My Essential Guide to 30A

Each year, my family travels to Florida for some much-needed rest and relaxation on the beach! Our favorite spot is 30A, known for its charming coastal towns and family-friendly activities. This area has become increasingly popular over the years, but it will always hold a special place in our hearts. With multiple unique towns that make up 30A, each offers something special. Here’s a breakdown of some of our favorites:

Blue Mountain Beach

This quiet and laid-back town is perfect for those who want a little more space and a slower pace. It’s home to the highest elevation on the Gulf Coast and some of the most beautiful views. Be sure to check out Blue Mountain Beach Creamery for delicious homemade ice cream!

Watercolor

WaterColor is a dream destination for families. With gorgeous homes, lush landscaping, and a private beach club, it offers the perfect mix of luxury and relaxation. The Watercolor Beach Club is a must-visit with its stunning pool, direct beach access, and delicious dining options.

Seaside – Our Family Favorite!

Seaside is one of the most well-known spots on 30A, and for good reason! With its pastel-colored cottages, walkable town center, and iconic post office, it feels like a movie set (which it was for The Truman Show). We love strolling through the Seaside Farmers Market, grabbing a burger from Pickles, and ending the night with a treat from Heavenly’s Ice Cream.

Seagrove

Seagrove offers a mix of old Florida charm with modern amenities. It’s a great spot for nature lovers, with nearby access to Deer Lake State Park and rare coastal dune lakes. Cafe Thirty-A is a must for a memorable date night!

Alys Beach

If you love a touch of luxury, Alys Beach is your spot. Known for its striking white architecture, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques, it feels like a Mediterranean escape. Stop by Raw and Juicy for handmade juice while watching the kids play at the nearby park before browsing Merit for beautiful home decor and gifts.

Rosemary Beach

Rosemary Beach is an elegant and lively town with cobblestone streets, European-inspired architecture, and plenty of activities. Families love The Pearl Hotel, and La Crema Tapas & Chocolate is a great stop for a sweet treat. Be sure to check out Rosemary Beach Trading Company for unique coastal finds.

 

Where to Stay

30A has plenty of options when it comes to accommodations. From charming beachfront cottages to luxury homes, you’ll find something that fits your style.

• 360 Blue offers gorgeous rental homes across 30A.
  
• The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach is perfect for a boutique hotel experience.
• WaterColor Inn is a fantastic option for families looking for resort-style amenities.

 

Where to Eat

• Pickles (Seaside) – Our family favorite and a must do each year. We usually grab cheeseburgers and sit along the window with a perfect view of Seaside. 
• Southern Cafe (Seaside) – We ate lunch here and the Smoked Gouda Grits were so good! It is southern comfort food at its finest. 
• Charlie’s Donut Truck (Alys Beach) – We first ate at Charlie's Donut Truck with it was an actual food truck! They have since expanded, but still offer their wonderful selection of donuts. My favorite is the Key Lime! 
• Heavenly’s Ice Cream (Seaside) – Another great spot in the heart of Seaside. Make sure you ask for a kids cup as they have the cutest souvenir ice cream cups that my kids still enjoy using back home. 
• Blue Mountain Beach Creamery (Blue Mountain Beach) – Homemade ice cream with generous portions! Spend the extra $1 for the waffle cone if you want to share - it's huge! I always get the chocolate caramel when we stop by for a visit. 
• Blue Mountain Bakery (Blue Mountain Beach) - Best Cinnamon Rolls in 30A. Stop in early because they do sell out everyday!
• Black Bear Bread Co. (Grayton Beach + Seaside) – Adorable coffee shop with fresh pastries, sourdough bread and a cozy atmosphere. I always order my go-to-drink: Americano with a splash of oat milk.

 

Finding the Perfect Beach Spot

• Grayton Beach State Park – Less crowded with pristine sand dunes and hiking trails. $5 per vehicle and $2 per bicycle/pedestrian. Restrooms and vending machines are also available at this location. 
  
