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Your 30A vacation is booked and now it’s time to make a list of things to do, of things to see! First on your list should be a visit to one of the many awe-inspiring state parks along Scenic 30A. From start to finish, the parks along 30A offer some of most visually spectacular landscapes you may ever encounter
Explore these top 4 Florida State Parks along Road 30A, enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, parasailing, kayaking, swimming, diving, and wildlife, and so much more
Your 30A vacation is booked and now it’s time to make a list of things to do, of things to see! First on your list should be a visit to one of the many awe-inspiring state parks along Scenic 30A. From start to finish, the parks along 30A offer some of most visually spectacular landscapes you may ever encounter. From rolling dunes, to freshwater lakes, to tranquil trails, alluring beaches and so much more, the parks listed below offers thousands of visits every year the opportunity to commune with the breathtakingly-beautiful nature Florida has to offer…and all at your preferred pace!
With over 161 state parks including 100 miles of beaches and 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, Florida boasts one of the most heavily used park systems in the nation. As part of this preservation system, state parks are a must-see for their stunning scenery as well as a treasure trove of recreational activities such as hiking, boating, fishing, parasailing, kayaking, swimming, diving, and wildlife-watching to mention just a few.
Here’s our recommended Top 4 State Parks to visit on your 30A vacation:
Eden Gardens State Park
A beautiful park with vast green cover centered around the Wesley House, a Victorian mansion known for its late 18th century French furniture, Eden Gardens State Park is located in Point Washington, in Santa Rosa Beach. Spanning 163 acres, it attracts thousands of visitors each year looking for a relaxing stroll along its ancient moss-draped oak trees and meticulously landscaped grounds featuring ornamental gardens with heritage roses, azaleas, and camellias that stretch out to the Choctawhatchee Bay. The park also features flat and easy trails, a waterfront picnic area, and a fishing dock resting along the Tucker Bayou. It is open 365 days a year.
Grayton Beach State Park
Venture a bit south from the Eden Gardens State Park and encounter some of most pristine beaches in the United States. This park is a sprawling 2000-acre park with a mile-long stretch of sugar-white sandy beaches - perfect for sunbathers, surfers and swimmers alike - as well as 4 miles of coastal forest trails, a plethora of outdoor experiences such as bicycling, paddling, birding, fishing, swimming, boating, hiking and camping and a variety of accessible amenities to all of its visitors. A veritable paradise that also hosts some of the most gorgeous sunrises and sunsets along the Florida Panhandle.
Deer Lake State Park
Deer Lake State Park is located on Scenic 30A, just east of Seagrove Beach, and is home to one of the few coastal dune lakes occurring in the United States. It’s a serene beachfront state park with minimal amenities, and as a result, the perfect destination for the visitor seeking a more back-to-nature environment. Take a hike along the park’s distinctive quarter-mile boardwalk that extends from the parking lot to the beach as it soars over lush landscapes created by the dunes underneath. It’s a sight to behold! And don’t forget to look down. You may catch a rare sight of the endangered Choctawatchee Beach Mouse, that lives within the expansive dune system.
Camp Helen State Park
If you can’t get enough of the dunes drive further south to Camp Helen State Park, a park bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Powell, and a 20-minute ride from Panama City. An ecological wonder, Lake Powell is the largest coastal dune lake in Florida and just one of a handful of precious freshwater ecosystems in the world. And because the lake has a channel that runs into the Gulf of Mexico, it’s here where you can find saltwater species alongside salt water species in the equally curious tannin-colored lake water that occurs when salt and fresh water mix together. The lake makes this park an ideal spot for kayakers and paddle-boarders and those interested in a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of busier parks.
Whether you’re exploring Florida solo, as a couple, or with your family, LovetoStay30A has the perfect cottage or house waiting for you… just a hop, skip and a jump from one or all of these State Park gems. Plan your visit, pack your bags accordingly, and get ready to immerse yourself in the in all that Scenic 30A has to offer.
Getting ready for a beach vacation is an exciting time but it can also be stressful packing and making sure you’ve thought of everything you’ll need for fun in the sun. From sufficient sun protection to avoiding bringing half the sand on the beach home with you, there’s a lot to consider. Sure, you can always pick up anything you forgot in the area after you arrive but you’ll end up paying a lot more from a tourist-y convenience store than shopping your own bathroom closet for free. This beach vacation packing list will help guide you to make your packing process a lot easier and get you on your way to 30A feeling confident and prepared. Our list of beach essentials handles everything from the basics to the extras so you won’t forget a thing.
No matter which beachside community you visit along Scenic Route 30A, you won’t find a shortage of fantastic dining and shopping experiences. Most of these communities were designed and developed to provide residents and visitors with easy access by foot to not only the beach but also to going out to eat and shopping. There’s a shop to accommodate every budget, and a restaurant to please any palette.
We’re back for part two of our Grab and Go Food on 30A series. In the last article, we explored some delicious dining on-the-go options. From soft cheeses, craft beer and fine wine at Destin Ice Market to Freshii’s inspired breakfast burritos, our list was just a taste of the dining options on 30A. This time we’ve got even more inspired ideas for your daily munchies. These 30A restaurants have great takeout options for easy grab-and-go foods like sandwiches or burgers.
What’s a 30A vacay without delicious local food? From fresh seafood to gourmet ice cream, eating your way through exclusive 30A restaurants is a must do. If food is the highlight of your vacation and you’re looking for the best places to fill your belly and soak in the ambiance, we’ve compiled a list of five of our favorite restaurants in Rosemary Beach to help you plan for feasting.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in the 30A area, look no further. There’s no shortage of fun to be had on this list of excursions and day trips. When most people think of what to do along 30A, they automatically think of the beach. Don’t get us wrong, the pristine, white sand beaches are truly one of a kind but every once in a while it’s fun to shake things up and explore new areas. From golfing to snorkeling, beach bonfires to cold spring explorations, there’s something everyone can enjoy.
Sometimes you crave an extra special meal. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion like an anniversary or just looking to break up the weekly monotony with a delicious dinner experience, there are plenty of sophisticated fine dining restaurants on 30A. In fact, some of the most popular 30A restaurants are on this list of fine dining establishments. With so many spectacular spots for dinner, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite upscale dining options on 30A:
