Family Travel Guide to the 30A
“Located in South Walton County, 30A is a Beach Highway that runs along the Panhandle of Florida. Quaint little towns and villages are dotted down the road and are a much different experience than more touristy, nearby areas. Rich in wildlife, high-end eateries, and local shops, this stretch is so picture-perfect, The Truman Show starring Jim Carrey was filmed here. You won’t find many hotels, nor chain stores or eateries. Beautiful 30A is certainly a charming experience, and these are some of the best things to do.”
We have lived in Houston for 6 years, and we had always heard how beautiful South Walton was. Most families in Texas love going to Florida for their summer vacation, however, we were still very reluctant on letting our beloved West Coast go. We had never visited the Sunshine State until last year when we visited 30A for the first time. I've put together a guide to everything from the trip - my favorite beaches, cafes, and restaurants. Our kids loved this place and often ask when we are going back. Have you heard of 30A?
Here are a few things about 30A that makes this place a must for summer vacations:
The area is incredibly family (and dog!) friendly. Big tables at restaurants are the norm & not a problem at all.
It was relatively inexpensive to rent a home for the week, and many restaurants offered great happy hours and kids meal selections.
We loved being able to bike from beach to beach, hop in the golf cart to cruise around admiring the architecture.
One of the main reasons our family loved this place was the house we stayed at. The house was perfectly decorated, homey, and also had great amenities. Once we had a day at the beach, our kids couldn’t wait to get “home” so they could enjoy the pools, bike, and golf cart rides.
THE NEIGHBORHOODS
Bicycle is the best way to experience South Walton. Rentals are available everywhere, and it's so much fun riding up and down the 30A exploring the village beaches, cafes, boutiques and galleries on wheels.
Of course, Alys Beach is my favorite part of South Walton. It’s right in between Rosemary Beach and Seaside… Falling a little closer to Rosemary and it’s like no place I've seen here in the U.S., clearly inspired by the little island towns of Greece. If you're staying in one of the neighboring communities (like we did this trip), riding a bicycle through Alys Beach is still an absolute must. This is one of the newer areas along 30A and it is stunning! It is primarily residential, very high-end, and is very quiet and private. The neighborhood offers a 20-acre nature preserve, walking trails, and outdoor sculptures. This is the perfect destination for a couple looking for an intimate, elegant getaway while staying in Florida! Although it’s gorgeous and secluded, if you’re wanting to avoid spending a small fortune on a Florida vacation I would recommend looking at areas outside of Alys. But don’t get me wrong, it is #GOALS in every sense of the word. There’s no mistaking when you’ve entered Alys beach!. We loved admiring the architecture lined by perfectly placed palm trees.
It's one of the original South Walton villages, and perhaps the cultural pulse of the 30A. Home to outdoor murals, art galleries, funky restaurants, hipster cafes and lively bars, Grayton Beach is beloved by both locals and visitors. The village also boats a vibrant outdoor scene with its rare coastal dune lakes, and some of the region's prettiest white sand beaches. Grayton Beach is for sure more our family’s vibe.
The architecture is European inspired with cobblestone streets, lush greenery, and traditional lines. Think vine-covered trellises, Bevolo gas lanterns, and a warm neutral color palette. If you can't nab a rental in Alys Beach, then neighboring Rosemary Beach is a perfectly lovely alternative, and it's literally located down the street. Also a beach community. The restaurants, shops, bars and hotel that line the main drag are adorned with bright shutters, arched windows, colorful balconies and charming facades. Alys Beach will make you think Mykonos, and Rosemary Beach will make you think old town Germany.
Seaside sits pretty central in South Walton. The picturesque downtown is home to cute cafes, little shops, beach clubs, the cutest post office and funky Airstream food trucks. It's a great place to stay for anyone looking to be a bit more central on the 30A; the street is lined with picturesque pastel-colored cottages and beach homes, all a short walk or bike ride to the beach. Seaside is also home to Coleman Pavilion, one of the prettiest beach access points in South Walton. There were a lot more kids and families in Seaside. So if you’re traveling with a family, I would recommend staying closer to the Seaside area.
This is definitely a resort community! It is extremely walkable and easy to get around. You can enjoy the outdoors by taking a trip to Western Lake or Point Washington State Forest. This area is very cute! In watercolor, there are a ton of beautiful homes to rent in all colors of the rainbow here. It is also walkable to Seaside, in case you’d like to be close to the action but also have a little peace and quiet. It has a couple of amazing pools, and a few restaurants, including the Gathering Place. It is situated directly on the beach for a stellar view of the sunset, and provides amenities such as a spa, access to several golf clubs, and complimentary bikes for cruising around. Watercolor is also great for a few of the boutiques, or eating at The Wine Bar.