• Seaside Pavilion – Private beach with iconic views and easy access to food trucks. Must stay in Seaside to access this area.
• Rosemary Beach – A beautifully maintained private beach with stunning sunsets and nearby shops. Must stay in Rosemary to access this area.
• Holly Beach Access – A great public beach location with soft sand and clear water.

 

Parks and Playgrounds Along 30A

• Seaside Amphitheater – Great for picnics and outdoor concerts. Be sure to check out the calendar here for daily events!
• Seaside Playground – One of our favorite parks in the area. It is a shady pocket park off of Forest Street with picnic tables and an area to play basketball.
• WaterColor Cerulean Park – Lush landscaping and peaceful walking paths.
• Watercolor Playground – Shady pocket park next to Camp Watercolor with swings, slides, and climbing equiptment.  
• Rosemary Beach Playground – Smallest park we visited. It is shady and sandy, but one thing we loved is that it is in an enclosed area with plenty of benches.
• Alys Beach Nature Trail – A hidden gem in Alys for nature lovers.
• Alys Beach Playground – Located next to Raw and Juicy and perfect for a quick stop. It is not shady, so make sure to bring a hat and sunscreen to this park! My kids loved the musical stone instrument at this park.
• Helen McCall Park – This is a great park to get the kids out and run! It’s shady, but can get muddy after a rainy day. There are multiple places to play for kids of all ages including a splashpad during the summer months. There are restrooms at this park and my kids did not want to leave! It’s a good one!

 

Where to Shop

• Seaside Style (Seaside) – A must-shop if you're visiting for the first time! Make sure to pick up a cozy sweatshirt or easy tee for casual days. They keep their limited designs in the men's department in the right side of their shop! My husband loves his bicycle Seaside shirt! 
  
• Duckies (Seaside) – My kids love their rainbow beach ball from Duckies! They have the cutest finds and great selection to keep your kids busy when you're not at the beach. 
  
• Headley Hat Co (Seaside)- They create works of art with their beautiful selection of hats, each customized to your color and style. They also offer virtual appointments if you want to make one before your trip! 
  
• Sundog Books (Seaside)- My favorite bookstore in the area and the perfect spot to pickup your next beach read. They also offer a selection of cute postcards and 30A stickers. 
  
• Cabana by The Seaside (Seaside) – I picked up one of my favorite pairs of earrings from Cabana years ago and still love to wear them on vacation and date night! 
  
• Seaside Kids+Baby (Seaside) - A sweet shop with Seaside merch for kids! I pick up a casual tee for my kids each year! 
  
• Bump+Baby (Seaside) – Beautiful selection of boutique clothing such as TBBC and Kissy Kissy. I always stop by here to pick up Seaside shirts for the kids! 
  
• The Hidden Lantern (Rosemary Beach) – They have a great selection of books and games for kids and perfect for book lovers, like me! 
  
• Seaside Farmer’s Market - Twice a week local vendors fill in around the Seaside Amphitheater. I always like to buy local honey while we are on vacation. View their schedule here.

 

Where to Find Art Along 30A

As an artist, I love finding inspiration in the local art scene. Here are some of my favorite spots:

• Rock Paper Scissors (Grayton Beach) – Family-friendly art studio where kids can create works of art with colored rocks and local finds. My kids loved making a turtle on canvas and it hangs in our half bath in our home. 
  
• The Studio Gallery 30A (Grayton Beach) –  My favorite art gallery in the area! It has a stunning collection of local and regional art and offers art classes for individuals and groups!
  
• The Shard Shop (Grayton Beach) – I made the cutest flamingo during my last trip to The Shard Shop. You can create glass art coated in resin and either follow one of their guides or completely create your own! This would be a great rainy-day activity! 
  
• 30A Tiny Art Gallery (Grayton Beach) – A charming tiny gallery located in front of Lululemon featuring artists from all over. I plan to bring of my art to share on our next trip!

   

    

Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway, an adventure-filled vacation, or just a little inspiration, 30A has something for everyone. I hope this guide helps you plan your next trip and discover the magic of this beautiful destination!