Scenic 30A Vacation Guide

Where To Eat, Shop, Play, and Stay in 30A

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About 30A Area

Beautiful Scenic 30a

Scenic Highway 30A is a corridor located in Florida's northwest Walton County

Along the way, you'll pass miles of stunning beach, Old Florida communities each with its own aesthetic, multiple State Parks, rare dune lakes, and more. Natural beauty is the star of the show.


Cities in 30A Area

What cities and beach towns are found along Scenic 30A?

Scenic 30a  is actually a highway built in the 1970's that hugs the coast between Destin and Panama City beach. The highway connects 12 unique communities and several state parks along the way.

Cities near Scenic 30A

  • Destin
  • Panama City beach

 Scenic 30A Zip Code: 32461

 Scenic 30A area code: 850

What county is 30A in? South Walton County

Alys Beach

Alys Beach

Beaches of South Walton - Scenic 30a

Beaches of South Walton - Scenic 30a

Blue Mountain Beach

Blue Mountain Beach

Dune Allen Beach

Dune Allen Beach

Grayton Beach

Grayton Beach

Inlet Beach

Inlet Beach

Miramar Beach

Miramar Beach

Rosemary Beach

Rosemary Beach

Sandestin Area

Sandestin Area

Santa Rosa Beach

Santa Rosa Beach

Seacrest Beach

Seacrest Beach

Seagrove Beach

Seagrove Beach

Seaside

Seaside

WaterColor

WaterColor

WaterSound Beach

WaterSound Beach


Highlights of 30A Area

What Is Scenic 30A All About?

Highlights Of Scenic Highway 30A

  • 12 Old Florida communities each with their own aesthetic. Depending on the community, the architecture, and colors vary from hot Caribbean to soft pastels
  • 4 State Parks
  • 11 rare coastal dune lakes
  • 27 miles of greenway trails
  • Miles of stunning beach



Things to do in 30A Area

  • Kayak
  • Hike
  • Deep-Sea Fishing Charters
  • Sail
  • Parasail
  • Dolphin Tours
  • Bike
  • SUP
  • Dine
  • Visit A Waterpark
  • Learn About And Touch Stingrays
  • Eco/Dolphin Tours
  • Rent A Golf Cart
  • Rent A boat
  • The Beach!

 Things to do indoors in 30A when it rains

  • Mini golf at rainforest Black Light Golf & Arcade
  • Bowling and Skating at Rock'it Lanes
  • Enjoy a day at Ripley's Believe It or Not 
  • Go Bowling at Uncle Buck's and enjoy some great seafood too
  • Shop at Silver Sands Outlet Mall
  • Catch a movie at Megaplex Movie Theater on Grand Boulevard in Sandestin  (Tip: lots of shopping and dining too!)
  • See a dolphin show at The Gulfarium or Gulf World

Romantic things to do in 30A for couples

  • Stroll on the beach, just the two of you
  • Book a spa treatment for two at Beach Ready Spa
  • Have a romantic candlelit dinner by the water at Pescado
  • Spend a romantic evening dinner cruise on the SOLARIS yacht

 Kid & Family-Friendly things to do in 30A

  • Let. the kids learn How to Surf and SUP at 30A's summer camps
  • Explore the Hiking and Biking Trails, the Timpoochee Trail is an 18+ mile paved trail. Catch glimpses of the many Dune Lakes, beautiful beaches, and unique neighborhoods.
  • Spend the day at the Village of Baytowne Wharf with kid-friendly activities like rock wall climbing, ziplining, playing in the water features, and attending magic shows. Tons of boutique shopping for parents!
  • Take a boat tour through the beautiful clear-water spring, the mangroves teeming with life, or out in the open water of the Bay

Unique Things To Do in 30A

  • Paddle on a dune lake, they're calmer than the Gulf. The 30A Dune Lakes are some of the few in the world
  • Pack a picnic and visit Grayton Beach State Park. 
  • Visit the Truman House in Seaside, FL  where Truman Show was filmed.

Explore 30A Area

Where To Shop and Eat in Scenic 30A + Annual Events!

