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chairs and umbrellas at kaiya beach resort

When white sandy beaches with turquoise water are mentioned, your mind probably wanders to island life somewhere very tropical and international. For me, however, my mind goes to a destination stretched along the Florida panhandle where my family and I have vacationed for the last three decades: 30A. 

You may have heard of the stunning Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach and even the picturesque town of Seaside where the movie The Truman Show was filmed. However, there are 24 miles of unmatched charm and beauty with small towns peppered along the coast, each housing their own je ne sais quoi. Over the last 30 years, I have watched the transformation of this once-under-the-radar destination, where wearing anything but a swimsuit was considered dressed up, to what is now a sophisticated getaway for both families and couples. There is more than just beach life here — there’s an emerging wellness scene and top-notch restaurants too. From luxury villas to cozy beach cottages, this small coastline has a big personality, and a little something for everyone.

Alys Beach

Alys Beach, with its signature all-white architecture and intricate designs, is reminiscent of a European coastal town, and is absolutely the most sophisticated and exclusive destination in the area. Aside from its beauty, there are many perks to staying in this serene town. Alys Beach offers exclusive amenities for its homeowners and rental guests such as branded navy bike rentals, private beach access, the Zuma wellness center, and multiple pools to cool off after a long day by the sea. If choosing to stay here, know that treating guests like VIPs is the baseline.

Where to Stay:

view of outdoor seating patio in alys beach home
Courtesy of Alys Beach

Alys Beach Home: Tucked along a cobblestone street, this stunning home offers a relaxing reprieve. Large doors lead from the living room to courtyards featuring plunge pools, fireplaces, and outdoor lounge and dining areas. Curved archways pair with the minimalistic design, and the rooftop terrace is the perfect way to watch the sunset — a glass of vino in hand.

Where to Eat:

Fonville Press: Rise early to snag a seat under one of the signature pink umbrellas. Residents and travelers flock to this all-day cafe and market to enjoy freshly baked pastries or post-beach snacks.

George’s: A long-standing favorite, George’s offers quality coastal cuisine like jerk-crusted gulf snapper and key lime pie. The perfect mix of casual and upscale, it’s an absolute crowd pleaser. My favorite is the rooftop; grab a cocktail while you wait and take in the scenery of Alys Beach.

Seaside

kurt lishka beach moon creek studios
Courtesy of Kurt Lishka, Moon Creek Studios

When I think of 30A, I think of Seaside, the epitome of this scenic highway. While the town has become one of the busiest, it is still irresistible with its rows of colorful cottage-style homes. Grab a to-go mimosa from Modica Market, pick up a new beach read at Sundog Books, and watch the sunset with a cocktail from Bud & Alley’s rooftop.

Where to Stay

view of beach and water from honeymoon cottage
Courtesy of Kurt Lishka, Moon Creek Studios

Honeymoon Cottage: Seaside offers a few beachfront honeymoon cottages; the namesake an ode to the honeymooners and couples who come here for a dreamy, romantic stay. Imagine lounging and listening to the waves while dining (or napping) on the porch. This particular cottage offers two decks, one for viewing and one with a secluded outdoor bathtub.

living room in the court seaside
Courtesy of The Court

The Court Seaside: This eight-bungalow, adults-only boutique hotel offers complimentary beach chairs and bicycles, and full concierge service.

Where to Eat

Bud & Alley’s: Bike or drive a golf cart to happy hour on the upper deck. This oceanfront dining experience offers an all-day menu with quality food and ambience that will keep you making reservations night after night.

What to Do

Central Square: In the main town center, you’ll find the famous green lawn — the center of every postcard. Here, weekly outdoor movie nights, concerts, and the farmers market are hosted. 

Shopping: You won’t find better shopping than in Seaside. The Seaside Style stores are the most visited and renowned for their branded swag. It’s an unspoken rule to buy at least one item  — or at least that’s what I tell myself every year. 

Inlet Beach

kaiya beach resort loungechairs along water
Courtesy of Kaiya Beach Resort

With its latest additions of restaurants, bars, and newly built vacation homes, Inlet Beach is gaining popularity. Located at the very end of the 30A stretch, it is known for being a little more laid back.

Where to Stay

aerial view of pool leading to beach at kaiya beach resort
Courtesy of Kaiya Beach Resort

Kaiya Beach Resort: Seamlessly blending wellness, relaxation, and luxury, Kaiya Beach Resort offers villas with stunning (nature and beach) views and a devoted concierge team. Services include grocery delivery, pantry stocking, fresh floral installations, and in-residence spa services. With complimentary lounge chair set ups and private beach access, a week of tranquility is guaranteed.

