25 Things to Do in 30A Florida for a fun-filled vacation

Are you planning a trip to Florida 30A Beach and looking for some fun activities to do? You’re in luck! Of course, one of the most popular things to do in 30A Beach is to spend time on the beach.

30A Beach is a beautiful destination on the Gulf Coast of Florida, offering a variety of activities for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or explore the local attractions, there’s something for everyone in this charming beach town.

With its crystal-clear waters and sugar-white sand, the beach is the perfect place to soak up the sun and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, 30A Beach has plenty of options for you as well. There are many other things to do on 30A including outdoor activities, shopping, and amazing dining. No matter what your interests are, 30A Beach has something to offer. Here is a list of some of the best things to do in 30A.

Best Things to Do in 30A

If you’re planning a trip to 30A Beach, you’re in for a treat with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world! Here are some of the top beaches you won’t want to miss.

Hit the Beaches of 30A: Top things to do in 30A

Grayton Beach

Grayton Beach is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and fine, white sand. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. You can also rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the nearby Western Lake.

Seaside

Seaside is a charming beach town with a beautiful beach. The beach is wide and has plenty of space for everyone. You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas, or bring your own. The water is calm and clear, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. After a day at the beach, explore the town’s many shops, restaurants, and galleries.

Alys Beach

Rosemary Beach is a quiet, secluded beach with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. The beach is known for its soft, white sand and turquoise waters. You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas, or bring your own. The beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and watching the sunset.

Overall, the beaches of 30A offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a relaxing day in the sun or an adventure on the water. So grab your sunscreen and head to one of these beautiful beaches for a day of fun in the sun.

Paddle Boarding and Kayaking

If you’re looking for a fun way to explore the beautiful waters of 30A Beach, Paddle boarding and kayaking are great options.

The calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the coastal dune lakes make for a peaceful and scenic paddle and I would say it is one of the most popular things to do in 30A. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as dolphins and sea turtles that often swim near the shore.

You can rent equipment from several local vendors and launch from one of the many public beach accesses.

Biking Along the Timpoochee Trail

There is not much better than exploring this beautiful area by bike and you will find many places to rent a bike for your vacation.

There are so many bike rental places in almost all the communities of Florida 30A. You will easily find one near you and the prices don’t vary much. Also, some Vacation rental properties provide bikes.

There are several trails in the area but the most popular is Timpooche Trail. So, hop on a bike and take a scenic ride to the Timpoochee Trail. The trail runs along the coast for 18 miles, passing through several charming beach communities along the way.

You’ll see stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and the coastal dune lakes. The trail is mostly paved and flat, suitable for all skill levels.

There are also trails in some of the other 30A beach communities such as Dune Allen and Rosemary Beach as well as in the state parks in the area.

One of the best things to do on 30A is definitely to experience the amazing beach communities by bike!

Hiking in Point Washington State Forest

If you’re looking for a break from the beach, head to Point Washington State Forest for a hike. The forest has over 15 miles of trails that wind through pine forests, cypress swamps, and wet prairies.

You’ll see a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and maybe even a black bear. The trails are well-marked and range in difficulty from easy to moderate. Don’t forget to bring bug spray and plenty of water.

Visit a Coastal Dune Lake

As you travel the scenic highway 30A you will see several lakes just inside the dunes. These are called coastal dune lakes and are very rare natural phenomena that only occur in a handful of locations around the globe, including New Zealand, Australia, Madagascar, and South Walton, Florida. Walton County is home to 15 named coastal dune lakes along 26 miles of coastline.

Many of the lakes are open to the public for recreational activities such as bird watching, wildlife spotting, kayaking, fishing, and paddle boarding.

You should check out at least one of the coastal dune lakes while you are in the area!

Visit a Florida State Park

You might be surprised to learn that there are 5 state parks in the area! Visiting a state park is one of the best things to do in 30A. Some of the state parks have pristine and less crowded beaches you can visit.

