30A Florida is a hidden gem that is bursting with life and endless festivities. From sugar-white sand beaches to breathtaking sunsets, this stretch of coastline has something for everyone. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there’s always something fun and exciting happening along 30A.
Join us on a journey as we explore the top 30A Florida festivities that will leave you feeling exhilarated and awestruck!
Get ready to indulge in delicious food, dance the night away at lively music festivals, and enjoy thrilling outdoor adventures that will make your heart race with excitement.
If you have never been to Northwest Florida, you likely have no idea what this numeric 30A is all about. Scenic Highway 30A is a 28.5-mile corridor that touches the Gulf of Mexico coastline in Northwest Florida’s Walton County.
30A is a collection of small, beautiful, and comfortable Florida beach towns nestled quietly between the busy areas of Panama City and Destin along County Road 30A.
So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and let’s dive in!
Step into a Wonderland: 30A’s Extravagant Celebrations Await
The name 30A comes from an actual road in South Walton County (County Road 30A) that stretches roughly 20 miles along the Florida Panhandle Coastline.
Scenic Highway 30A is a tourist attraction that offers an exciting and eclectic mix of vibrant Caribbean colors and natural pastels with aesthetically pleasing vintage architecture that contrasts with each community and its charm.
From Old Florida’s traditional 2-3 story homes or the Seaside cottages with white fence and pedestrians pathways to New Urbanism or long greenway trails connecting parks, preserves, and residential areas, you get to witness all sorts of lifestyles at 30A. Along this mesmerizing drive, you get to experience white sand beaches and some very rare coastal dune lakes.
Unlike other beach towns where you find massive buildings, big hotels, condo units, etc., beach life at 30A is much calmer and quieter with more families than adults and kids, local shops, and all the breathtaking Coast views that your eyes could want.
How 30A came to be
Initially, it was all dirt and dust. Grayton Beach (founded in 1890) was connected to the rest of the known universe and the turpentine farms that dotted the beachy landscape via a long dusty, dirt road in 1934.
That road was paved in 1935. There was a general store in the heart of town, where the famed Red Bar currently sits. “The White Elephant” was the name of the store.
The name is an interesting allegory. It derives from the King of Siam’s practice of bestowing rare albino elephants on courtiers he despised for them to be ruined by the extravagant animals’ upkeep costs.
In the 1950s, coastal communities such as Dune Allen and Seagrove began to spring up along the route. In December 1956, a small one-lane partially dirt road named 30A was paved.
By 1970, the beach towns of Western Lake had been linked to Dune Allen. Just before the creation of a small town called Seaside, destined to transform the world.
Festivities
30A is known for its festivities and eventful nights, particularly in summer. Certainly, it is the most popular time to visit 30A.
Every year starts off with a 30A Songwriters Festival which is held in stages along 30A. With literally something for everyone, songwriters from all over the world gather to perform their songs in front of a crowd of music lovers and beachgoers.
In that vein, the South Walton Food and Wine Festival takes place on the last weekend of April. This lovely event held in Grand Boulevard which is South Walton’s hub of food and shopping features local vendors of wonderful foods, wines, and liquors.
The Seeing Red Wine Festival held at the seaside at the time of fall is the year’s highlight. For one long weekend of a year, the classic American beach town is transitioned into a wine wonderland.
The servings are generous and gracious as they offer some of the greatest wines in the world.
Vacation Scene
Vacation at 30A is as simple as it can get. It depends on what you choose to do. From walking, shopping, dinner, entertainment or simply having a beach day, the experience is full of pleasure nonetheless.
It is short and meaningful. You don’t have to wait in the car, in traffic, or wait to enjoy anything around. Relaxation at 30A is convenient and accessible.
You can simply walk to get to most places or take a bike ride for comparatively longer trips. The vacation at 30A is simple and slow-paced full of the smallest pleasures and little meaningful joys.
Traveling to or having a vacation on the Gulf Coast of Florida is a wholesome experience in itself. The emerald green ocean, sugar-white sand beaches, and coastal dune lakes along with a pleasing atmosphere and beautifully calm communities of 30A are irresistible!
