30A is a stunning stretch of Florida's Gulf Coast known for its turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and charming coastal towns.
There's no shortage of things to do and see in this area, but here are our top 5 picks:
1. Visit the charming coastal towns
30A is home to several charming towns, each with its own unique character and atmosphere. Some of our favorites include Seaside, WaterColor, and Rosemary Beach. These towns are filled with cute boutiques, art galleries, and delicious restaurants. Take a leisurely stroll through their picturesque streets, or rent e-bikes (they’re amazing if you haven’t tried it yet), and you'll feel like you're on a different planet.
Looking for specific restaurants? Here are a few winners:
- The Perfect Pig Grill & Fish Market: This popular spot is known for its delicious seafood and BBQ dishes, as well as its extensive selection of craft beers and wines. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, making it a great choice for a laid-back dinner.
- Bud & Alley's: Located in Seaside, this beloved restaurant has been serving up delicious seafood and other coastal favorites for over 30 years. The atmosphere is lively and fun, and there's often live music on the outdoor patio.
- George's at Alys Beach: This fine dining restaurant serves up sophisticated dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is elegant and romantic, making it a perfect choice for a special occasion.
- Stinky's Fish Camp: This casual seafood spot is known for its delicious oysters and other fresh catches of the day. The atmosphere is laid-back and fun, and there's often live music on the outdoor patio.
- Great Southern Cafe: Located in Seaside, this popular restaurant serves up classic Southern dishes with a modern twist. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and there's often live music on the outdoor patio.
2. Hit the beach
The beaches on 30A are some of the most beautiful in the world, with crystal clear waters and soft white sand. Whether you want to relax on the beach with a good book or get active with water sports like stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking, there's something for everyone.
While planning your beach trip, don’t forget to reserve beach chairs and umbrellas. We offer this beach chair and umbrella rentals at the following beaches:
3. Go fishing
30A is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, both in the Gulf of Mexico and in the local bays and inlets. You can go saltwater fishing for a variety of species, including redfish, trout, and flounder, or try your hand at freshwater fishing in one of the area's many lakes and streams.
Here are a few of the best fishing spots in the area:
- Choctawhatchee Bay: This large bay is located on the western side of 30A and is known for its excellent fishing for redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. There are several boat ramps and marinas in the area, making it easy to access the bay by boat.
- Gulf of Mexico: The Gulf of Mexico is home to a wide variety of fish species, including red snapper, amberjack, and tuna. There are several deep sea fishing charters in the area that can take you out to the Gulf to try your hand at catching these trophy fish.
- Eastern Lake: Located in the Point Washington State Forest, Eastern Lake is a popular spot for freshwater fishing. The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bream, and catfish, and there are several spots along the shore where you can cast a line.
- Hogtown Bayou: This shallow inlet is located on the eastern side of 30A and is known for its excellent fishing for redfish and speckled trout. There are several boat ramps in the area, making it easy to access the bayou by boat.
- Western Lake: Located in the Point Washington State Forest, Western Lake is another popular spot for freshwater fishing. The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, bream, and catfish, and there are several spots along the shore where you can cast a line.
4. Take a hike
The 30A area is home to several state parks and conservation areas, making it a great destination for nature lovers. Hike through the dunes at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, or explore the pine forests and wetlands of Point Washington State Forest.
You'll see all kinds of native wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and a variety of bird species here:
- Topsail Hill Preserve State Park: Located in the town of Santa Rosa Beach, this state park is known for its beautiful dunes and pristine beaches. There are several hiking trails in the park, ranging from easy nature trails to more strenuous dune hikes.
- Point Washington State Forest: This large conservation area is located on the eastern side of 30A and is known for its pine forests, wetlands, and streams. There are several hiking trails in the forest, ranging from easy nature trails to more strenuous backcountry hikes.
- Eden Gardens State Park: Located in the town of Point Washington, this state park is known for its beautiful gardens and historic mansion. There are several hiking trails in the park, ranging from easy nature trails to more strenuous hikes through the pine forests.
- Camp Helen State Park: Located on the western side of 30A, this state park is known for its beautiful beaches and dunes. There are several hiking trails in the park, ranging from easy nature trails to more strenuous dune hikes.
- Deer Lake State Park: Located in the town of Santa Rosa Beach, this state park is known for its beautiful coastal dunes and wetlands. There are several hiking trails in the park, ranging from easy nature trails to more strenuous dune hikes.
5. Visit the local wineries and breweries
Whether it’s raining or you’re looking to spend some time indoors, 30A is home to several excellent wineries and breweries. All of which offer tastings and tours. Spend an afternoon sipping on some of the area's finest wines and beers, and learn about the local craft beverage scene.
- Grayton Beer Company: This popular brewery in Grayton Beach is known for its delicious craft beers and laid-back atmosphere. They offer tours of the brewery, as well as tastings of their various beers.
- Idyll Hounds Brewing Company: This brewery, located in Santa Rosa Beach, is known for its creative craft beers and laid-back atmosphere. They offer tours of the brewery, as well as tastings of their various beers.
- 30A Vineyard: Located in Santa Rosa Beach, this winery is known for its delicious wines made from locally-grown grapes. They offer tastings and tours of the winery, and also have a beautiful outdoor patio where you can relax and enjoy a glass of wine.
- Seaside Winery: Found in the charming town of Seaside, this winery is known for its delicious wines made from locally-grown grapes. They offer tastings and tours of the winery, and also have a beautiful outdoor patio where you can relax and enjoy a glass of wine.
- Grayton Beach Distillery: In Grayton Beach, this distillery is known for its delicious craft spirits and laid-back atmosphere. They offer tastings and tours of the distillery, and also have a beautiful outdoor patio where you can relax and enjoy a cocktail.
These are just a few of the many things you can do in 30A Florida. We hope this gives you a good idea of what this amazing place has to offer. Whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences, you'll find it all in 30A.