Artful Adventures

Sunscreen? Check. Flip-flops? Check. Hidden artistic talent you didn’t know you had? That’s where the Emerald Coast comes in. Beach days may be a given, but this stretch of coastline offers something more—an invitation to step off the sand and into a studio, where creativity takes center stage.

From molten glass to hand-formed clay and custom jewelry, local artists and makers are opening their doors to visitors ready to try something new. Whether you’re vacationing with kids, planning a girls’ night, or carving out a little solo time, these hands-on experiences offer a fresh way to connect—with the coast and your own creativity.

Crafty Fun for Kids at Rock Paper Scissors 30A
Grayton Beach | RockPaperScissors30A.com

Created by children’s art educator Jessica Williams, this cheerful studio in the Shops of Grayton is all about playful creativity. With after-school classes, themed art nights, birthday parties, and seasonal camps, young artists ages 4 to 12 can dive into projects filled with color, texture, and imagination. 

Photo by Boo Media

Make Glass Art at The Shard Shop

Grayton Beach | ShardShop.com

Founded by nationally recognized glass artist Mary Hong and now operated by longtime general manager Kristie Johnson, The Shard Shop transforms recycled glass into shimmering works of art. No experience required—just choose a pre-drawn canvas (think sea turtles, mermaids, or coastal scenes) and design with colorful glass pieces. Daily classes welcome ages 6 and up, making it a standout family favorite.

Candle Making with Miss Fizzwick

30A & Beyond | MissFizzwick.com

This mobile candle-making experience brings creativity straight to you. Designed for groups of 6 to 40, the workshop includes everything needed to craft a custom candle—from selecting your vessel to blending fragrances. Led by expert chandler Sharon Vaughn, each session blends storytelling with hands-on fun across Pensacola, Destin, 30A, and Panama City Beach.

 Design Jewelry with Merry Beth Myrick
Santa Rosa Beach | WearMerry.com

For a more personal keepsake, jewelry designer Merry Beth Myrick offers hands-on workshops that guide participants through the art of creating their own coastal-inspired pieces. From delicate gemstone bracelets to custom necklaces, classes focus on design, technique, and storytelling through jewelry. Whether you’re crafting a meaningful gift or a wearable memory of your trip, each piece reflects both your creativity and the spirit of the coast.

 Blow Glass at The Glass Deer
Santa Rosa Beach (Gulf Place) | GlassDeer.com

Step into the heat at Brit Deslonde’s Glass Deer studio, where fire and finesse come together in small-group glassblowing workshops. Create ornaments, tumblers, or vases while learning the mesmerizing process firsthand. Classes fill quickly, so plan ahead.

Photo courtesy of The Glass Deer

Party Art at Create with Big Orange House Designs
Niceville | BigOrangeHouseDesigns.com

At this whimsical Niceville studio, creativity takes many forms. Angela Stevenson and her team offer a rotating mix of classes, from DIY wood signs and resin art to seasonal crafts and sip-and-paint sessions. It’s a lively, anything-goes space where your masterpiece might involve glitter, power tools, or both.

Adult Workshops at HH Arts Studio
Fort Walton Beach | FortWaltonArt.com

For a more refined creative escape, artist Helen Harris hosts adult workshops at HH Arts Studio. The Beal Parkway space doubles as a gallery and classroom, offering sessions in watercolor, palette knife painting, collage, and mixed media. The atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming, and often paired with a glass of wine.

Paint at Studio by the Sea
Destin | PaintByTheSeaDestin.com

Destin artist Amanda Dorado brings a relaxed, coastal approach to painting. Her sessions—ranging from family-friendly to private events—focus on creativity over perfection. Expect encouragement, a beachy vibe, and perhaps a mimosa as you paint your own seaside-inspired canvas.

Photo courtesy of Paint by the Sea

Throw Pottery at First City Art Center
Pensacola | FirstCityArt.org

This nonprofit arts hub in downtown Pensacola offers hands-on pottery classes alongside glassblowing and other workshops. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, visitors can try the wheel, explore hand-building techniques, or sign up for specialty sessions. Offerings vary seasonally, so check ahead.

Whether you’re fusing glass, shaping clay, pouring candles, or designing jewelry, these locally owned studios offer more than just a creative outlet. They offer a way to take home something truly personal, crafted by hand and rooted in the spirit of the Emerald Coast.

So go ahead, and hang up that beach towel, just for a bit. The coast is calling you to create.