Along the Gulf Coast of Florida lies a 28 mile stretch of scenic highway called 30A. Dotted with dunes, cottages, boutique hotels, and new urbanist developments, 30A exudes that laid-back atmosphere we all crave with a beach vacation. In this frequently updated 30A guide you will find everything you need to know about this gem of a vacation spot — including which restaurants take reservations! 

Southerners have known about the Florida panhandle’s white sand beaches and aqua blue waters for generations, but the secret is now out and families from all over the country are now traveling to this quaint yet beautiful destination. In our extensive 30A Guide, you will find where to stay, where to eat, and what to do! We also have a Best of 30A post where we list our favorites in every category!

Where to Stay

There are so many options! You can choose to rent a home or condominium through VRBO, a vacation rental company, or directly through a community listed below. There are hotel and B&B options, too.

Master-Planned Communities

If you want to rent a house in an upscale master-planned community (think town center, restaurants, tennis court, pools, etc.), there are several options: Seaside is the oldest 30A community and still as charming with its new urbanism, pastel houses. Watercolor is close by with options on both the north and south (beach) side of 30A. 

Rosemary Beach is on the far east side of 30A. Instead of the pastel houses, you will find something more reminiscent to Carmel, California with stucco and wood-sided homes, single-shake roofs, and lots of meandering paths throughout. Alys Beach is the a master-planned community known for its stunning white houses. Prominence on 30A is another popular option and has many pet-friendly rentals (note: no beach access so guests use nearby public beach.)

Watersound is between the two is another great spot located in the mid-point of 30A. 

More Home Rental Options

There are so many beautiful developments all along 30A up that aren’t quite as pricey as the ones listed above, yet you can still take advantage of the cute town centers if you book something nearby. Definitely look at a map before you book (below). Seagrove is closest to Seaside. Seacrest is very close to Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach. My parents like the Waters Edge community right next to Rosemary Beach. Similarly, Inlet Beach is within walking distance of Rosemary’s shops as is High Point Condominiums, which are great if you want an ocean view and don’t need a full house. 

Blue Mountain Beach has more of a laid-back feel with a cute shopping area — a good place to rent a condo across from the beach! Grayton Beach is where many locals live with good restaurants, shops, and little art galleries. Same with Santa Rosa. Most rentals are on VRBO or directly through master-planned communities.

Tip: If you are going in the off season, be sure to ask if the community pool is heated. My research shows that Rosemary and Watercolor have a few heated pools but many of the others do not. 

Hotels

The Pearl at Rosemary Beach or Watercolor Inn are both luxury hotels that are perfect for a couple’s getaway or a wedding weekend. But there are a few other hotel options, too. The Rosemary Beach Inn has 11 rooms and is steps away from the beach. And the Highland House Bed & Breakfast in Blue Mountain Beach is a cute option, too. The Pointe 30A is a newer luxury resort in Inlet Beach. And The Court just opened right off Seaside square!

 

What to Do

Besides going to the beach, there are so many wonderful things to do up and down 30A! 

Beaches

What 30A is known for! When booking a rental make sure you have beach access or figure out the nearest public beach. Note: it’s important to know the flag system Fort Walton County uses for water safety. Do not swim or let your children get in surf when there is a red flag due to rip tides which are extremely dangerous. A double red flag means the water is closed. Violators can get up to a $500 fine for getting in the water in a double red flag. Text BEACH to 44144 to get latest beach conditions texted to you daily. 

Rent Bikes

Part of the fun of staying on 30A is that you can bike (or walk!) to nearby beaches, restaurants, and shops. Some house rentals come with bikes but there are also bike rental shops along 30A. Each of the planned communities has a bike rental place. You can also reserve them online in advance. (See bottom of this post for rental companies).

Outdoor Events

On almost any day or night during the summer months, you can find a free outdoor concert, movie at a park, or a fun festival to attend. (Check this 30A events calendar.) Most of the master-planned communities have their own nightly events so be sure to check before you go.

