If you live in the southeast you have heard of 30-A. So, what the heck is 30-A? Well, it’s a gulf side stretch of highway that runs the length between Destin & Panama City Florida and is the most beautiful part of the Gulf of Mexico if you as me. It’s crystal clear blue waters are a 45 minute non-stop flight from Nashville & less than a 7 hour drive from Houston, New Orleans, Atlanta, Nashville and so many other places. It is also a little piece of heaven. Little communities with four star hotels, quaint food trucks amazing restaurants and views anyone would pay a pretty penny for are everywhere. It also boasts one of the most beautiful state parks you have ever seen (Grayton Beach) and a 19-mile paved bike path (sometimes referred to the “Timpoochee Trail”) that takes you clear from one end to the other. Plus it is flat enough that any bike novice can enjoy riding bikes pretty much anywhere. I spend a great deal of time down there as in a great turn of luck my husband and I were able to purchase a house there a few years ago. I get asked so often, where to say or eat or shop. I wanted to document all of our favorites for all of my people to make your first trip, or maybe your 20th trip easier and more enjoyable! This is my complete guide to 30-A.

Dwell

People ask me pretty often where to stay on 30-A. And here are my recommendations based on the size of property you are looking to enjoy.

Condo’s & Single Family Homes

I highly recommend Watercolor, Seaside, Alys Beach, Seacreast or Rosemary Beach for Families looking for great beaches, walkability and easy restaurants and pools nearby. You can rent houses or condo’s and hop on a bike or a golf cart and head over to dinner after a long day at the pool. These communities are build for families. Watercolor, Rosemary and Seaside include multiple pools, tennis courts and entire towns build around them as well as nightly movies and organized activities for kids.

  1. Watercolor. Watercolor is made up of several districts. From the beach side to the camp district, each on is unique, conveniently located and very close to shops, dining and the beach. The Watercolor Inn (which is a boutique hotel and has 4 star reviews) has a wonderful Spa I have been to and every single time it has been fantastic. They also have the newly renovated “Camp Watercolor” which has two waterslides, a lazy river and bar and restaurant. It boasts 5 pools within the community, tennis courts and a nearby golf course. As well as many shops and restaurants you will want to check out. It also has many trails your can ride your bike through connecting it to it’s neighbor, Seaside.
  2. Alys Beach is is the most upscale and almost feels like you are in Greece or Morocco. Their Caliza restaurant and Pool is something to experience and their “perch” by the ocean gives amazing views of the gulf. The park there is also pretty fabulous for the kids and one of the most unique I have ever been to and Georges is a great place to grab dinner with the fam.
  3. Rosemary Beach.  The architecture alone will make you stop and take notice. With multiple pools, incredible restaurants and parks and biking distance from Seacrest and Alys it is conveniently located. The Pescado Bar is one of my favorite places for a cocktail and the Pearl is a great little hotel for a weekend away with you honey or friends. It’s cobblestone streets will make you feel like you are somewhere other than the Florida panhandle.
  4. Seaside the oldest of these communities on 30-a but their pools are so gorgeous and their town square is full of amazing shops, fabulous food trucks and beachside restaurant you and your kids will love. Their movies in the park are also pretty fantastic. Every year my family gathers there to watch Elf on thanksgiving eve. It is also the town where the filmed that amazing movie, The Truman Show. The Grilled Cheeserie, Pizza Bar, Bud & Alleys are just a few of the amazing places to grab dinner or a drink and the shopping at Willow and Duckys Toy Shop will make both you and your kids happy. It also boasts my favorite book store of all time which just happens to be right under a very cool record store.
  5. Seacrest Beach is a great little community that is right in between Alys and Rosemary. It is probably the most affordable but equally gorgeous and in an amazing location for beaching, biking and shopping with lots of options for rentals and a great big pool. No matter which place you choose to spend your vacation, you will love being there and I am certain want to return again. I recommend using 360 Blue or VRBO to book homes or condos. I have used both of these services in the past and they are always great. But again, use your best judgement. If you don’t need a full house, there are beautiful guest houses and condos in each of these communities that you can rent from the same places and you get all the great amenities of the community.
  6. Grayton Beach is full of fun little restaurants and shops like Chiringo, Black Bear Bread Company (owned by a James Beard award winning Pastry Chef perfect for coffee and breakfast) and of course the almost completed and staple RED Bar. Also Tribe Kelley Surf Post is an adorable little shop you can pick up all your beach necessities to fit in just like a local!

