South Walton (affectionately known as 30A by locals) is located on the Florida Panhandle just off the Gulf of Mexico and features 26 miles of sugary white sand beaches, crystal clear emerald waters, and the added pleasure of 16 unique neighborhoods, each with their personalities.
South Walton is about 40 minutes away from the more well-known seaside destination of Panama City Beach and is situated along the picturesque Highway 30A (thus the nickname). The catchphrase of South Walton, “Find your Perfect Beach,” alludes to the variety of beach towns that draw tourists of all stripes to this area. Before learning about the greatest things to do in Florida 30A, take a short look at this lovely vacation destination.
30A is a section of Gulf Coast beach that is located between the popular tourist sites of Panama City and Destin in Walton County, Florida, along scenic Highway 30A. Locally referred to as “30A,” this region is home to gorgeous white-sand beaches, picture-perfect beach villages, unusual coastal dune lakes, and mouthwatering culinary establishments.
Even though Destin and Panama City are much bigger, 30A has lots of exciting things to do. A family vacation in the 30A zone is fantastic. It’s also a great location for couples to travel to for a romantic weekend away. Check out the list of the top things to do in Florida 30A to learn what’s popular there.
Witness a Glorious Sunset at Blue Mountain Beach
Blue Mountain Beach is a hidden gem that not many people are aware of. Just a few miles north of Seaside are emerald waters, sugar-white dunes, and some of the best eating the area has to offer. Its name comes from the dunes that make this area the highest elevation in South Walton. The blue blossoms on dunes are another characteristic.
One of the most well-known locations in the Seaside area is Blue Mountain Beach. There are paths nearby for biking and hiking. Blue Mountain Beach, with its emerald waters, is one of Florida’s most amazing 30A beaches. Visit the Blue Mountain Beach Creamery while you’re in town for ice cream or frozen yogurt delicacies.
Visit Central Square Records to purchase vinyl records
You should stop by this store if you enjoy vinyl recordings. Central Square Records is a well-known local icon and one of the oldest record shops in the nation. It is a core American tradition. Spend time discovering both new and used records, as well as recent releases.
Other than that, you can get a few amusing t-shirts and hang out in the cool area to escape the Seaside’s crowds and heat. Regular performances by both local and out-of-town musicians may be found at Central Square Records.
Enjoy a Sunny Day at Seagrove Beach
San Juan Beach Access is just one of the several public beach access points offered by Seagrove Beach. It is the most well-known beach in Seagrove. By arriving early, you can take advantage of the San Juan Beach Access’s restricted parking.
This beach doesn’t have a lot of amenities, but it more than makes up for it with breathtaking views of the Gulf. Seagrove Beach is a fantastic option for family holidays. Build sandcastles, go swimming, and sunbathe. A campfire in the sand is a wonderful way to cap off a stylish beach night.
Hire a Bike from 30A Bike Rentals to Explore the Area
Renting a bike is a great way to get around Seaside if you intend to stay there for a while. Near one another, the beaches of Watercolor, Seagrove, and Seaside each offer a range of fun shops, eateries, and beaches. In Seaside, the distance between WaterColor and Seagrove is less than a mile. The majority of the public spaces, including the entrances to the beach, have bike racks.
These are only a few of the numerous companies in the area. Additionally, the staff is welcoming and competent. You can purchase everything, including kids’ tricycles, beach cruisers, mountain bikes, and road bikes. There are also bicycle accessories and other fascinating goods.
Discover a Range of Activities at the Active Grayton Beach
Grayton Beach is conveniently close to Seaside. A coastal town called Grayton Beach is well-known for its beaches and activities along 30A Highway. Seaside, which has a wonderful, broad beach and is reachable by public transit, is only a short drive from Grayton Beach. The Red Bar and Chiringo, among other well-known restaurants, are located close to the public beach. You may reach AJ’s Grayton Beach and Grayton Brew Pub by traveling just a little distance north on Highway 30A.
Grayton Beach State Park, the most visited place in Grayton Beach, offers miles of hiking and biking trails, kayaking, camping, and cabins.
Visit Fusion Art Glass to View Fragile Yet Stunning Art
It’s now simpler to find and follow 30A’s professional local artists. Here, artists of all genres and media are welcome to exhibit their work. Fusion Art Glass was established in 1996 by glass artist Russ Gilbert, who now represents over 150 artists from across North America. Producing unique goods requires working with small, independently owned studios and only the best artisans.
Our collection has one-of-a-kind pieces of art glass from throughout North America that you may utilize in any environment. In the gallery’s retail area, you might find jewelry, pottery, paintings, and sculptures. Catch interesting displays or purchase something to take home.
Enjoy the Views as You Drive through Scenic Highway 30A
The 24-mile-long Scenic Highway 30A in Walton County follows the Gulf of Mexico’s shoreline. Highway 30A, which normally runs alongside Highway 98 and follows the shore, may get you from Destin to Panama City Beach. Miles of greenway trails connect state parks, preserves, and residences along this byway. Scenic Highway 30A winds its way along the Gulf Coast starting at Santa Rosa Beach, and passing through several beach towns.
A few examples of architectural styles that have influenced each community’s aesthetic are New Urbanism, the three-story homes of Old Florida, and the white-picket-fence cottage architecture of Seaside.
