If you’re looking for a family-friendly getaway, look no further than to the 30A region along the panhandle of Florida. This area is full of a lineup of seaside towns that each have their own character and charm. Mindy recently traveled here with her husband for their honeymoon in September, and she’s sharing all of her best recs with us. Follow along below!
Grayton Beach
This small, historic town on the coast boasts one of the best public beaches in the area, and is home to a handful of cute coffee shops, eateries, and more.
Where to Eat
Black Bear Bread Co / Link
A neighborhood bakery, coffee shop, and all-day café that has the cutest interiors and idyllic porch. Easily our favorite spot for breakfast. We came here several days in a row!
Black Bear Bar Room / Link
Adjacent to Black Bear Bread Co, this natural wine bar room also has a great selection of oysters, charcuterie, and sharables.
Blue Mountain Beach
A beachside town that has the most amazing natural beauty and coastal feel!
Where to Stay
‘Mint to be’ Beach Rental / Link
This beach rental is conveniently located, with a short stroll to the beach. It comes with a pool, bikes, and a golf cart for navigating around town. What a dream!
‘Duneside Dreams’ Beach Rental / Link
This rental sleeps up to 16 comfortably and is centrally located. It has all of the amenities you could want and has an open and airy floor plan!
Where to Eat
Shunk Gulley / Link
An open-air seafood eatery with live music and cocktails. Try to arrive before the crowds for sunset happy hour and an early dinner. We stayed here for hours!
Blue Mountain Beach Creamery / Link
If this place doesn’t scream joy, we don’t know what does. Walk up to their ice cream counter for a post-beach day snow cone or an after-dinner treat!
Blue Mabel / Link
This smokehouse has some of the best barbecue in the area that you can find.
Seaside
This small resort community is the epitome of charm: with white picket fences and pastel-colored houses, it’s a must visit and a longtime favorite for locals and vacationers alike.
Where to Eat
Modica Market / Link
This quaint gourmet grocery has an eclectic mix of all sorts of yummy things. Pro tip: grab cheese and wine to bring to the beach across the street! We also stocked up on gourmet goodies to bring back to our rental as well.
Where to Shop
The Seaside Style / Link
All of your favorite seaside gear, in one place. They have the coziest sweatshirts!
Cabana / Link
This outdoor shopping market has all sorts of cute things for women — endless straw totes, hats, sun dresses, and coverups!
What to Do
Go to the beach
For public beach access, head between Seaside and Watercolors (most of the other beaches are private, so you’ll need to stay at a home within Seaside if you want beach access, like many of the other communities along the coast).
Seagrove Beach
This laidback part of 30A has the most beautiful white sand beaches and emerald waters. It also has public beach access, which is a big bonus. Add it to your list!
Where to Eat
Beachy Bean Coffee Co / Link
The perfect place to stroll up to each morning to get your daily cup of coffee.
The Hub / Link
The cutest gathering place that has live music, family-friendly movie nights, and a handful of yummy places to eat at.
The Donut Hut / Link
The yummiest, freshest donuts out there. Not to mention, their bagel breakfast sandwiches are delish!
Goat Feathers / Link
Go here for some of the freshest seafood you can find to grill up at home. Locals were lined up outside before the doors opened, so you know it’s a treasure.
Where to Stay
Sugar Palm House / Link
This adorable beach cottage is where we stayed on our honeymoon — take a peek at the interiors and you’ll see why we picked it! Plus, it’s within biking distance to Seaside.
Hiker House / Link
Located right across from a resort-style pool, this house is both family-friendly and right next to endless community activities.
Alys Beach
Modern, elevated, and full of the best design — Alys Beach is a spot that you won’t stop thinking about. Since it first debuted over a decade ago, it’s been on my list of places to visit. It didn’t disappoint. It’s effortlessly chic and so unique architecturally. A design haven, to say the least.
Where to Eat
Neat Tasting Room & Bottle Shop / Link
Stop here to grab a bottle of wine to go, or sit inside for a cocktail or glass of wine. It has the most beautiful interiors!