HOTELS

There are two fabulous hotels in the area I would confidently recommend.  Each being a beautiful boutique beachside full service hotel with Spa’s, AMAZING dining and room service. Basically perfect for a romantic getaway with your honey.

  1. Watercolor Inn From the moment you arrive their warm southern hospitality and ample resort amenities are sure to win you and your loved ones over. Set on a private ribbon of shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico, WaterColor Inn is a destination that feels tucked away, while remaining close to everything there is to see and experience. A four diamond resort it has everything you need for the perfect beach vacay.
  2. The Pearl   With its distinctive Old World European architecture and sun-drenched turrets and terraces; along with timeless black-and-white striped awnings, The Pearl Hotel brings an ultra-luxury boutique experience to the regal shores of Rosemary Beach, Florida 32461. In the heart of one of the South’s trendiest and most exclusive beachfront towns, this 55-room hotel on 30A features beautifully appointed luxury accommodations, destination-worthy cuisine and an alluring spa just steps from a private Gulf of Mexico beach.

EAT

I have SO many places I love so I am going to break it into two lists. Casual places you can eat with your family and places you can eat on a date, like with no kids should you be lucky enough to have a romantic evening out. But please know, this entire area caters to families. So you can take your kids just about anywhere.

1.The Donut Hole. Yes it has fabulous donuts but it also has the best seafood omelette and biscuits I have ever eaten in my life.

2. Pizza by the Sea. For takeout or dine in it is causal and some of the best Pizza on the Gulf and their noodle less lasagna is fabulous if you are watching the carbs as well as their cauliflower pizza for the GF.

3.Pizza Bar. The pizza is incredible and the view matches. Right on the beach in Seaside. The Kale Cesar with grilled shrimp and the meatballs and Brussel sprouts are also slap your mama good.

4. FOOW. This place used to be FANCY. It also used to be called Fish out of Water. But with a recent remodel it is now the bestest view and menu on the gulf for families and the food and drinks are to die for. Try the pimento cheese with bacon jam and the desserts which are a fest for the eyes. You and your kids will love the casual atmosphere and amazing food as much as we do! The cocktails are amazing and kids eat free from 4-6!

5. Food Airstreams in Seaside. They are ALL great. Grilled cheese, five daughters doughnuts and bbq. You name it they have it and it is anything but fast food. If you have time hit up Amavida coffee too. So good.

6. Seagrove Market. Best po boys, crab cakes and dine in and take out food. Great place for picky eaters too. They have something for everyone.

7. Goatfeathers Seafood Market.  They have shrimp, crab, gumbo and homemade sauces every day fresh out of the water. They will even steam the shrimp for you and you can walk out and take them home and eat them. They also have a very tasty restaurant on the other side of 30-A in Grayton Beach I highly recommend, called Goatfeathers.

8. Modica Market Walk in this gourmet food market in seaside square for amazing coffee and biscuits and sausage in the morning and head back for a sandwich and shrimp salad in the afternoon. They also offer wine by the glass, amazing mimosas and cake by the slice that will make you wanna come back for more!

