Just outside of the Florida Panhandle town of Destin, the beach towns and hamlets which make up what’s better known in these parts as the Beaches of South Walton are each worthy of a getaway.

What’s not to love about the sugary white sand and emerald waters which grace this part of the Gulf Coast? Add in luxurious homes, condos and charming inns and B&Bs, the excellent dining and a bit of shopping, and it’s a beach vacation par excellence.

But the best part off the beaches – after all, a girl needs to get out of the sun once in a while – could just be the local art scene. With an eclectic mix of fine art, funky finds and fresh, folksy offerings, gallery hopping around the 14 beach communities is a delightful way to take a break form the beach.

MUST SEE: The work of Phil Kiser, the charming man whose medium is glass – shards, that is. From old bottles, mirrors and windows, Kiser creates everything from a single fish on a rough block of painted wood, to huge – and heavy – elaborate mosaics. Find his work at the fabulous Big Mama’s Hula Girl Gallery in Grayton Beach, where Big Mama – aka Debbie Weant-Lane – showcases her own work – lots of merry mermaids – and that of other local creative types. Other notable galleries to hit include Gallery NU, featuring contemporary fine art and Fusion, an amazing collection of some of the coolest art glass under one roof. Both galleries are in the new-ish Grand Boulevard center just a stone’s throw from Sandestin Resort.

MUST DO: Make your own masterpiece to take home. At the Village at Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin, the Paint'n Place is the go-to spot for do-it-yourself creativity. Choose a project, from fusion glass frames to festively painted martini glasses, and then leave the piece behind to be glazed, fired or finished.

MUST EAT: At Fish out of Water, the upscale Gulf-front eatery at WaterColor. The casual eatery is a fusion of all things Southern and seafood, which is a fetching combination any way you slice it; a sushi happy hour from 5 – 7 pm daily kicks off service, and an open kitchen allows diners, if they choose, to spy the cooking action. Reservations are a must any time of year, but if it’s low humidity, be sure to request a table on the expansive deck.

MUST DRINK: A glass of wine, a jazz quartet, and art –hard to improve on that combo. The only downer is that Cerulean’s – a coffee shop / wine bar / art gallery is open only until 9 each evening, so go for an early glass of something fabulous from the extensive by-the-glass wine list. Browse the books, the art and the scene – then head out for dinner.

MUST BUY:  Hmm, this one’s easy: A piece of local art. At Big Mama’s, it’s easy to pick up a small Phil Kiser – some are as low as $15 or so – to take home. But be careful – Kiser’s medium is glass shards, after all.

MUST SLEEP:  This one’s not so easy, given the range of accommodations along the beaches; the widest array is certainly at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, where condos are available bay-side or beach-side. The Village is best for those wanting close proximity to stores, restaurants and nightlife; lakeside cottages lure quiet types and sun goddesses will want to be beachfront.

 Resources:Beaches of South Walton                                       Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort