So many readers have used our (newly updated!) 30A guide over the years but we wanted to go a step further and share my personal favorites when it comes to restaurants, activities and more! If you follow @dosaygive on Instagram you may have seen this on Stories but now it’s in a post that can be easily referenced anytime. Be sure to bookmark posts that are helpful or send to friends and family that are traveling to this area soon. And I’d love to know your favorites in the comments section of this post!
Best Coffee:
Amavida
They have locations at Rosemary Beach and Seaside.
Runners up: The Beachy Bean and Black Bear Bread Co.
Best Donuts:
Donut Hole
A pandhandle classic!
Best Diner Breakfast:
Donut Hole
During season go before 7AM to avoid lines!
Best Bread/Cafe:
Black Bear Bread C0.
A great little cafe for brunch or get bread, pastries, coffee to go!
Best Seafood Market:
Buddy’s Seafood
Runners up: Destin Ice Market 30A and Goatfeathers at 30Avenue
Best Restaurant:
George’s at Alys Beach
Go for an early lunch or dinner!
Best Waterfront Dining:
Crabby Steve’s
Walk up from the beach if staying nearby. Great for lunch or frozen drinks!
Runners up: Bud and Alley’s and FOOW 30A
Best Hotel for Quick Weekend:
The Court Seaside is perfect for couples or girls trip! Read about it here.
Runners Up: The Pearl and Watercolor Inn!
My Parent’s Favorite Restaurant:
The Perfect Pig
Fun Kid-friendly Restaurants (no reservations):
Stinky’s Fish Camp
Get the turtle food to feed turtles!
Nice and Kid-friendly Restaurants (with reservations):
The Bay South Walton, The Perfect Pig
Best Atmosphere for Date Night or Girls’ Night:
Pescado
Best Adult Date Night Spot:
Citizen, Pescado for rooftop ambiance and Edward’s is romantic!
Best After Dinner Fun for Children:
Sugar Shack
Best After Dinner Fun (adults and/or children):
La Crema Tapas Bar and Restaurant
Fun Surprise for Your Children:
The Yard Milkshake Bar
Better to go in person, but if you’re looking for touristy fun, go to Pier Park in Panama City!
Favorite Ice Cream Places:
Blue Mountain Creamery, Sugar Shack and Marble Slab
Best Sno Cone:
Frost Bites in Seaside
Best Family Hike:
Grayton Beach State Park (1 mile)
It goes through sand dunes, forrest, and more!
Best Public Beach:
They are all pretty nice! For the state parks, get early because limited spaces.
We liked Sea Breeze (close if staying at The Hub!)
Favorite Clothing Store:
Willow Boutique
There a several locations, each with a different style!
Best Art Gallery:
Grayton Beach is known for their art galleries!
Best Interiors Store:
Parish by Ashley Gilbreath
Best Live Music:
The Big Chill, The Bay South Walton
Children’s Favorite Non-Beach Cctivity:
Kayaking an Inlet at Camp Helen State Park
Best Place for Toddlers:
Fonville Playground in Alys Beach. Rosemary has several playgrounds too!
Favorite Activities for Middle Schoolers:
Bike riding is the best way to have fun and explore! Exploring Seaside and Rosemary beach towns are also fun for that age. I loved Watercolor for this reason, because lots of places to safely bike and they could go up to Seaside for sno cones, etc.
Best off the Beaten Path Activity:
Picnic or Tour at Eden Gardens State Park
Best Bonfire Experience:
Best Bakery for Birthday Cake:
Donut Hole
My favorites are the coconut or strawberry cake!
Easiest To-Go Dinners:
Amigos 30A Mexican Kitchen, Amici 30A Italian Kitchen
Outdoor dining too!
Best Sushi:
Basmati’s
Best PoBoy:
Great Southern or Stinky’s
Best Charcuterie Board:
You can have delivered to your house!
Best Tuna Dip:
Goatfeathers at 30Avenue
Best Takeout Options for Large Groups:
Back Beach BBQ or Pizza from Bruno’s
Best Photographers:
Best day Adventures:
Eden Gardens State Park, Deer Lake State Park (Bring $4-5 cash for parking to the State Parks.) Art Galleries and lunch in Grayton Beach, 1/2 day trip to Destin and go to Kahuna or The Track.
Thoroughly enjoyed this article. It was sent to me by a friend when she heard we are about to vacation here for the first time in July this year.
I’m so glad! Thank you!