LEAVE THE KIDS AT HOME

  1. Pescado  Undeniably the very best view of the Gulf on 30-A this rooftop bar (where children are not welcome) has an amazing menu you will need a reservation for, modern decor and a very fancy elevator and elevator man to take you right to the top. But don’t let that intimidate you. This is a place to be experienced if even for an hour and a cocktail. Try and hit it up around sunset! No reservation needed for drinks.
  2. NEAT This cute little wine bar is easy to walk into, and has a great menu of wines and appetizers set in the middle of the gorgeous Alys Beach.
  3. Paradis This place is amazing for steak, lobster and a great fancy dinner with your loved ones or girlfriends. Set in the middle of Rosemary Beach there is also a great place to walk over to for dessert next! Reservations for sure.
  4. LaCrema They specialize in chocolate and cocktails and the chocolate fondue is so amazing you may wanna go back the next night. Also serving dinner and a fabulous wine menu.
  5. Havana at the Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach has amazing views , a fabulous wine menu and they specialize in cuban food. The fish and shrimp and grits are wonderful.
  6. Wine Bar at Watercolor is a wonderful little walk in place that you will love to grab a glass of wine and eat some amazing food. Their cheese plate offers one of the best selection on the gulf.
  • Kadish Family Photos Watercolor 2019
  • Kadish Family Photos Watercolor 2019
  • Kadish Family Photos Watercolor 2019
  • Kadish Family Photos Watercolor 2019

DO

SHOPPING

  1. Willow There are two of these adorable little shops on 30-A that I love to shop at. One in Seaside and one in Rosemary Beach. They have a wide array of brand name jeans, breezy dresses and adorable sandals to get you beach ready.
  2. Cabana in Seaside is the place to find all of your beach cover ups, sun hats and sunnies to get you ready for the beach life. Their light fabrics and wearable styles are basically every beach mama’s dream.
  3. Duckies Shop of Fun The ultimate toy store, kids clothing store, beach float store and all around candy store place of happiness in Seaside. Be prepared. Y0ur kids will want it all.
  4. Beau This is my favorite home store to go in for gift items an adorable throw pillow or even a porch swing. Everything feels relaxed and the women who work there are always friendly and ready to help.
  5. Tribe Kelly Surf Post This is the ultimate surf shop for your families laid back clothing needs and it is about a skip from the Gulf and some wonderful places to eat to boot!
  6. The Art of Simple Also located in Seaside square I have discovered so many wonderful candles, lotions, cosmetics and kitchen goods here. It is a great place to pick up a gift for a friend or even yourself!

PLAY

  1. THE GULF Is obviously beautiful and hours can be spent in the sun no matter where you are!
  2. Grayton Beach Park Wanna feel like you are on your own private beach? This Gulfside state park is one of the most beautiful places you might visit all year long!
  3. Watercolor Boat House Wanna rent a paddle board or a kayak to take out on the lake? Fishing your idea of fun? The Watercolor Boat house can set you up!
  4. The Hub Set on 30-A this is a fabulous place to eat, shop or watch a game and let the kids run around with the entire family!
  5. Seaside Movie Nights Check the schedule because the amphitheater has movies and programs all summer long! From Disney movies to the ballet! Always something fun happening!
  6. BIKE With a plethora of bike shops to choose from there are so many rental places you can have the bikes and all the gear delivered right to your door if they aren’t provided by the rental! From electric bikes, tandem bikes to bike trailers and seats for the babies and kids there is something for everyone and 30-A is a great (flat) place to ride everywhere wit the people you love! Try  Salt Air or 30A bike rentals!
  7. Motorboatin’  Rent a pontoon for a sunset cruise or go out on the water to fish with your friends! This is a fantastic company with a wonderful service to make your trip memorable!
  8. Beach Bonfire Have a bonfire on the beach with your family! This company has many great packages to serve your and your family to make your trip a great experience you will never forget!
  9. Destin & Panama City are just 30-40 minutes either side of 30-A with lots of waterparks, outlet malls and tourist attractions so you don’ have to skip that airbrushed t shirt and wax museum if you don’t want to!!!