July 10, 2024THEY ALL CAME OUT ON TOP.
Yes, each town scored equally well with its neighbors, meaning they also scored #1. Huh? Well, sorry. But these world-class beaches, with lively avenues to match, are just too delightful to compare.
Before we get into our favorite things, let’s take a look at a few commonalities our towns and beach communities share.
- Beach. Yep, no denying that.
- Quaint. Some are less, some are more.
- Weather. Great weather. Duh.
- Bicycling. Phenomenal biking opportunities! Right?
- Beachfront. Yes! Vacation rentals with eye-bulging views.
- 4-star restaurants. Oh, baby. They’re everywhere.
- Coffee. Gimme, gimme my morning coffee!
- Boutiques. Some cute, some clever, some OMG!
- Pools! Between community and private, this summer is going to be pool-riffic!
- Golf Carts. Ah, no, Alys Beach frowns upon such frivolity. Banned.
- But don’t worry. Just about everywhere else, golf carts are abundant and easy
to rent! Many Oversee properties have complimentary golf carts. Sweet.
Now put on your foam glove, point a proud index finger upward, and repeat, “They’re all #1! They’re all #1!” In no order whatsoever, here’s the best things about each of our favorite 30A beach towns.
WaterColor
The architectural stylings and wide porches make for large-family, multi-generational vacations. With 499 acres, WaterColor is all about havin’ fun in the water, and on the water.
The BoatHouse
A local 30A favorite, the BoatHousefor is ideal for renting and learning how to stand-up paddleboard. Also perfect for exploring a rare coastal dune lake, Western Lake.
Boathouse Paddle Club
BHPC is the premier paddle location in the Southeast and the only flat-water SUP rental location on Highway 30A.
The Bike Barn
is adjacent to the Boathouse. Pick up a rental and ride miles of scenic nature trails that twist through preserved state park forests, across the community’s charming bridges, and around coastal dune lakes.
REALLY?
Even the streetlamps are designed to evoke a smile with shades dotted with little holes, recalling memories of lightning bugs captured in Mason jars.
FOOW
The simple yet creative dishes are always fresh and served at brunch, midday, and dinner. With excellent mixologists and an amazing selection, the bar circles inside-out, to the impressive patio. The sunset views are, you guessed it, breathtaking.
The Wine Bar
This sophisticated spot in WaterColor’s petite town center features patio seating, a charming French bistro-inspired interior, and an adjoining market. Order pizza, a cheese board, or another dish, turning your wine tasting into a meal.
Blue Giraffe
A colorful boutique filled with beach-inspired goods, gifts, and artwork, with a cheerful, upbeat vibe that meshes perfectly with 30A’s year-round cheer.
Seaside
Architect-designed walkways leading to the beach. A town so picture-perfect that it served as the backdrop for Jim Carrey’s hit movie, The Truman Show.
New Urbanism
Oh, it’s just the birthplace of an architectural design movement, that’s all. Nothing to see here.
The Truman Show
An excellent unusual but excellent activity, a fun treasure hunt also, find the many filming locations of this delightful movie.
Bud and Alley’s
Most historic landmarks have a plaque. Bud & Alley’s has sunsets. Thirty-five years and counting, Seaside’s most beloved landmark, and beachfront bar, is still making waves.
Airstream Row
Some of the best food trucks in 30A aren’t trucks at all. Chow down at this adorable collection of food trailers operating out of vintage airstreams.
REALLY?
No two structures in Seaside are alike, with a wide range of architectural styles featured throughout the town, including Victorian, Neoclassical, Modern, Postmodern, and Deconstructionism.
Modica Market
You’ll love their lunch specials! More yum: freshly made hot soups, homemade Southern specialties, and gourmet-to-go meals.
Sundog Books
With sandy floors, the shelves and tables are overflowing (with books), and have a very helpful staff (not overflowing, just helpful).
REALLY?
To design a city like Seaside, 80 acres is the area encompassed within a quarter-mile radius. This, in turn, is the distance a person would comfortably walk on a daily basis to go to work, to shop, or to go out to eat.
Central Square Records
A local institution, this true independent record store is what a record store should be. New and used vinyl, CDs, and lots of cool record store stuff.
Seagrove
Is this more of an independent neighborhood, than an actual town? Explore its rich natural awesomeness on a bike or a kayak. Then grab a bite and a drink at a nearby hotspot.
Eastern Lake
This coastal dune lake is Ideal for paddleboarding. Cross the calm lake to the beach waters of the Gulf. There are four lakefront Oversee properties here.
