Featured image: Samantha Labrecque Semle
A sunny, seaside escape awaits you at Florida’s famed 30A. Located along the Sunshine State’s Panhandle is a twenty-four mile stretch in South Walton County that features white sand beaches, charming coastal towns, and stellar gulf views.
Whether you opt for the bustling and vibrant town of Seaside, the luxurious and Mediterranean-inspired town of Alys Beach, the upscale and European-inspired town of Rosemary Beach, or somewhere in between, one thing is for certain: vacationers seeking coastal, slow-paced beach vibes will surely find them here.
Where to Eat
Eat your way through 30A! Fresh seafood is the name of the game, whether it’s upscale dining to casual, beachfront joints.
The Citizen | Alys Beach
Gulf Coast meets Charleston chic at this contemporary coastal tavern. Located in the Alys Beach central promenade, The Citizen’s menu features fresh seafood, wood-fired selections, and a standout raw bar. Take a seat at the raw bar for front row views into the open kitchen and shucking action, then order one of everything from the menu… it’s just that good! Our favorites include a dozen chargrilled oysters topped with Calabrian butter, parmesan, and scallions, the Calabrian shrimp, and the whipped feta to start, followed by the angus steak frites or the Gulf fish & chips. Of course, no meal is complete without a refreshing libation… opt for their seasonal frozen selection or just go ahead and pick the white linen, a light and crushable cocktail.
Black Bear Bread Company | Seaside and Grayton Beach
This quaint and well-loved cafe is baking up delicious pastries and bread, along with breakfast bites and other grab-and-go options. Order a loaf or two to-go and make-your-own beach sandwich at home, or dine-in and enjoy your meal at a bistro table. Everything on the menu is to-die-for—from the avocado tartine to the Paris ham breakfast sandwich—but if you order just one thing on the menu, let it be this: the French toast topped with ricotta, seasonal fruit, maple syrup, sea salt, and pecans truly meets the moment.
The Daytrader Tiki Bar & Restaurant | Seaside
Clock out of reality and slip into an island escape at Daytrader Tiki, 30A’s coolest tiki bar! Located at the entrance of the iconic Coleman Beach Pavilion, Daytrader offers a vibrant escape, with a Polynesian Coast meets Gulf of Mexico menu. Chef Nikhil Abuvala brings a fusion of Hawaiian, Filipino, and Vietnamese flavors together, to dishes like the tuna crispy rice, spam musubi, and Haleakala Volcano shrimp, while the cocktail menu features inventive drinks in fun formats, such as the medical mai tai, the rumpanion, and the swinging tally. Tip: Daytrader offers beach service cocktails on both Tuesdays and Fridays when you book chairs with Cabana Man Beach Service.
The Great Southern Café | Seaside
In the heart of Seaside’s town center is The Great Southern Café. Known for its Southern classics, the café is the perfect spot to people watch and grab a bite to eat before or after hitting the beach. Enjoy house specialties like the grits á ya ya or the avocado toast for breakfast, or the blue crab claws and balsamic salmon for supper. No matter which you choose, you’ll leave the café feeling full from their hefty portions and delicious home cooking.
Pizza by the Sea | Watercolor, Seacrest, Santa Rosa Beach, and Miramar Beach
Serving the South Walton community for more than fifteen years, Pizza by the Sea is a fast-casual pizza joint known for its thin-crust pizzas. The family-friendly pizzeria has a variety of specialty pies, including favorites like the spaghetti and meatball pizza, the quadruple bypass, and the cha cha chipotle. Beyond pizza, you can expect sandwiches and salads, plus pasta dishes and a calzone option.
Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant | Seaside
A 30A institution, Bud & Alley’s is a favorite for locals and tourists alike. Opened in 1986, the restaurant is still making waves with their all-day dining options. Fuel your morning with a breakfast bite or opt for a meal at Bud & Alley’s later in the day. Either way, don’t miss their famous crab cake with some key lime pie for dessert. If you’re looking for more options, Bud & Alley’s also has both a pizza and taco bar. Most notably however, is their popular rooftop bar, which is the perfect spot to see the sun dip just below the horizon with a delicious cocktail in hand.
Pickle’s | Seaside
Found in the heart of Seaside, Pickle’s primarily serves up burgers and fries, sandwiches, and milkshakes—and you guessed it: pickles! Go big or go home with the chilled jumbo pickle or snack on the fried pickle sticks with a side of ranch dressing. In the sand dunes just behind Pickle’s is Pickle’s Sandbar, where bartenders sling out beachy cocktails, perfect if you’re looking for a toes-in-the-sand experience.
The Shrimp Shack & Boardwalk Bar | Seaside
Shrimp tacos, shrimp mac n’ cheese, peel & eat, or a shrimp salad roll, have your pick of the sea at The Shrimp Shack! Order up front and dine out back at the boardwalk with views of the Gulf, or saddle up to the back bar and sip frozen drinks, cocktails, and more.
