Are you debating where to spend your next Florida beach vacation? There’s such a variety of different beaches to choose from – East Coast vs. West Coast, bustling city beaches with towering high-rise hotels or wide open beaches with charming beach cottages. Today we’re stacking 30A beaches up to one of the most famous beaches in the US: Miami Beach to help you decide with one is the best fit for you.
Are you planning a FL beach vacation? Learn more about Miami Beach vs. 30A area beaches so you can compare and make the best choice for you.
Are you debating where to spend your next Florida beach vacation? There’s such a variety of different beaches to choose from – East Coast vs. West Coast, bustling city beaches with towering high-rise hotels or wide open beaches with charming beach cottages. Today we’re stacking 30A beaches up to one of the most famous beaches in the US: Miami Beach to help you decide with one is the best fit for you.
There’s no doubt 30A is full of world-class, white sand beaches but, Miami Beach is iconic, right? Comparing the two may seem like comparing apples to oranges. However, choosing between beaches is something many tourists face when visiting. Each of these two are popular tourist destinations for beach-going visitors. But they’re different in many distinct ways.
Here are some things you may want to consider:
Miami
Miami is a big and very busy metropolis. Home to over six million people, it’s a densely populated major city. Beautiful architecture, towering hotels lining the beach, Cuban influence and delicious, diverse cuisines are some of the main attractions.
30A
The 30A area is full of charming beach communities including: Destin, Rosemary Beach, Inlet Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Grayton Beach, Seagrove Beach, Watercolor and Seaside. Destin is the biggest city in the area but, compared to Miami, it’s small. You will find gated communities, large resorts and hotels, championship golf courses and more in Destin. The other smaller communities like Rosemary Beach don’t have ANY towering high rises and huge developments on the shore. There are some small boutique hotels but many tourists opt for renting a home for their vacation. The vacation rental homes on 30A are often styled like adorable beachside cottages with all the conveniences of home but all the best as far as location: near the beach and a bike ride away from great restaurants and the heart of the city.
Miami
Miami is a big city. There’s a lot to see and do. The list runs the gamut from art and science museums to famous clubs, restaurants and bars. Try shopping on Lincoln Road and people watching on South Beach. Miami Beach is busy and it can be hard to find parking. Staying right on the beach in one of the many hotels is often the best option but, it can also be expensive. If you’re looking for a bustling, busy, party vibe, Miami is the place for you.
30A
The 30A area is a lot more laid back. The main things to do are outdoor activities: beach going, biking, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, boating, etc. You’ll find a variety of delicious local restaurants to choose from. Many locals and tourists choose to get around by bike. Not only does it avoid finding parking, it’s great exercise. South Walton is such a scenic area. We love the sand dunes, the French Quarter-inspired Village of Baytowne Wharf and Seaside, the community where The Truman Show was filmed. There are many small festivals through the year like the Destin Seafood Festival, fishing tournaments and wine tasting events.
Miami
As referenced earlier, the beaches get BUSY in Miami. Beach parking can be challenging and the food nearby is pricey. The sand is unremarkably gray and there is often a lot of seaweed washed up on the shore.
30A
It’s ALL about the beaches on 30A. The brilliant white beach sand has a reputation as soft, powdery loveliness. It’s so fine it actually squeaks as you walk on it. It doesn’t absorb as much heat as the sand in Miami so your feet won’t get as hot. But, it’s light and bright, so don’t forget your sunglasses. The water is a beautiful emerald color – hence the nickname: The Emerald Coast! The beaches are scenic and VERY photogenic so break out the camera for the perfect photos.
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Now that you have a good idea of what each of these unique areas have to offer, hopefully you can make the best choice regarding which place it right for your next Florida beach vacation. If TONS of things to do and places to party is #1 on your list, Miami is the place. If you’re looking to rest, relax and recharge on the most beautiful beaches in Florida, 30A is a much better option. Both places offer their own forms of fun. No matter where you vacation, we hope you have a great time!
Escape the thick of winter with a romantic couples’ getaway to the white sand beaches along 30A. Sure, we may be biased but we think a stunning 30A luxury vacation home is the perfect place to enjoy Valentine’s Day. Spend a couple days reconnecting and relaxing before a special Valentine’s Day surprise. We’ve got plenty of ideas for a super special 2021 Valentine’s Day on 30A. Just be sure to plan ahead and make reservations as soon as possible! Many of these activities book up in advance.
Every vacation needs a little retail therapy. Take a stroll and enjoy window shopping along 30A. It’s a pleasant way to pass some time and experience the local flavor. Bring a taste of the Emerald Coast home. Designer bathing suits, unique home décor, timeless jewelry and more await you. Whether you’re a casual shopper or a full-blown shopaholic, there are many exclusive 30A shops to enjoy. These are some of our favorite...
Renowned for their large stretches of gorgeous white sandy beaches, emerald-green waters, coastal dune lakes and top-rated state parks, 30A is also home to a variety of family-friendly activities along it’s scenic route. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed getaway under the sun or a more adventurous outdoor experience, the entire stretch of 30A offers some of the best family vacation spots and fun things to do for all ages.
There’s no doubt about it, summer in 30A is hot but it’s also one of the best time to visit. With long sunny days ending in beautiful sunsets, you have hours in between to immerse yourself in all that 30A has to offer. And it has plenty to offer! This is the season for the sun-loving visitor who wants an ultimate summer experience jam-packed with recreational activities both on water and on land, as well as fun special events waiting to entertain you.
There’s no question about it, summer is the peak season to visit 30A. Despite the influx of tourists, 30A areas like Rosemary Beach, Grayton Beach and Seaside still keep their small town charm. Whether you’re visiting 30A for the first time or a returning guest, we’ve compiled our top tips for planning the best 30A summer vacation:
When we think of romantic vacation destinations, it’s easy to default to places like Paris, Napa Valley or Aspen. But we believe that Rosemary Beach, Seaside and the other charming areas along 30A are some of Florida’s most romantic vacation destinations. Whether strolling along the beach, shoes off, holding hands or a candlelit dinner in one of the many award-winning seafood restaurants in the area, there are many ways to celebrate love here. We’ve compiled a list of best things to do on Valentine’s Day along 30A to make it easy for you to pic.