The Big Chill (formerly The Hub)

One of those things where you think, “Why didn’t I think of this?” The Big Chill is an outdoor and child-friendly gathering place with order-at-the-counter restaurants so everyone can get what they want to eat. No waiting for tables or being worried about children squirming in their chairs! Here children can run, skip, dance, and have fun being children while parents can sit back and relax listening to live music. They have concerts every night (and sometimes movies!). In the high season, I’d say go early. Seriously, so much fun!

Evening Beach Bonfire

C.C. Boone will arrange an Instagram-worthy luxury beach set up at Seaside! You can add on charcuterie boards, cocktails, and s’mores, too. You can read about our experience here. 

Beach Brothers Beach Service or Momma Bear Bonfires are other lesser-priced options. 

Culinary and Beach Experiences 

If you don’t want a bonfire and just want a party, C.C Boone can do this in your home or on the beach, too! Their charcuterie boards are amazing and they have so many options for party add-ons. C.C. Boone also offers in-home wine tastings, happy hours, and private chef experiences. Learn more here. 

St. Augustine’s Playground at Rosemary Beach

Has a splash pad!

Playground at Alys Beach

Grab something to drink from Raw & Juicy in Alys Beach and watch your children play. 

Rosemary Beach Farmers’ Market

On Sunday mornings from 9am to 1pm. 

Fishing Charters 

Of course, there are the traditional deep sea charters available in the gulf, but if you want to skip the sea-sickness, try a guided fishing charter into the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay. See a list of guides here.

Wine Tasting

The NEAT wine shop in Alys Beach often has wine tastings and live music on certain nights. The Wine Bar in Watercolor often has events, too.

Shopping

Each town center has gift shops and toy shops. If there’s one chic clothing store you must stop in during your trip it’s Willow Boutique. They have four locations along 30A and each one has their own unique style. Alys Beach has some beautiful shops, and Seaside is always a fun place to spend an afternoon, too. The picturesque town feels like something out of a movie. (It actually was the setting for The Truman Show.)

For interiors don’t miss Ashley Gilbreath Design’s Parish in Rosemary Beach. While there, check out Disco for women and teen’s clothing. Sundog Books, which is a family-owned independent bookstore in Seaside, has a good selection of books about the area (think coffee table book for a souvenir!). And don’t miss the art galleries in Grayton Beach.

Art Galleries

Take the 30A Art Gallery trail with lots of wonderful recommendations. Grayton Beach is know for their art galleries!

Family Hiking

Try Grayton State Park for a fun and easy hike for children. Dogs welcome!

State Parks

Deer Lake has a beautiful beach but get there early as parking is limited. (Great if you are staying near The Big Chill). 

Kayaking and Stand Up Paddle Boards

Check out the rental companies below, but one of our favorite places for kayaking is Camp Helen State Park.

Golf and Tennis

Most of the planned communities have tennis courts, and you can find a full list of golf courses here. It might be worth driving into Destin or Sandestin to play as well.

Rooftop or Beachside Bar

Get a sitter (see below!) and go to the chic rooftop bar at Pescado or The Pearl Rosemary Beach. They have food, too, so you can even have dinner here (Note: they close at 9 pm). Acme Ice House is a more casual bar with live music nightly. The Red Bar is always fun and a celebrity favorite, and there’s also the rooftop bar at Bud & Alley’s in Seaside.

Ice Cream and Candy Stores

In our family, it’s become a tradition to get candy or ice cream after dinner at the Sugar Shak in Rosemary Beach or The Candy Bar in Watercolor and then walk around and enjoy the evening — maybe even let them play on one of the greens. A child’s dream! There are ice cream and candy shops all along 30A. Seaside has lots of food trucks with ice cream, sno cones, and crepes! For a fun outing in City Beach, try The Yard!

Late Night Crab Hunting

A family tradition of ours. Grab your nets and flashlights and make fun memories after sunset. Don’t forget your beach pail!

Eden Gardens State Park

Off of Highway 98, Eden Gardens State Park is a great place for a picnic! You can also tour the restored mansion or walk the nature trails. It’s beautiful!

Mini Golf, Go Carts, and Waterparks

Drive to Panama City or Destin, depending on which side of 30A you are staying. We love Big Kahuna and The Track in Destin. 

Gulf World Panama City

Dolphin shows, shark feedings, and more!

