Florida’s best kept secret is a secret no longer. People are traveling far and wide to visit the crystal clear waters and lively, but laidback atmosphere of 30A. Read along for the ultimate guide to exploring 30A.
My family has been visiting 30A and its gorgeous beaches for about six years now. And I am here to share all of my tips and must see spots with you guys to make it your most memorable vacation yet!
Best Places to Eat in 30A
East Coast cuisine meets southern comfort. 30A has some of the best eats in the country. Here are some can’t-miss spots for your next trip.
Watching the sunset from Bud and Alleys has become a staple for any 30A visit. Every evening the bartender rings the bell as the sun sets. Pro tip: if you guess the exact time of sunset, you get a free drink on the house!
Head over to Grayton Beach for the best tacos and an unforgettable atmosphere. Grab some drinks at the bar or head up to their rooftop patio for dinner.
In the center of Seaside’s square, The Great Southern has a laidback atmosphere with impeccable food.
One of my favorite places to get a quick delicious meal. Grab some steamed shrimp and head over to the bar by Seaside Tower for an unbeatable view.
Food truck in an air stream? Yes please. Seaside has a variety of options (my personal favorite is The Meltdown) to chose from. Perfect to grab a quick lunch and head back down to the beach.
Right across from Gulf Place Town Center, Shunk Gully is known for its live music and unmatched seafood.
Located in Rosemary Beach, The Big Bad Breakfast is hands down my favorite spot for brunch. Their chicken biscuit and iced coffee are my go-to’s.
Things to Do in 30A
Along with the fan-favorite activity of sitting in a chair next to the crystal clear waters, 30A offers so many choices when it comes to how to spend your vacation.
Hiking
This area is packed full of national and state parks to explore during your stay here. From Grayton State Park to Tops’l to Camp Hellen, you’ll have plenty of real estate to get lost in.
Rent bikes
Biking is the preferred mode of transportation when it comes to 30A. I recommend renting bikes during your stay here to steer off the beaten path and get the full experience. You can even rent tandem bikes for an extra fun memory.
farmers market
Check out Rosemary’s market every Thursday and Sunday morning and Seaside’s market on Saturdays. Local vendors really go above an beyond at these markets to create a laidback small town feel.
Kayaking/paddle boarding
Try paddle board yoga down in Seaside or rent a kayak to cruise around Eastern Lake. A great way to elevate your average day spent on the water.
Shopping
30A is full of boutiques and stores to find one-of-a-kind items. Spend your afternoon finding perfect momentos or simply window shopping. Some of my favorite stores include Ophelia, The Art of Simple, Indigo, Mermaids of 30A, and Outpost.
Bonfire
Want to take your beach trip to the next level? Shoreline Beach Service will come to your location and build you the ultimate beach bonfire. Equipped with comfy chairs and s’mores, there’s not a better way to spend your evening.
Best Places to Watch the Sunset in 30A
Sunsets are what sets 30A apart from the rest of the beaches in the US. There’s something extra special about seeing the gold and orange hues reflect on the turquoise waters.
bud and ally‘s
The iconic sunset bell. One of my favorite places to unwind with good food and a great view of the sunset from their rooftop patio.
Restaurant, hotel, and bar all wrapped up into one. Every square inch of The Pearl is picture-perfect. My favorite way to spend an evening will a daiquiri in hand watching the sun go down.
seaside tower
The Seaside Tower is famous for a reason. Make sure to get there early though because it starts to get crowded near sunset.
Most Instagramable Places in 30A
Pretty much all of 30A is picture perfect, but here are a few of my all-time favorite spots.
seaside post office
One of the most iconic buildings in Seaside, the fully-functioning Post Office is the picture perfect spot.
Kaya BEACH
All white everything. Everywhere you turn in Kaya seems like the cover of a post card.
ART OF SIMPLE
The Art of Simple is a must-see shop in the Seaside square, but is also quickly getting traction for the detailed flooring near its entrance. Grab a mimosa from Modica Market for the perfectly simple snapshot.
SEAside tower
Cliche, but necessary.
Stripes
Behind the Shrimp Shack, virtually all of the walls are covered in vertical blue and white stripes. The perfect backdrop for your next instagram post.
Truman house
A real-life Truman Show. Must-see for any fan of the movie!
Coffee and Desserts
Along with their notorious dinner spots, 30A has some of the best coffee shops and dessert stops you can’t miss out on.
Head over to Grayton to check out my favorite coffee shop in 30A. Bakery, coffee shop, and cafe all rolled into one, Black Bear has it all.
Seaside icecream shop
Located right off the square in Seaside, this icecream shop is to die for.
Rosemary Candy shop
Heaven on Earth for candy-lovers like me. Every corner and counter is packed full of candy and sweets sure to satisfy any craving.
After many years spent exploring 30A I am so excited to share the knowledge and tips I have learned to be sure your vacation is an unforgettable one. Use this ultimate guide to 30A to plan help plan your next trip!