The Inside Scoop
Whatever your vision of a beach getaway vacation looks like, check out 30A!
Sshh, don’t tell too many people, but this picturesque route winds through a series of 16 idyllic coastal towns and pristine white-sand beaches, offering visitors a serene and captivating escape nestled along the Gulf Coast in the Florida Panhandle. Known as the Emerald Coast, it’s not just its captivating beauty that sets it apart but also its unique charm
But it’s not just about the natural beauty and quaint towns. 30A is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with a plethora of activities and attractions to keep you busy. And if you’re a foodie, you’re in for a treat! For shopping, the area is dotted with unique boutiques and art galleries. For lovers of the arts, 30A hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including wine festivals, arts and crafts shows, and live music performances, adding an extra layer of vibrancy to the community.
Perfect Music Vibes
Tune in…. and check out listening to these tunes!
Ariana Grande – Eternal Sunshine
Top Vacation Experiences
Visiting 30A offers a variety of memorable experiences that cater to different interests. Overall, the area screams relaxation and chill-out vibes, so if you’re looking for thrill rides and partying, this isn’t the place. However, if you want to replenish and relax in an old Florida-style environment, read on!
Relax on the Pristine Beaches swimming, and soaking up the sun. Seaside, Grayton Beach, and Rosemary Beach are some of the most popular spots.www.discover30a.com
Explore the Coastal Dune Lakes a natural phenomenon in only a few places worldwide. Paddleboarding, kayaking, or canoeing Western Lake in Grayton Beach State Park is a favorite spot for these activities.www.floridastateparks.org
Visit the Charming Coastal Towns with their own distinct personality and charm. Wander through the picturesque streets of Seaside, known for its pastel-colored cottages and the Seaside Amphitheater. Explore the European-inspired architecture of Rosemary Beach, or enjoy the artistic, laid-back vibe of Grayton Beach. www.30a.com
Indulge in Local Cuisine as 30A has a vibrant culinary scene with a variety of dining options, from casual beachside cafes to fine dining establishments. Fresh seafood is a highlight. Popular spots include The Red Bar in Grayton Beach, Great Southern Café in Seaside, and Pescado in Rosemary Beach.
Enjoy Outdoor Activities and Adventures
Beyond the beach, 30A offers numerous outdoor activities. Biking along the 30A bike trail is a great way to explore the area. The Timpoochee Trail provides a safe and scenic route for cyclists and pedestrians. For nature lovers, hiking and birdwatching in state parks like Grayton Beach State Park and Deer Lake State Park are must-do activities.www.bikeflorida.org
Experience Local Festivals and Events. The 30A Songwriters Festival, the 30A Wine Festival, and the Seaside Seeing Red Wine Festival are just a few examples.
Bars, Venues, & Views
Relaxing is thirsty work, so here are some of the standout spots that promise unforgettable evenings
Nestled in the heart of Grayton Beach, The Red Bar is an iconic venue known for its live music. Bands play a mix of jazz, blues, and funk, creating an irresistible ambiance.
Bud & Alley’s in Seaside The rooftop bar is a perfect spot to watch the sun go down and provides a laid-back, breezy atmosphere.
The Wine Bar in WaterColor Upscale yet cozy interior creates a sophisticated atmosphere perfect for wine enthusiasts with its warm lighting and wooden accents.
AJ’s Grayton Beach is the go-to spot for a lively, energetic night out featuring live music and DJ sets.
The Pearl’s Havana Beach Rooftop Lounge in Rosemary Beach is Inspired by the vibrant culture of Old Havana. Sip on expertly crafted cocktails or a glass of rum while enjoying the gentle sea breeze.
Chiringo, A beachside bar inspired by the laid-back beach bars of Spain serves tapas and cocktails.
Each of these bars and venues along 30A offers its own unique flavor and experience, ensuring that your nights are just as memorable as your days in this enchanting coastal paradise.
Love to Eat
When you’re ready to eat, then each of the charming coastal towns offers a fantastic foodie experience.
Here are six of the most tried and trusted but still exciting places to eat, each providing a unique dining experience:
Great Southern Café in Seaside Southern hospitality with international flavors using farm-to-table ingredients.
George’s at Alys Beach The menu is divided into “Behave” (healthier options) and “Misbehave” (indulgent options), catering to all tastes.
Café Thirty-A in Seagrove Beach The restaurant also offers a fantastic happy hour with half-price appetizers and drinks, making it a popular spot for both dinner and evening cocktails.
FOOW (Fish Out of Water) in WaterColor The coastal-chic décor and open-air dining areas create a relaxed yet refined ambiance.
The Perfect Pig in Santa Rosa Beach. With locations in Gulf Place and WaterColor, it’s a favorite for both breakfast and dinner.
30a food and wine for more info on the eclectic and delicious dining scene in 30A
New Additions!
Word on the street is that there are some new foodie spots in 30A that reflect the diverse and evolving food scene!
From donuts to burgers to seafood and noodles, here are some of the latest additions to the vibrant culinary scene.
Try them out and tell us what you think!
Random Gems
Although this area is all about the beaches and picture postcard pretty towns, for those curious folks, it can still deliver some random and quirky gems waiting to be discovered!
Check these out during your stay!
One of the quirkiest and most iconic spots in Seaside is Airstream Row, a collection of vintage Airstream trailers converted into food trucks. Each trailer offers something different, from gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches at The MeltDown to freshly squeezed juices at Raw & Juicy.
The Seaside Post Office is one of the most photographed buildings along 30A. Worth a visit for a quick photo op and to appreciate its iconic architectural style.
