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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.
Discover some of Florida’s best family-friendly attractions and fun things to do along scenic route 30A
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.
To help you get started with your planning, we’ve compiled a list of top things to do as a family while vacationing in 30A:
Seashells and Sandcastles
30A offers families access to some of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S. Discover the white sandy beaches of Grayton Beach, Seagrove Beach, and Blue Mountain Beach to name just a few. Sink your toes in crystal-fine sand, and glistening turquoise waters, or go on a family shell walk where you’re bound to find some of the best-preserved shells both big and small. Book a sandcastle lesson in Seaside and learn the professional sand sculpting tips and techniques you’ll need to build a 3 ½ ft. tall sandcastle!
Learn How to Paddleboard
There’s no shortage of water activities you can do with your family in 30A. From swimming to surfing to kayaking to tubing you won’t have to travel far to find a company ready to outfit you and your family for any water sport of your choice. This year, consider learning how to paddle board, a popular activity amongst visitors in South Walton, because of its beginner friendly waters, and breathtaking scenery.
Discover the Dunes and More
There is a series of 11 coastal dune lakes adjacent to highway 30A, a natural phenomenon almost exclusive to the Gulf Coast region. Plan a visit to Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, where you can spend the day amongst some of most rare dune formations in the world. The park also offers private access to gorgeous beaches and an assortment of recreational activities such as camping, cycling, hiking, fishing, boating, kayaking, as well as weekly ranger programs for kids and youth.
Bikes and Hikes
With over 200 biking and hiking trails along 30A there’s no better way to experience the incredible trails and awe-inspiring scenery while also popping in on one of the many charming seaside villages and towns. No matter your starting point, there are plenty of places to rent bikes along the trail or you can rent bikes by the week. From the longest 57-mile trail, the Choctawachee River Paddle Trail that runs from Morrison Springs to the opening of Black Creek near the Choctawhatchee Bay, to the shortest .75 trail, the Turpentine Trail in Santa Rosa Beach, there’s a skill and comfort level for every family member.
Discover, Learn, Experience
Learn more about the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Florida Panhandle by visiting the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center, one of a handful of environmental facilities that aim to educate visitors to the importance of conservation and restoration of the region’s unique ecosystem. Nestled in the Longleaf Pine ecosystem, in Freeport, they offer a number of family-centric summer programs and events. Or stop by the Sea-Life Discovery Center, located in Santa Rosa Beach, to learn more about the unique sea life found in the gulf waters. Or book a tour where you can snorkel with sea-turtles, explore the habitats and creatures of the Western lake via kayak, or discover nocturnal sea life while on a night time scavenger hunt.
Visit a 30A Farmers Market
You’re never far away from a Farmers Market along highway 30A. So, make sure to schedule a visit to one near you for a perfect day the whole family will enjoy. From the popular Seaside Farmers Market to the Rosemary Beach Farmers Market open on Sundays, keep everyone happy sampling locally farmed produce and goods, authentic healthy foods, local seafood, seasonal treats and local craft and handmade items.
Book your family 30A getaway! LovetoStay30A has the perfect cottage or house waiting for all your family needs. Let LovetoStay30A can customize your vacation stay and experience. And at Livewell 30A, we also provide full service concierge services to anything and everything you could imagine along 30A.
With the arrival of 2020, it’s the perfect time to get your fitness resolutions on track. Whether you’re a local to the 30A area or just stopping by for a visit, we’ve compiled a list of the best gyms in the Santa Rosa Beach, Rosemary Beach and Grayton Beach areas. When traveling, it’s easy to let fitness routines slip but many of these locations offer reasonable drop-in rates for tourists to help you reach your personal goals even if you are away from home. If you’re a newbie to the fitness and exercise world, each location offers personal training for extra knowledge, confidence and accountability while you acclimate to lifestyle changes.
Summer on 30A is great but there’s something extra special and fun about enjoying Spring Break on 30A. There are plenty of unique local events and celebrations to enjoy along with the world famous white sand beaches, bike-friendly main streets and adorable beach vacation cottages. Whether you choose to kick back and soak up live music or dig into delicious food and award-winning wine at the Sandestin Wine Festival, you’re sure to have a blast during your Spring Break on the Emerald Coast.
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:
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.
Spending the holidays in South Walton is a unique time to experience the area free from the summertime crowds and intense heat. In part 1, our list of holiday activities included photos and breakfast with Santa, festive foods, holiday markets and more. Still searching for fun things to do along 30A during the holidays? From free Christmas activities to parades, ice skating and seasonal shows, we’re adding to our list of things to do in December.
If you’re planning on spending Halloween on 30A, you’re in for a treat! Our area is full of fun. From family-friendly trick or treating to something special for your furry, four-legged pals, there are a lot of options for things to do for Halloween on 30A: Rosemary Beach, Destin, Seaside, Panama City Beach, and more.