From Farm-to-Table Dining to Beachfront Eateries: Unlock 30A’s Gastronomic Hub
Here are some of the best communities of 30A learning about which will make it difficult for you to choose where you want to plan your next vacation at!
1. Dune Allen Beach
The most western community of 30A is Dune Allen with coastal dune lakes delineated and Topsail State Park bordered on the west by the lake. Sunsets at Dune Allen surrounded by natural dunes will make you skip a breath.
Featuring 4 to 5-bedroom homes with large families as well as a few smaller ones to cater to small families, this community offers some mesmerizing views of the emerald green ocean.
Many of the residencies are on stilts and have balconies where you can sit and enjoy your morning coffee with breathtaking views.
2. Santa Rosa Beach
Anyone who is seeking to enjoy all that 30A offers, Santa Rosa is for you. Looking for coastal dune lakes or a long peaceful walk along the scenic highway?
This is for you!
Want to be close to nature or just enjoy the calmly flowing sea, check! Searching for forest trails, golf courses, or a quaint town center?
Santa Rosa has everything for you. Offering different ranges of house size with two to four bedrooms or even eight to nine.
The quality of vacation at Santa Rosa is characterized by the natural lands and homes poised atop mountain dunes that overlook magical green ocean water flowing.
One fact about this community is that it is the oldest 30A coastal town founded in 1910 which is now home to absolutely beautiful scenery, a vast variety of activities, and delicious dining options.
3. Blue Mountain Beach
Named after its native blue Lupine flowers and the Gulf Coast’s highest altitude, Blue Mountain Beach is truly unique and is home to great hidden treasures.
It sits quite away from the populated regions of the scenic highway offering calm and peace to its visitors. There are around twenty, four, and five-bedroom houses that overlook scenic and quieter areas of high coastal dunes and white sands that sit beside shimmering emerald green ocean waters.
You can also expect occasional celebrity encounters at this beach which is a bonus!
4. Grayton Beach
One of the oldest communities in the area that has been attracting tourists for more than 100 years. Grayton is described as the ‘soul’ of 30A and is full of free-spirited folks.
It is surrounded by the majestic beauty of Grayton Beach State Park which is known to have the second-largest coastal dune lake in the entire Florida Panhandle region.
Grayton is home to hand-painted signs and symbols boards, pet-friendly areas, iconic local shops, and restaurants as well as scenic views of clean green waters and sugar-white sands.
5. Watercolor
What a subtle pretty name, right?
It’s more than that. An eco-friendly 30A community known for its ample majestic beach, high-end cottages, aesthetic boardwalks, fine dining, and mesmerizing surroundings.
Activities like hiking, biking, and beaching are common at Watercolor. Besides this, it is also important to check out the restaurants, shops, and tennis clubs when you are here.
Watercolor is considered a carbon copy of the American Beach Town. You can see the very layout of the streets, pathways, and roads giving off all those Classical American vibes.
6. Seagrove Beach
Seagrove is surrounded by a lush belt of maritime forests that defined this region more than a century ago.
It has an old-time feel to it bounded by natural beauty and scenic views. It offers some of the highest-priced real estate in the states. Most homes here are in the 4 to 5-bedroom range with a few larger for bigger families. Seagrove has a luxurious lifestyle belayed with elegance.
With fewer restaurants and stores, this historic town is largely residential and focuses more on enjoying nature. Seagrove is simply a happy and slow-paced town on 30A.
7. Seacrest Beach
Seacrest Beach is probably the quietest spot on 30A for outdoor enthusiasts. It is located at the east end of 30 A, just west of Inlet Beach, between Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach.
Enjoy golfing at the Golf Camp Creek Club or go swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing at the beach or sit beside the Creek Lake which is a unique coastal dune lake.
It’s a basic, simple, and quiet area without the throngs or hustles that might be found anywhere else. Take a stroll and discover unique shops, and local favorite restaurants, or book yourself tall multi-story homes or luxurious condos.
No matter what you do, you must enjoy the calm and charm of Seacrest!
8. Inlet Beach
Old meets new at Inlet Beach. If you are looking for something untouched with a blend of vintage and modern sites, this is for you.
Here you can find cozy cottages and modern homes. Stylish and modern yet calm and relaxed. Situated on the far eastern end of 30A, just a short drive away from Panama City Beach lies this untouched coastal paradise.
