30A is a state highway that snakes along the Florida Panhandle, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The climate is more similar to the southeastern states of Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina than South Florida, in that it gets four seasons and is surrounded by dense forest pine trees. In the past decade with heavy social media presence, luxury commercial and residential developments, and blogging influences, 30A seems as popular as ever.
My first experience on 30A was in highschool with some girlfriends and our moms. Being a reasonable drive from the Atlanta area where I’m from, my mom enjoyed it so much that she continues to come back with my dad to visit. It makes a great vacation destination for families, weddings, couples trips, or girls’ weekends. There are a variety of restaurants and shopping areas, but best of all there is a beautiful beach!
What is all the hype about?
It’s the beach! The water is warm enough to swim a large part of the year! There may be some heavy seaweed in the summer months, but generally, the water is clear. Typically the purple wildlife flag is flown, but I only rarely have seen jellyfish, stingrays, and fish. The sand is powdery white as if you are on a tropical resort vacation. 30A beaches are meant for swimming!
The sea can be as still as glass some mornings and by evening the tides may be strong with crashing waves. Stay for the romantic sunsets!
Why go to 30A in the off-season?
This year we traveled here in June and November, so I have a good comparison. In June someone from our group, typically my mom, had to get to the beach at the crack of dawn to stake out a spot near the water. The beaches were crowded, and the water was active, filled with kids boogie-boarding and people on floats or swimming; while vibrant, it might not feel like the relaxing vacation some people are going for.
The ocean this past June had “June grass,” which was a fine hairy-like algae. It is harmless, but still a nuisance. June had large groups of teenagers, and at times it felt like a high school football tailgate. I’m realizing that was me visiting this area when I was in high school with my friends! Life comes full circle! The weather was hot and humid in June, but the water felt refreshing!
In comparison, in November it is like the beach is yours! The water might be cold, but sometimes it is warm enough to still swim and do water activities. The water in November had no seaweed and was clear besides a few small fish. There was significantly less traffic, and it was much easier to find a parking spot in November, which made exploring the neighboring towns much easier. I likely will only travel here in the off-season if I can help it.
Planning the Trip
Think about your vacation style. We typically are traveling to 30A with multiple households, often multi-generational. Everyone kind of does their own thing, but we’ll have some built-in together time, especially at the vacation home we are staying in. For example, on the first day we arrive, we may all walk the beach together before dinner at Grayton Beach. On our most recent trip, one evening we watched the Christmas movies, “Elf” and “The Holiday” with homemade cookies!
As far as activities during the day, it is choose your own adventure. I am a bit of a busybody and I tend to prioritize venturing to the various towns. Lately, we have stayed in Seagrove Beach, but I may explore Seaside and Watercolor one day, and then Rosemary Beach another day. My mom wants to be at the beach ALL day! Sun up to sun down. She likes to read, swim, walk, and listen to music out there. My dad enjoys driving out to Sandestin for golf. My brother likes to do outdoor activities. My husband and I may go to a rooftop for happy hour! Most days everyone can indulge their own agenda, but we may have an evening dinner reservation or we may cook dinner together at the house.
Things to Do
Stand-up Paddleboarding
My brother just returned from a surf trip, there weren’t any surfing waves on 30A so he rented a stand-up paddleboard for a few days. Stand-up paddle boarding in the ocean was so much fun! I have been a few times both in lakes and oceans, but this was probably the most fun time. Unless you want to keep wiping out in front of the entire beach, attempt this when the water is pretty still. The water is usually more calm in the morning. Balancing on the board and paddling through the small waves made me feel on top of the world! Bon voyage!
Biking
Rent bikes! This area is very family-friendly. In the high season, you will often see groups of kids biking along the paths to get ice cream, and ditching their bikes on the sidewalks.
It is one of my favorite ways to get around! Most shops and restaurant areas will have places to park your bike.
I tend to lose interest during the long rides, and depending on the time of year it can be hot and a lot further than you think! bike ride I am not trying to do again is from Seagrove or Seaside down past The Hub and towards Rosemary Beach.
