Florida’s 30A scenic highway is the best kept secret of the Deep South.
Where sparkling emerald waters meet bleach white sand, Florida’s 30A highway makes for the perfect beach getaway on the mainland United States. This beach highway is called 30A for short, and runs along Florida’s panhandle from Destin to Panama City. This stretch of coastline is rich in wild-life, surrounded by heavily forested state parks, and rare dune lakes. However, if you are from the deep south, you and your friends know the 30A as a place for a bomb vacation.
One reason this area is so charming is that you won’t see any chain stores, restaurants, or hotels in sight. Quaint little towns and villages line the highway with high-end eateries and beachy boutiques. Therefore 30A is a one-of-a-kind experience in contrast to other touristy, nearby areas.
Some of the most recognizable spots along this highway include Seaside, Watercolor, Seagrove, & Rosemary Beach. If you do this vacation right, you are staying in a cute bungalow only a block from the beach. In between beaching and shopping, you are eating and drinking at the food truck vendors and local restaurants.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, foodie, or searching for unspoiled beaches, 30A is a great destination that’s suited to your wants and needs. Here are the best things to do on Florida’s 30A!
Best Things to Do on Florida’s 30A
Set Up Your Beach Camp
The reason you came to 30A – to relax and soak up the beauty of Florida’s well-kept beaches. Either bring your own or rent chairs and an umbrella. Make sure to check the water conditions before you swim and pay attention to the flags. You can find live beach-flag updates HERE on the 30A website.
Ride a Bike
The best way to navigate 30A is by bike. There are well-kept bike paths lining the highway, a handful of shops offering rentals, and an abundant amount of bike racks. Biking makes it so much easier to access the beach and the shopping areas, as parking is limited. Renting golf carts is also another option!
Explore the Dune Lakes
Out of the roughly 30 total dune lakes in the world, 15 are located in the 30A area. Dune lakes are a rare phenomenom connected to the ocean, where fresh-water and salt-water mix on top of a sand dune. The best way to explore the calm waters of these lakes is by paddle board or kayak.
Visit the State Parks
Over 40 percent of South Walton’s land is protected. There are several state parks to explore in the area including Eden Gardens State Park, Grayton Beach State Park, Camp Helen State Park, and Point Washington State Forest. Walking through the forests and suddenly being met with the sea is a pretty stunning spectacle.
Eat at Food Trucks
Eating at the food trucks along 30A is an activity in itself and a great dining option on a beach day. From barbeque, sandwiches, smoothies, crepes, and dessert trucks, you are bound to find something for everyone in your group. The main clusters of food trucks can be found in Seaside and Rosemary beach.
The Shops of Seaside
If you are looking to do some shopping on the 30A then you have come to the right place. Seaside has some of the best shops along the highway from the Fusion Art Glass Gallery to it’s very own Farmer’s Market on Sunday. Also, make sure to check out Sundog Books to get your next book to read on the beach.
The Shops of Rosemary Beach
Just like Seaside, Rosemary Beach is also filled with a great variety of shops from art galleries, spas, coffee shops, candy shops, and beachy boutiques. Another bookstore I recommend is The Hidden Lantern. The name alone drew me in and the inside was warm and inviting!
Best Places to Stay on 30A
You truly can’t go wrong with anywhere you stay on 30A. Driving down the full length of the highway from the far East end of Destin to the West end of Panama City takes about an hour (unless you run into golf cart traffic). Here are some of the best places to stay on Florida’s 30A, a little something for everyone here. Plus, most communities are completely walkable!
Seagrove
Seagrove Beach is a beautiful town full of lush oak trees, magnolias, and close proximity to Deer Lake State Park and Eastern Lake. This community is laid back and contains some great fish markets. Make sure to check out Beachy Bean Coffee Co. in the mornings for a tasty cup of joe.
Alys Beach
Alys Beach is one of the most beautiful towns in America with pristine white buildings, secluded green courtyards, and palm-lined streets. The community feels very high-end featuring beautiful parks, walkable paths, and a private beach. Alys Beach is a great option for visitors who would like more privacy.
Seaside
Seaside on the other hand, is the ultimate family-friendly beach town! This colorful, artsy town feels like a movie set with white picket fences and adorable pastel beach cottages. Seaside is great for people who have restless feet on vacation and love to people-watch.
Rosemary Beach
Rosemary Beach has become one of the most popular 30A communities with its tall, Swiss like architecture and beautiful shopping district. Not only are the homes stunning, but the shaded footpaths leading up to it’s private beach will make you forget you are in Florida!
Santa Rosa
One of the oldest 30A coastal towns is Santa Rosa Beach! It was founded in 1910 and became the very beginning of South Walton. Today, Santa Rosa Beach is home to delicious dining options and a thriving network of artists.
Watercolor
Watercolor is so much more than a pretty name. It’s an eco-friendly 30A community that’s known for high-end beach cottages, beautiful boardwalks, and breathtaking natural surroundings. Aside from hiking, biking, and beaching, be sure to check out Watercolor’s restaurants, shops, and tennis club.
Best Places to Eat on 30A
Experience the flavors of the coastal south – from southern comfort food to locally caught, fresh seafood. The 30A highway is a great destination for travelers big on dining, whether its fine-dining or out of an airstream trailer! One of my favorite parts is that you won’t see any chain restaurants here. The list below includes some of the best places to eat on 30A:
Bud & Alleys
- Bud & Alleys is an open-air, casual eatery with a rooftop bar overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The owners named the restaurent after their cat Alley and the founder of the town’s dog Bud. Located in Seaside, Bud & Alleys is a great spot to eat after the beach.
Old Florida Fish House
- Old Florida Fish House is an airy eatery with fresh seafood, sushi, and live music. The ambiance is family-friendly, spacious, and a great location to watch the sunset – located on one of the rare dune lakes in Seagrove.
The Citizen
- The Citizen takes pride in it’s coastal cuisine with southern flare with an ambiance of a high-end, seaside tavern. The restaurant is located within the town center of Alys Beach.
The Great Southern Cafe
- The Great Southern Cafe showcases southern specialties with a modern twist. Located in Seaside, this restaurant takes the farm-to-table and gulf-to-table concept to the heart.
Havana Beach Bar and Grill
- The Havana Beach Bar and Grill is stylish, rooftop patio inspired by El Floridita, Hemingway’s favorite restaurant in old-town Havana. The restaurant is located in The Pearl Hotel on Rosemary beach.
The Red Bar
- The Red Bar is a casual restaurant offering southern style seafood, live music, and an open-late hangout. The restaurant is set in an old general store in Grayton Beach.
All of the Food Trucks
- You can find food trucks dotted along the 30A highway, but the locations with the most variety are in Seaside and Rosemary Beach. Food trucks are a must between swimming and shopping!
see also: where to eat in new smyrna beach, florida
Final words…
Although Florida’s 30A is (somewhat) well-known by the South as a beautiful destination spot right now, it will most likely continue to gain nationwide recognition. If you want a unique, tropical vacation without leaving the mainland U.S., then my advice to you would be to check out 30A before it becomes a popular tourist destination for the rest of the country. With it’s gorgeous pristine beaches and laid-back way of life, its only a matter of time!