Point Washington State Forest
The very natural beauty makes it popular with outdoor lovers and sportsmen, and features almost 20 miles of trails for hikers, bikers and trail runners.
Eden Gardens State Park
Within Point Washington State Forest also rests 163 stunning acres of Eden Gardens State Park, home of the Wesley House.
REALLY?
In the 1940s, the community was founded by C.H. McGee. His vision included 170 acres with deeded beach, concrete block cottages, sand roads, and a general store. Along the way, he befriended a deer. It was soon following him around so much he named her Bambi.
Today, the Surfing Deer restaurant in Seagrove honors this history with its name. The Surfing Deer has old photos of McGee and Bambi hanging on the walls of the restaurant.
Deer Lake State Park
A ¼-mile boardwalk offers spectacular views of one of the most dynamic dune ecosystems found on the Gulf Coast, one of 11 natural communities found in the park.
Seagrove Village Market
Since 1949?! Generations of guests return year after year to dine here, purchase souvenirs, and experience life on the beach as it once was. The legendary burgers and grouper sandwich remain menu staples.
Old Florida Fish House
A cozy spot on the north tip of Eastern Lake, have a wonderful ‘scenic’ lunch outdoors. Enjoy a sushi experience like no other, or a traditional Old Florida fresh seafood dinner.
Seacrest
Seacrest has 30A’s largest swim pool, and the second largest in all of Florida.
Peddler’s Pavilion
A central gathering area in Seacrest Beach, a collection of kiosks, offering an array of open-air shopping and dining experiences.
Peddlers Paddle Boards and Kayaks
Rent SUPs and kayaks so the entire family can paddle the open Gulf water or one of the beautiful coastal dune lakes on 30A.
Peddler’s Bike Shop
A funky little one-stop shop for rentals, with 30A’s largest selection of bicycles, adult trikes, kids’ bikes, tandems, and trailers.
REALLY?
Seacrest gets the ‘strangest way to get to a restaurant’ award. Good luck finding this beachfront eatery. Tucked away right on the beach, behind High Pointe Resort, is a lesser-known treasure of beach cuisine.
“The allure of Crabby Steve’s is the difficulty in getting there. If you’re staying on property, it’s easy, but if not, you have to walk a long way on the beach to get there.”
Seacrest Sundries
Stock up at the local grocery store, before spending the day wandering through Seacrest’s shops and riding bikes along the Timpoochee Trail.
Camp Creek Lake
The nearby coastal dune lake offers hiking, bird watching, and gawking at the enormity of the sand dunes.
Beach and Brew
Believe in the diversity of beer. A lot of different styles, colors and tastes, but more alike than not. The distinctions are what make the perfections.
Rosemary Beach
These absolutely adorable avenues are the kind you’ll love to uncover by simply strolling around at a casual shopper’s pace. Lots of all the best 30A stuff.
Main Street
The downtown area of Rosemary Beach is the hero here. The Town Hall is a popular setting for weddings. Browse and uncover a modest collection of restaurants (eateries), clothing shops (boutiques), children’s stores, a day spa, art galleries, a bookstore, and more.
La Crema Tapas and Chocolate
The tapas. Try the brussel sprouts or the serrano-wrapped figs. Or just eat chocolate all night. The “OMG” has whipped espresso cream sandwiched by two triple chocolate chip cookies (OMG!)
Cowboy Kitchen
On top of great locations, Cowgirl promises delicious appetizers, creative sandwiches, and incredible tacos. The excellent pizzas have names like NO BULL and WHOLE HOG.
Gigi’s
Much more than a children’s clothing and toy store, Gigi’s unique vibe encourages kids and kids-at-heart to hang out for a while, try clothes on, and play and explore.
Tidwell and Son
Family-owned and curated, Tidwell & Son offers classic, coastal clothing for men and boys. With an amazing, well-displayed selection, the knowledgeable owner is very helpful.
REALLY?
Rosemary Beach has been called one of ‘America’s Most Romantic Small Towns’, which comes as no surprise to anyone who’s wandered its winding paths and cobblestone streets, or dined al fresco on its welcoming patios and courtyards.
Duckies
Play hard. And shop harder at Duckies Shop of Fun. You’ll find toys of all varieties, and clothing sure to amuse the boys and girls. Books, sweet treats, and just plain silly stuff.
Deer Lake State Park
A lengthy elevated boardwalk extends over dunes, offering visitors easy entry to the beach, which is great for swimming, picnicking, and fishing.