Many have hiking and biking and offer access to one of the coastal dune lakes. Still others have historical features to check out.

Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park have miles of white-sand beaches bordered by dunes over 25 feet tall. It has a variety of campsites and cabins. This can be a less expensive way to visit 30A, but they do fill up rapidly so you will want to make reservations well in advance.

Definitely, must visit one of the 30A State Parks while you are staying in the area.

Visit the Historical Homes of 30A

Beyond the sun-kissed beaches and modern amenities, Florida’s 30A boasts a rich historical tapestry woven through its charming towns. Grayton Beach, one of the oldest communities on 30A, is home to a collection of well-preserved historic cottages. (Also read St Augustine in One Day : Oldest City of USA)

While in Grayton Beach, you can visit the site of the first general store in the area, The White Elephant.

You can visit the Wesley House (181 Eden Gardens Road, Santa Rosa Beach), built in 1897, which sits on 163 acres in beautiful Eden Gardens State Park.

Another historic home in the area, Shepherd Cottage (179 Defuniak Street, Grayton Beach), is one of the few remaining original early cottages of “Old Grayton Beach”.

So, treat yourself to a step back in time! It feels like a sense of balance with all the modern amenities and old-world beauty, this is one of the must-do things in Florida 30A.

Participate in Beach Side Yoga

If you’re visiting Florida 30a beaches to get the tranquility of your mind, look no further and participate in Beach Side Yoga class.

Experience the Sun, Sand, and Surf as you practice Yoga in the beautiful natural setting of the Emerland coast. You’ll surely feel more energized, grounded, and full of joy after the yoga retreats.

Where You Can Participate in Yoga Class on 30A?

• The Yoga Haus offers private beachside Yoga Classes for all levels.
• Beach Yoga 30A offers daily classes Mon-Fri at 7:30 AM at Gulfview Heights.
• Balance Health Studio — rated as 30A’s No.1 Yoga Studio.
• Studio 30A offers a variety of Yoga and Pilates sessions.

Watch the Sunset

I am a big lover of sunsets, whether driving or hiking, I love watching sunsets! And it is more rewarding when you are at the beach!

Visit any of the beaches of 30A, and walk along the shore as the sun sets on the horizon! Some of the coastal dune lakes also offer stunning sunset views.

Have a beach bonfire

There’s something about relaxing on the beach under the stars beside a bonfire that recalls simpler times! Yes, the majority of the beaches along 30A will allow you to have a beach bonfire.

South Walton’s sugar-white sand and bright starry nights set the perfect stage for roasting marshmallows and sharing s’mores while listening to the waves lap in the distance. However, you can’t just go out and light a fire. There are quite a few rules that you must follow to have a beach bonfire.

Some of these include:

• You must have a beach permit. You can request it online.
• The person who acquires the permit must be at the bonfire at all times!
• The fire must be burned in a galvanized metal container
• A specific type of wood must be used.
• You must take all of your burned material out when you leave etc.

If you want hassle hassle-free vacation, several companies in the area will provide a bonfire experience for your group including 30A Blaze, Bonfires at the Beach 30A, and Light Me Up Beach Bonfires.

Go Fishing

You can fish in one of the coastal dune lakes, go surf fishing straight off of the beach, fish off of a pier, or go out on a charter boat to fish. There are many fishing opportunities along the 30A area and several different launch points!

The most common and easily accessible area to fish in the 30A zone is Choctawhatchee Bay.

Note: You’ll need to get a license for the type of fishing that you intend to do! Check out how to get your fishing license here.

You can also check out the tours like Shallow Water Expeditions. They have a variety of fishing expeditions. Dead Fish Charters has been named the best charter company in South Walton and is another great choice.

Play a Golf on 30A

Besides all the water sports like paddle boarding, swimming, kayaking, and deep-sea fishing you will find world-class golfing clubs in the area. From quick casual courses to the ultimate upscale courses, 30A has something for everyone when it comes to playing golf.

