Planning a bachelorette weekend on the Emerald Coast? Here's a 3-day itinerary, the best beach photo spots, and what to pack, from a local photographer.

White sand, emerald water, and enough pastel beach towns to keep the group chat busy for months. The Emerald Coast is one of the best bachelorette destinations in the Southeast. I'm a photographer based in Panama City Beach, and I've seen what makes these weekends run smoothly (and what makes the photos great). Here's how I'd plan it.

Where to stay

Panama City Beach: best for nightlife, beach clubs, and groups on a budget. I love staying on the west side at some of the condos from Pineapple Doors. It’s a little further from the night life IN PCB, but it’s quiter, feels more upscale and closer to the fun things in 30A!
30A (Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Grayton Beach): best for a boutique, pretty-in-pink weekend with great food and walkable towns.
Destin: best for boat days and big group houses.

Tip: book group rentals 4 to 6 months out for spring and summer weekends.

A 3-day itinerary

Friday: arrive and settle in
Check in, stock the house, and do a sunset beach walk. Dinner at 30Avenue’s Amigos, Amici’s, or Idyll hounds Proper right next to the green that often has chill live music or go right into Rosemary Beach at Pescado or Tahona 30a.

Saturday: the big day

Morning: coffee and a slow beach morning
Midday: [boat or pontoon day IN destin for Crab Island, beach club, or Shell Island trip in PCB]
Late afternoon: golden hour photo session with Davista Photography (OR bring me with on that boat trip so you have photos from the whole day!)
Night: dinner and drinks on the beach with a bonfire and beach picnic

Sunday: recovery
Brunch at Fonville Press in Alys Beach (ya’ll it’s pink and adorable with stores close to shop) a last beach hour, and a group photo before everyone heads home.

Best photo spots for your group

Beach at sunrise or golden hour: soft light, Not as warm, less harsh lighting, and everyone looks glowing
Bring me on the boat: It’s a way to make sure everyone is included, the moments are documented and so are the matching outfits
Let me tag along to your beach picnic: colorful backdrops that photograph beautifully as you’re dressed up for the beach.
Right in your cute airbnb: Easy for a quick change if you want pajamas and then a dressed up look or if there’s a pool and you’re documented all the cute decor!

Photographer tip: golden hour is the hour before sunset. Plan your shoot for then, and keep your group schedule loose around it.

What to wear and pack

Two or three coordinated outfits white, soft neutrals, or your theme colors. I like the soft colors as opposed to black on the white sand beaches for dresses, looks more coordinated.
Swimsuits, cover-ups, and a sun hat
Comfortable sandals plus one dressier pair
Reef-safe sunscreen, a portable charger, and a beach bag

Make the weekend last

Photos are the part everyone remembers. A booked session means the whole group gets gallery-worthy shots without anyone being stuck behind the camera. email Shanna davistaphotography@me.com

Want the full plan? My Ultimate Bachelorette Guide has my complete itinerary, restaurant picks, and local tips in one PDF. Shop here!

The Ultimate Emerald Coast Bachelorette Weekend Guide