Grayton Beach
Is this a town or a state of mind? Grayton Beach State Park knows. Grayton Beach consistently ranks among the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the United States.
Grayton Beach State Park
Massive dunes are just a fraction of the wonderment at Grayton Beach State Park. Hike its 4 miles, through a coastal forest. Fish and paddle the coastal dune lake. Kayak rentals are available onsite.
Underwater Museum of Art
In the waters near Grayton Beach, the first U.S. permanent underwater sculpture museum sits about a mile offshore. Perfect for art lovers and environmentalists, the “underwater garden” provides an artificial reef habitat for local marine life.
Fishing Charter
Captain Phil is a native to the Grayton Beach area, has been fishing in the gulf since 1986, and knows the bottom structures very well. Personal service is important to Captain Phil, he ensures all will have a fun and exciting experience!
REALLY?
Laid back. Cool coastal vibes. No wonder its official motto is ‘Nice Dogs, Strange People’.
Red Bar
The crab cakes are the best, and if that doesn’t get ya, the blackened grouper on a grits bacon-and-cheese square, with spinach in between, well, just get over there and taste it, you’ll see.
Chiringo
One of the few “beach bar” experiences on scenic 30A, enjoy the freshest of fresh, including the attitudes. Sit down, enjoy the views, and chill out at Chiringo.
Grayton Beer Company
Visit the Taproom (with a tasty bar menu, and more than 20 unique beers. Hang out and play life-size Jenga or cornhole.
Blue Mountain Beach
Peaceful days and more gorgeous scenery. This quaint beach community sits atop the highest spot along 30A, at 65 feet.
Mimmo’s
A man named Mimmo fell in love with Destin after a vacation in the area and decided to open an Italian restaurant called… wait for it…. Mimmo’s!
Blue Mountain Beach Creamery
Handmade ice cream? Yep! From Espresso Chocolate Chip to Strawberry Cheesecake, these goodies are always fresh and delicious.
Blue Mountain Bakery
Another 30A winner, with an incredible selection of some very tasty sweets and great coffee.
Red Fish Taco
A great happy hour with fresh, authentic street tacos, pork carnitas, grilled avocado, and blackened shrimp tacos. Yum!
Blue Mabel
With soul-filled flavors of southern comfort, and a ‘from-scratch’ mentality, try the BBQ (among others!). Oh boy, this is the place. Seriously.
Johnny McTighe’s Irish Pub
An authentic Irish pub with a fun, family-friendly environment? Believe it! Your entire crew will love this Blue Mountain original, with outdoor seating.
REALLY?
The origin of Blue Mountain’s name? It’s local legend that the first passing sailors mistook the community’s ‘towering’ sand dunes (covered with Blue Lupine flowers) for mountains, after many long months spent at sea.
Alys Beach
Great design is alive and luxurious. Welcome to a feast for the eyes and a lifestyle. This is life refined.
Architecture.
You can’t blame folks for talking so much about the beauty of the beach. We love it too. But use caution when appreciating this exquisite architecture: Distracted driving can sneak up on ya. Gawking at the details and magnificence of these enchanting lanes may best be done from a bike, or on foot. Alys Beach is a study of whimsy and geometry.
Digital Graffiti.
Every year, Alys Beach lights up with color for the weekend of Digital Graffiti. The neighborhood’s white walls come alive as canvases for unique, one-of-a-kind digital projection art creations. Only pics can describe this moving gallery.
REALLY?
The original developers of Alys Beach bought the property on a whim. The Stephens family has lived and vacationed here in Walton County since the 1940s.
They happened to be driving along County Road 30-A in the 1970s when they saw a few cars parked along the side of the dirt road. They stopped to see, and it turned out that the 158-acre property was up for auction.
They bought it on a whim… for $1.2 million. Recently, a single lot, the last beachfront property in Alys Beach, sold for a whopping $6.7 million.
Neat
Creative cocktails, happy hour specials, live music and a diverse selection of gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Stop by this tasting room for an unforgettable afternoon.
Georges
These next-level dishes, all crafted using locally sourced organic produce, and the freshest seafood available, need more than just boorish, blog-writer descriptions.
REALLY?
Almost all of the houses in Alys Beach have elaborately designed courtyards — beautiful open-air spaces that essentially bring the outdoors into each home.
Every courtyard includes at least one water feature — a fountain or pool or even both. Expansive porches and paved pathways are lined with vivid, bright, and colorful landscaping. Beautifully seductive spaces.
