The Secret Password to the Best Beaches You’ve Never Heard Of

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Advisor - Callie Shepard
Curated By

Callie Shepard

  • Family Travel

  • Group Travel

  • Beaches

  • Florida

  • Coastal

  • Local Culture

  • Hidden Gems

30A is the actual local road where the beach towns sit.
Curator’s statement

You may have heard of Florida’s Panhandle, or even the Emerald Coast, but the secret characters few know about are “30A.” 30A is a scenic county road lined with several small beach communities. What makes this area unique is that there are few hotels and chains, with most real estate being private homes or vacation rentals. The beaches here are known for their pure white tone and sugary-soft texture. Each community along 30A has its own unique personality, making it an especially fun destination. I’ll give you the inside scoop on how to experience this hidden treasure.

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Where to stay in 30A

Watercolor Inn

Between the Gulf of Mexico and a dune lake, this beachfront resort is a playground for families and seclusion seekers alike.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

  • ★

    $100 food / beverage credit.

  • ★

    Breakfast daily.

Hotel Effie Sandestin, Autograph Collection

This modern, luxury tower situated right on the beach features a rooftop pool, fine dining and spacious rooms.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    $100 hotel / resort credit.

  • ★

    Welcome amenity

  • ★

    Breakfast daily.

The Pearl Hotel

A luxurious boutique hotel known for its elegant architecture and prime location near the Gulf of Mexico.

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Things to do in 30A

Dolphin Therapy is a fun and educational swim-with-the-dolphin tour for the whole family in Panama City Beach near 30A.

Relax at the Beach

This is the top attraction. Pack your beach reads and sunscreen and be prepared to indulge in pure rest.

Take a bike ride

30A spans about 20 miles, so you can easily explore the whole area by bike. I recommend visiting Alys Beach on your ride, a pristinely photogenic community unlike anywhere else. This planned community of only white structures is a sea of eye-catching architecture and perfectly pruned landscapes.

Shop

Visit The Truman House

Jim Carrey’s “The Truman Show” was filmed in the town of Seaside. Fans of the beloved movie can visit the featured house at 31 Natchez Street.

Swim with Dolphins

Book a cruise, swim or even participate in Dolphin Therapy in Panama City.

Visit a State Park

The area features a lot of notable parks, including Grayton Beach State Park, Eden Gardens State Park and Point Washington State Forest.

Places to eat & drink in 30A

Bud & Alley's is a waterfront restaurant and bar.

Breakfast

Raw and Juicy (Alys Beach) Juices, smoothies and organic options.

Summer Kitchen Restaurant (Rosemary Beach) This casual town staple has been around since 1999.

Lunch

Fonville Press Market Café (Alys Beach) Enjoy salads and sandwiches at this pretty eatery with outdoor seating,

George’s (Alys Beach) Enjoy local seafood and sweet tea on the perfectly southern porch.

Airstream Row (Seaside Beach) Collection of Airstreams repurposed as eateries serving everything from crepes to hot dogs.

Dinner

The Citizen (Alys Beach) Modern coastal cuisine featuring a 12-seat raw bar.

Pescado (Rosemary Beach) Featuring daily live music and a rooftop bar.

Bud & Alley’s (Seaside) Known for it’s unique obelisk structure and first come, first-served rooftop bar. A vintage bell is rung each night at dusk to commemorate the day.

Red Bar (Grayton Beach) Bar and restaurant in an old general store features live music nightly.

Advisor - Callie Shepard

Travel Advisor

Callie Shepard

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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, The Best of Rhode Island.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Florida.