Restaurant Highlights Along Scenic Highway 30A

Dining along Scenic Highway 30A varies from AAA dining, family dining, to dining with a view

  • Cafe 30A
  • 30A Burger
  • Amavida Coffee
  • Barefoot BBQ
  • Bud And Alley's Taco Bar
  • Charlie's Donut Shop
  • Fish Out Of Water
  • Piper's Food Truck
  • Stinky's Fish Camp
  • The Shrimp Shak

Scenic 30A restaurants on the water

  • Bud and Alley's - Seaside
  • Vue On 30A - Santa Rosa Beach
  • Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar - Santa Rosa Beach
  • Havana Beach Rooftop Lounge - Rosemary Beach
  • The Shrimp Shack - Seaside
  • FOOW Fish Out of Water - Santa Rosa Beach
  • Pescado - Rosemary Beach
  • Old Florida Fish House - Seagrove Beach

Takeout restaurants in Scenic 30A

  • The Hub 30A. - Watersound
  • Modica Market - Seaside
  • Publix - WaterColor
  • Seagrove Village Market
  • Fish Out of Water- WaterColor
  • Blue Mabel - Blue Mountain Beach
  • Johnny McTighes Iris Pub - Blue Mountain Beach
  • Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar - Santa Rosa Beach

30A Restaurants that will deliver

  • Grub 2 Go delivers from many 30A restaurants

Best Breakfast & Brunch Restaurants in 30A

  • The Bay - Santa Rosa Beach
  • Another Broken Egg Cafe - Miramar Beach
  • Grayton Seafood Co - Grayton beach
  • The Perfect Pig - Santa Rosa Beach
  • Crackings - Santa Rosa Beach
  • Vue on 30A - Santa Rosa Beach
  • Pescado - Rosemary Beach
  • Mama Clemenza's European Breakfast - Miramar Beach
  • Black Bear Bread Co - Grayton Beach
  • Stinky's Fish Camp - Santa Rosa Beach
  • Blue Mabel - Blue Mountain Beach

A Few Restaurants That Locals Love

  • Cafe Tango - Blue Mountain Beach
  • The Terrace Restaurant - Inlet Beach
  •  Louis Louis - Santa Rosa Beach
  • The Bay - Santa Rosa Beach
  • North Beach Tortilla Co. - Santa Rosa Beach
  • Chiringo - Grayton Beach

Are there Bars or Clubs in Scenic 30A?

There are many cool places for a night out, here are a few favorites:

  • Al's Beach Club - beachfront in Fort Walton Beach
  • The Red Bar - Grayton Beach
  • Cuvee 30A - Rosemary Beach
  • Shades Bar & Grill - Inlet Beach
  • The Pointe On 30A - Rosemary Beach
  • Bud & Alley's Waterfront Restaurant & Bar - Santa Rosa Beach
  • Grayton Beer Brewpub - Santa Rosa Beach
  • Rum Runners - Sandestin

Shopping In 30A

Scenic 30A is an area, rather than a town, that offers a multitude of shopping experiences. here are a few favorites:

  • 30Avenue - located on the east end of Hwy. 30A (near Panama City Beach), 30Avenue is easy walking distance to Rosemary, Seacrest, and Alys Beach
  • Merchants of Rosemary Beach -Located on the western end of Scenic Hwy. 30A
  • Merchants of Seaside - Located in Seaside
  • Shops of Grayton -Located in Grayton Beach
  • Uptown Grayton -Located along Hwy 30A in Grayton Beach
  • Gulf Place Town Center. - Located in Santa Rosa Beach
  • Grand Boulevard Town Center. - Located in Miramar Beach
  • Market Shops at Sandestin - Located in Miramar. Beach
  • The Village of Baytowne Wharf - Located in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
  • Silver Sands Premium Outlets - located in Miramar Beach

30A Annual Events

January

  • Songwriter's Festival
  • Escape To Create

February

  • Sandestin Gumbo Festival

March

  • Seaside 5K And Half Marathon
  • 30A Wine Festival

May

  • Artsquest Fine Arts Festival

June

  • Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic

July

  • Independence Day Celebrations

August

  • Sandestin Triathalon

October

  • Rosemary Beach Uncorked
  • Seaside Community Yard Sale
  • Noche de los Muertos

November

  • MountainFilm on Tour
  • Seeing Red Wine Festival
  • Flutterby Children's Arts Festival
  • 30A 10K

Where to find Vacation Rentals in 30A, FL

You're in luck! You can find vacation rentals right here on Florida Rental By Owner (FLARBO)! Our rental listings are 100% managed by the property owner or manager. Ditch the pesky third-party fees and interference - no middle man (Or woman) here!

Do you have questions about 30A, or need help planning your trip? Join our Destin Travel Facebook group here and our Panama City Beach Travel Facebook group here.


