30A Travel Guide :: Florida's Most Picturesque Beach Towns

Updated July 2022

The beach is almost synonymous with summertime. Sunshine, sparkling water, and a constant state of relaxation. I first discovered 30A a couple of years ago with some of my girlfriends, and it has (ever since) been my ideal picture of the perfect beach escape. Crystal clear waters, white sand, local businesses and food trucks, bikes are the main form of transportation, pastel colored houses, and lots of happy (sometimes sunburned) faces.

One of the perks of moving to Alabama? Being 3.5 hours away from some of the most gorgeous Florida beaches. It’s easy to pack up the car early on a Saturday morning and make the drive down. And the drive is totally worth it once you’re sitting surfside and listening to the waves crash.

We’ve made a short weekend trip to 30A every summer since I’ve moved to Auburn. It’s my ideal summer weekend, so I look forward to the trip starting in February. There are a number of little towns along 30A that are adorable – we’ve stayed everywhere along 30a from Santa Rosa Beach to Rosemary Beach. Thankfully, the stretch between towns is an easy drive (30ish minutes from end to end with traffic). It makes you want to invest in a soft top jeep, so you keep soaking up the sun!

TRAVEL TIP: If you’re planning to fly, we’d recommend ECP. You can either rent a car or catch an uber to 30a. It’s ~30 minutes from the airport to Rosemary/Seacrest area.

These are some of my favorite spots + things to do while visiting 30A.

DO

Beach. Obviously. If you’re staying a bit far from the beaches, you can park in the lot straddling Watercolor and Seaside then make a dash for the ocean. Depending on your beach house rental, you may have private beach access! Otherwise, check out a list of public beaches, here. You can also rent chairs and umbrellas to have set up for you (i.e. Live Well 30A). We bring our own gear to save money. Check out my blog post on beach essentials! If you don't pack a picnic, there are a ton of food truck options (grilled cheese sandwiches, BBQ, smoothies, shaved ice, etc) in Seaside's main square. Just be aware – some of the boardwalks + beaches are private for those who are renting homes in the area. For a list of available public beaches, click here.

Shop. Seaside has the cutest little downtown area with an open air market and a number of little shops you can pop in and out of. Rosemary Beach and Watercolor are also known for their cute downtown area, filled with restaurants and cute home goods stores and boutiques. I also just love walking around and looking at all of the pastel colored houses.

Bike! You can rent a bike for a day and explore the surrounding towns of 30A. It’s a great way to get some exercise and explore! Plus, you really can’t beat the views. There are a number of bike rental places along 30A. You can rent by the day or the week!

COFFEE

Black Bear Bread Co. This place is amazing. Be sure to get here early as the line usually goes out the door. This farmhouse style with a French bistro vibe coffee shop makes a killer latte and is famous for their homemade breads. Be sure to order a pastry!

Amavida Coffee. They have multiple locations (Seaside and Rosemary) and the coffee is always strong and delicious. However, it is a popular spot so I’d recommend waking up early to grab a cup of joe.

Charlie’s Cafe. Located in Rosemary Beach’s town center, it’ll be a less crowded option than Amavida and packs just as strong of a punch!

3rd Cup. A smaller coffee shop right off of the main square in Rosemary Beach with a modern vibe.

Bad Ass Coffee. This spot is along 30A and makes some creative iced-coffee concoctions. We grabbed a beverage on our way out of town to prepare us for the long drive back to Aubs!

FOOD

NOTE: If you’re traveling during busy seasons, I would highly recommend making reservations when you can. Many spots operate off of a first come, first serve and will have long wait times. If you’re on beach time, then no worries!

BEACHY VIBES

Red Bar. Grayton Beach. Where beach-goers of all types converge on one of 30As most popular spots. If you love good seafood, an eclectic ambiance (red lighting and wall space covered in from floor to ceiling in funky decor/signage) and live music, this place is for you! They have a menu with 5-6 seafood options and literally everything is amazing. Be sure to order a mojito.

The Great Southern. Seaside. Good for lunch, brunch or dinner. Their gouda cheese grits are AMAZING. It’s always packed (good food, ya know?), so be prepared. I also love their pecan crusted fish of the day! And if you’re in to cocktials, would highly recommend a mojito. I think they’re the best on 30a. I’d recommend making a reservation - they open one week out to book online.

