13 Best Things to Do on 30A for an Unforgettable Trip
There’s a reason our kids beg to go back to 30A–it’s just that special.
After visiting, I completely get the hype.
One of the things I love most about this stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast is that it hasn’t been overrun by high-rise hotels and massive developments.
Instead, 30A has kept its charm, with small, thoughtfully designed beach towns that each have their own distinct feel yet flow seamlessly into one another.
Whether you’re strolling through the European-style streets of Rosemary Beach, admiring the crisp white architecture of Alys Beach, soaking up the laid-back vibes of Seaside or exploring the nature trails of WaterColor, there’s truly something magical about this place.
If you’re planning a trip, these are the must-see spots and the best things to do in 30A!
*Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
1. Enjoy 30A’s Famous White Sand Beaches
Okay, this one’s a no-brainer–the biggest reason to visit 30A is its stunning white sand beaches and picture-perfect turquoise water! But before you throw on your swimsuit and grab your family beach bag, it’s important to know that some beaches are private while others are open to the public.
If your vacation rental doesn’t include private beach access, don’t worry–there are some great public spots to enjoy.
Our top picks? ➡️ Grayton Dunes for its natural beauty and wide shoreline, and Ed Walline for its convenient location, ample parking, restrooms and easy boardwalk access to the sand.
2. Explore on Bikes
Renting bikes is one of the best ways to explore 30A, and we had a blast doing just that!
We rented from Frankie’s Bike Shop, conveniently located at The Big Chill, and it made getting around so much fun.
The best part? ➡️ A paved bike path, known as the Timpoochee Trail, runs the entire length of 30A, making it easy for families to ride together.
One of our favorite rides was the scenic 2.5-mile cruise from The Big Chill to Raw & Juicy in Alys Beach for some seriously delicious smoothies.
Whether you’re pedaling between beach towns, grabbing breakfast, or just enjoying the coastal breeze, biking is a must-do while visiting 30A.
Many rental shops, including Frankie’s, offer bikes for all ages, including kid-sized bikes, trailers, and even e-bikes for an extra boost.
3. Go Hiking
We LOVE to hike, and 30A has some incredible trails that let you experience the area’s natural beauty beyond the beach.
The best part? Most of them are completely doable with kids! Just make sure to add some comfortable walking shoes to your 30A packing list.
Our favorites were the Alys Beach Nature Trail, a short but scenic path through a lush forest, and The Canopy Walk at Grayton Beach State Park, which winds through stunning protected coastal dunes. Hiking in these areas give you a chance to spot wildlife, explore rare coastal dune lakes, and take in breathtaking scenery.
We found that early mornings were the best time to hit the trails while it was still relatively cool–then we’d spend the hotter parts of the day cooling off at the beach or pool.
Don’t sleep on adding a hike or two to your 30A itinerary!
4. Take a Sunset Dolphin Cruise
A sunset dolphin cruise is a must-do activity for families! Cruise the Gulf Coast waters as you watch the sun dip below the horizon, with a chance to spot wild dolphins. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area while making lasting memories with your family.
Another highly-rated cruise option is the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise– a favorite tradition of families with younger kids. This 2-hour cruise is full of pirate fun while basking in the beauty of the Gulf Coast beaches.
➡️ 🐬 Book a Sunset Dolphin Cruise Here 🐬 ⬅️
➡️ 🏴☠️ Book a Pirate Cruise Here 🏴☠️ ⬅️
5. Hunt for Crabs After Dark
One of the most classic activities in 30A is ghost crab hunting. As soon as the sun sets, grab your flashlights and nets and head to the beach for a unique adventure!
Tiny ghost crabs scurry along the sand, blending in almost perfectly, but once your flashlight catches their movement, the chase is on! Carefully scoop them into a net to observe before gently releasing them back.
Keep in mind that these little guys work hard building their homes, so be sure not to carry them too far from where you found them or cause them harm.
💡 Tip: Consider taking books about crabs and other local wildlife along to study and add to this educational experience!
6. Shop Around 30A
Cute local shops are around every corner in 30A, offering everything from stylish beach apparel and boutique kids’ clothes to locally made art and home decor.
While shopping here can be on the pricey side, even just strolling through the quaint town centers and browsing is a fun experience! For the best leisurely shopping spots, check out:
- Rosemary Beach Town Center – Upscale boutiques and charming storefronts in a picturesque setting. If you’re a bookworm, don’t miss The Hidden Lantern Bookstore.
- Seaside’s Central Square – A mix of unique shops and a laid-back, fun atmosphere. This is where you can snag the iconic “Seaside” t-shirts. Our kids love browsing Duckies Shop of Fun, a whimsical toy store with perfectly curated clothing, toys and beach gear.