There are several golf courses in the area, some of which are award-winning. Here is a list of the golf courses on 30A that you might want to try. Here are names for your reference:

• Santa Rosa Golf and Beach Club
• Bay Point Golf Club
• Shark’s Tooth Golf Club
• The Link Golf Club
• Camp Creek at Watersound
• Raven Golf Club

Hear the bell ring at Bud and Alley

One of the most popular sunset locations in Florida 30A is the roof deck bar at Bud and Alley’s in Seaside. As the sun sets locals and visitors gather on the Rooftop Bar at Bud & Alley’s to celebrate the sunset by sounding the vintage bell. I have heard of this kind of experience in Key West also! So, looks like celebrating sunsets in Florida is a tradition!

You will need to get there early to get a seat. This is one of the few restaurants in the area with a great beach view. So, be part of this tradition when you are in Florida 30a, one of the most unique things to do in 30a.

Visit the European Towns of Florida 30A

It sounds like a cliche but you can experience the feel of Europe in the small beach town of Florida 30A. The communities of Florida 30a are distinct with each of their unique character. Two beach communities on 30A have a decidedly European vibe- Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach.

Rosemary Beach has been voted one of “America’s Most Romantic Small Towns” by CNN. The town has cobblestone streets, welcoming patios and courtyards, expansive and green public spaces, and architecture that feels like old-world European style!

Alys Beach is the other. This is an architecturally stunning place(also check out this post on Charleston SC if you love architecture). Alys Beach is quite luxurious and beautiful. The buildings are mostly painted white with some colorful touches on windows and doors and in the landscaping. You will feel as if you are in Greece, or the white villages of southern Spain.

Visit an Art Gallery

Florida 30a is a paradise for art lovers. You will find several art galleries on 30A. Stroll through the pedestrian pathways of Alys Beach, the outdoor Rosemary Beach Sculpture Exhibit, a local art gallery, or even take a class with a local artist, you’ll surely love it!

Justin Gaffrey may be the most well-known artist in the area. His paintings perfectly capture the heart of 30A. At Chroma 30A you will find the artwork of Kathleen Broaderick. Her art is both calming and interesting.

Artists at Gulf Place feature eight colorful galleries filled with the art of local 30A artists – jewelry, pottery, photography, sculptures, paintings, t-shirts, and much more! 

Finding art on the beach is one of the best things to do on 30A. There are many more artists and art galleries besides the ones I have mentioned.

See Creatures of the Sea at Gulf World

If you are visiting Florida 30a with kids, visit the Gulf World Marine Park. It is so much more than an aquarium! You’ll find indoor and outdoor tropical gardens as well as several exhibits showcasing penguins, flamingos, sharks, sea turtles, and more.

Additionally, there are daily live shows starring dolphins, sea lions, reptiles, and tropical birds. It’s a perfect stop for all ages!

Visit a 30A local Farmer’s Market

Two of the most beautiful towns of Florida 30a hosts Farmer’s markets. Seaside has a farmer’s market on Saturdays at the Seaside Amphitheater. The farmer’s market in Rosemary Beach is held on Sundays from 9 AM to 1 PM.

From fresh seafood to homemade jams, these markets offer a wide variety of locally sourced food and crafts. Grab your bag and explore the vendor’s stalls, sample the yummy treats, and pick some souvenirs for your loved ones!

After shopping, lay a blanket down on the grass and listen to live music. This farmer’s market is perfect for local experiences.

Enjoy a cruise

If you’re traveling with kids or with families, cruising is one of the best activities to enjoy with the whole family! You can find various boat cruises in the area. You can take a dolphin cruise with the kids or a sunset cruise to celebrate your love while drinking a glass of champagne.

There are several cruises to choose from but note that many of these will leave from the nearby towns of either Panama City or Destin. You can check out Paradise Adventures for a variety of cruise options.

