December 16, 2024Sometimes the best adventures are the ones where the journey is just as exciting as the destination.
30A, with its charming communities, scenic beauty, and quirky landmarks, sets the perfect stage for a family-friendly scavenger hunt.
Think of it as a playful way to explore, snap unforgettable photos, and create lasting memories with your crew.
Ready to plan your day? Let’s map it out!
PREP YOUR GEAR: SCAVENGER HUNT 101
Before heading out, pack a few essentials to keep the day smooth and fun:
- Comfortable shoes: 30A’s boardwalks, trails, and town centers deserve your attention. For longer adventures, think about comfy sneakers over flimsy flip-flops.
- Safety: Bonus points for matching family sneakers. Or bright shoelaces, or aqua t-shirts. Garish, perhaps, but keeping everyone ‘noticeable’ feels good, for peace of mind. Helpful for larger groups.
- Water bottles and sunscreen: Stay hydrated and sun-smart. The boiled-lobster-look is painful.
- A camera or smartphone: Photos! Photo contests! And lots of selfies to capture those giggle-worthy moments!
- Notebook or checklist: Perfect for keeping the kids engaged and excited about each stop. Let the little ones take charge as “hunt captains.”
Oh, and a quick reminder: Keep an eye on little adventurers, especially when crossing roads. Safety first, then scavenger hunt fun!
THE HUNT! 30A’S MUST-SEE STOPS.
Now for the exciting part: Your itinerary. Each stop offers a mix of history, charm, and just the right dash of whimsy.
STOP 1: SEASIDE – THE ICONIC POST OFFICE
This iconic white post office isn’t just a favorite photo op. It’s a piece of 30A history.
- Activity One: Snap a family photo in front of the post office. Bonus points if you add a silly pose or film a short video of your family doing the ‘robot.’ Ha. Now that’s a memory that’ll last a lifetime!
- Fun Fact: Seaside starred in The Truman Show! And yes, it looks just as picture-perfect in real life.
- Activity Two: Stroll over to the actual Truman Show house! See Activity One.
- Nearby Bonus: Grab snacks from the vintage Airstream Row (food trailers) or relax at the amphitheater. Fun game: Close your eyes, and guess how many Airstreams are parked there (without looking. ha).
STOP 2: GRAYTON BEACH – WESTERN LAKE
There’s something magical about coastal dune lakes, and Western Lake is no exception.
- Fun Fact: Coastal dune lakes are found in just a handful of places worldwide.
- Look! Keep your eyes on high alert for spotting the “who’s who” in the bird world. Extra points if pictures are taken of herons, ospreys, pelicans, and other wildlife.
- Activity One: Gaze at the calm water and its mirror-like reflections while discussing why these lakes are so rare.
- Nearby Bonus: Stop by The Red Bar for quirky vibes, delicious grub, and a peek at its unique décor. (Try not to get lost in its colorful chaos.)
- Activity Two: Rent a paddleboard or kayak at the Grayton Beach State Park. Paddle to Grayton Beach, via Western Lake, a very unique adventure. Take pics! Save enough energy to paddle back. Look for seashells.
STOP 3: BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACH – BLUE LUPINE TRIBUTE
Blue Mountain Beach’s name nods to the native blue lupine flowers, which early sailors thought looked like blue mountains.
- Fun Fact: Blue Mountain Beach is the highest point along the Gulf Coast. Talk about scenic bragging rights!
- Good to Know: The blue lupine is a rare perennial shrub, only found in a few Florida counties. The plant on 30A is biennial, meaning it takes two full years to bloom. It thrives in sandy, acidic soil, and has long roots that allow it to stay grounded in loose and sandy soil.
- Activity: Hunt for blue lupines in the sand dunes of Blue Mountain Beach. But don’t touch or pick them (it’s a threatened species), shoot them instead… with your camera! Whoever takes the best picture gets free ice cream! See bonus.
- More Good to Know: Don’t walk on the sensitive dunes. Many great pics can be captured from the safety of the designated trails and twisting boardwalks.
- Nearby Bonus: Cool off with a treat from Blue Mountain Creamery. Very, very yummy.
STOP 4: WATERCOLOR – CERULEAN PARK
This lush oasis is filled with fountains, flowers, and that laid-back WaterColor vibe.
- Activity: See how many types of flowers the kids can find, turn it into a photo-taking contest. Second place winner carries the snacks, first place eats most of the snacks.
- Fun Fact: WaterColor gets its name from the dazzling Gulf waters nearby.
- Nearby Bonus: Head to the boathouse and watch paddleboarders gliding across Western Lake. Who’s going to be the first to count ten paddleboarders?
STOP 5: GRAYTON BEACH – UNDERWATER MUSEUM OF ART (UMA)
UMA is an underwater sculpture garden just off Grayton Beach. The park lies at a depth of ~58 feet, and is 0.93 nautical miles from the Grayton Beach State Park beach walkover.
- Fun Fact One: UMA is the first permanent underwater sculpture exhibit in the U.S., blending art and marine life conservation.
- Activity One: Families with certified divers can explore the sculptures firsthand.
- Activity Two: Not diving today? Visit the ranger station to learn about the museum or take a boat tour for a surface-level view.
- Fun Fact Two: UMA was named to TIME’s World’s Greatest Places in 2018, in the visit category, highlighting 100 destinations that are breaking new ground, leading industry trends, and offering visitors an extraordinary experience.
- Activity Three: Is snorkeling more your thing? Closer to the beach, and only 15 feet underwater, an artificial reef inspires folks to check out the surrounding wildlife. Super easy and accessible with a paddleboard or kayak!
- Nearby Bonus: Enjoy the natural beauty of Grayton Beach State Park. It’s stunning above water, too! How is your seashell collection coming along?
SNAP, SHARE, CELEBRATE!
No scavenger hunt is complete without a little creativity. Add silliness and dramatic poses to your photos. Share your snaps on social media, tag Oversee, and show off your family’s 30A adventure.
AFTER THE HUNT!
Cap off your day with a sunset picnic at Grayton Beach State Park or treat yourselves to a meal at Great Southern Café in Seaside. Make it a moment to savor the day’s discoveries and laughs.
When you’re ready to start planning, let Oversee help you find the perfect place to stay.
Remember: The real scavenger hunt was the search and find of unforgettable fun and countless family moments. Every family adventure has its highlights, and a scavenger hunt across 30A guarantees plenty of them.
Share your favorite moments, stops, and photos with us. We can’t wait to see where the journey took you!