Places To Eat
Airstream Row (Seaside)
The main street in town is lined with the cutest food trucks in Airstream campers! Um, be still my heart! A funky collection of Airstreams that sit in central Seaside serving up crepes, Hawaiian shaved ice, grilled cheese and barbecue. This quirky fixture is located in Seaside, FL and features menus like gourmet grilled cheeses, hot dogs and shaved ice. So fun and perfect for getting what everyone wants.
My personal favorite is the grilled cheese sandwiches from Meltdown on 30A.
Black Bear Bread Co. (Grayton Beach) - Located in the Shops of Grayton Beach (a collection of stand-alone wooden house-like structures), this is a coffee shop, bakery and cafe that offers a tasty menu of craft coffees, pastries, tartines, leavened bread, fresh salads and sandwiches. Great place for coffee and bakery items. They also have a few breakfast and lunch items that I have heard were amazing. I’ve only ever tried their coffee and sweet treats/snacks and they were amazing so I’m sure the breakfast and lunch is just as great!
The black and white interior of Black Bear Bread Co. is ultra chic - great place to settle in with your laptop if you have to spend a morning working.
Chiringo (Grayton Beach)
It’s a Spanish-influenced, casual beachside bar and eatery that blends global beach flavors with Southern charm. Chiringo gives you a variety of places to sit to enjoy its food offerings as well as some pretty awesome views. You can see the Gulf and enjoy the breeze. It was gorgeous the day we were there, and I loved the chance to dine outside but out of the sun. This spot was our kids’ favorite!!
Bud & Alley's (Seaside)
Great spot in Seaside with salads, small plates and a fresh selection of seafood including seared diver scallops, roasted salmon, crab cakes, seafood gumbo and scallop ceviche. Restaurant also has a rooftop bar - perfect setting for drinks on a warm day.
Havana Beach Bar & Grill (Rosemary Beach)
Located inside The Pearl, the Havana Beach Bar & Grill serves an eclectic mix of cuisine, drawing inspiration from both the Gulf Coast and the Caribbean. Highlights for me were the fresh seafood dishes, particularly the grouper and scallops.
Raw & Juice (Alys Beach)
Raw & Juicy embraces the all-white design of its Alys Beach neighborhood with a white exterior accented by cactus and ultra chic greenery. Menu is as delicious as the place is cute featuring a variety of smoothies, vegan flatbreads, bowls, burritos and skillets.
Best Sit Down Breakfast:
The Great Southern Cafe: Definitely a favorite all around restaurant in Seaside. Don’t miss their beignets or YaYa Grits!
The Donut Hole: A bakery and diner rolled into one. Not only do they have AMAZING donuts (my fav is the chocolate coconut) but they also serve breakfast. lunch and dinner! This is a little bit of a hike, located past Rosemary Beach at the end of 30A, but it’s a yummy breakfast for a reasonable price.
Be sure to get here early, especially in the height of summer.
Best Snacks:
Frost Bites: Cool off with a shaved ice from Frost Bites and then come back for one of their famous root beer floats.
It’s Heavenly: Always our after dinner ice cream destination. They have a great selection of sorbets, too!
Modica Market: Trust me, and get one of their cakes by the slice…or just get the whole thing! I can honestly say they have the best red velvet cake I have ever had! This is the perfect place if you want to grab something sweet to-go.
Pecan Jacks Ice Creamery – This is my favorite Ice cream on 30A. The staff is very friendly and all their flavors are homemade. It always takes me forever to decide on a flavor because they’re all so unique and VERY DELICIOUS.
Blue Mountain Beach Creamery – Cute little Ice cream shop with lots of options. They only except cash.
Sugar Shak – Huge selection of candy, sweets and Ice cream. The only bad thing is it’s always crowded but I guess thats what you get when you go somewhere so yummy!
Charlie’s Donut Truck – Charlie’s Donut Truck opens early each morning, serving fresh, handmade donuts and pastries. Get there early because they sell out fast!
Five Daughters Bakery Airstream – They have 100 layer donuts that are to die for! It’s their version of a cronut (hybrid of a croissant and a donut).
We loved our stay on the 30A and can’t wait to go back! We both commented that we could easily see this as a spot we make a repeat travel destination, and how easy it would be to come here for a vacation with another family or two.
**Side Note: Don’t forget to check the schedule for happenings around the square. They usually have kid friendly activities at least twice a week. We watched a wonderful band play on Wednesday night at the amphitheater and then watched a kids movie under the stars on Friday night.