Updated April 2024
If you’re looking for a quiet beach town to call your own, look no further than Florida 30A. This stretch of coastline is home to some of the prettiest beach towns you’ve never heard of – each with its own unique charm and appeal. From Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach, to WaterSound and Seaside, there’s something for everyone along 30A! So if you’re ready for some rest and relaxation, pack your bags and head down to Florida 30A. You won’t regret it!
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What is Florida 30A?
If you’re looking for the perfect beach getaway, but don’t want to deal with the crowds of Miami or Ft. Lauderdale, then Florida 30A is your answer.
This stretch of coastline in Northwest Florida is a hidden gem and named after Florida Scenic Highway 30A that runs parallel to the Gulf of Mexico. Spanning the gap between Destin and Panama City Beach, 30A offers some of the most beautiful beaches on earth that are just waiting to be explored by you! This part of Florida is mostly untouched by high rise hotels and instead you’ll find small, charming coastal communities.
30A is truly one of the best kept secrets in Florida! And if you need help deciding where exactly you should go first, we have plenty of suggestions right here.
What Makes Florida 30A Special
Let’s face it, Florida has TONS of gorgeous gulf coast beach towns. But if you’re looking for something a little bit different, then consider Florida’s 30A region. Here are just a few of the unique things that set this area apart from other coastal spots in the south:
- Unlike a large city, 30A is made up of 12 tiny beach communities with a style all their own!
- The Truman Show was filmed in Seaside, Florida which is part of 30A (check out these places from The Truman Show you can still visit today!)
- White quartz sand migrated south from the Appalachian Mountains (who knew?!) and gives the water the most beautiful turquoise crystal blue hue
- 40% of the area is protected from development, so in other words, it’s a nature lover’s paradise
- There are over 200 miles of trails to walk, hike and bicycle and the area has 5 state parks
- 30A is home to a population of Florida black bears that enjoy the lush, wooded environment
- The region contains largest concentration of coastal dune lakes, which mix fresh water with salt water and are extremely rare ecosystems
- In each town you’ll see phenomenal architecture and thoughtful details like pedestrian paths and large open-air green spaces
- There’s tons of public art everywhere you look, which adds unique flair and personality to the area
- Building height is restricted to 4 stories meaning there’s a noticeable absence of large commercial structures
When is the Best Time To Visit Florida 30A?
There isn’t a bad time of year to visit 30A! It’s gorgeous year round. However there are some pretty cool annual events and weather considerations to be in the loop about! In February the town of Alys Beach hosts the 30A Wine Festival, one of the top events in the region. And the month of May is designated as art month in South Walton County! There are lots of exhibitions, sculptures, and festivals to check out throughout 30A.
Weather is gorgeous almost year-round! January and February are the coldest months, but you can easily be in a swimsuit and shorts the other 10 months out of the year. July and August are the rainiest months.
Where To Stay and Things To Do
If you’re considering a visit to the Florida coastline, you may be wondering what cities are part of 30A? This stretch of coastline spans 24 miles and includes 12 towns, each offering something unique, from artsy vibes to coastal luxury. Let’s tour each one, from west to east and discover what makes them special:
1. Dune Allen
Located about 30 minutes east of Destin, Florida Dune Allen is the westernmost town on scenic route 30A. You’ll find that the atmosphere here is much more relaxed than in other destinations, making it perfect for those who want to get away from it all.
This area is known for the Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and the 5 coastal dune lakes in the area. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, stop at Stinky’s Fish Camp which was named one of the Top 10 Places To Eat by USA Today. If you’re looking for a quiet, peaceful beach town to visit, Dune Allen is a great choice along 30A.
Where I’d stay in Dune Allen: this gorgeous vacation home with private pool, splash pad and golf cart
2. Gulf Place
Just down the road from Dune Allen is Gulf Place, a bright and cheery beach town, dog friendly community and a great place to find local artists at work. The Artists of Gulf Place is a small collective of galleries where you’re sure to find a unique souvenir of your trip!
The Gulley Amphitheater is another must see, and often hosts concerts on their lawn. Overall, Gulf Place is small, easily walkable, and has some great public beach access points.
Where I’d stay in Gulf Place: this outdoor oasis steps to the beach that sleeps 8 and is pet friendly
3. Blue Mountain Beach
There aren’t any mountains along the coast of 30A, but Blue Mountain Beach sits at the highest elevation of any of the 30A Beach communities and has sand dunes that are over 65 feet tall. If you’re looking for a quiet and quaint place to stay along 30A, Blue Mountain Beach has the best views and a laid-back vibe.
It’s name comes from the blue lupine flower, which grows abundantly in the area and blooms in the spring. It also connects to the Timpochee Bike Trail and nearby Point Washington State Forest. This spot along Florida 30A is great for biking! You can rent e-bikes here locally.
Where I’d stay in Blue Mountain Beach: this super charming coastal cottage with a nice deck, out door space and hot tub
4. Grayton Beach
Grayton Beach is the oldest, and the original beach town established on 30A. This vibrant and artsy community’s motto is “Nice dogs, strange people” and Grayton Beach has a quirky style all its own. It feels less modern and upscale that the surrounding towns, more unique and less polished (in the best way).
You can expect to find art galleries, great local restaurants, and even try out “beach launching”, where you depart for a fishing excursion directly from the beach (no marina needed!)
Where I’d stay in Grayton Beach: this affordable duplex with great gulf views and walking distance to shops and restaurants
5. WaterColor
Watercolor is more opulent and upscale than nearby Grayton Beach. This area isn’t just another beach town, it’s actually a master-planned community. You can think of it like a resort and vacation destination, where most of the amenities aren’t open to the public, giving it much more of a private, exclusive feel.
