Organize your getaway to Florida’s Highway 30A

If you hail from the Southeastern USA, you’re likely familiar with 30A. For those new to the area, imagine a stretch of charming beach towns along a 24-mile picturesque highway that offers stunning views of white sandy shores and the sparkling turquoise Gulf of Mexico.

The real charm of this destination lies in the effortless way you can explore different towns (biking is a must!) and soak in their unique atmospheres, from the enchanting Dutch-inspired streets of Rosemary Beach to the tranquil, easy-going vibe of Grayton Beach. This, my friend, is the vacation spot you dreamed of as a child—or at least I did.

If it’s your first time visiting 30A and you’re unsure where to begin, we’re here to help.

Looking to enhance your trip? Check out the top beaches in Florida

The top beach towns along Florida’s 30A

You have a wealth of choices when selecting a town for your stay. From west to east, they include: Dune Allen Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Grayton Beach, Watercolor, Seaside, Seagrove Beach, Watersound Beach, Seacrest Beach, Alys Beach (pronounced like 'Alice'), Rosemary Beach, and Inlet Beach. Each town boasts its own unique charm and dedicated followers.

Accommodations along the highway are somewhat limited, featuring stylish options like the Pearl Hotel in Rosemary and the stunning resort in Watercolor. However, the majority of the area is made up of vacation rentals. It’s best to book your stay through local rental agencies, such as official town websites or 360 Blue. While you might spot the same rentals on larger platforms, you could end up facing extra fees.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the finest towns along the highway.

Grayton

Vibe: Not only is this one of the finest beaches on 30A, but it’s also featured as one of Dinogo Planet’s top beaches in the US. As one of the oldest communities along the highway, it retains a charming, laid-back, hippie atmosphere, contrasting with newer developments. Turn off the main road, and you’ll find sandy paths leading to quaint beach cottages. The beach is part of Grayton Beach State Park, where protective dunes surround several coastal dune lakes.

Do: Take time to explore the state park, which features a scenic 4.5-mile trail winding around the lakes. You can navigate these waters by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, and if you prefer camping, simple cabins are available for rent. On the first Friday of each month, Grayton’s art galleries remain open late for the 30A Art Walk, where you can meet local artists while enjoying drinks and live music.

Eat: Regardless of where you end up on 30A, visiting the Red Bar is a must. Other seafood favorites include Chiringo and Stinky’s Fish Camp. For dessert, Blue Mountain Beach Creamery serves the best ice cream along the highway.

Continue your culinary journey through the Florida Panhandle

Seaside

Vibe: If you’ve seen The Truman Show, you’ll recognize the charming pastel cottages and brick pathways of Seaside, but it’s far from the quiet town depicted in the 1998 film. Here, the town itself is a major attraction, bustling with activities, especially in the central square. Don’t forget to wander down the more tranquil streets away from the lively crowd.

Do: Explore the various shops in the area, such as Central Square Records, Sundog Books, Modica Market for gourmet southern groceries, and The Art of Simple for beautiful home décor. Be sure to stick around after dinner for movie nights at the amphitheater in the main square.

Eat: Bud and Alley has taken the lead on the waterfront with its seafood restaurant, pizza bar, and taco bar—though the best spot in town is on their rooftop, offering stunning beach views along with a frozen drink. A worthy mention is The Great Southern Café for a relaxed lunch or dinner, and It’s Heavenly next door for delightful ice cream.

Seagrove

Vibe: Yes, there are Seaside, Seagrove, and Seacrest, which can be quite confusing. Seagrove offers a variety of more budget-friendly accommodations, along with a greater overall selection.

Do: Since this area is primarily residential, the best activity here is to soak up the beauty of the stunning beaches.

Eat: Seagrove is home to many iconic restaurants along 30A. Café Thirty-A, a local favorite since 1995 (which is quite a long time for this area!), is perfect for casual fine dining. Old Florida Fish House captures the coastal atmosphere, located just off the highway by Eastern Lake, often featuring live music during your visit. Goatfeathers is another popular seafood spot, but I prefer stopping by their market to grab some fresh Gulf seafood to cook at home.

Alys

Vibe: This is the most luxurious and exclusive beach community in the area. So exclusive, in fact, that you won’t encounter many people while you explore, but don’t let that stop you from wandering through. Enjoy the mostly white architecture influenced by Grecian and Moorish styles, with private courtyards, elegant pools, and cobblestone streets—ideal for a leisurely bike ride with your jaw dropping at the scenery.

Do: Stroll or bike along the serene, hidden nature trail located at the far end of town, away from 30A.

Eat: While dining options in Alys are limited, George’s stands out as one of the finest seafood restaurants on the highway. Enjoy dinner on their patio while savoring crab cakes, or relax with a paloma during the day as you watch bikers pass by.

Rosemary

Vibe: In a word: enchanting. With Dutch-inspired architecture, secluded alleyways lined with scrub oak trees, wooded courtyards, delightful restaurants, and a charming town square.

Do: Wander through the shops in the town square, such as The Hidden Lantern for your next beach read or Ex Voto for custom antique jewelry. If you’re staying in Rosemary, you also have access to four pools (including one indoor), a fitness center, and tennis courts.