Pier Park in Panama City Beach

Lots of activities here: From bungee trampoline, axe throwing, escape room, gift shops, restaurants and more. Visit the Instagram favorite dessert spot: The Yard!

What to Eat

You have to eat fresh Gulf seafood while in 30A. If you are ever in doubt about what to order, a blackened amberjack sandwich or pan sautéed grouper (or even grouper almondine) are dishes everyone in this area seems to get right. Here are some of our favorites, divided by the east and west side of 30A.

Eastern Half of 30A (Closer to Rosemary and Seacrest)

George’s on Alys Beach — If you are staying in Seacrest or Rosemary Beach, you can bike or walk to lunch or dinner here. My advice: Go early if you have children (they have a children’s menu!). Get the spicy salt and pepper shrimp or the jerk crusted gulf snapper (below). $$$$.

Donut Hole — A local favorite for 30 years, they now have a location on either end of 30A. You can pick up donuts, but I recommend sitting down to eat breakfast. So good! (Tip: Get there before 8am to avoid the line!) And during lunch and dinner, they serve great diner food. If you are celebrating someone’s birthday, they have delicious cakes. But you can’t order ahead. 

Pescado — Rooftop bar and restaurant in Rosemary Beach with an incredible view and delicious food. Go for dinner, drinks, or just late night dessert! This is a place I would go with just adults. Reservations accepted. $$$$

Raw & Juicy — Grab a smoothie or juice, then watch your children play on the playground and climbing wall while you sit on their beautiful patio.

The Citizen — An upscale seafood restaurant in Alys Beach. Reservations accepted for parties of 8 or larger. 

La Crema Tapas & Fondue — This top-notch Rosemary Beach restaurant doesn’t take reservations, but put your name down and walk around. Great tapas (read: not a ton of food), but also a great place if you want to have a fun dessert after dinner. $$$$

Edward’s — Nightly music and outdoor dining in Rosemary Beach. Usually have a saxophone player or musician. Great ambiance but pricey. Reservations accepted.$$$$

Old Florida Fish House — Fun atmosphere and family-friendly. Reservations accepted via phone. $$$$

Crabby Steve’s — This is a local favorite and sort of a secret. It’s in the High Point condo development, but if you aren’t staying there you have to access it from the beach! If you are staying at or near Rosemary or Alys Beach, this is a great option for a lunch break on a beach day. Lots of specials and fun drinks while you overlook the beautiful gulf!  $$$

Caliza — Super pricey but super chic in Alys Beach! (Note: Only open to Alys Beach residents and vacation guests.)

Fonville Press — Another spot in Alys Beach that’s worth the visit! Part market and part cafe, this super chic spot is great for grabbing a few things for a beach picnic or for a cup of coffee in the morning. Food served all day!

Shades Bar & Grill — From the outside it looks like it could be an underwhelming chain restaurant, but this spot located at the intersection of 30A and Highway 98 (east side) actually has pretty decent fried seafood. $$

Cowgirl Kitchen — Well-priced for Rosemary! Their thin crust pizza is great. (Good for taking out!) $$

Havana Beach Bar — Upscale, open-air dining in The Pearl hotel. A fun place to have drinks and heavy hor d’ouevres, too. Reservations accepted. $$$$

Grits and Grind — I had the veggie omelet and it was delicious, as were their homemade biscuits.

NEAT — Super chic wine store in Alys Beach that has wine tastings and live music at night. $15 for four wines to taste four wines.

Big Bad Breakfast — Another great casual breakfast spot near Rosemary!

Back Beach BBQ — Off 98 on the way to Panama City is this great BBQ spot. Texans might not think it lives up to their brisket standards, but we thought it was great for takeout one night! 

Amici — In Inlet Beach, Italian that’s great for dining in or available on DoorDash! They have a sister restaurant called Amigos’ with Mexican food in Seacrest that’s pretty good, too, and easy. Great for take out. 

Pier Park  — A fun, family friendly shopping center in Panama City that has lots of restaurants. The Back Porch has a location here!

Western Side of 30A (Closer to Seaside, Seagrove and Watercolor)

The Red Bar — My family has been going here since I was a little girl. It burned down a few years ago but this funky and delish restaurant is back open! 