- The Big Chill – A casual, family-friendly spot with shops, dining and live music. Make sure and stop by Adaro Art for swoon-worthy local art and sculptures.
7. Visit the Playground at Alys Beach
If your little ones need to burn off some energy, head to the adorable playground at Alys Beach, located right next to Raw & Juicy.
This charming play area is the perfect spot for kids to climb, slide, and explore while parents enjoy a coffee or smoothie in the shade.
It’s beautifully designed, just like the rest of Alys Beach, and has plenty of seating nearby to relax while the kids play.
8. Experience Weekly Events at the Seaside Amphitheater & The Big Chill
One of the things we love about this stretch of the Emerald Coast is that there’s always something happening! Many of the towns host family-friendly events throughout the week, from outdoor concerts and movies to yoga classes and farmers’ markets.
We were lucky enough to catch an outdoor children’s theater production one evening, and it was such a fun experience!
Check each town’s website or social media pages for the latest event schedules before your trip.
9. Hunt for Seashells
Seashell hunting is a simple yet magical experience for kids and adults alike! We highly recommend bringing mesh shell bags and a Florida seashell identification book for the perfect shelling experience.
Early morning is the best time to find shells before the beach gets busy. Just keep in mind that some parts of 30A’s beaches are protected, especially in preservation areas like Grayton Beach State Park.
If shell collecting isn’t allowed in a certain spot, you’ll see signs posted nearby.
10. Explore with Paddleboard & Kayak Adventures
One of the best ways to experience 30A’s unique coastal dune lakes is by paddling across their calm, scenic waters. Rent a paddleboard, kayak or canoe and explore these rare ecosystems that are found only a few places in the world!
For a stress-free experience, check out a clear kayak tour, which offers rentals and a guided tour–a great option if you’re new to paddling or want to learn more about the area.
Whether you’re gliding across Western Lake at Grayton Beach State Park or paddling the peaceful waters of Camp Helen State Park, this is a must-do activity for nature lovers!
11. Enjoy a Treat at Blue Mountain Beach Creamery
This family-owned ice cream shop is so good, it deserves its own spot on the list!
Blue Mountain Beach Creamery serves up homemade ice cream, sorbet and frozen yogurt in a fun, beachy setting.
👉 Important tip: They only accept cash, so be sure to have some on hand. If you spot the Blue Panda flavor, order it–it’s hands down our favorite and I still dream about it from back home! On warm evenings, expect a line, but trust me–it’s worth the wait!
12. Explore 30A’s Beautiful State Parks
30A isn’t just about the beaches–its state parks are equally stunning. If you love hiking, wildlife and peaceful scenery, these two state parks should be on your list:
- Eden Gardens State Park – Step back in time at this gorgeous park featuring a historic mansion surrounded by towering oak trees and formal gardens. The trails here are easy and scenic, making it a great outing for families. We recommend spending 2-3 hours exploring the grounds and taking a tour of the mansion.
- Grayton Beach State Park – One of the most pristine beaches in the U.S., Grayton Beach State Park is also home to protected coastal dunes that serve as nesting grounds for sea turtles. Take The Canopy Walk through the dunes for a truly unique experience.
13. Go Snorkeling at Grayton Beach
Grayton Beach is not only famous for its natural beauty for also for its excellent snorkeling opportunities.
The crystal-clear water makes it a perfect spot for exploring, especially around the jetties and sandbars. Bring your own gear or go on a snorkel tour with Dive 30A. These guided tours will take you to the best spots and you’ll be able to learn more about the local flora and fauna.
Places to Stay
Vacation rentals and boutique hotels are the most common accommodations on this little slice of paradise. Our 30A vacation rental was in the community called “Prominence on 30A”, which is located conveniently right across from The Big Chill.
We love that this community is located directly in the middle of 30A, making access to any of the neighboring towns a breeze. We had access to 2 public pools, and our rental also came with a golf cart, a couple bikes, beach chairs, and boogie boards! You can search for available 30A rentals on VRBO.
➡️ 🏠 Book Your 30A Vacation Rental Here 🏠 ⬅️
Where to Eat
My mouth is watering just thinking of all the delectable seafood and scrumptious treats available on the emerald coast! Here is my roundup of the best restaurants on 30A.
Breakfast & Brunch
- Crackings – Highly rated on Google! This restaurant only serves breakfast and lunch. They do not take reservations, however you can join the waitlist on Yelp.
- The Perfect Pig – Located in Santa Rosa Beach serving breakfast and lunch.
- The Donut Hole – Yummy fresh-made donuts with other breakfast options available as well. They have corn hole to play outside which is perfect if you have to wait for a table.
