Welcoming Sentiments

We love exploring new places when we travel. While there are some destinations we’d happily revisit, our family usually prefers to experience someplace new. This summer, we headed to Florida’s scenic 30A area — a stretch of charming beach towns along the Gulf Coast.

Good friends of ours make 30A their annual tradition and invited us to join. Since we’re always up for a new adventure, we packed our bags and set out to discover what makes this area so special.

First Impressions of 30A

One thing to know right away: 30A is crowded, even in early August when some southern schools are already back in session. Having a golf cart made a huge difference — it was easier to zip around town and avoid circling endlessly for parking spots. (Tip: check each community’s rules, since golf carts aren’t allowed everywhere, like Rosemary Beach.)

Also, prepare your budget — prices here are on the higher side, just like most popular vacation spots.

That said, the area is absolutely worth visiting. Each town has its own personality, and it’s fun to explore by cart, bike, or on foot. While we couldn’t see everything in one trip, we discovered plenty of gems along the way.

One thing to note: during our stay, the water wasn’t its usual crystal-clear blue. A stretch of sargassum seaweed had moved in, making for a less-than-ideal swimming experience. Even after showering, we kept finding it stuck to us, and the guys were pulling handfuls out of their swimsuit pockets.

Grayton Beach: Our Home Base

We stayed in a rental house just a few doors down from the beach in Grayton Beach. Unfortunately, the first few days were rain-filled, so we didn’t hit the sand as much as expected. But the guys still got in their golf rounds, and we made the best of it by exploring coffee shops and restaurants.

When the beach is so close you make sure to go night crab hunting. No wildlife was harmed! Only a couple of people wanted to actually touch them, it was more a viewing and chase 😉

Where We Ate in Grayton Beach

• Chiringo – A fun, casual spot where we had lunch on our first day. Parking is tight, so plan ahead or use the area’s shuttle.
• Beach Camp Brew Pub – Great for families with kids, thanks to the outdoor games. Food was solid, and you order inside if you sit outdoors.
• Crackings – A popular breakfast spot known for mimosas, hot chocolate, and hearty dishes. Pro tip: join the waitlist on Yelp to cut down your wait time.
• Black Bear Bread Co. – Cute coffee shop with delicious pastries and drinks, plus some nice shops nearby.
• The Red Bar – The inside of the place was so unique—it’s worth stopping in just to check out the atmosphere. As for the food, our group had a mix of reactions; some dishes hit the mark while others fell a little flat

Seaside: Shops, Food Trucks & Southern Charm

Seaside is one of 30A’s most iconic stops, famous for its pastel cottages, charming shops, and permanent food trucks.

What We Tried in Seaside

• Barefoot BBQ – Mixed review: brisket was tasty with a variety of sauces, but the sausage was extremely tough.
• The Green Stream – Fantastic acai bowls that hit the spot on a hot day.
• The Great Southern Café – Great food and the wait can be long. We were seated much quicker than they said so hopefully you’ll be that lucky too.
• The Daytrader Tiki Bar – Fun tropical drinks like fresh Thai coconut water with lime and mint in the coconut.
• Bud & Alley’s – We had some calamari out back by the beach bar. Then went up front to their taco bar.
• It’s Heavenly Ice Cream – Because no family vacation is complete without ice cream (or two… or three stops).
• Coleman Beach Pavilion – Seaside has several beach pavilions, all with a story. We wandered down through this one while waiting for dinner one night.

The Big Chill (Watersound Beach)

Your trip isn’t complete without a stop at The Big Chill. This is formerly known as The Hub and is an outdoor dining and entertainment space perfect for families. With multiple food options, live music, dancing, and even a small arcade, it’s a great place to spend an evening.

Rosemary Beach: Boutique Vibes & a Spa Day

Rosemary Beach feels more upscale, with cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and beautiful architecture.

• Amavida Coffee – Great coffee and a nice stop while shopping.
• Kilwins – Ice cream is a must for us.
• The Pearl Hotel Spa – Highly recommend! Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, you can book treatments and enjoy the pool, appetizers, and cocktails. This was a perfect girls day stop!
• Gallion’s & La Crema Tapas & Chocolate – Perfect for a girls’ day of small bites, shopping, and decadent desserts.

Crab Island: A Unique Day on the Water

For something totally different, we drove into Destin and rented a pontoon boat from Double Fun Pontoon Rentals and headed to Crab Island, a shallow sandbar near Destin.

The water is waist-deep and gorgeous, but we ran into lots of jellyfish. After one sting, some kids were done with swimming. Thankfully, a food boat vendor tipped us off that moving closer to shore meant fewer jellyfish.

Highlights included:

• Floating food vendors (yes, even Chick-fil-A!)
• A fun general store and anchored restaurants
• Ending the day with a delicious meal at Boshamps, right by the marina

Family Fun at The Track in Destin

If you’re looking for an action-packed spot the whole family will enjoy, The Track in Destin is a must-visit. This entertainment park has something for everyone — from a few multi-level go-kart tracks and two themed mini golf courses to classic rides, bumper boats, bumper cars, and a lively arcade. With options for kids of all ages and adults alike, it’s one of the biggest family attractions we’ve been to with everything all in one spot.

After a couple hours of play, we went across the street to The Back Porch for a delicious lunch. It was the perfect spot to recharge, cool off, and enjoy some great food before heading back to The Track to keep the fun going.

Final Thoughts: Is 30A Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. While it’s pricier and busier than we expected, 30A’s charm lies in its variety of beach towns, each with something unique to offer. From golf cart rides through Grayton Beach to food trucks in Seaside, spa days in Rosemary, and boat adventures at Crab Island, there’s truly something for everyone.

Whether you’re planning a family vacation, couples’ getaway, or friends’ trip, 30A is a destination worth adding to your list.