Least populated with some breathtaking scenery and wide beaches. If you are looking for some quiet time, Inlet is the place for you.
9. Rosemary Beach
Considered among the favorite beaches of people in the U.S., Rosemary has quite a life to it. With cobblestone streets stretched along with the thick forests, there is diversity at Rosemary.
The kind of diversity where you see different people enjoying different activities and an eventful hustle and bustle.
The community is carefully designed to leave the natural beauty of the Floridian oasis intact while not overlooking any detail.
There are stunning homes, footpaths, and beautiful boardwalks that are characteristic of life in this community. You will get to see a lot of bicycles so be careful while driving to the town.
10. Alys Beach
Just like the name, the beach itself is fascinating. It is a secret hidden in the Florida Panhandle region.
Take a stroll and discover an exotic town full of whimsical, optic-white architecture that gives off those luxurious yet comfy feels. Alys Beach has some perfectly manicured landscapes with white sandy beaches.
Rental cottages in Alys is another world! Insanely beautiful and crazy priced as well starting around $1000 per night and up. Alys is also home to delicious eateries, restaurants, shops, hiking trails, and parks.
On the plus side, Alys is a beautiful backdrop for your Instagram photos as it offers marvels of architecture blended with mesmerizing views.
11. WaterSound
WaterSound offers some of the most adorable vacation home rentals that are affordable so perfect for those who want some community amenities while also not blowing away their entire year’s budget just on the rental home.
It has multiple pools, lakes, golf courses, and parks.
Watersound is home to several restaurants with outdoor spaces and a stage where you can enjoy some live music while having delicious food. The natural beauty of WaterSound speaks volumes. Featuring white sand beaches and unique Floridian grasslands makes it a lovely tourist spot.
12. Seaside
An ultimately friendly-family beach town, Seaside has a great artistic vibe to it. It is home to a fantastic farmers market, a national art festival, and the picture-perfect pastel homes that appeared in the Truman Show. T
here are endless water sports opportunities for adventure enthusiasts at Seaside.
With beautiful views of the emerald green waters and deep blue sky in the background, you can pay for a beach chair or a cabana and savor the sound of crashing waves.
13. Seascape
Seascape Resort offers a drastically different experience from the sleepier beach communities on Scenic Highway 30A, with tough penthouse condominiums offering the greatest prospects across the country.
Get a glow on a gorgeous beach, dip into a cool pool, or take a break on a golf course for the championship.
These are only a few ways to spend your time at Seascape!
Taste some new fish and live music in one of the numerous brisk restaurants in Seascape and enjoy your stay at the calming community of SeaScape!
Where do locals eat on 30A?
Florida’s scenic 30A corridor offers a variety of dining experiences from casual to fine dining and food truck options. Before we dive into the details of 30A restaurants, you might want to consider the option of hiring a personal chef for your comfort food.
Yes! You heard it right.
It is an increasingly popular option on 30A to hire a private chef to prepare a multi-course meal or your casual food in the comfort of your vacation home or rental unit.
Otherwise, you do have the best restaurants along the Emerald Coast where locals enjoy delicious foods.
Here are several of our favorites!
1. Bud & Alley’s Restaurants
A cozy gathering place overlooking the Gulf of Mexico in the heart of Seaside on Scenic Highway 30A Florida was founded by young local surfers who were on their way to slide on some waves.
Instead, they used the opportunity to channel their passion into Bud & Alleys.
The restaurant runs on the mantra of sharing good food with good people and having a good time. Serving Southern coastal classics to casual eateries while overlooking the Gulf of Mexico upscales the entire dining experience.
The locals can also enjoy sunset views by gathering at the time of dusk on the Rooftop Bar at Buds & Alleys.
You can enjoy authentic tastes of Italy at the Pizza Bar or go for Tacos and enjoy the fresh flavors with a funky vibe at Taco Bar.
Now Bud & Alley’s catering company is also available to take over your dining table while you enjoy and celebrate special occasions and life milestones because, after all, good food with good people is what Bud & Alley’s is all about.