George’s at Alys Beach / Link
A great dinner spot, and one of our favorite finds. George’s is an upscale, yet casual restaurant that sources local craft food and has the nicest staff who instantly make you feel at home.
Caliza / Link
This poolside restaurant is the kind of place that you’ll never want to leave. Al fresco dining and fresh seafood and bites, it’s a 10/10 in our book. It also gives you a peek inside the otherwise private community retreat area.
Charlie’s Donuts / Link
This donut truck is such a hit that the donuts most always sell out. Get here early to get a fresh batch!
Raw & Juicy / Link
This neighborhood cafe is great for breakfast or lunch. It’s super kid-friendly – they can play outside nearby and do miniature rock climbing / exploring!
The Citizen / Link
This coastal tavern is set to open early 2021, and it has a much-anticipated arrival. We can’t wait to check it out!
Where to Shop
Mast / Link
A home goods store that is full of all sorts of goodies — from lighting to furniture. A must-visit for a design lover!
Where to Stay
Kaiya / Link
This resort is as good as it gets. With luxurious rooms, a farm-to-table restaurant, and deep blue water pool, you’ll never want to leave.
33 Caliza Lane / Link
This beach rental is within short walking distance to the town center. Plus, it has a second floor courtyard and has the most beautiful interiors!
112 North Somerset St / Link
Located next to the Caliza pool, this rental sleeps six and is modern, elevated, and welcoming.
Rosemary Beach
This town is an idyllic getaway — it’s family friendly, has charming architecture, and golf courses galore. In case you haven’t guessed, there really isn’t a bad spot along 30A, and Rosemary Beach is one of our top favorites. It’s so special here, and we really loved this neighborhood.
Where to Eat
Pescado / Link
This casual fine dining restaurant boasts the best ocean views.
Le Crema / Link
This tapas and chocolate shop has the best patio to enjoy a long dinner at, and came highly recommended by several friends. Not to be missed!
Cowgirl Kitchen Feed & Supply / Link
This speciality grocery store is the best place to grab wine, bites, cheese, drinks, and goodies for a beachside picnic. Also, don’t forget to grab a pint of ice cream from Southern Craft Creamery! We stocked up on lunch goodies and took them to the beach.
Amavida Coffee Co. / Link
This organic coffee shop is situated in the middle of town and is a great spot to visit each morning.
Wild Olives / Link
A wine bar and bistro where you’ll want to spend a long lunch.
Where to Shop
Oko / Link
This women’s clothing store has a great selection of clothing, accessories, toys, gifts, and more.
Parish + Ex Voto / Link
This duo of a clothing store and home goods boutique has tons of great designer items and dresses!
Rosemary Beach Trading Company / Link
If you’re looking to pick up a gift to bring back home, this trading company is the spot to go.
Where to Stay
The Pearl / Link
This luxury hotel sits a block from the beach and is the perfect landing spot to explore all of 30A from. Most people stay in vacation rentals along 30A, so if you’re looking for hotel accommodations, this is your place!
Abaco Cottage & Carriage House / Link
With designer touches sprinkled throughout, this cottage and carriage house is the definition of elegance.
Austen Cottage & Carriage House / Link
This rental is the kind of place you’ll remember for years to come: with bright interiors and an outdoor entertaining area — it just can’t be beat.
Destin
Popular for a reason, the town of Destin is a short drive from 30A and has a great variety of activities to do and beaches to visit! If you’re staying in the area for a longer period of time, and want to road trip along 30A, this is a great public beach to pop by for a few hours. It’s also close to many boat rental locations, if you’re itching to take one out on the water – be sure to visit Shell Island by boat if do!
What to Do
Crab Island / Link
If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a pontoon boat and take the journey to Crab Island, a sandbar that sits right off Destin.
Henderson Beach State Park / Link
One of the most amazing day trips is to drive all of the 30A to this beach that resides a little further from town. It has crystal clear emerald waters and the most beautiful white sandy beach.