Transportation for 30A Area

How To Get To And Around the Scenic 30A Area

Flying Into 30A

For many living in nearby states, the Florida Panhandle is a drive-to destination. For those who want to fly, there are several options, making it easy to visit Scenic 30A

The Closest Airports To 30A

Destin Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS)

Located just 20 minutes from Destin, the Destin Fort Walton Beach Airport sees over 50 flights per day to and from over 20 major transportation hubs.

Airlines that fly into Fort Walton Beach Airport: American, Delta, United, Southwestern, and Allegiant

Though not a big airport by major city standards, Fort Walton Beach Airport is a short drive to the start of Scenic 30A and offers flights at great prices.

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP)

Located in Panama City Beach the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is a great choice to avoid the traffic in the area. Although it's a small airport it offers non-stop flights to 8 major transportation hubs, that provide connections to the rest of the nation and the globe.

Airlines that fly to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport: American, Delta, Southwest, and United

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport advertises "From Baggage to beach in 20 minutes"

Destin Executive Airport (DTS)

The Destin Executive Airport offers services for those that own a plane and for charters. It offers a 5000-foot runway and offers comfortable amenities for pilots and passengers.

Getting Around Scenic 30A

Of course driving to get from town to town is best, but once you're settled in one area of Scenic 30A for a short or long stay consider:

Rent A Golf Cart

Golf carts are a great way to get around Scenic 30A, especially when there are several people in your group or children that are too young to bike ride.

Please note the following towns have restrictions on golf carts, know before you go: Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Watersound, Seaside, Watercolor, Sandestin

Rent Bikes

Bikes are a great way to experience Scenic 30A - whether you're getting around from place to place or just cruising through town to shop and dine. Bonus: you won't have to fight to get a parking spot.

Plus there are beautiful biking trails to explore for a day out in the fresh air and Florida sunshine. Check out Camp Helen State Park, Grayton Beach, and Timpoochee Trail.


Statistics about 30A Area

26+ Properties for rent

Prices range from $135/night



Weather for 30A Area

What Is The Weather Year Round In Scenic 30A?

Looking at the average weather climate chart, July and August are the warmest months on 30A with average maximum temperatures of 96°F highs.

Cooler temperatures prevail in the months of January and February when average temperature highs are  74-75F.

The wet season occurs in July and August.

Most people travel to 30A for the beaches - the Gulf of Mexico temperatures average between 62°F in January to a steamy 85°F in August.

Best time of year to visit Scenic 30A:

October is recognized as the best month to visit due to its spectacular weather and warm Gulf temperatures. Summer is the high season with lots of family activities and hot weather. Winter is cool but the crowds are gone and it's still warm enough for the northern snowbirds!

The average rainfall in Scenic 30A FL: 4 inches/month

When is hurricane season in Scenic 30A Florida? The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30

The average humidity in Scenic 30A Florida: Humidity levels depend on the season, with up to 99% humidity in summer and as low as 4%  humidity in the winter

The average high temperature in Scenic 30A Florida: In the summer 82F and 63F in the winter


FAQs about 30A Area

Answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Driving along 30A offers views of the stunning beaches, emerald and turquoise water, and quaint towns. But 30A is more than that, it's a slowed down beach vibe where tourists and locals alike come to "find themselves".
30A offers relaxation and a slower pace. It's easy to walk to most anywhere you want to go. For longer trips, the bike is the preferred mode of transportation.
While anytime is a great time to visit 30A the warmest weather (sometimes really hot in June and July!) is from April through October. October is acknowledged as the best time to visit because the weather and the water is still warm, but the crowds are gone and the rental rates start to drop.
Scenic 30A prides itself on being dog friendly with many dog-friendly shops and restaurants, but visitors dogs are not permitted on the beach. You may see some dogs on the beach between the hours of 3:30 pm and 8:30 am - residents (only) can apply for a permit to walk their dog(s) on the beach during these hours.
Yes! While it may not be as warm as further south, it's quite warm in comparison to the northern states. There is lots to do and rental rates are at their lowest.
You're in luck! You can find vacation rentals by owner right here on Florida Rental By Owner (FLARBO)! Our rental listings are 100% managed by the property owner. Ditch the pesky third-party fees and interference - no middle man (Or woman) here!
Yes! We have several subscription levels to advertise your vacation rental suitable for any budget. Our Book Direct, No Commission Fee Subscription Model suits the majority of short-term rental owners, learn more here.

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