Visit Rosemary Beach Trading Company to purchase souvenirs
At the eastern end of Highway 30A, Rosary Beach is a well-liked vacation spot. The architecture and cobblestone streets bring to mind old European villages. A wonderful way to spend the day here is to stroll about and check out the shops. There aren’t many parking spaces accessible in the vicinity of Barrett Square, so grasp the chance if you come across one.
You may get a great range of souvenirs at Rosemary Trading Company, which is located in the center of Rosemary Beach. It is situated in a 1,600-square-foot designer space with a large selection of premium goods. Anything from branded clothing to handcrafted home décor to beachwear may be found here.
Immerse Yourself in Nature at Point Washington State Forest
If you want to go away for a while, spend a day or an afternoon in Point Washington State Forest. On the panhandle, in Walton County, there lies a 15,131-acre forest. It was purchased in 1992 by a conservation and recreational lands program in Florida.
Hiking, biking, horseback riding, and other outdoor activities abound in this breathtaking park. Additionally, you are allowed to go camping, fishing, or hunting in one of their approved places. With more than 15,000 acres to explore, your adventure won’t be boring at all.
Rent a Paddleboard at 30A Paddleboard Rentals
Coastal dune lakes are a rare phenomenon, and Walton County, Florida, is one of them. You may go kayaking or standup paddleboarding on the lake that sits in the center of Grayton Beach and WaterColor. You may rent sports equipment from a lot of businesses along 30A. One company that offers the greatest paddleboards is 30A Paddleboard Rentals, which caters to both tourists and locals.
It offers its customers entire discretion over the day, time, and locations for pickup and delivery of their boards. Its delivery region includes Destin, 30A, and Panama City Beach’s western end. Even if you’re at the beach, you can schedule delivery.
Try Fishing at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Topsail Hill Preserve is a unique park in Florida that offers everything. You may kayak, paddleboard, fish from a boat, or enjoy scenic bike rides along lovely paths to make the most of this Florida state park. More than 1,000 acres of land and water are protected by the preserve. There is a lighthouse, as well as designated areas for camping, seeing animals, picnicking, and having tables and shelters.
Here are some of Florida’s finest dunes. This summer, the whole family should visit Topsail Hill Preserve State Park for some beach fun. A trolley that operates every 20 to 30 minutes will transport you to the beach for a modest cost even though it is a mile distant.
Take a hike along the Timpoochee Trail
The Timpoochee Traill runs from Rosemary Beach to Dune Allen. It travels through beachside communities and state forest reserves while following Scenic Highway 30-A and the Gulf of Mexico shoreline. The Emerald Coast Trail in northwest Florida offers views of the ocean, marsh lakes, dunes, and charming coastal settlements along a route that is bordered by trees.
The Timpoochee Trail, which is 18 miles long, is a wonderful opportunity to explore all the lovely seashore towns along Highway 30A. It is difficult to maneuver around congested locations like Seaside’s Central Square due to the roadway’s narrowness, particularly during the busiest seasons of the year.
Visit the Truman House’s Truman’s World exhibit
The Truman Show House is one of Seaside, Florida’s most well-liked attractions. Those who liked Jim Carrey’s portrayal in the classic movie “The Truman Show” might wish to visit this area since it was featured there. Seaside, California, is not an island, despite the usage of the name Seahaven and its position on an island in the movie. More Seaside settings from the movie can be found here.
The Truman House’s actual address, not a fictional one, is this street. The front entry is decorated with a reproduction of the movie house number 36. It’s the ideal setting for delivering Truman’s well-known movie lines.
Grab a Good Read at Sundog Books
A small independent bookstore called Sundog Books is set in a dilapidated old building. You’ll find more wonderful things in this place than just the outside. There are many interesting, rare books and music there. Though shelves stacked high with readers can be found here, major bookstores rarely carry the bestselling titles.
Sundog Books is mostly interested in small publishers and independent authors. You’re sure to find a few hidden gems among the more obscure picks in addition to some well-known writers and book titles. One of the most well-known sections of the store is its regional, comics, and children’s section.
Whatever book genre you enjoy reading, you’re sure to discover something new here. Even though this independent bookstore is modest, there are many books to pick from there.
La Crema Tapas & Chocolate Offers Fine Spanish Dining
When you’re at Rosemary Beach, stop by La Crema Tapas & Chocolate for dessert. La Crema Tapas and Chocolate draws its inspiration from popular tapas and chocolate establishments in Madrid and Barcelona as well as the culinary preferences, way of life, and general enthusiasm of Spaniards. Rosemary Beach shares a similar temperature to Barcelona, making it a top destination for people seeking locally-grown food.
Its courtyard on Main Street in Rosemary Beach offers the perfect location for mimicking its way of life and food. It’s impossible to avoid falling in love with Rosemary Beach when visiting. Sample the fruit tart, several ice cream flavors, and chocolate fondue there. There are options for dark or milk chocolate fondue and gluten-free fondue.
Conclusion
Whatever your preferred method of beach vacationing, 30A has a lot to offer. A day spent shopping on the Seaside, dining on Seagrove, or visiting the coastal dune lakes is never boring. Alternately, Florida 30A welcomes you with open arms if you’d rather lay around on the beach, taking in the views and sounds of the ocean while absorbed in a good book.
This is only a short selection of the many things there are to do along 30A. When you arrive, cross some of these off your list of favorites and book a 30A vacation rental.