alys beach 30a
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About 30A Towns: Complete 30A Travel Guide for 2025

ByChelsea

For quite a few years, 30A has been a hidden gem on Florida’s Emerald Coast. Through the years, it has gained a lot of popularity and it isn’t quite the hidden gem it once was as people have caught on to its magic.

But as we planned our week-long trip there, we also found that a lot of our friends had not heard of 30A. In case you’re unfamiliar, it refers to an area of little coastal towns located along Highway 30A. It is located in between Destin and Panama City.

Even though 30A is more popular than it once was, and therefore busier than it used to be, you’ll still find a more quiet and laid back feel compared to some of Florida’s busier beach communities. A lot of the beaches are private (many vacation rentals come with access to the beach) which can make for quieter beach days, too. And of course, the water is pristine.

Each community has their own unique and distinct vibe. This blog article will give you a quick overview of each beach community. But I also have more in-depth blog articles on the main 30A towns where I go into more detail; the most popular spots are Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, and Seaside.

seaside florida post office

Dune Allen Beach

Known For: Quiet atmosphere, rare coastal dune lakes, scenic beauty

Best Things to Do:

  • Explore Topsail Hill Preserve State Park for hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting. This is one of my absolute favorite things to do in 30A!
  • Paddleboard on Lake Allen, one of the area’s rare coastal dune lakes.
  • Relax on the less crowded beaches compared to other 30A towns. Note that the downside of Dune Allen is that it’s a bit farther away for exploring all of the other 30A towns than some of the more centrally located towns.

Best Restaurants:

  • Stinky’s Fish Camp – A local favorite for seafood and Southern cuisine.
  • Vue on 30A – Upscale dining with breathtaking Gulf views.
boardwalk through the sand dunes at topsail hill preserve state park with blue skies
mom, dad, baby, and toddler on the boardwalk with sand dunes in the background at topsail hill preserve state park
sand dunes and a lake at topsail hill preserve state park
large sand dunes overlooking the beach at topsail hill preserve state park on a sunny day with no clouds

Santa Rosa Beach

Known For: Artsy vibe, natural beauty, family-friendly atmosphere

Best Things to Do:

  • Take a boat tour or go fishing in Choctawhatchee Bay.
  • Relax at Grayton Beach State Park, one of Florida’s top-rated pristine beaches.

Best Restaurants:

  • The Perfect Pig – A must-visit for breakfast and gourmet sandwiches.
  • Goatfeathers Seafood Restaurant – Fresh seafood and a casual atmosphere.
restaurant with rattan chairs, pig hungon the wall, and exposed ceiling
chicken and waffles with bacon
perfect pig restaurant with brick wall, exposed ceiling, and rattan chairs

Blue Mountain Beach

Known For: Highest elevation along the Gulf Coast, laid-back vibe, great biking trails

Best Things to Do:

  • Bike along the Timpoochee Trail, which runs through all of 30A.
  • Visit Blue Mountain Beach Creamery for homemade ice cream.
  • Hike the trails at Point Washington State Forest.

Best Restaurants:

  • Blue Mountain Bakery – Great pastries, coffee, and more
  • Blue Mountain Beach Creamery – The best ice cream!
  • Red Fish Taco – A lively spot for tacos and margaritas.
dad holding a toddler with ice cream in front of colorful background with list of fun vacation destinations

Grayton Beach

Known For: Bohemian atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, unique coastal dune lake

Best Things to Do:

  • Visit Grayton Beach State Park, one of the most scenic places in Florida.
  • Check out The Red Bar, a legendary local bar with live music.
  • Go kayaking or paddleboarding on Western Lake.

Best Restaurants:

  • Chiringo – Casual beachfront dining with fresh seafood.
  • Hurricane Oyster Bar & Grill – Great oysters and happy hour specials.
beer, chips, and guacamole at an open air restaurant in santa rosa beach florida overlooking the beach on a sunny day
beach tram dropping off beachgoers in santa rosa beach florida on a sunny day
restaurant located in an old house in santa rosa beach on a sunny day

WaterColor

Known For: Luxury resorts, upscale amenities, family-friendly vibe

Best Things to Do:

  • Stay at WaterColor Inn, a top-rated luxury beachfront resort.
  • Rent a bike and explore Western Lake and the town’s scenic trails.
  • Visit Camp WaterColor, a kid-friendly resort pool with slides and lazy river.