Bud and Alley’s. Seaside. Looking for some great ocean views? Bud and Alley’s is your spot. They have their original restaurant (a nicer dinner vibe) and then a pizza and taco spot (more casual lunch or dinner) – you’ll definitely get your fill of beachy sunsets here.

Shunk Gully Oyster Bar. Santa Rosa. George and I frequented this spot during our last visit – it was ALWAYS HOPPIN. We loved their upstairs dining area, so we could enjoy a view of the ocean. Our favorite part? They serve bushwhackers!! I really can’t think of a better way to end a day at the beach. I’d recommend a reservation during busy season.

MORE CASUAL VIBE

Cowgirl Kitchen. Rosemary Beach. WE LOVE THIS SPOT. It’s a casual tex-mex eatery that also happens to be one of the most popular pizza spots on 30A. In the time George and I sat waiting for our food at the bar, we must have seen 60 pizzas being picked up for delivery. Great tacos and an even better price point.

The Hub. Watersound. The Hub is about a 10-minute drive from Seaside (located in Seacrest) and is an open area, community seating, live music, food-options-for-everyone hangout spot. They usually have live music and it is always fun to watch families gathered for grub after a long day at the beach. Very chill/cute dinner spot.

Modica Market. Seaside. This market is a great spot if you’re looking for a quick and easy bite. It’s a market, so they serve sandwiches, cheese boards, baked goods and whatever household items you might be in need of snagging. You can also purchase giant mimosas to-go.

MORE FINE DINING

The Citizen. Alys. Elevated coastal decor with a full bar and cheese biscuits that you will DREAM about. They’re a must order app. I would recommend for lunch or for dinner!

Surfing Deer. Seagrove. Modern beach decor with a great menu. Try the clothesline bacon for an app! My mom and I made reservations here on our mother-daughter trip. It’s one of the few spots that takes reservations on 30a!

Old Florida Fish House. Seagrove. Honestly, the patio vibes here are IMMACULATE. Try to time your dinner reservation around sunset and get a table close to the water. There are string lights hung EVERYWHERE, so you feel like you’re in a secret garden. I’d recommend sitting outside, as their indoor spot is more of a late night music and cocktails vibe. They take reservations! We were able to make one “day of” but if you’re planning for a larger group, would recommend booking further out.

Edward’s Fine Food and Wine. Rosemary Beach. We grabbed dinner here on my bachelorette trip and it was DEVINE. I would highly recommend the tuna. This spot is also located in Rosemary Beach.

Pescado. Rosemary Beach. I’ve only ever had appetizers here, but they were ALL delicious. I would definitely recommend for dinner. They also throw a really fun Kentucky Derby party in May. Another nice spot that takes reservations and tastes delish!

HAPPY HOUR & COCKTAILS

The Great Southern Cafe. Also known for having the best happy hour deals in town. Get half off their cocktails from 4-6PM, daily. And they serve up mojitos GALORE. I LOVE their strawberry mojito.

Havana Beach Rooftop Lounge at The Pearl. This is what beachy dreams are made of. Enjoy some rooftop views in Rosemary Beach and enjoy a strong cocktail to watch the sun go down. Ah. You could also enjoy a glass of bubbles in their downstairs lounge which is also lovely. They usually have live piano music!

Pescado. Also located in Rosemary Beach, this spot has a “queen’s garden” vibe with some killer cocktails! Their rooftop has the best (public) view in Rosemary. I’d recommend getting there for cocktails right when they open or when they’re about to turnover tables (top of the hour ish).

Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar. As mentioned, this place gets POPPIN. It’s mainly a restaurant, but the upstairs area often has live music and plenty of room at the bar to enjoy conversation over a casual cocktail. Would only recommend if you’re staying closer to the Santa Rosa Beach area.

Watercolor Wine Bar. I’ve actually never visited this wine bar, but it’s on the top of my list for next time. Many friends highly recommend. They have rocking chairs and charcuterie boards (and wine) – these are truly some of my favorite things.

Ah. I constantly dream of spending my summers on the beach. Enjoy the Sunshine State and happy summer!