What is 30A? Discover Scenic 30A: Your Perfect Stay and Play Golf/Beach Getaway

What is 30A?

30A is named after Florida State Road 30A, which passes through South Walton County(SoWal). On this pristine 24-mile stretch of Gulf Coast road, you’ll find community-planned beach neighborhoods (Home to New Urbanism) as featured in “The Truman Show” with Jim Carey in Seaside) with unique looks and vibe¹. Home to top-rated championship golf courses,  like Camp Creek Golf Course, big fishing trips, hiking trails, Dr. Beaches Best Beach Award winner Grayton Beach State Park and more outdoor fun¹. It combines coastal charm and luxury, offering unforgettable adventures¹.

Where is 30A?

Scenic 30A is a coastal highway in South Walton County consisting of a 24-mile strip of stunning Florida coast located on the Emerald Coast just west of Panama City Beach and just east of Destin. Here, brilliant white sands touch the warm, turquoise water. With beautiful white powdery sprinkled beach towns with their own special charm, welcome you.1 This is Highway 30A, a beloved part of the Florida Panhandle in the Northwest.

Seaside is unique, with pastel-colored homes and paths perfect for walking. Grayton Beach is known for being one of the most beautiful in the whole country. Whether looking for luxury at places like The Pearl Hotel or exciting tastes at restaurants like Café Thirty-A, 30A has everything you need¹.

 

Key Takeaways

• • 30A is a 24-mile scenic highway along the Emerald Coast in the Florida Panhandle, marked by Florida State Road 30A. With 16 unique beach community neighborhoods.

• • The area features a succession of New Urban-ism planned beach towns, each with its own unique personality and charm, from Grayton Beach’s laid-back casual to Alys Beach’s Bermudan architecture. Rosemary Beach has a throwback Dutch West Indies European vibe.

• • Key towns along 30A include Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, WaterColor, Seagrove, Grayton Beach, and Seaside. Each is worth a stop.

• • 30A offers a blend of opulent refinement, exceptional culinary experiences, some of the best golf courses in Florida, and outdoor adventures on and off the Gulf, Bay & rare Dune Lakes.

• • The region seamlessly combines coastal beauty, local Old Florida charm, and upscale amenities. See Our Guides to save time and see much more.

What’s So Special About 30A Florida?

30A is known for its stunning sugar-white sandy beaches and crystal-clear emerald waters in the center of the Emerald Coast of Florida. It also boasts coastal forests. Its unique Southern charm attracts visitors from everywhere. This lovely coastal route is about 24 of the 26 miles long in SoWal’s slice of Florida’s panhandle. 

It offers a luxury, upscale concierge-level experience. You’ll find 16 communities of neighborhoods, each with its own style. They cater to all kinds of travelers. Along this peaceful old Florida vibe escape, you will find no highrise hotels or big box chain stores. Both Destin and Panama City Beach provide those icons, but 30A is a tranquil, well-kept crown of local gems.

The 30A beach communities work hard to keep its natural beauty. It has protected forests and rare coastal dune lakes like Lake Powell, and Greg Norman’s (Shark’s Tooth) is a golfing dream come true plays along this coastal lake. This area shows off the Florida Gulf Coast’s beautiful scenery. You’ll also find 3 State Parks for outdoor fun, from beach parks, dune lakes to forests trails³. My personal favorite is Grayton Beach State Park.

What Does 30A Mean? & Why is 30A So Popular?

“30A” is the name of the scenic highway in South Walton County. It links Destin and Panama City Beach with lovely beach towns. This area is known for its relaxed yet luxurious vibe, and people from all over visit to enjoy it².

30A is a popular Southern vacation destination, simply called “The Beach” by our friends. Each town along 30A has something special. Seaside is famous for its unique architecture and beautiful pastel cottages. It was seen in the movie “The Truman Show”. Alys Beach is the newest, with an eco-friendly design. Every town has its own charm². You’ll find Rosemary Beach’s European architecture, and to Alys Beach, beautiful white homes and businesses remind you of Bermuda or seaside villages in Greece.  See our 30A Visitors Directory for local businesses, restaurants, rooftop bars, and concierge services.