Eat: Start your day with coffee from Amavida (they have several locations along the highway). Rosemary boasts excellent fine dining options, like Pescado’s rooftop bar, offering breathtaking coastal views. Don’t miss Gallion’s for top-notch seafood, butter candles, and tomahawk steaks.

Inlet

Vibe: Located right at the edge of 30A, Inlet was my family’s favorite spot during my childhood. While many once-empty lots now host grand beach mansions, there remains an off-the-beaten-path atmosphere. The beaches are usually less crowded, giving you more room to spread out on the sand.

Do: There isn't really a traditional “town” in Inlet, so the best activity is to enjoy the expansive beaches. Alternatively, bike a bit further down the road toward Panama City Beach to Camp Helen State Park for swimming, kayaking, nature trails, and more.

Eat: Shades Bar and Grill is the go-to spot for casual beach food and cold beer. Or, head across Hwy 98 to grab a delicious breakfast at Donut Hole—get there early, as the line can get long and certain flavors may sell out. Their old-fashioned sour cream cake donuts are simply fantastic.

When is the best time to visit 30A?

Having visited throughout every season, I can't emphasize enough how chaotic this place becomes during the US spring break season (mid-March to early April). Accommodations are expensive, the crowds are overwhelming, and securing restaurant reservations can be quite the challenge.

Summer is the height of fun, featuring 4th of July festivities, outdoor concerts, farmers markets, and events like movie nights in Seaside’s amphitheater happening more often. Don't overlook the cooler months (November to February) either. With holiday lights, sunny bike rides, easier reservations, and pleasant sweater-weather on the beach, you can’t go wrong.

Consider booking a late spring (May to June) or fall trip (September to November) to enjoy the glorious Florida sunshine at lower rates. Just a heads-up, there might be a few storms, but they usually pass quickly, allowing you to get back to the beach in no time.

How long should I stay on 30A?

30A is an ideal weekend escape for southerners, but if you're traveling from farther away, I recommend at least five days to truly explore the highway and soak up some beach time. If you can only manage a weekend, focus on one or two towns. For instance, you could stay in Rosemary and take trips to Alys or Inlet for meals and scenic bike paths.

Is getting around 30A easy?

Yes and no. If you're flying, your best bet is Northwest Florida Beaches Airport (ECP) in Panama City Beach, just a 30-minute drive from the eastern end of the highway. There are direct flights from several major US cities like Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte, Dallas, and Washington, DC. Another option is Destin Ft Walton Beach Airport, which also offers direct flights but is about an hour's drive to Seaside.

Driving in (especially during summer) can mean dealing with heavy traffic along the highway. However, once you park and get settled, you likely won't need your car for the rest of your stay.

Pro tip: Before you check into your accommodation, stock up on groceries (likely from Publix) to avoid having to get back in the car later.

While most visitors bring or rent cars, it’s possible to rely on rideshares or shuttles to get to your accommodation and go car-free for your entire stay. 30A is very walkable and bike-friendly. If you don’t have your own bike, that’s totally fine—every town has rental shops, such as Bamboo Bicycle Company in Rosemary and Seaside Transit Authority Bike Rentals. Some places even provide golf carts, which are a fun way to navigate traffic.

My top activity on 30A

When I’m not lounging on the pristine Gulf beaches, you’ll likely find me cycling. This area is truly remarkable for its bike-friendliness—there seem to be ten bikes for every car! You can ride the entire highway along the smooth, paved bike path, but I especially enjoy veering into different neighborhoods to cycle leisurely, taking in the stunning homes and the refreshing salty Florida breeze.

How much should I budget for 30A?

These estimates represent peak summer prices; you'll discover much better rates in the fall, winter, and spring (excluding spring break).

• Rental house or condo for four: $250+ per night

• Upscale hotel room: $700+ per night

• Taxi from Panama City Beach airport: $40+

• 3-day bike rental: $53

• Coffee: $4.50

• Sandwich (like a Pub Sub from Publix): $8.50

• Cocktail: $12

• Upscale seafood dinner for two: $100+

Is 30A an expensive destination? Yes. Is it worth the splurge? Absolutely, if you spend wisely. The main draw here—those stunning beaches—are completely free to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Parking can be challenging

Ensure that your accommodation offers on-site parking. It can be a hassle in busy areas like Rosemary and Seaside, as well as near beach access points. The ideal solution is to bike to the beach and secure your ride at one of the bike racks.

Inquire about rental perks

Ask your rental agency if your place includes beach chairs or an umbrella. This saves you from packing these essential items. Extra points if there’s a wagon available to transport everything to the beach.

Yes, you can enjoy drinks on the beach here

If you’re of legal drinking age, non-glass open containers are permitted on the beaches of 30A (with one exception: drinking is not allowed on state park beaches).

Secure your restaurant bookings in advance

As a general guideline, aim to make your reservations several weeks ahead of time, particularly during busy periods like spring break, summer, Thanksgiving week, and the Christmas holiday season (the days between Christmas and New Year’s attract large crowds).

Surprisingly, some people live here all year round

30A is often seen as a vacation destination, and there have been past concerns about spring breakers and tourists being overly rowdy. Keep in mind that there’s a local community here, and it’s important to respect their home just like any other destination.

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