By Kristin Sullivan, The Alice
On any given evening in Destin, the bay glitters with boats sliding across the horizon, the air tinged with salt and the sound of gulls and herons echoing above. For many locals and visitors, boating is more than a pastime, it is a way of life. Now, with the opening of The Alice Marina & Micro Resort on Calhoun Avenue, that lifestyle is easier, more luxurious, and more accessible than ever before.
A Marina Designed for Modern Coastal Living
Imagine finishing work on a Friday afternoon, driving just a few minutes down the road, and stepping onto your boat as the sun begins to set over Choctawhatchee Bay. Or picture waking before dawn on Saturday, fishing rods loaded, as you head toward the Gulf while the water shimmers with pink & orange in the sunrise. For boaters, these are the moments that matter most, and The Alice Marina was intentionally designed to make them seamless.
The marina offers long-term slip rentals, each equipped with thoughtful amenities that combine practicality with peace of mind. Every slip includes water hookups, shore power, and private dock boxes for storage. Remote-controlled lifts ensure easy access, while webcam surveillance, gated dock access with FOB entry, and dock lighting provide safety and security around the clock. Two fish cleaning stations perfectly placed, private fenced-in parking, and city-certified fire hydrants onsite reflect the level of detail invested into the space.
Slip sizes accommodate a variety of vessels, from 7,000 lb. lifts to 22,000 lb. options, with monthly rates starting at $1,500. But beyond the numbers, the real draw of The Alice Marina is the lifestyle it enables.
Adding to the convenience, The Alice Concierge team is on hand to stock your boat with provisions before you even arrive. Fresh Gulf shrimp for a boil, a BBQ platter for your day of cruising, or even full spreads for entertaining onboard can all be arranged. It is boating without the hassle and luxury anchored in service.
As a tenant, marina members are more than just boat owners, they are part of a community. They receive first access to all public events hosted on the property, from concerts on the lawn to elegant wine dinners, cocktail-making classes, and outdoor movie nights. For those who love both the water and a sense of connection, The Alice creates the perfect blend.
From Marina to Milestone Moments
The marina is only one piece of the story. The Alice Micro Resort has quickly become one of the most sought-after event destinations in Northwest Florida.
Picture exchanging vows against the backdrop of the bay, with palm trees swaying, boats bobbing gently nearby, and the golden light of sunset illuminating the sky. Unlike traditional beach weddings, The Alice offers waterfront beauty without the crowds. Its atmosphere is both serene and sophisticated, more private estate than public shoreline.
Couples can choose from a variety of settings: expansive lawns perfect for large gatherings, custom-built tree bars that bring character to cocktail hours, or the marina dock itself for ceremonies framed by the water. Each detail has been designed with photography and guest experience in mind, creating a setting where every angle feels timeless.
Boutique Accommodations That Feel Like Home
Weddings here are not just events, they are weekend long experiences. As a very family orientated company, the goal was always to create space to gather and spend as much time together celebrating. The Alice offers eight boutique guest cottages, each blending cozy charm with modern amenities. I describe them as “straight out of a Hallmark movie,” with just the right balance of comfort and home.
For couples, the cottages offer an unmatched convenience: families and friends can stay on property, share morning coffee by the pool before the big day, or gather late into the night around the firepit without needing to leave. For out-of-town guests, it is a chance to enjoy Destin’s world-class beaches, restaurants, and nightlife while remaining steps away from the celebration.
This setup transforms weddings from a single day into a multi-day experience—an escape that feels both personal, private, and luxurious.
Adventure Meets Celebration
What makes The Alice truly distinctive is how it integrates its marina into the celebration experience. Few venues can offer couples the chance to arrive at their ceremony by boat or send guests on a sunset cruise after dinner. Rehearsal dinners aboard a luxury yacht, paddleboarding adventures or pontoon boat raft-ups for the wedding party, or a champagne sail the morning after are all part of the possibilities.
And for couples dreaming of a show-stopping finale? The Alice’s location makes it possible to launch a private fireworks display from a barge just off the marina. With advanced planning and the help of their preferred vendors, the night sky can light up as the perfect exclamation point to an unforgettable evening.
Packages for Every Story
While The Alice excels at hosting grand celebrations of up to 350 guests, it also offers intimate packages for smaller moments. Engagement proposals, vow renewals, and micro-weddings are available Sundays through Wednesdays, starting at $750. These packages include essentials like an officiant, bouquet, boutonniere, cake, and champagne toast, with options to add professional photography, videography, and live music.
For proposals, the team specializes in creating surprise backdrop from romantic dockside dinners to carefully staged photo opportunities ensuring that the “yes” is as unforgettable as the love story itself.
The Heart of Destin’s New Era
For decades, the creators of The Alice have collaborated with top industry professionals to create exceptional water-related memories on the Emerald Coast. Its expansion into the marina & event space represents more than just convenience for boaters, it is the blending of lifestyle, luxury, and community.
For locals, it is a place to dock their boats securely while enjoying an elevated experience. For couples, it is a destination wedding without ever having to leave Destin. And for visitors, it is an introduction to what makes the Gulf Coast so unique: natural beauty paired with a warm sense of belonging.
In many ways, The Alice Marina & Micro Resort embodies what modern coastal living is all about. It is not just a marina. It is not just a wedding venue. It is a gathering place, a sanctuary, and a stage for life’s best moments, whether those moments unfold on the water, under the stars, or in the arms of the people you love most.
For slip rentals, event inquiries, or wedding packages, call 850-460-0425 or email Kristin@The-Alice.com.
