Fora’s Take
Nicknamed the “Emerald Coast”, 30A is a collection of small, intertwining beach towns all along Highway 30A in Walton County, Florida. Here you will find a quiet, charming community of beach towns woven together along 24 miles of the highway. Lovely white sand beaches, state parks, coastal dune lakes and serene views are what make the area like no other. 30A is the gem of the Gulf Coast and home to local shopping and elegant dining experiences. If you are looking for some family-fun, there are things the little ones will enjoy, too. For a relaxing, southern getaway, 30A is your spot.
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Things to do in 30A
BEACHES
Relax on the beach and take in the stunning views of the Emerald Coast.
CYCLE
Take a bike ride through 30A! The Timpoochee Trail runs through 19 miles of 30A and bike rentals are around every corner. You can get a taste of each town and hit some fun stops along the way!
VISIT SEASIDE
"The Square" at Seaside is an experience the whole family will enjoy! Local shops (including a super cool record store), fine dining, food trucks (The Meltdown is a fan favorite) and daily events on the pavilion like the farmer's market, yoga and live music at night!
STATE PARKS
If you are looking to hike, fish or even kayak, it is highly recommend to check out the beautiful state parks 30A has to offer. Eden Gardens State Park is best October - May for blooming gardens and Grayton Beach State Park even has an artificial reef where you can snorkel with marine life!
Places to eat & drink in 30A
BREAKFAST
Black Bear Bread Co.: Enjoy Parisian pastries morning to afternoon at any of their four locations across 30A.
The Donut Hole: Look forward to these donuts! Locations in Santa Rosa Beach and Inlet Beach.
LUNCH
Cowgirl Kitchen: You can hear the waves from the beach over lunch if you are lucky enough to score an outdoor table, plus the cutest town views of Rosemary Beach make the experience that much better! Another location sits in Blue Mountain Beach.
The Perfect Pig: Gourmet southern food with a fun atmosphere in Watercolor. A great choice for lunch, but their breakfast and dinner menus are also just as yummy!
DINNER
Great Southern Cafe: Located in the heart of the Seaside Square, this spot has a well-deserved popularity. Waits for a table can be long, but The Square's charming local shops deserve a visit if you do encounter a wait.
George's: This restaurant is located in Alys Beach where you can find neighborhoods that make you feel like you are in Santorini. Absolutely gorgeous location and absolutely delicious food! The seared sea scallops are wonderful.
Bud and Alley's: Consistently great food with a rooftop bar and waterfront seating. Enjoy your dinner right next to the Seaside Tower in The Square.
Surfing Deer: For a more elegant, upscale dining experience, this place is highly recommend. Great drinks and seafood. Located in Santa Rosa Beach.
Red Bar: In contrast, Red Bar in Grayton Beach is all FUN! The restaurant is an iconic spot among visitors with live music and posters covering the walls. It was rebuilt with the same old-timey feel after a fire years ago, which gives it more love than it already had before.
EXTRAS
NEAT Tasting Room and Bottle Shop: Wine lovers, head to Alys Beach for some wine tasting paired with charcuterie and cheese boards.
La Crema: An absolute must! Perfect for unique tapas, handcrafted cocktails and the best part - chocolate fondue!!
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Florida.