sexton’s Seafood
  • Address: 601 Harbor Blvd, Destin, FL 32541
  • Cost: Shrimp prices start around $10 per pound; prices vary for other seafood.
• Goatfeathers Seafood Market – Situated along 30A in Santa Rosa Beach, Goatfeathers is a great stop for those staying nearby. Their fresh shrimp, fish, and crab make it easy to plan a group seafood feast, and they even offer seafood platters ready to go.
  • Website: Goatfeathers Seafood
  • Address: 3865 W County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
  • Cost: Expect shrimp to be priced around $10-$14 per pound.
• Skipper’s Seafood Market – Known for its selection of locally caught shrimp and seafood, Skipper’s in Santa Rosa Beach is a great place to pick up fresh ingredients for your cookout.
  • Website: Skipper’s Seafood Market
  • Address: 65 W Georgie St, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
  • Cost: Prices vary depending on the season and availability.

4. Menu Ideas for Your Seafood Cookout

In addition to a shrimp boil, there are plenty of ways to round out your menu with local seafood and sides that are sure to impress your group. Here are some menu ideas to consider:

• Boiled Shrimp: Serve your shrimp with melted butter, cocktail sauce, and lemon wedges for dipping.
• Crab Legs: If you’re feeling fancy, add some fresh crab legs to the boil or serve them steamed with garlic butter.
• Grilled Fish: Pick up some fresh grouper or snapper and throw it on the grill for a healthier option.
• Low-Country Boil: In addition to shrimp, corn, and sausage, add crawfish, clams, and mussels for a full-on Southern-style feast.
• Coleslaw or Potato Salad: Add some classic Southern sides to balance out the seafood.
• Key Lime Pie: No Florida meal is complete without this iconic dessert to finish the feast!

Time Needed: Allow about 2-3 hours total for prep, cooking, and setting up the meal for large groups.

Plan Your Shrimp Boil at Legacy Beach Homes

At Legacy Beach Homes, we understand that group vacations are all about creating lasting memories together. Our spacious vacation rentals in Destin, Miramar Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, and along 30A are perfect for hosting events like seafood cookouts. With large kitchens, outdoor spaces, and private pools, our homes offer everything you need for a fun and relaxing vacation with your friends or family.

Legacy Beach Homes offers the largest collection of newly-built vacation homes on the Emerald Coast, with 8-bedroom beach homes that sleep 20+ guests and side-by-side homes for even larger groups. Whether you’re planning a shrimp boil, beach day, or exploring the local area, our homes provide the perfect base for your Emerald Coast adventure.

Ready to start planning your seafood cookout? Visit Legacy Beach Homes to book your large vacation rental and get started on an unforgettable group vacation today.

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