This Emerald Coast beachfront gem delights with excellent eats and tons of activities. Silver Shells is steps from the sugar white sand beach, where water sports abound. Or keep it low-key, flutter-kicking back and forth between the waterfall and whirlpool jets in the 7,500 square foot lagoon pool. Dry off and grab cold drinks from the mini-fridge in your cabana, then walk the kids over to the children’s pool for a bit. When the sun starts to dip, make a beeline for The Sandbar for beachfront cocktails and light bites. But go easy on the small plates. You’ll want to save room for dinner at the legendary Ruth’s Chris Steak House (right onsite), specializing in the finest aged, corn-fed USDA Prime beef, expertly broiled to perfection in the brand’s trademark 1,800-degree oven. Before too much of the week goes by, you’ll want to plan a covert “Mission Day Spa,” where you disappear for a few hours for a private beachfront massage and a soak in the spa’s separate indoor/outdoor pools.

Expansive tiled terraces with beach views are one of the highlights of the two- and three-bedroom vacation suites. (That, and the jetted tub in the master bath.) Fully equipped kitchens come in handy for easy breakfasts, light lunches and midday/late night snacking. (Or go for it and make dinner too.) Living spaces make the perfect evening hangout spot, whether you opt for a movie, video game or go old-school with charades.

The sports scene covers both land and sea, with a fitness center, lighted tennis and basketball courts – plus kayaks, boogie boards, paddle boards and Wave Runners. You can even take an onsite two-hour Beach Sand Sculptures lesson leaving you with a three-foot Instagram-worthy masterpiece at the end. And if you’re up for venturing off-resort, ask the concierge about fishing charters, snorkel tours and more. Nearby Fisherman’s Wharf is a fun dinner spot, steps from one of the country’s largest fleets of fishing charters, with amazing views, a lighthouse, oyster bar, live music and tasty (so they say) bits of gator tail in buffalo sauce.