Best Restaurants:

  • FOOW (Fish Out of Water) – Gulf-front dining with fresh seafood.
  • The Wine Bar – A great place for wine and gourmet appetizers.
white hotel buildings with multiple pools overlooking the beach at the watercolor inn

Photo: Hotels.com

Seaside

Known For: Iconic pastel-colored homes, film location for The Truman Show, lively town square

Best Things to Do:

  • Take a photo at the famous Seaside Post Office.
  • Shop at the Seaside Farmers Market on Saturdays.
  • Enjoy outdoor movies and concerts in the Seaside Amphitheater.
  • Go shopping! Seaside has tons of great local shops right by the amphitheater in all of the action.

Best Restaurants:

  • Great Southern Cafe – Famous for their Grits à Ya Ya.
  • Bud & Alley’s – A rooftop bar with gorgeous sunset views.
  • Food Trucks – Seaside is famous for airstream row, a row of food trucks that serve their food out of airstreams!
best things to do in seaside 30a
bud and alleys restaurant 30a

Seagrove Beach

Known For: Lush landscapes, hidden gems, old Florida charm

Best Things to Do:

  • Kayak or paddleboard on Eastern Lake.
  • Explore Deer Lake State Park, home to rare coastal dune ecosystems.
  • Rent a beach cruiser and ride along Scenic Highway 30A.

Best Restaurants:

  • Cafe Thirty-A – Upscale dining with a fantastic wine selection.
  • Angelina’s Pizzeria & Pasta – A go-to spot for Italian food.

Alys Beach

Known For: Whitewashed architecture, luxurious atmosphere, stunning design

Best Things to Do:

  • Walk around and admire the Mediterranean-inspired architecture.
  • Enjoy a drink at NEAT, a stylish cocktail bar.
  • Attend Digital Graffiti Festival, an annual art and light show.

Best Restaurants:

  • George’s at Alys Beach – Coastal cuisine with a Southern twist.
  • Raw & Juicy – A great spot for fresh juices and organic eats.
white umbrella with rattan seats on the sidewalk in front of a restaurant
renting bikes in alys beach florida
gorgeous white architecture in alys beach florida
gulf green in alys beach

Rosemary Beach

Known For: European village feel, cobblestone streets, charming boutiques

Best Things to Do:

  • Walk along Main Street and browse high-end boutiques.
  • Visit Barrett Square, a lively hub for entertainment and events.
  • Take a yoga class at Rosemary Beach Fitness Center.
  • Stay at The Pearl Hotel, an iconic hotel overlooking a public grassy space near the beach

Best Restaurants:

  • Pescado Seafood Grill & Rooftop Bar – One of the best sunset dining spots.
  • La Crema Tapas & Chocolate – Ideal for small plates and desserts.
toddler walking on a grassy town square in rosemary beach with the historic pearl hotel in the background and historic buildings on the side

Inlet Beach

Known For: Uncrowded beaches, great shopping, local markets

Best Things to Do:

  • Shop at 30Avenue, a high-end retail and dining complex.
  • Explore the trails at Camp Helen State Park.
  • Spend a quiet day at Inlet Beach, one of the most spacious beaches on 30A.

Best Restaurants:

  • The Big Bad Breakfast – A fantastic brunch spot.
  • Cuvee 30A – Fine dining with a great wine selection.

Final Thoughts on Visiting 30A

No matter which town you choose to visit, 30A offers a blend of relaxation, adventure, and coastal charm. You’ll enjoy beautiful beaches and yet there is so much more to do here!

This list is just the highlights to help you choose which areas to stay and which to visit. I also have a more detailed blog post on the best places to eat in 30A if you are interested (there is SO much good food in 30A that it’s hard to narrow down!)

Whether you’re seeking a luxury retreat, a family-friendly escape, or a laid-back beach vacation, there’s a perfect spot for you along this scenic stretch of the Florida Panhandle.