It’s no easy feat listing the best beaches along 30A! Any beach you visit here will not fail to charm you with its unparalleled beauty, each unique in its own way. There are 16 beach communities along Scenic Highway 30A, and no matter where you’re staying, you’ll won’t have to drive far along the 18-mile meandering coastal two-lane highway, to experience some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Explore what the best beaches along scenic route 30A have to offer while vacationing in Florida’s Panhandle
It’s no easy feat listing the best beaches along 30A! Any beach you visit here will not fail to charm you with its unparalleled beauty, each unique in its own way. There are 16 beach communities along Scenic Highway 30A, and no matter where you’re staying, you’ll won’t have to drive far along the 18-mile meandering coastal two-lane highway, to experience some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Central to their charm and allure are what they share in common: white sandy beaches, turquoise and emerald-colored waters, sensational landscape views, picturesque beachside towns, exquisite sunsets, and proximity to rare coastal dune terrain and delicate ecosystems that define the natural beauty surrounding them.
We’ve compiled a list of the top beaches representing the best that 30A has to offer whether your vacationing with family, friends or solo. Visit one or all while you’re here!
Grayton Beach
Grayton Beach boasts some of the most pristine beaches in the United States. Located inside Grayton Beach State Park, a sprawling 2000-acre park with a mile-long stretch of sugar-white sandy beaches that lead right down to the Gulf of Mexico. Fun things to do include hiking/cycling through 4 miles of coastal forest trails, paddling, birding, fishing, swimming, boating, hiking and camping and a variety of accessible amenities to all of its visitors. The town of Grayton Beach is known for its laid-back appeal, and eclectic mix of quaint historic cottages and modern beach homes with plenty of upscale and funky shopping and great dining in between.
Seacrest and Rosemary Beaches
Nestled between Alys Beach and Inlet Beach, Seacrest and Rosemary Beaches are 30As most family-friendly beachside communities with gorgeous beaches, cute shops and restaurants, and plenty of fun water activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and deep sea fishing. Plan a visit to Seacrest’s Peddlers Pavilion--where you can grab a bite, rent bikes, and your kids will love their splash pad. Or head over to Rosemary Beach for another day at the beach or an afternoon in St. Augustine Park. Newly renovated, the park features an interactive children’s fountain, relaxing benches, and many cultural events and concerts throughout the year.
Blue Mountain Beach
Named after the blue lupine flower blooming across its sweeping dunes, this beach is home to South Walton’s highest elevation of 65 feet! Renowned for its tranquil turquoise waters, cool coastal breezes, and sugary white sand, this beach neighborhood is sought after haven of rest and relaxation. After a full day on the beach, head into town for happy hour, a fresh Gulf seafood dinner, topped by ice cream at the popular Blue Mountain Beach Creamery. Other popular outdoor attractions include the nearby Point Washington State Forest, and the Timpoochee Trail.
Seagrove Beach
The historic town of Seagrove Beach is home to two of South Walton’s rare coastal dune lakesand is widely considered a nature lovers’ paradise. Equally impressive, is the town’s charming and authentic mix of local architecture and modern amenities all just a short stroll or bike ride away from its immaculate beaches surrounded by lush swaths of seagrove trees. Make surre to visit the town’s famous Seagrove Village Market, a veritable 30A institution serving “Deep Fried Love” and home to the oldest gas station in the region.
Seaside
A vacation along 30A is not compete without a visit to Seaside. This award-winning beach town is renowned for its innovative architectural design and truly stunning beach pavilions anchoring the nine streets that provide access to the cabanas lining the sugar white beaches and emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Rent Ahead
Beach accessories like chairs, and umbrellas can be rented by the day. For your bike rentals, it’s best to book in advance. You can rent for the day or the week and some locations will even have them delivered to you. We recommend the same for any water activities like paddleboarding, kayaking and deep sea fishing you may do while on your 30A vacation. There are plenty of providers but it won’t hurt to call ahead, especially during this busy season.
Let LovetoStay30A help you book that perfect lodging for your 30A beach vacation. We offer unparalleled customer service to both the homeowner and vacation renter of premier vacation properties along beautiful Highway 30A
If you’re spending Memorial Day on 30A, you’re in for a special treat. There are plenty of fun options for the family. Whether you’re looking to get patriotic with a fireworks show or hoping to relax on the beach with a red, white, and blue picnic, we’ve got the full list of fun things to do on Memorial Day on 30A.
30A began as a string of small, quaint Gulf-side communities but quickly evolved into 16 popular, bustling, and unique communities. We love each of the charming communities and truly think each one is worth a visit but, with limited time vacation time, how do you know which 30A communities are a must-see? How do you know the best restaurants on 30A and the must-do’s in the area? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.
New Year, new adventures. We’re continuing to ring in the New Year with part two of the top excursions in the 30A area. From snorkeling to sand sculptures, part one took us up and down 30A in search of delightful adventures. On this list we dive even deeper into the natural wonder of this unique Gulf Coast Florida area.
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...
Adventures, both on land and water, are highly sought after here and 30A offers the best there is when it comes to charters and rentals. Summer is high season for favorite warm-weather activities such as fishing, jet skiing, kayaking, cycling, hiking and more. And the beachside communities’ welcome visitors all year long with a plethora of outfits offering the best there is for your budget, time and preferred activity.
The top of our vacation planning list is always: where are we going to go, what are we going to do, where are we going to stay and what are we going to EAT? At Love to Stay 30A, we can help you answer all these questions – but today we’re focus on our favorite topic: delicious food. We’re exploring all of the must go restaurants on 30A.