Pescado Seafood Grill & Rooftop Bar | Rosemary Beach
Arguably considered one of 30A’s best restaurants for oceanfront views, Pescado reservations are highly sought after and for good reason: the Gulf of Mexico seascape and delicious fare are on point. The raw bar selections and other seafood options are great, but don’t sleep on the stir fry yakisoba noodles, which serve as the perfect accompaniment to any main course. Tip: The rooftop patio is first-come, first-serve, so stop by for happy hour from 3 to 4 p.m. or eat an early dinner right at 4 p.m. to secure the best views. For the rest of the restaurant, we recommend you make reservations as soon as they become available (sixty days in advance).
Old Florida Fish House | Seagrove Beach
Nestled on the shores of Eastern Lake, Old Florida Fish House is a casual, family-friendly gem with a laid-back vibe. The coastal hot spot provides picturesque views from their outdoor patio, which is adorned with oak trees draped in Spanish moss and twinkling café lights. Since 2005, the restaurant has served up locally sourced dishes like grouper, hand-breaded fried shrimp, and smoked tuna dip, alongside live music and a full-service bar.
The RedBar | Grayton Beach
A local watering hole in a former general store, The RedBar is a lively bar and restaurant with eclectic decor and live music to match. The space is decked out in mismatched furniture, vintage posters, and a red glow, perfect for a late night at the bar. Or, go early for dinner—just be prepared for a wait as the venue gets crowded.
Airstream Row | Seaside
Smack dab in the middle of Seaside is Airstream Row, a collection of vintage Airstream trailers serving up an array of street food. Trucks include Wild Bill’s Beach Dogs, The Meltdown on 30A, Barefoot BBQ, and more. With its proximity to the beach, laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere, and large selection of dining options, every tastebud is covered here.
Raw & Juicy | Alys Beach
A health-focused café with organic juices, smoothies, acai bowls, and plant-based dishes, Raw & Juicy is a great spot to refuel or grab a healthy bite. The cafe’s beautiful white-washed stucco facade matches the rest of the town, and the two patios flanking the main building with stylish umbrellas and lots of palms offer up the perfect, laidback boho vibe.
Nigel’s Bananas | Seaside
While you can’t go wrong with any of the ice cream shops in Seaside, Nigel’s Bananas is another sweet treat option. The frozen bananas dipped in Belgian chocolate are certainly the star of the show, but don’t sleep on their frozen key lime pie.
Where to Stay
There’s a plethora of options when it comes to lodging along 30A. While each community along the stretch offers a different vibe, you can’t go wrong with a hotel or cottage rental in any of the towns.
From luxury resorts to charming rental homes, there’s a range of options that fit every budget. From personal experience, we recommend booking a home within the WaterColor community to enjoy full access to the WaterColor Inn’s amenities including the grounds, biking trails, pool deck, and easy access to the beach.
Where to Play
Sun, sand, and a drink in your hand… what more could you ask for? Turns out, there’s plenty more to do in 30A, and we’ve rounded up the highlights.
Seaside’s Town Square
Step into a living postcard with Seaside’s coastal charm. Leisurely stroll the square, shop until you drop at the local boutiques, or grab a bite to eat at one of the several eateries. The spacious green lawn is the perfect place to let the kiddos play while you catch some sun or sit under the shade of a palm tree. There’s a farmer’s market every Saturday and concerts and movies are played at the focally located amphitheater.
Rosemary Beach’s Town Center
This European-inspired village features cobblestone streets and winding walkways that make you feel like you’re in the West Indies without ever leaving the States. At the heart of the community is Barrett Square and Main Street, a lively hub lined with boutique shops, restaurants, and some art galleries. Just off the beach and next to The Pearl Hotel, the Western Green is a spacious lawn perfect for picnics or enjoying the sunset.
Alys Beach Community
Walking around Alys Beach feels like exploring a Mediterranean village. And with the town’s whitewashed architecture and cohesive Grecian feel, it’s not hard to see why. Much quieter than its adjacent towns, Alys Beach is a luxurious and high-end community with lush landscaping, hidden courtyards, and manicured green spaces.
At the center of the community is a palm-lined promenade with a few boutique shops and restaurants. If you’re looking to be outside but prefer to skip the beach, The Alys Beach Nature Trail is a scenic walk through coastal forests, which connects to the 30A bike path.
The Beach
It’s safe to say that there’s no shortage of beach-facing tract along 30A, but for first-time vacationers, beach access points can be a bit confusing. If you’re looking to dig your toes in the sugar-white sand, take note of where the public and private entrances are located throughout the communities, which are clearly marked with signs. Many towns offer private beach access reserved for residents and guests of local accommodations (we suggest staying in the WaterColor community to use their beachfront property!) but nearby public paths are available too. Bring your own chair and umbrella to the beach or rent a setup.
Bonfire on the Beach
Several companies along 30A offer bonfire services on the beach. Pick from custom bonfire packages, complete with beach chairs, tiki torches, s’mores, and more. It’s the perfect way to end the day along the Gulf Coast. Roast marshmallows, gaze at the stars in the night sky, and listen to the sound of the crashing waves while the fire glows and the sand is beneath your feet.
Go for a Bike Ride
Traffic can get quite busy along 30A and parking can be hard to come by, so many folks walk or bike around each of the communities. While many hotels and rentals have bikes you can use, rentals from local companies scattered throughout the area are also readily available. Biking is a fun way to explore the coastal towns—cruise past colorful cottages and enjoy a leisurely ride around the picturesque streets.
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