My 30A Summer Picks

It’s summer time, my favorite time of the year, and here are some of my favorite things I love to see and do around 30A…

Bud & Alleys in Seaside for tuna dip and the sunset

There is no better place to end your day on 30A! I love meeting friends there to catch up, have a cocktail and celebrate the end of another perfect day by watching  the sunset and hearing the bell ring on Bud & Alleys rooftop bar.

Bonfires & Food on the beach by Grayton Beach Catering

Some of the best parties and receptions we have attended on the beach have been catered by Grayton Beach Catering. From wedding ceremonies and receptions, to small family seafood boils and bonfires, they can make your next big event or fun night on the beach a delicious one to remember.

Lunch or Dinner at The Bay  

Located directly on Choctawhatchee Bay at the southern foot of the Highway 331 bridge, this place has become a new kind of local hangout. At The Bay, guests can bask right on the sand while enjoying live music, cocktails, beach games, standup paddle boarding, and of course excellent food.

Coffee at Amavida in Rosemary Beach and Seaside 

These are both great places to sit and chat, take a nice break and enjoy a great cup of coffee.

My Favorite Shopping Center is only 20 minutes away from 30A -- Grand Boulevard in San Destin. From Tommy Bahama to Vineyard Vines, Cocos and Chicos, to Emerils, Flemings and The Wine Bar – there are fantastic places to shop and eat all just 20 minutes away down towards Destin right off Highway 98.

Catch a Movie on a hot day and chill out at the Pier Park Theatres (Panama City Beach) or  Grand Boulevard (San Destin) Theaters.

Decorating? Check out Beau Interiors - they have a wonderful shop full of all kinds of furniture and gifts that capture the coastal living lifestyle.They’re located on Scenic 30A at the 4-way stop in Grayton Beach, and they are always my "go to" place for gifts. I love their stuff and I think you will too!

Did I miss something you love to do or somewhere that you frequent around 30A? Send me an email and I’ll be sure to include it in my next things to do around 30A blog!

New Public Beach Accesses

The white sand beaches along 30A really are some of the most beautiful in the world! And in an effort to increase the beach experience for local residents and our guests, Walton County is expanding the number of public beach accesses. The Walton County Board of County Commissioners is adding three new public beach access points. Take a look at this article for more details on their plans and the locations of the new access points. 

30A Fun Facts!

30A is a unique and beautiful place and whether you live here or only visit every summer, there is always something new and different to discover.

Here are some FUN FACTS you might not have known:

• Seaside was the filming location for The Truman show starring Jim Carrey.
• The Coastal Dune lakes around 30A are estimated to be 10,000 years old and were formed by winds.
• The YOLO board was invented right here in Santa Rosa Beach. And YOLO stands for You Only Live Once!
• There has only been 1 documented shark attack in Walton County in the last 130 years.
• Black Bears are often seen in the woodlands up and down 30A.
• Alys Beach is named for the wife of the founder of the community.
• The palm trees are not native to the area, they all have to be brought in.
• The Coastal Dune Lakes are very rare and only occur in a few places around the world: New Zealand, Australia, Madagascar, and here in South Walton, Florida.

The locals have their own special weekend before summer madness ensues. It’s called Locals Last Stand and it’s always held right before summer begins. This free event features live music, a photo booth and food trucks.

Have a Fun Fact I need to add to the list?  Email me at robinsells30a@gmail.com!

Things You Must Put on Your 30A Bucket List

30A really is a special place. It's one of the most beautiful coastal areas in America. In fact, the sugar white sands and sparkling emerald Gulf waters rival some of the best beaches in the world. And best of all, 30A offers visitors so much more than 19 miles of pristine beaches - there  are some absolutely amazing things you have to experience around 30A.

·       If you're an adrenaline junkie, you must try kiteboarding and surfing.  

·       For some family fun, catch live music, sporting events on the big screen, and some great eats and drinks at The HUB.

·       Into the outdoors? Camp out at  Grayton Beach and take an ecosystem hike. Or try the Timpoochee Trail offering nearly 20 miles of trails that meander through 30A neighborhoods and beautiful coastal dune lakes.

·       Festivals your thing? The Songwirters Festival held every January is one not to miss. And Digital Graffiti held every May in Alys Beach is also a 30A favorite.

·       Wet a hook – go Surf Fishing or Deep-Sea fishing in the Gulf. Boats launch from Grayton Beach all summer long.

·       Experience “Old Cuba" at The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach. Inspired by El Floridita, Hemingway’s favorite haunt in old-town Havana, The Pearl’s signature restaurant offers a comfortable, communal ambiance. 

·       Catch a Movie Night almost every night of the week -- The Hub Wednesdays at 7:00pm, Rosemary Beach Thursdays at 8:15pm, Alys Beach Tuesdays at 8:00pm, and at Seaside Fridays at 8:00pm. Great family flicks show all summer long.

·       Enjoy some private beach time at Deer Lake State Park. It’s an off the beaten path area where you can picnic swim and fish. The ¼ mile beach walkover through the Coastal dunes is well worth the trip.

·       And my all time favorite place to enjoy tuna dip and cocktails and catch a gorgeous sunset – Bud & Alleys in Seaside! There’s just no better place to experience the true 30A vibe! 

So, no matter what you are into, make your own beach bucket list and come on down to 30A today. There’s so much to do you’ll have to come back several times to do it all!