There are tons of great restaurants, shops, and opportunities to explore nature with paddleboarding, hiking and biking. One great activity to check out? Stand up paddleboard/kayaking on a rare coastal dune lake. I also recommend grabbing a bite to eat at Fish Out of Water (FOOW) and walking through the gorgeous Cerulean Park.
Where I’d stay in WaterColor: This bright and cozy carriage house perfect for 2, in the park district
6. Seaside
Whereas WaterColor is sprawling and exclusive, it’s neighbor Seaside is tiny, welcoming and adorable. This picture perfect town is where the movie The Truman Show was filmed! Some fun things to do in Seaside are to check out the Farmers Market and grab a bite to eat at the Airstream food trucks that are a permanent fixture in the middle of town.
You can also walk around and admire Seaside’s gorgeous, architecturally detailed Beach Pavilions. Seaside is open to the public, however they often restrict beach access to residents or overnight guests. Despite that, Seaside is definitely worth checking out!
Where I’d stay in Seaside: an adorable, budget-friendly cottage with direct beach access
7. Seagrove Beach
If Seaside feels a little bit congested to you, then you’ll appreciate how spread out Seagrove is. The next community along 30A is very lush and tropical, with lots of gorgeous tree canopies adding to the ambiance.
This unplanned community also has more public access beach points than any other town along 30A! Another nice thing about Seagrove is that it’s centrally located, so if you want to literally be in the middle of everything it’s a great choice. I love that Seagrove Beach has great restaurant options like the one above at Beachy Bean Coffee.
Where I’d stay in Seagrove Beach: this modern beach house directly on the Gulf that sleeps 6
8. Seacrest
Continuing on and moving east, you’ll find the charming town of Seacrest, often referred to as one of the “secret gems” of the Florida gulf coast. Seacrest features some really cool and unique spots like the 12,000 square ft lagoon pool – one of the largest private pools in Florida!
Crabby Steve’s, the only beachfront tiki bar on 30A, can also be found in Seacrest. They also have a great Town Center known as ‘Peddler’s Point” and a seasonal tram to drop you off at the beach.
Where I’d stay in Seacrest: this cozy townhome great for 2, in a quiet neighborhood with a porch and outdoor fireplace
9. Alys Beach
If there’s one part of 30A that will stop you in your tracks with how glamorous and breathtaking it is, it’s Alys Beach. The all-white villas and perfectly manicured landscaping will make you feel like you’re in Bermuda or Antigua!
A few places to check out include the Amphitheater, Gulf Green, and Alys Beach Nature Trail. I recommend grabbing a bite to eat at Fonville Press Market & Cafe and then exploring Alys Beach on foot. You’ll also see art pieces and modern sculptures around Alys Beach!
Where I’d stay in Alys Beach: If you’re up for a splurge, this 3-story stunner with rooftop and heated pool is heavenly
10. WaterSound
Another gated community on 30A is WaterSound, which is a private, gated resort that collectively encompasses four different residential and commercial communities. WaterSound Beach and WaterSound West Beach are located directly on 30A, and WaterSound Camp Creek and WaterSound Origins are located a bit further north.
These communities are brimming with amenities, from nature trails to a members-only beach club and an 18-hole golf course. If you want to check out WaterSound, you’ll need to stay on site, since all the amenities are exclusive to guests.
Where I’d stay in WaterSound: this adorable 3 bedroom cottage in a gated community with beach access
11. Rosemary Beach
While Alys Beach is an modern, Mediterranean-inspired luxury getaway, Rosemary Beach gives an equally luxurious but more quaint, European-like feel. All the homes are connected via wooden boardwalks and pathways, and the cobblestone streets are narrow.
It’s a gorgeous place to spend the day, explore the farmer’s market and some great local shops and eateries. Rosemary Beach does not have public beach access so you’ll need to be an overnight guest to enjoy their beaches. Nevertheless, Rosemary Beach is definitely worth a visit! It’s one of my favorite stops along Florida 30A.
Where I’d stay in Rosemary Beach: this cozy carriage house in the heart of Rosemary Beach with access to community pools
12. Inlet Beach
Inlet Beach is the last small beach community on 30A before you get to Panama City Beach, and it’s adjacent to Rosemary Beach but a little quieter and more residential. You can’t visit Inlet Beach without stopping by the Donut Hole or The Shoppes at Inlet for some yummy food! Amici Italian Kitchen is one of my personal favorites.
If you’re wanting to escape from it all you can also check out Camp Helen State Park and enjoy the beach, rent paddle boards and kayaks, and have some tranquility near Lake Powell, the largest coastal dune on 30A.
Where I’d stay in Inlet Beach: this condo with ocean views and walkable to shops, restaurants and the beach
Wait – What About Santa Rosa Beach?
You might notice that some 30A beach towns (for example, Seagrove Beach) are recognized locally as an independent neighborhood, however their official mailing address is Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Just wanted to clear up any confusion! This was mystifying to me when I first moved to the Florida Panhandle and I wanted to give you the scoop before you visit!
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Florida 30A: A Few Tips Before You Go
- The closest airports are in Panama City Beach (airport code ECP) and Destin (airport code VPS)
- Florida is sunny! Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen and protective clothing – for a few of my favorite Florida must-haves, check out this post: 10 Must-Have Beach Day Essentials for a Perfect Summer Getaway
If you’re looking for a unique and wonderful part of Florida to explore, look no further than 30A. This stretch of beach towns has something for everyone, from small town charm to gorgeous beaches – not to mention plenty of nature and fun things to do. So what are you waiting for? Comment below and let me know which 30A town is on your list!