•  

 

Yet despite all this, the beaches remain uncrowded, and summer temperatures are not as oppressive as in Miami or Orlando. This is a very family-friendly collection of beach communities with about 50-ish golf courses just up and down the road.

Scenic 30A is Home to Florida’s Top Rated Golf Courses

Golf lovers will find this stretch of panhandle paradise on 30A a course called the “Crown Jewel of Florida Golf“. The area features amazing courses, like the Raven Golf Club and Camp Creek Golf Course. These courses provide a blend of challenge and stunning Gulf views³.

Golf Course	Location	Highlights
Raven Golf Club	Sandestin	Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., features wetlands and pine forests par-71
Camp Creek Golf Course	Watersound	Tom Fazio-designed course with natural eco friendly sand dunes and Gulf views
Burnt Pine Golf Club	Miramar Beach	Tom Fazio-designed course with natural eco-friendly sand dunes and Gulf views
Shark’s Tooth Golf Course	Inlet Beach	A Greg Norman gem of a 7,246-yard 18-hole, par-72 course with views of Lake Powell and challenging play
Emerald Bay Golf Club	Destin	Tom Fazio-designed course with natural eco-friendly sand dunes and Gulf views

Aside from golf, 30A has plenty to offer. You can walk or bike the Timpoochee Trail. It’s an 18.6-mile path by the Gulf. Snorkeling is great at the reefs. There’s kayaking, paddleboarding, surf fishing, and even wolf encounters just north of 30A at Seacrest Wolf Preserve.

Is 30A Worth Visiting

Yes, a visit to 30A will make for an unforgettable beach vacation. This stretch along Florida’s Gulf Coast is full of natural beauty and unique charms. It’s ideal for anyone who loves the beach and seeking new adventures.

Things to See and Things to Do on 30A

30A is home to pristine sugar-white beaches with crystal clear emerald-green waters. It also has charming string of little beach towns that make for a memorable getaway. You can visit historic spots like Grayton Beach, which turned 130 years old on July 4, 2020⁴. And check out the art galleries showcasing local artists’ work⁴.

For those who love the outdoors, 30A has a lot to offer. Activities include biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more⁴. Don’t miss the chance to bike the 18.6-mile Timpoochee Trail. It links different beach communities and offers beautiful views⁵.

What’s the Nicest Beach on 30A

Grayton Beach is known as one of the most beautiful spots on 30A and the country. It’s often ranked among the top beaches in the U.S. for its white sand and clear water⁶. Just steps up from the beach, you can visit local shops and get drinks on the rooftop at Chiringo’s. The locally famous Reds Bar offers great food, libations, and live music.

How Many Beaches are on 30A

Scenic Highway 30A features 16 unique and charming beach communities, each with its own special character. Dune Allen Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Grayton Beach, Seaside, and others offer unique experiences⁵.

Beach Access Points Along 30A

Getting to 30A’s beautiful beaches is straightforward. There are many access points, making it easy for both visitors and locals to enjoy the shoreline. (Beach Access Page). The Grayton Beach Tram is a free shuttle across the street from Shops of Grayton on S. CO HWY 283 and runs daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. or as needed.

Beach Town	Notable Features
Santa Rosa Beach	Public beaches, bike paths, golf cart rentals, paddleboarding, biking5
Blue Mountain Beach	Highest point on the Gulf of America (65 feet), art galleries, ice cream shops5
Grayton Beach	Funky art, dining, historic cottages, near Grayton Beach State Park5
Seaside	Iconic beach town, art galleries, shops, dining options, beautiful beaches5

Scenic 30A offers stunning natural beauty, Things to Do, and coastal adventures. It’s perfect for relaxing or exciting beach vacations. On this part of Florida’s Panhandle Gulf Coast, the Emerald Coast, there’s something for everyone.

Best Places to Stay and Play Golf on 30A

When picking where to Stay and Play on 30A, choices are plentiful. You’ll find luxury resorts, cozy beach homes, beach cottages, and condos with great golf courses here. 30A truly has something for everyone’s wallet and wishes.

