If you’re not familiar with 30A, it’s actually a scenic highway between Destin and Panama City along Florida’s panhandle. This stretch of highway is home to 13 different beach communities, each one with its’ own sense of charm, style and personality. Here are a few you may recognize:
- Seaside
- Rosemary
- Alys
- Grayton
- Watercolor
- Santa Rosa
- Seacrest
I absolutely adore this destination and think it’s the perfect place to bring your family, friends and loved ones. If you’ve been thinking about visiting (you totally should) then check out my favorite places to stay, eat and play in 30A!
WHERE TO STAY
For a high-end couple’s getaway: The Pearl in Rosemary Beach. This is a beautiful, adult-oriented boutique hotel in the heart of Rosemary Beach. The property is located steps from the beach and surrounded by an array of cute shops and restaurants. The service is also top notch which is what makes your stay so incredible. It’s a splurge if you go during their high season (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend), but fairly priced if you go during the off season.
For a family vacation: Watercolor Inn & Resort. Located on the beach, this property is one of the few full service locations that is gulf front on 30A. If you’re looking for impeccable service (freshly baked cookies for turndown service every night!) this is where you want to stay. The rooms are all lovely and the property is just steps a way from the lively Seaside area filled with great shops and eateries.
For a trip with a large group: Prominence on 30A. This is a popular new vacation spot located in Watersound Beach – minutes from Seaside and Rosemary Beach. The Prominence community features newly-built, coastal-chic vacation rentals that are a quick walk to “The Hub” which is an outdoor gathering place filled with restaurants, shops and an amphitheater. There is also a resort style pool, gym and outdoor grilling pavilion along with free beach shuttle service. Here is the house we rented through Airbnb for our family’s Mother/Daughter trip in August. This house is beautifully designed and was the perfect property for our group of 14. We loved the open floor plan, comfortable beds and beautifully appointed kitchen. The price point was also fantastic and I would totally stay here again!
For a budget-friendly stay: The Pointe. Todd and I recently stayed here for our anniversary and it was so lovely! The property borders Rosemary Beach (which is our favorite place to eat, drink and shop) and it was SO nice to be able to walk to the heart of Rosemary in less than five minutes. Our room was spacious and stylish and the pool area is absolutely beautiful. The staff were so sweet and friendly and made us feel right at home. We didn’t get a chance to eat at the “Big Bad Breakfast” restaurant that’s on property but the menu looks amazing and there was a large crowd waiting to dine every time we walked by. We did take full advantage of the two complimentary bikes and beach chairs that came with our stay. It was the perfect location for our anniversary getaway and I think it would also be great for a family vacation or girls trip.
WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast/Brunch:
Black Bear Bread Co. in Grayton Beach: One of the newest eateries on 30A, Black Bear Bread Co. is a bakery, coffee shop and all-day seasonal café. It’s a little bit of a drive from Seaside or Rosemary, but totally worth it. From its’ charming white cottage exterior to the fresh baked cinnamon rolls and stellar Stumptown coffee lattes, I loved everything about Black Bear Bread Co. and already can’t wait to go back. Heads up: if you’re traveling with a large group, this wouldn’t be the place I recommend. It’s quaint and not much seating available!
Fonville Press in Alys Beach: I consider myself a bit of a “cute coffee shop junkie” and Fonville Press is definitely in my top 3 favorites (alongside Tatte Bakery in Boston and Vintage Coffee and Cafe in Charleston). Situated in the heart of Alys Beach, Fonville is a go-to for morning coffee or a light breakfast like muffins, breakfast sandwiches and steel cut oats. When we stayed at The Pearl, I would ride one of their bikes up here every morning to enjoy my morning quiet time with my favorite devotional, New Morning Mercies, while sipping on one of their delicious lattes. There is just something about the beautiful white architecture, cozy interior and airy courtyard that create the most peaceful atmosphere.
UPDATE 5/6/19: Fonville Press is now Raw & Juicy. Everything is still pretty much the same except there’s a new logo on the building and the menu offers tons of healthy smoothies and raw/vegan treats.
Great Southern Cafe in Seaside: A must for brunch. If you love shrimp and grits, then you have to try their GRITS Á YA YA, a sauté of applewood-smoked bacon, portobello mushrooms, and spinach over smoked Gouda cheese grits, spiced shrimp, and sweet potato hay. Todd and I enjoyed a celebratory brunch with mimosas here after we got engaged. We also had breakfast here during my bachelorette weekend as they have ample outdoor seating perfect for large groups – and people watching. 🙂
Cowgirl Kitchen in Seaside and Rosemary Beach: A great whole-in-the-wall spot. There are two locations and both have a laid-back, beach vibe and offer delicious fare. They are also great about accommodating gluten/dairy/nut free diets.