- Big Bad Breakfast – Located in Inlet Beach and boasts an award-winning chef! Outdoor seating is available.
Lunch
- Airstream Row – This row of airstream food trucks is right in the middle of Seaside. It’s a great option if everyone in your family wants something different! Airstream row offers options of seafood, upscale grilled cheese, hotdogs, BBQ and shaved ice.
- Bud and Alley’s Waterfront – Eating right on the beach with incredible views is the big draw to Bud and Alley’s! Though this wasn’t my favorite seafood on our trip, although it was still very good! We did wait a long time to be seated, as this is a very popular place.
- La Crema Tapas and Chocolate – The perfect “small plate” lunch in Rosemary Beach!
- The Big Chill – Formerly known as The Hub, The Big Chill offers several places to order food (tacos, burgers, lobster rolls, etc), with a communal eating space in the middle. It’s a perfect spot for lunch if you have kids that need to run around!
Dinner
- Old Florida Fish House – If you only eat out once on your 30A vacation, The Old Florida Fish House should be your pick! The outdoor seating with string lights, live music, and excellent service is simply idyllic and it’s my personal favorite restaurant in the area. Reservations fill up quickly, so call ahead!
- George’s at Alys Beach – Get the Calamari Fries and Lobster roll! Enough said.
- Chanticleer Eatery – This laid-back restaurant located in Santa Rosa gets hundreds of 5 star reviews on Google. They serve items such as burgers, steaks, and chops.
- Grace Pizza and Shakes – The crust on their pizza is divine and the specialty shakes are out of this world! You can easily share one shake between multiple people because they are HUGE! The perfect casual dining spot.
Just a heads up– 30A restaurants are on the pricier side for sure. Kids meals run about $13 each. Yikes!
→ You will definitely want to make reservations if possible. If the restaurant you choose does not take reservations, you may want to consider doing an earlier lunch or dinner to avoid long waits…especially with kids in tow!
FAQ’s
What is the closest airport to 30A?
Northwest Florida Beaches Airport (ECP) in Panama City Beach is the closest, with only a 30 minute drive to 30A. The Destin – Ft Walton Beach Airport (VPS) is also a good option, coming in closer to a 60 minute drive.
What towns should I explore on 30A?
As many as you can! Our most recommended towns to explore include Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Seaside, and Watercolor. Each is so unique that they just can’t be missed!
Rosemary Beach has strong historic European vibes, while Alys beach has stunning architecture reminiscent of greek villas. Seaside and Watercolor bring the coveted coastal feel.
Where do I get groceries on 30A?
Publix has a couple locations close to 30A and is perfect for stocking up on groceries and other necessities such as sunscreen and paper goods.
Should I rent a golf cart?
Golf carts are allowed on the highway in this area of the coast. They can work perfectly for getting around, however we ended up using our van that we rented on Turo to get to and from the beach.
As a family of 6, we couldn’t easily fit all of us plus everything we needed for the beach on a golf cart. It wouldn’t be a must-have for our family, however it was fun to have for short jaunts around town!
When is the best time to visit 30A?
Just before or after the busy season of summer if you’d like to avoid crowds. May and September would be ideal times to visit.
What is the best 30A beach for families?
You will want to know in advance if your lodging includes private beach access. If it does not, there are several public beach access points. When traveling with kids, finding an access point with restrooms is key.
Our most recommended 30A beaches for families are Grayton Dunes and Ed Walline.
Where is the best coffee on 30A?
I can assure you, we tried A LOT of coffee on 30A and our favorite is hands down Holiday Cafe. Their iced vanilla latte is *chefs kiss*.
Plan Your 30A Getaway
I’m wrapping up this post and already dreaming about our next trip to 30A! There’s a reason families flock to the emerald coast–whether you’re craving a peaceful coastal escape or an action-packed family adventure, 30A has something for everyone.
As you start to planning your getaway, be sure to check out our ultimate beach vacation packing list where I’ve curated a checklist of everything you won’t want to forget on your trip.
If you want another quaint Florida beach to consider, check out our post about Anna Maria Island! These two beautiful spots are hands down our favorite beaches in Florida.
We hope this guide help you plan the perfect beach vacation on 30A!
Read More Beach Trip Planning Resources:
- Top 10 Family-Friendly Beaches on Florida’s Gulf Coast
- The Only Beach Vacation Packing List You’ll Ever Need
- Top Picks for the Best Family Beach Bags
- 13 Best Things to Do on 30A for an Unforgettable Trip
- Best Time to Visit Anna Maria Island for Perfect Weather and Less Crowds
- Martha’s Vineyard vs. Nantucket: Which Island Should You Visit?
- Beach Essentials for Toddlers {What You Actually Need}