2. Stinky’s Fish Camp
Stinky’s Fish Camp sits on the coastal dune lake on Dune Allen just across from the beach. It has become the most popular seafood & wine bar in 30A. Seafood lovers are repeated visitors of this place who sometimes have to wait long for their orders but they know it is for all the good reasons.
Loved by the locals, Stinky’s Fish Camp has been repeatedly voted one of South Walton’s greatest spots for fine seafood, casual dine-in, and raw oysters. Stinky’s is one of the few places left that serves “select” Apalachicola Oysters which is considered the best of the best.
Offering an All Day oyster Bar, full bar, and an extensive plus affordable variety of wine, Stinky’s is the favorite place for those who want to enjoy delicious seafood in a fun and casual environment.
It runs on a first come first serve basis so while you wait for your table you can head over to The Bait Shack which is right next to Stinky’s for some refreshing drinks.
Do not miss the Sunday Brunch at Stinky’s which offers a wide range of food items with a pop of live music and festivals.
3. Local Catch Bar & Grill
Offering a fun-loving and casual environment, Local Catch Bar & Grill is located on scenic 30A on Blue Mountain Beach.
Enjoy its welcoming environment while you grub on fried shrimp tacos or simply grab a seat on the outdoor covered patio and sip on some cold beer while you wait for a plate of the best nachos in town. Local Catch Bar’s dining is ideal for a family, group, or large party.
Live Music is a huge part of this restaurant. With each season, there are new celebrations and special events at Local Catch Bar. Do not miss this cozy place for a casual dining experience while you are on 30A.
4. Big Bad Breakfast-Inlet Beach
Giving special regard to the most important meal of the day, Big Bad Breakfast owns a unique style of breakfast by mixing things up like adding fresh Gulf seafood to the BBB staples to give you that joy through your first meal of the day.
With custom-created meats, fresh biscuits and preserves made in-house, locally roasted coffee, and some of the best cocktails in town, this is not your average breakfast spot.
There are a lot of breakfast options for you to choose from. Avocado toast, sun-dried cranberries, almond granola with vanilla yogurt, or classics like pancakes and waffles and oatmeal, every meal is big so you have to go a little bad!
Breakfast isn’t all the Big Bad Breakfast serves. Snacks including sandwiches, skillet, or a proper multi-course meal are also a specialty of BBB.
So add it to your itinerary and don’t forget to show up with your appetite because there is a lot you can order.
5. The Perfect Pig Grill & Fish House
The Perfect Pig has perfection in bacon and more. But they are more than just pig-inspired deliciousness.
Stop at The Perfect Pig and experience a delicious fine feast or enjoy a nice breakfast, dinner, or lunch.
Here you may discover freshly made muffins and scones, brioche bread, ham biscuits, south-faced cups of coffee, and bottomless cups, which will keep you going for more.
The elegant, home-like interior gives a fresh and contemporary look with a touch of vintage-looking brick walls and wicker chairs that are sure to give you a feeling as if you have walked into your cool aunt’s home.
6. VUE ON 30A
Located in the heart of Sant Rosa Beach, Vue offers beautiful panoramic views across the entire back of the restaurant.
The scenery surrounding Vue will have you wanting to stay a little longer. From smoked salmon benedict cuisine and shrimp & grits for brunch to delicious beef carpaccio for dinner, their award-winning cuisines will leave your taste buds wanting more.
The sunset views on the sparkling emerald gulf waters and the cozy, warm atmosphere will make your dining experience spectacular!
7. Donut Hole (Panama City)
The Donut Hole features a large breakfast, lunch, and supper menu that has been turned into a restaurant and a bakery.
Expect to wait in line on Sundays and many times throughout the season.
Located in Inlet Beach, near the far east end of 30A, Donut Hole offers some Southern Classics and mouthwatering bakery items like donuts and pastries that will satisfy your sweet tooth!
Known for its stunning white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, 30A is a paradise unlike any other!
And if you happen to be visiting during the summer, get ready to experience some of the most exciting and unforgettable festivities in all of Florida!
From music festivals and art fairs to food events and beach parties, there’s always something happening on 30A.
Whether you’re a family looking for some fun in the sun or a group of friends searching for an epic adventure, these festivities are sure to keep you entertained from dawn till dusk.
