Shelena's
A Beach Celebration to Remember
May 15 – 17, 2026 · Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Let Us Know You're Coming
We are so excited to celebrate Shelena's 50th with the people who matter most! As we begin confirming vendors, catering, and accommodations, please take a moment to fill out the quick RSVP form so we can plan accordingly.
RSVP Deadline: April 1, 2026
Guest rooms at our home and nearby vacation homes are available — extend your stay and soak up the full Emerald Coast experience!
Questions? Call or text Michael at 850-830-8844
What's Happening
Three days of sun, celebration, good food, and even better company. Here's what's on deck for Shelena's big birthday weekend.
Crab Island Pontoon Trip
We're kicking off the weekend the right way - out on the water! Crab Island is one of the Emerald Coast's most legendary spots: a shallow sandbar oasis in the middle of Destin Harbor where pontoon boats gather, the music flows, and the turquoise water is crystal clear. Pure Emerald Coast magic.
Welcome Reception at Our Home
After a day on the water, we'll gather at our home for a relaxed welcome reception. Come as you are, salt in your hair and sand between your toes. Time to reconnect, celebrate, and toast to the birthday girl.
Catered Beach Bonfire Dinner
The main event. A fully catered dinner right on the beach, under the stars, around a glowing bonfire as the Gulf laps at the shore. This is the Shelena we know and love — warmth, connection, and a sky full of stars over the most beautiful stretch of beach in the world.
Soak It All In
Don't rush off! Sunday is yours to enjoy — whether that means brunch, a bike ride down 30A, a lazy morning on the beach, or a quick trip into Sandestin. The Emerald Coast has a way of making you want just one more day.
Make the Most of Your Time Here
Between events, the Emerald Coast has no shortage of ways to fill your days. Whether you're an outdoor adventurer, a foodie, or simply here to decompress on the most beautiful beaches in America - there's something for everyone.
Hit the Beach
The sugar-white sand and emerald water of the Gulf Coast are absolutely world-class. Grab a spot, watch the dolphins, and let the sound of the waves do the rest. Public beach access points run the full length of 30A.
Cruise Highway 30A
Rent bikes or cruise by car along one of America's most scenic coastal routes. Pass through charming towns like Seaside, Watercolor, Grayton Beach, and Rosemary Beach - each with its own unique character and plenty of shops and cafés to explore.
Pickleball, Tennis & Pools
Stay active with top-notch recreational facilities right in the area. Pickleball has taken the coast by storm - courts are plentiful and competition is friendly. Or simply find a pool and float the afternoon away.
Fishing Charters
The Destin area is called the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village" for good reason. Deep sea, nearshore, and bay fishing charters are available throughout the weekend. Ask Michael about coordinating a charter for your group!
Golf
World-class golf abounds in this area, with Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort alone offering four championship courses. Tee times are available throughout the weekend for those who want to get a round in between celebrations.
Hiking & Nature
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Grayton Beach State Park offer stunning nature trails through rare coastal dune lakes and longleaf pine forests. A world apart from the bustle of the Gulf - and completely free to explore.
Discover Even More
We've put together a curated guide to the best local experiences and adventures during your visit. From sunset sailing to paddleboarding, dolphin tours to snorkeling, this resource has it all - pre-filtered for your stay dates, May 14–18.
Browse Local Adventures →Local Favorites: Miramar Beach to Seagrove
From legendary seafood shacks to coastal fine dining, the stretch from Miramar Beach to Seagrove is packed with incredible places to eat. Here are some of our tried-and-true favorites along the coast.
A local standout on Hwy 98 in Santa Rosa Beach, just a short detour from 30A and absolutely worth it. Gulf South cuisine driven by technique - wood-fired seafood in an Italian brick pizza oven, a fresh raw bar with oysters, shrimp, fish and crab, and stellar non-seafood options too. Open daily for lunch, dinner, and drinks with a great bar.
Consistently rated one of the best fine dining experiences on the Emerald Coast. A perfect choice for a special dinner - impeccable service, premium steaks, and fresh seafood.
A beloved staple at Grand Boulevard. Island-inspired cuisine with refreshing cocktails and a vibe that's perfectly on theme for a beach birthday weekend.
A local gem with rave reviews for their incredibly fresh Gulf seafood and the most impressive spice cabinet on the coast. Their grouper basket is legendary.
A Florida institution since 1986. Perched in the dunes overlooking the Gulf in Seaside, Bud & Alley's is famous for its Southern Coastal cuisine, legendary rooftop bar, and stunning sunsets. Named for a dog and a cat - loved by everyone.
One of 30A's most sought-after restaurants in the heart of Seagrove. Wood oven-fired pizzas, fresh seafood, and a menu that changes daily based on available ingredients. The banana beignets are a must.
A Dune Allen institution beloved by locals and visitors alike. Famous for their baked oyster log, Cajun-inspired Gulf seafood, and the kind of atmosphere that feels authentically 30A. Worth the wait.
Overlooking Eastern Lake in Seagrove Beach, this family-friendly spot offers daily Gulf-fresh seafood specials and some of the best sushi on 30A. A locals' hidden gem that won't stay secret for long.
Grayton Beach's beloved institution. Eclectic vibes, great seafood, cold drinks, and live music that keeps people coming back. One of those places that defines the 30A experience.
One of America's Most Beautiful Drives
Scenic Highway 30A is a 24-mile stretch along Florida's Gulf Coast that winds through a string of charming beach communities, each with its own personality and flavor. It's the kind of road you take slowly - windows down, music up, emerald water glittering to your left.
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Seaside The iconic pastel-colored town that inspired "The Truman Show." Boutique shops, great food, a farmers market, and one of the most photographed beaches in Florida.
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Grayton Beach Old Florida soul. Home to Grayton Beach State Park - consistently ranked one of America's best beaches - plus the legendary Red Bar and an artsy, laid-back local scene.
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WaterColor & WaterSound Beautifully planned communities with stunning lagoon-style pools, nature trails, and direct beach access. Perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll.
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Topsail Hill Preserve State Park 3 miles of pristine, uncrowded beach flanked by rare coastal dune lakes and towering longleaf pines. One of Florida's true hidden treasures - bring your camera.
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Rent Bikes & Explore The 30A Scenic Corridor Trail offers dedicated bike paths winding between communities. Bike rentals are available throughout the area - one of the best ways to experience the coast.
A World Unto Itself
Just a short drive west, Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort is one of the Emerald Coast's crown jewels - spanning 2,400 acres with four championship golf courses, miles of Gulf and bay beach, Baytowne Wharf entertainment village, spa, tennis, water sports, and more. And in May, the events calendar is absolutely packed.
World-Class Golf
Four championship courses set among the natural beauty of the Emerald Coast. Some of the best resort golf in the Southeast.
Baytowne Wharf
An open-air village of shops, restaurants, live music, and nightlife right on the water. Perfect for an evening stroll, great food, and a cold drink by the bay.
Beach & Bay Access
Miles of Gulf beach plus Choctawhatchee Bay frontage. Water sports, paddleboarding, parasailing, and sunset boat rides all within the resort's waterfront perimeter.
May Events Calendar
May is one of Sandestin's most vibrant months, with festivals, live music, art shows, and special events happening throughout. Check the full May calendar to plan your visit!
Extend Your Stay
Guest rooms are available at our home, and vacation properties in the area are available for those who want to make a longer trip of it. The Emerald Coast in May is absolutely spectacular - warm weather, uncrowded beaches, and the full bloom of spring make it one of the best times of year to visit.
Questions about accommodations? Reach out to Michael directly and we'll help you find the perfect spot.
Call Michael: 850-830-8844