 

Ways to Stay on Scenic 30A

30A offers various accommodations from upscale resorts to snug beach rentals. As of October 2023⁷, the number of hotels increased to 6 from just 3. For families, check out the recently updated suites at the WaterColor Inn in Watercolor, Florida⁷.

• • WaterSound Club offers Camp Creek Inn & WaterSoun Inn

• • Airbnb Options abound for Home with SuperHosts

• • The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach is a central luxury boutique with an adults-only pool and rooftop bar for Romantic Getaways.

• • Hibiscus Guest House is an amazing Bed & Breakfast find in Grayton Beach.

• • Panhandle Getaways has many offers for “Free Golf” with Vacation Rentals.

• • Looking for a cozier spot? The Court in Seaside, Florida, has 8 renovated rooms that offer an intimate setting⁷.

Want something different? 360 Blue has the largest collection, and Guest Houses along 30A, Florida, is a top pick because of its variety of room styles⁷. On a tighter budget, consider The Lodge 30A in Seagrove Beach for a wallet-friendly choice⁷.

Why So Many Private Community Beaches on 30A?

That’s a good question, and yes, there are many workarounds to staying in these lovely spots. For golfers staying at Camp Creek Inn, other local hotels grant access, and in some Airbnb or VRBO, or a host of other local rental offices, they can give specific answers. (Another Insightful article here)

 

Best Places to Eat and Drink on 30A

30A’s food scene is vibrant, with many upscale spots and casual places abound here.

Places like Grayton Beach, Watercolor, Rosemary Beach, and Seagrove Beach have top-notch restaurants and bars⁹. Grayton Beach stands out for its chill vibe and unique art scene, like murals and galleries⁹. Here are some of our favorite Hot Spots.

• • Fish Out of Water – Killer Gulf views, open air with great food & libations!

• • Havana Beach Bar & Grill – A Rooftop 4 Diamond LuxLife for wine & dine lovers!

• • George’s at Alys Beach – Upscale but Casual with local coastal flair on global flavors!

• • Old Florida Fish House – A family-owned seafood treat on Eastern Lake with excellent Sushi!

• • Bud & Alley’s Roof Deck Bar & Restaurant – Local & Beloved beachfront bar in Seaside.

• • Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar – Casual Seafood & classic coastal treats & live music daily.

• • Vue on 30A – This is the most romantic hot spot for Beachfront Dining at its best with a sunset!

Wherever you pick on 30A, splendid food and drinks await, all in a relaxing beach setting. See our Good Eats Guide for so much more.

 

Best Places to Eat and Drink Along 30A

The 30A coastline is about 20 miles long. It’s between Destin and Panama City. Many food places offer different cuisines and dining styles¹⁰. For food, there are places like organic smoothie cafes and Mexican taquerias. You can also find places inspired by the South for breakfast¹⁰. Whether you like fine dining or a casual café, 30A has it all.

Best Beachfront Dining Restaurants on 30A

Looking for great food with an ocean view? 30A has several beachfront restaurants. Café Thirty-A and Restaurant Paradis are two top choices. They focus on local ingredients to create unique dishes¹⁰. Fish Out of Water (FOOW) offers coastal cuisine with a changing menu. It’s known for its rooftop dining. Another great spot is Bud & Alley’s. Vue on 30A are all solid good eats experiences. This restaurant in Seaside feels like real Southern comfort. It was even in “The Truman Show”¹¹.

 

Does 30A Have Happy Hour Hot Spots?

30A is indeed lively with happy hour spots and music venues. After the beach, you can relax at places that offer tiki drinks and tropical food¹⁰. Seagrove Beach is a great place to find many dining options. You can go casual or enjoy a nice seafood meal, fitting any budget¹¹¹². See our Hot Spot, Dining, & Happy Hour Guides.

Does 30A Have Nude Beaches?

There are no nude beaches officially on the 30A coast. But, the area is very relaxed. Visitors love the natural beauty, like the coastal dune lakes at Grayton Beach State Park¹¹. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is another peaceful spot. It offers access to Powell Lake, the biggest coastal dune lake in Florida¹². This gives visitors a quiet place to relax.

 

,

(