Great Southern Cafe — This casual Seaside restaurant with a giant outdoor patio is not quite as expensive as some of the other places along 30A, but has great food. $$$

Watercolor Wine Bar — Sophisticated food in a casual atmosphere. Lunch and dinner. Good for big parties if you sit outside. Great happy hour!

Airstream Row in Seaside — Various food options here!

The Big Chill — See above. A great outdoor gathering place for families with seven eateries to choose from. $$

The Perfect Pig — Wonderful food that’s not too fancy but very good! Reservations accepted. $$$

Fish Out of Water  — Upscale and beachside with beautiful views. Great for lunch. They also have a happy hour.

Goatfeathers — This Santa Rosa Beach casual seafood restaurant was a family favorite growing up, but now they also have two fish markets along 30A if you are cooking at home one night! Note: The fish markets close around 6 pm. $$

Louis Louis — Off Highway 98. A classic menu on the chalkboard kind of restaurant and it changes daily. $$$$

Santa Rosa Beach & Golf Club — Best restaurant ocean view in the area. Growing up we would get dressed up and go here one night for dinner. The restaurant is open to the public.  Reservations accepted. $$$$

Bud & Alley’s  —  This Seaside restaurant is right on the beach and has pretty views. You can dine in the (nicer) restaurant or order at the bar and eat on the rooftop tables with a great ocean view. They also serve breakfast. $$$$

Stinky’s Fish Camp  — Family-friendly restaurant in Santa Rosa known for its fresh seafood and oysters. Kids can feed the turtles off the dock. $$$

Cafe 30A — Fine dining seafood restaurant that’s been there forever. $$$$ Reservations required.

Bay Restaurant — North of 98 on the bay. A local favorite that’s family-friendly. Reservations accepted. $$$

Borago — Local Italian favorite. Reservations accepted. 

Basmati Restaurant — A reader recommendation in Blue Mountain Beach. Reservations recommended. 

Black Bear Bread Co. — A cafe and neighborhood place to grab a cup of coffee or stop in for sandwiches and salads. Located in Grayton Beach and now Seaside! Great breakfast spot! $$

Nambu Noodle Bar — Ramen, rice bowls, and poke! In Grayton Beach. $$. 

Modica Market — A Seaside market and coffee shop in one! Pick up something here for lunch, dinner, or dessert!

Blue Mabel — I’ve heard good things about this one in Santa Rosa. $$$$

Hibachi Joe — Catering and private dinners! Hibachi Joe comes to you and makes for a memorable evening!

Helpful Links

Bikes and Beach Chair Rentals 

Check to see if your vacation rental comes with chairs and/or beach chairs and umbrellas. Ask the owner for recommendations or check out these companies below:

• Vacayzen (Full-service rental company with bikes, chairs, baby gear, beach games, and more that will deliver to your rental home!)
• Big Fish Bike Rental
• Bamboo Bicycles (Rosemary)
• Peddlers 30A

Photographers

Brenna Kneiss is my go-to recommendation for photography on 30A. She offers family, lifestyle, wedding, and commercial photography. 

Baby Gear Rentals and Babysitters

• Baby’s Away
• Crib Connections
• Rent Gear Here

Grocery Delivery Service

Don’t want to head to Publix as soon as you arrive? Use Instacart or a personalized grocery service like The Beach Butlers who shop, deliver, and put the groceries away before you arrive! Walmart and Publix also have curbside pickup options. 

Getting There

30A is just a short drive from the Panama City Airport and Fort Walton Beach Airport. Pensacola is about 1.5 hours.

Getting Around

Goober — New! Get around 30A easily with a simple download of their app! 

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Be sure to see our other 30A posts below!

Holidays on 30A 

One of Our Favorite Hidden 30A Gems: Eden Gardens!

Best of 30A

30A Beach Bonfire for a Memorable Family Experience!

One of Our Favorite Hidden 30A Gems: Eden Gardens!

8 Tips for Family Beach Photos (Plus 30A Photographer!) 

And please consider sharing this well-researched post on Facebook and Pinterest!

Happy travels!