Grayton Beach State Park, the Underwater Museum of Art is the first permanent underwater sculpture garden in the United States. Divers can explore a collection of sculptures installed on the ocean floor.
In Seaside, you can visit the house used in filming “The Truman Show,” the famous Jim Carrey movie. The house is a private residence, but you can stroll through the neighborhood to see it and other filming locations..
In Santa Rosa Beach, the Gulf Place Artist Colony is a vibrant community of local artists who display and sell their work in colorful kiosks. The artist colony frequently hosts events and workshops, making it a lively spot to explore.
On the Grayton Beach Nature Trail, you’ll find a quirky little mailbox called the “Mystery Mailbox.” Installed by a local resident, the mailbox is filled with notebooks and pens, inviting visitors to leave notes, drawings, and messages.
In Seaside, Modica Market is a family-owned gourmet grocery store that has been a local staple since 1988. It’s a place to shop for specialty foods and wines and a quirky spot to enjoy homemade baked goods and sandwiches.
Top Vacay Reads
The Maids Diary – Loreth Ann White
Die with Zero – Bill Perkins
Still Life – Sarah Winman
The Coast Road – Alan Murrin
A Calamity of Souls – David Baldacci
Annual Events
Thanks to a year-round assortment of festive gatherings, there’s really no such thing as a shoulder season in Walton County. Celebrating everything from music and food to art and the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast, here are some of the most notable events in the 30A annual calendar:
24 Hub Lane
Watersound
Check website for events in 2025
Check out this festive gathering spot for friends and families at this Watersound location in Walton County. Featuring a magnificent central lawn surrounded by four restaurants, two bars, a coffee shop and an ice cream shop. Plus, a chance to browse the pop-up shops and the event stage with a 25 ft LED jumbotron.
The Big Chill hosts recurring daily events and features an array of family-focused events, including live music, DJ nights, family movies on the big screen Jumbotron, live sports watch parties, kid’s yoga, yoga sculpt, family game nights and a Farmers Market
February 13 – 16 2025
Feeling energetic? To all you runners on vacation, the 30A Half Marathon & 5K starts and ends at Gulf Place and offers runners breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. The race benefits local charities, and participants can enjoy a post-race party with live music, food, and drinks. It’s a great way to stay active while supporting a good cause and enjoying the natural beauty of 30A.
Check website for 2025 dates
The Flutterby Arts Festival, a family-friendly and interactive event, is a celebration of the arts and the monarch butterfly migration. Held at Watersound Origins, the festival offers engaging art activities, live performances, and butterfly garden tours. It’s a unique opportunity for children and families to immerse themselves in nature and creativity.
Luke Coombs Bootleggers Bonfire
Where: Seascape Resort
When: October 10 – 12, 2025 (unconfirmed, check website)
Three nights of amazing music from Luke Coombs, and yes, there will be a bonfire!
The exclusive event will host just 5,000 guests so for those fortunate enough to snag entry to the weekend, they can expect a rowdy, Combs-centric affair. Over the course of the fan-focused weekend, the award-winning entertainer will play two sets, one consisting of concert staples and the other comprised entirely of the artist’s deep cuts.
Other musical guests will be featured during the three-day celebration, so check out the website for all the latest news.
Mountainfilm on Tour at WaterColor
Where: Watercolor Marina Park Amphitheater
Check website for 2025 dates
The 24th Annual Mountainfilm on Tour is a 2-night outdoor film festival dedicated to educating, inspiring, and motivating audiences and brings a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed, and inspiring documentary films to WaterColor. The films are shown outdoors under the stars, creating a magical viewing experience.
These events highlight the vibrant cultural and social life along 30A, offering something for everyone, whether you’re a music lover, foodie, runner, or art enthusiast.
When: January 17 – 20, 2025
Where: Various Venues ( check website for details)
Since its inception in 2010, the 30A Songwriters Festival has become the premier songwriter’s festival in the United States and has won many national accolades with sell-out crowds every year. It features over 175 songwriters performing in over 25 venues along the 30A corridor. The lineup always includes a diverse mix of genres, with artists sharing the stories behind their songs.
Seaside Seeing Red Wine Festival
When: November 6 – 9, 2025
Where: Seaside Town Square
Grand and reserve tastings, live music, local cuisines, a themed brunch, vintners dinner, and more! Seeing Red offers a fun-filled weekend, whether you experience every event or just one or are a novice or a connoisseur!
This four-day event is a must for wine lovers. It’s set against the backdrop of Seaside’s charming town square, offering an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy a wide variety of wines from around the world.
Be there or be SQUARE!
When: February 21 – 23, 2025
Where: Alys Beach
Now in its 13th year, the festival showcases renowned distillers, vintners, and culinary favorites over five days of celebration – a series of events and workshops where wine enthusiasts and bourbon lovers alike relish in the festivities within the captivating town of Alys Beach.
The event features tastings, seminars, and culinary experiences, including a popular event called “Bourbon, Beer & Butts,” which pairs bourbon and craft beers with barbecue.
Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach
When: May 16 – 17, 2025
Where: Alys Beach Resort
Digital Graffiti is a juried festival of original works of digital and projection art.
This unique festival lights up the night at the scenic 30A community of Alys Beach. Staged against the elegant white walls of local buildings, Digital Graffiti provides a large-scale blank canvas for artists to explore the visual intersection of art and architecture.
The event includes live music, food, and drinks, making it a vibrant celebration of technology and creativity.
