The 30A Travel Guide

The Beaches, Boutiques, Restaurants & Bonfires I Return to Year After Year.

Let Me Tell You a Little Love Story

It started in 2020… yep, that year. Our family and friends had plans to summer in Portugal, but — cue global pandemic. Instead of skipping vacation altogether, a friend casually mentioned we should check out a beach town called Seaside in Florida, and I fell into a Google rabbit hole. What I found? A coastal dream I somehow hadn’t met yet.

This stretch of Florida’s Emerald Coast, also known as 30A, is made up of several thoughtfully designed beach towns. Each one offers something a little different: quiet luxury, charming walkability, boutique shopping, and some of the dreamiest sunsets you’ll ever see.

Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, this is the 30A travel guide I wish someone had handed me years ago. I’ve experienced every single recommendation firsthand—so rest assured, you’re in good hands.

What Is 30A?

Scenic Highway 30A is a coastal route tucked between Destin and Panama City Beach, Florida. Along it, you’ll find a series of beautifully designed beach communities, each with its own look, pace, and personality. Some are more family-focused; others are designed for slow mornings, golden hour shopping, or rooftop cocktails.

They’re all connected by biking trails and a laid-back energy. You can stay in one town and explore them all.

Seaside

Classic, Photogenic, and Unmistakably Charming

Seaside is the town that started it all for me—and it’s still one of my favorites. Pastel cottages, white picket fences, and beach pavilions make it feel like a postcard. It’s also where The Truman Show was filmed. You can even bike past the iconic Truman Show house at 31 Natchez Street. (Snap a pic. Pretend you’re in the movie. No shame.)

This town features nine stunning beach pavilions, each with its own architectural style. They line the Gulf like little art installations—perfect for golden hour photos.

Must-Do’s in Seaside:

• Bud & Alley’s – Rooftop views + sunset cocktails = instant favorite
• The Meltdown on 30A – Gourmet grilled cheese with a cult following
• Modica Market – Local goods, chilled wine, and charming provisions
• Sundog Books – One of my favorite indie bookstores
• Nigel’s Bananas – Chocolate-dipped frozen bananas + classic beach-day sweets
• Black Bear Coffee Bar – Low-key pastries, great coffee, and air conditioning
• The Seaside Style – You have to grab a signature sweatshirt or tee

Boutique to Know:

Cabana by The Seaside Style – Vacation-ready brands like Cleobella, Ramy Brook, Agua Bendita, Ancient Greek Sandals, Mignonne Gavigan, and Chan Luu.

Don’t Miss:

• Mr. Cabana Man – The dream team behind Seaside’s iconic striped umbrellas. Includes beachside food + drink service. Pro tip: Book early and request the central Seaside Pavilion for the best view.
• 30A Blaze – Book a private bonfire on the beach. It’s nostalgic, cozy, and pure magic

WaterColor

Spacious, Peaceful, and Elevated Without Feeling Fussy

WaterColor is perfect if you’re looking for a slower pace and family-friendly vibes. With wide bike paths, a nature preserve, and its own Beach Club, it’s designed for long days and easy evenings.

Daily Favorites:

• Fish Out of Water – Elevated Gulf-front dining
• Wine World – Casual, curated wine bar
• The Boathouse – Rent paddleboards or kayaks and explore the coastal dune lakes
• Camp WaterColor – A dream setup for families (lazy river, splash pad, slides)

Morning Rituals:

• Beach Happy Café – Smoothies, acai bowls, and chill breakfast vibes
• Amavida Coffee Roasters – Organic coffee with a mission (also in Seaside & Rosemary)

If you love starting your day with intention, check out our Sunday Slowdown wellness playlist + June favorites for more cozy recs.

Alys Beach

Minimalist Elegance Meets Mediterranean Daydream

With whitewashed buildings, arched corridors, and bougainvillea-covered courtyards, Alys Beach feels like a Greek coastal town. It’s luxurious without being loud, peaceful without being sleepy. This is the town for linen dresses, long walks, and aperitifs under the palms.

Must-Visit in Alys:

• The Citizen – Fresh coastal fare in a chic setting
• Raw & Juicy – Smoothies, juices, and light eats in a design-forward courtyard
• NEAT Bottle Shop – Wine tastings + design inspo in one
• Fonville Press – Coffee in the morning, tapas by sunset
• O-Ku – Sophisticated sushi in a moody, beachy space—ideal for date night

Planning a girls’ trip? Don’t miss our Sedona Spring Equinox travel recap—perfect for inspiration on stylish, soulful getaways.

Note: Golf carts are not allowed in Alys Beach. But trust me—you’ll want to walk. Every corner is aesthetic.

Rosemary Beach

Elegant, European-Inspired, and Endlessly Photogenic

Rosemary Beach is a timeless escape. With cobblestone streets, gas lanterns, and Dutch West Indies-style architecture, it feels like a European getaway. It’s where I go to slow down, dress up, and wander with no agenda.

Elevated Favorites:

• Pescado – Rooftop dining + Gulf views + next-level cocktails
• La Crema – Tapas, wine, and sipping chocolate—cozy and indulgent
• The Pearl Hotel – Grab a drink or just take in the stunning interiors
• Havana Beach Bar – Southern charm meets coastal cuisine

Morning Staples:

• Amavida Coffee – Same great coffee, different beautiful backdrop
• Charlie’s Delights – Coffee, ice cream, baked goods. A hidden gem
• Sugar Shak – Candy and nostalgia wrapped in one

Pro tip: Rosemary doesn’t allow golf carts, which only adds to its European charm.

Final Tips for Your 30A Trip:

• Book early – Chairs, rentals, dinner resos—get ahead of it
• Golf carts are gold – Especially in Seaside and WaterColor
• Pack layers – Think linen by day, light jackets by night
• Never skip sunset – It’s the 30A way. Plan around it

Why I Keep Coming Back

What started as a pandemic pivot has become our family’s favorite tradition. Each year, 30A feels more familiar—and somehow, more magical.

From the architecture to the slow mornings, long beach days, and barefoot evenings with our best friends and little ones, this place has become part of my soul.

Looking for more travel tips with heart? Read our Mexico City itinerary — it’s packed with local gems and meaningful moments.

If you’re headed to 30A for the first time, I hope this guide brings you a little inspiration.
And if you’ve been before… well, you already know.