🌊 Discover 30A: Florida’s Most Charming Coastal Highway
Scenic Highway 30A in Florida is not just a road—it’s an experience. Winding along the Gulf of Mexico, this 24-mile stretch offers sugar-white sand beaches, rare coastal dune lakes, pastel-colored beach towns, and some of the best food and relaxation you’ll find on the Emerald Coast.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned 30A traveler, this guide will take you through the best things to do on 30A, the most charming towns, and how to make your 30A vacation truly unforgettable.
📍 What Is 30A, Florida?
Scenic Highway 30A is a two-lane road that runs between Destin and Panama City Beach in South Walton County, Florida. It hugs the coast and connects a series of unique, master-planned beach communities, each with its own vibe.
Think bike trails, open-air markets, art galleries, boutique shops, gourmet restaurants, and of course—some of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S..
Popular towns along 30A:
Seaside
Rosemary Beach
Alys Beach
Grayton Beach
WaterColor
Blue Mountain Beach
Santa Rosa Beach
🌴 1. Seaside, Florida: The Iconic 30A Town
Seaside is where 30A became famous—thanks in part to being the filming location for The Truman Show. It’s walkable, photogenic, and filled with pastel cottages, food trucks, art galleries, and one of the best public beaches on the Gulf.
Don’t Miss:
The Seaside Amphitheater – great for live music and family events.
Airstream Row – try gourmet grilled cheese, smoothies, and hot dogs.
Sundog Books – a local landmark for book lovers.
Seaside Beach Access – some of the clearest water and softest sand you’ll ever step foot on.
🚲 2. Explore the 30A Bike Trail (Timpoochee Trail)
The Timpoochee Trail is a 19-mile paved path that runs parallel to 30A. Rent a cruiser bike and take a leisurely ride from town to town—it’s the perfect way to experience the area without needing a car.
Stop along the way for:
Coffee at Amavida in Rosemary Beach
Artisan donuts at Charlie’s Delights in Alys Beach
Beach views and photo ops at Grayton Beach State Park
🏖 3. Relax at the Best Beaches on 30A
Every beach on 30A is public, stunning, and peaceful compared to crowded tourist spots in Destin or PCB.
Top Beach Picks:
Grayton Beach State Park – ranked among the top beaches in the U.S.
Blue Mountain Beach – quiet and less commercial, known for its higher dunes.
Santa Rosa Beach – lively, family-friendly, great for paddleboarding.
Seacrest Beach – hidden gem with fewer crowds.
Tip: Arrive early for easier parking and beach access.
🦐 4. Where to Eat on 30A
30A is a foodie’s paradise. From seafood shacks to fine dining, the flavors of the Gulf are everywhere.
Must-Try Restaurants:
The Red Bar (Grayton Beach) – Funky vibes, famous crab cakes.
Great Southern Café (Seaside) – Grits à Ya Ya is legendary.
Pescado (Rosemary Beach) – Upscale rooftop dining with ocean views.
Chanticleer Eatery (Grayton) – Killer sandwiches and Southern comfort food.
Cafe Thirty-A (Seagrove) – Fine dining with a beachy twist.
🛍️ 5. Unique Shopping & Art Markets
Skip the chain stores—30A is filled with locally owned boutiques, coastal-inspired galleries, and vibrant farmers markets.
Local favorites:
The Shops at The Hub (Watersound) – Great for family dining, gifts, and live music.
Rosemary Beach Farmers Market (Sundays)
Modica Market in Seaside – upscale general store with gourmet goods.
The Blue Giraffe – an art and book boutique in Watercolor.
🏡 6. Where to Stay: 30A Vacation Rentals
Unlike high-rise hotels in Panama City Beach, 30A offers a more residential feel. Vacation rentals are king, with beach cottages, condos, and luxury homes available year-round.
Popular rental hubs:
Rosemary Beach – elegant, upscale, perfect for couples or honeymoons.
WaterColor – resort-style living with pools, lakes, and green spaces.
Grayton Beach – laid-back and bohemian.
Seaside – charming, classic beach cottages in a walkable town square.
🌅 7. Best Things to Do on 30A Besides the Beach
Dune Lakes Kayaking – rare coastal dune lakes like Western Lake are only found in a few places in the world.
Live music at The Hub – family-friendly and fun every night.
Stand-up paddleboarding – available for rent at almost every beach town.
Catch a sunset at Bud & Alley’s rooftop bar in Seaside.
🎉 8. 30A Events & Festivals
No matter when you visit, something is always happening along 30A.
Popular Annual Events:
30A Songwriters Festival (January)
Digital Graffiti Festival (Alys Beach – May)
Seaside Seeing Red Wine Festival (November)
Art in the Park (WaterColor)
These events bring music, art, and a local vibe that draws in creative minds and families from all over the country.
🌿 9. 30A for Nature Lovers
Beyond beaches and boutiques, 30A is home to several state parks and preserved green spaces.
Don’t Miss:
Grayton Beach State Park – beaches + trails + kayaking.
Topsail Hill Preserve – hiking, fishing, and rare wildlife.
Deer Lake State Park – untouched natural dunes and serenity.
🚗 How to Get to 30A
Fly into Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) or Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS). From there, it’s about a 30–45 minute drive to 30A.
Rental cars or golf carts are the main way to get around. Many visitors also use bikes or even electric scooters to explore town centers.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Why 30A Is the Perfect Getaway
Whether you’re sipping rosé on a rooftop in Rosemary Beach, paddleboarding through rare dune lakes, or chasing your kids through the waves in Seaside, 30A Florida is a place where luxury meets simplicity.
It’s walkable, bikeable, pet-friendly, and ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Once you go, you’ll understand why people return year after year.