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!