Listen to Live Music

No matter what time of year you visit 30A, you’ll be greeted with plenty of lively events, festivals, and local happenings! There are some great places in 30A to listen to live music. Some of these include:

• The Red Bar in Grayton Beach
• Shunk Gulley
• Red Fish Taco in Bluemountain Beach
• AJ’s Grayton Beach
• Old Florida Fish House in Seagrove Beach
• Stinky’s Fish Camp in Dune Allen Beach
• The Bay combines breathtaking waterfront views with frequent live music performances.

There are many others! Be sure and check out the websites for a schedule of performances and events. You can check out events at the Seaside Amphitheater and The Big Chill when you visit here.

Go Shopping

While in sunny 30A, you’ll love to spend every moment enjoying tranquility from your comfortable beach chair, but if you need some retail therapy, 30A is a great place to shop till you drop.

The area features countless local boutiques that cover a variety of interests. Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift, bait for your fishing trip, or some breezy beach clothing, you’ll find just what you’re looking for here! There are several boutiques in the small towns of Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach for clothing, jewelry, and home decor.

Eat all the Good Food

I mean, you can have plenty of seafood when you’re on vacation. But Here are some of my recommendations for vegetarian options. Eating out is one of the best things to do on 30A.

• Raw and Juicy in Alys Beach
• Prema Organic Cafe in Seagrove Beach
• Hibiscus Cafe in the heart of Grayton Beach
• Pizza by the Sea across many locations along Florida 30a
• Bud & Alley’s Pizza Bar for its vegetarian pizza
• The Cultivated Kitchen offers the packed highest quality prepared vegan foods on demand.

Cafe Hopping on Florida 30A

One of my favorite things to do in 30a is cafe hopping! I love my coffee and so artisty cafes. Florida 30a has so many beautiful artistry cafes that you’ll need to check out on a hot sunny day!

And, they don’t just serve coffee but also tea blends, smoothies, decadent pastries, and refreshing acai bowls. So, check out this cozy cafe around Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A. 

• Raw & Juicy on Alys Beach
• Beachy Bean in Seagrove Beach
• Amavida Coffee in Seaside and Rosemary Beach
• Fonville Press & Cafe in Alys Beach
• Hibiscus Cafe in Grayton Beach
• Black Bear Bread Co in Santa Rosa Beach
• Blue Mountain Bakery in Santa Rosa Beach

Try a local brewery

There are some great local breweries on 30A. You can check out the Grayton Beer Company or Idyll Hounds Brewery for some locally crafted beers. You will also find selections from these breweries at many of the area’s restaurants and liquor stores.

In addition to the breweries, there are a couple of excellent taprooms such as Beach Camp Brew Pub and The Off Pelican.

Take a day trip to Destin or Panama City

If visiting a larger town is your thing for a change in scenery, consider visiting Destin or Panama City as a day trip from 30A town.

You’ll find big outlets for shopping, boardwalks and piers, museums, marine parks, zoos, waterparks, and so much more! It’s very fun to visit with kids here!

Visit the Morisson Spring

Located just one hour from the Beaches of 30a in Ponce de Leon, Morisson Spring is known for its crystal-clear waters and natural beauty! If you’re road-tripping around Florida or just hitting the beaches, visiting at least one Florida Spring is highly recommended.

It is one of the most beautiful easily accessed springs in Northwest Florida, with its spring pool surrounded by a rim of old-growth cypress and spread across 161 acres.

The diving in the caves ranges from 30 ft to 90 ft, and this is why it is very popular with divers! It is also a lovely place for swimming, Canoeing, and kayaking in the Choctawhatchee River. There is no entry fee to visit this beautiful park.

The park has a tree swing, jumping platform, beach area, and a large covered picnic area. Also, bathroom facilities and an outdoor shower are available on-site.

Hope you enjoy 30A as much as I did!! You can spend all day every day on the beach or you can choose some of the other great things to do on 30A, it all depends on how you choose to make the most of your fun-filled Florida 30a vacation.

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