The Daughter’s Kitchen in Rosemary: This place is soooo cute! The adorable scalloped awning, white-painted brick, gold light fixtures and pops of pink throughout the space were right up my alley. It’s a spin off the super trendy Five Daughter’s Bakery from Nashville, TN and after sampling a few of their menu items I can see why it’s so popular. I ordered their breakfast tacos (so yummy) and Todd and I split one of their Instagram-worthy strawberry donuts as a treat. They had a paleo option, but sadly it had nuts so I wasn’t able to try it (I’m highly allergic). They were quite understaffed the Sunday morning we were there and we did have to wait in line about 45 minutes so don’t plan on coming here if you’re in a hurry. However, we were on “beach time” and didn’t really mind spending some extra time in such a cute spot!
Lunch:
The Wine Bar in Watercolor: Love sitting outside here for lunch and a glass of rosé. I’ve had several of their salads and they were all delicious. They also have one of the best happy hours in 30A.
Dinner:
George’s in Alys Beach: We come here for dinner every time we are in 30A and it never disappoints. It’s a charming beach cottage with a beautiful outdoor seating area and the loveliest atmosphere. You can’t go wrong with anything on their menu, but I almost always opt for their fresh local grouper.
Edwards Fine Food & Wine in Rosemary: The cozy outdoor courtyard, live acoustic music, farm-fresh menu and romantic ambiance makes this one of my favorite date night spots.
The Hub in Watersound: This is like a really nice outdoor food court. From BBQ and burgers to cocktails and ice cream, there’s about 7 or 8 different eateries to choose from and all are delicious. My personal favorite is Mile Marker 15. I love their tacos and Chicken Cobb Salad.
Sweet Treats:
The Sugar Shak in Rosemary: If you have a serious sweet-tooth, then you can’t miss this place. It has a huge selection of candy, ice cream and baked goods. It’s totally overpriced and there is ALWAYS a line out the door, but when you’re on vacation and you’re splurging on sweets anyway, those types of things sort of go out the window. 🙂
Charlie’s Donut Truck in Alys Beach: A cute donut truck that opens early each morning, serving fresh, handmade donuts and pastries. Be sure to get there early because they close once they sell out!
Drinks:
Pescado in Rosemary Beach – Loved this new restaurant and rooftop bar in Rosemary. The views, live music and overall laid-back vibe will make you want to stay all day. Highly recommend!
Bud & Alley’s in Seaside– This is a Seaside staple. Best place to grab a cocktail or dinner outside on the water and watch the sunset. We got engaged on the beach right in front of Bud & Alley’s!
The Pearl in Rosemary Beach – Even if you don’t stay at the Pearl, you should definitely go for a drink (love their frozé!) and grab a small-plate appetizer from their Rooftop Lounge by the pool.
THINGS TO DO
Beach: This is kind of obvious, but relaxing on 30A’s sugar-white sand beaches with emerald green water is a must. Depending on where you stay, they may offer complimentary beach chair rentals, but if not, you can go through Live Well 30A to have beach chairs + an umbrella set up for you.
Ride Bikes: Most of the rental houses and hotels offer complimentary bikes. If yours does not, you can also rent bikes through Live Well 30A.
Shop: I always make a point to hit up the Silver Sands Outlet Mall in Destin. I love finding great deals on some of my favorite brands like J Crew Factory, Gap, Banana Republic and Saks Off Fifth. For boutique shopping, these are some of my favorites:
Perspicacity in Seaside
Willow + Woods in Seaside
Mercantile in Seaside
The Art of Simple in Seaside
Sundog Books in Seaside
Rosemary Beach Trading Co in Rosemary
Patchouli’s in Rosemary
Outpost in Inlet Beach
Rosemary Beach Farmer’s Market: This is the cutest farmer’s market that takes place on Sundays and Thursdays year round from 9am-1pm. You can stroll the cobblestone walkways while sampling fresh produce and locally made breads and pastries. There’s cute crafty things for sale too.
House Stalk: This is one of my favorite activities and there’s no better place for it than 30A. My favorite beach towns to house stalk in are Alys Beach (pictured here), Rosemary Beach and Seaside.
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