Where to Eat

Cuvee 30A:  Since chef extraordinaire Tim Creehan opened Cuvee 30A, it has become an essential dining experience in the area. Featuring an exceptional wine list, a newly added Chef’s Table dining experience — a very exclusive offering — and a happy hour that usually has a wait list, you’re sure to leave with a memorable experience.

Watercolor

Watercolor — one of my favorite places along 30A — truly feels like an escape from everyday life. Houses come with large front porches and the tree-lined sidewalks make it the perfect path for morning walks. With nine swimming pools distributed throughout the area, as well as a lake, perfect for kayaking and paddle boarding, it is also a family-friendly destination. Taking afternoon family bike rides through the neighborhood and looking at all the houses is one of my favorite pastimes.

Where to Stay

WaterColor Inn & Resort: Offering Nantucket-esque vibes with an Emerald Coast twist, WaterColor Inn & Resort offers a plethora of options. The oversized classic guestrooms, one and two-bedroom suites, and the Rotunda suite — my personal pick as you can watch the sunrise and set from the balcony over the gulf. The pool overlooking the ocean isn’t the only captivating place about this inn — it also houses one of the most delicious restaurants, Fish Out Of Water, which serves up southern-style seafood with a view.

WaterColor Home: Located on Vermillion Way, often referred to as Millionaires Way, this five-bedroom home sleeps 16 people and comes with a carriage house complete with its own kitchen and king-sized bedroom. With the largest home pool in WaterColor, a hot tub, arcade games, and a Peloton, the amenities are unmatched.

Where to Eat

The Wine Bar WaterColor: Perched on the corner of 30A and Watercolor Blvd, The Wine Bar is the perfect place to indulge in an evening of wine and gourmet cheese. With an extensive wine list and delicious small-plate offerings, this is the ideal spot to cool off after a long day at the beach.

Rosemary Beach

With its cobblestone streets and charming architecture, Rosemary Beach makes you feel completely transported. Some of the best restaurants and beautiful stays are found tucked away in this sanctuary. Whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic getaway or planning a big family reunion, this locale caters perfectly to every type of crowd.

Where to Stay

oceanfront home at sunset in rosemary beach
Courtesy of Rosemary Beach Holdings, LLC.

Rosemary Beach Front Home: There is not a bad place to stay in Rosemary Beach but an oceanfront property is the way to go. Waking up with the views of the Gulf and being able to open the large veranda doors while having breakfast or dinner listening to the sound of waves is an unmatched experience. This home has balconies and patios on all levels so enjoying the view is made easy. The three-bedroom cottage also comes with complimentary bikes, which are essential for making the morning coffee and pastry run.

Where to Eat

Pescado: A stunning seafood grill known for its delicious cuisine and a rooftop bar with remarkable views of the coastline, this spot is always a top reservation to make. Order from the menu — the lobster pappardelle is a must — or indulge in a five-course tasting menu. Open for brunch and dinner, Pescado features live music six nights a week.

What to Do

30A Farmers Market: Everything from local seafood to cheeses to cold-pressed juices, the 30A Farmers Market is the best way to stock your fridge. The market is held year-round every Sunday from 9 am – 1 pm in the heart and center of Rosemary Beach. 

The Pearl Spa: Indulge in services ranging from the Pearl Glow Deluxe Hydrafacial to a Pearl Stone Ritual Massage. There are also a variety of spa packages.

Watersound

Watersound is an excellent choice for those looking to unwind while still having access to various activities. In addition to the beach, there are numerous hiking and biking trails, access to two neighborhood pools, and an option to join the private Watersound Club for even more activities. Its secluded location makes it a phenomenal choice for families seeking a friendly environment.

Where to Stay

Watersound Inn: A boutique, 11-room inn that exudes East Coast charm, situated in the heart of the Watersound community. Staying here grants you access to the exclusive amenities at the Watersound Club that include the beach club, beachside bonfires, fitness center, tennis courts, a swimming pool, and golf at two different private championship courses. 

Watersound House: Located in a gated community and appropriately named “Time of Your Life,” Watersound House features six gorgeously decorated bedrooms, a private pool, bikes, four-passenger golf carts, and incomparable views from three different levels. Outside of the crow’s nest balcony, the living room doors slide open creating an indoor/outdoor living space to enjoy.

Where to Eat

The Big Chill: Formerly known as the Hub30A, this spot offers a variety of dining options and activities. You’ll be guaranteed to have a jam-packed evening with food options ranging from burgers to ice cream to seafood, paired with activities like movie nights, live music, and pop-up shops. 

The Polished Chef: After a sun-soaked day, opt for a private dining experience. Gather around the table as the chef prepares a decadent menu with items like their grilled bacon wrapped scallops and gulf grouper parmesan. Elevate the experience even more with a chilled seafood tower and a customized caviar tasting.

Featured image courtesy of Kaiya Beach Resort; We may earn a commission from links on this page