There is a nature trail near Alys beach which is fun to ride and explore. Many times the vacation rentals will come with bikes to use, but in a pinch, I like to rent at Peddlers 30A, so I can easily bike around Alys and Rosemary Beach. Let’s be real, looking at all of the beautiful houses is one of the best activities of all!
Golf
Someone in your group might enjoy golfing. There are numerous courses in the area, especially near Destin and Sandestin.
We went with my dad and will not recommend the course because of our interaction with management. Did not have the best experience because we kept getting rushed by the manager even though we were letting people go around and pass us. It was weird. But before things got weird, it was fun just being out there hitting balls on a nice morning in November.
Bonfire
Having a bonfire was one of the best memories! We used 30A Blaze Beach Bonfire. Check to make sure there is no burn notice active. They have rules about needing a permit to make your fire, so the bonfire company does this for you. They set up the chairs and keep the fire going so you can relax and enjoy with your group.
Sunsets
Set an alarm to watch the sunset. Whether you are in nice clothes about to grab dinner out, or in an itchy, sandy wet bathing suit, making it a point to see the sunset every night you are there is always worth it!
Lodging
For lodging, most visitors will stay in private homes or condo rentals. Vrbo and Airbnb are popular places to rent a vacation home, but there are even listings on Facebook groups. There are a few hotels along 30A such as the The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach. It is a landmark hotel known for its black and white stripe decor.
Getting to the beach with ease is going to make your beach getaway much more pleasant. Choose a home base that is within walking distance from a beach access if possible. If you have to get to the beach by car and have to try to find parking, you will grow frustrated quickly. The beach is much more enjoyable when you can come and go at your leisure!
Transportation
Having a car is important, and some houses even come with golf carts. The way some people use golf carts here can be very dangerous, so just be careful.
Driving to 30A is ideal because you do need a car, but if you are flying I recommend flying into Panama City. It is about 18 miles to Northwest Florida Beaches Airport (ECP), but it is 30 miles to Destin Fort Walton Beach (VPS).
Food/Dining
On vacation eating out 3 meals a day never feels good to me. There are multiple Publix supermarkets for most of your needs. Seafood is the main food we intentionally try to eat while we are on 30A, but feel free to make your own food. There are a ton of restaurants, some overpriced. You might not have the culinary experience of your dreams here.
On group trips, it is fun to alternate who cooks dinner. It is nice to have some grab-and-go things like sandwiches for a quick post-beach day eats. Go exploring around “Golden Hour.” An hour and a half before sunset, get dressed up, stroll the beach shops, and merch stores, and grab a drink at happy hour!
Recommendations:
- Red Bar– This is probably my favorite restaurant for dining. It’s quirky and eclectic, but the food is delicious.
- Havana Beach Bar & Grill – I come both for the rooftop ocean views and their mocktail menu!
- Pescado Seafood Grill & Rooftop Bar– Feels very exclusive being whisked away into an elevator for a drink with oceanviews, but it is worth checking out
- 30A Farmers’ Market– Takes place on Sunday, fresh produce and other vendors
- Clay 30A– A beautiful plant nursery and gift shop. I love seeing their Christmas decor.
- The Daytrader Tiki Bar and Restaurant– Fish sandwiches and mocktails were very good!
- Beachy Bean Coffee Co.- Tasty drinks, can be busy with limited parking
- Buddy’s Seafood Market– Located in Seagrove Beach- loved their seafood dips!
- Sundog Books– Cute bookstore located in Seaside.
Keep your vacation simple: enjoy the people you are vacationing with, enjoy the beach, and enjoy the nice house you are staying in. There is a known air of pretentiousness to 30A, yet at the same time an endearing Southern charm. If you are there, then you belong. At the end of the day, it is just a beautiful beach town. Often the simplest parts of a beach vacation are the most memorable.
I love your last paragraph! It just sums up that everyone is happier while they’re at the beach!