30A - More to do Than Just Hang on the Beach!

One of the things I love most about 30A?  It’s the kind of place where you can do it all or do nothing at all!  Sure, there are 19 miles of wonderful pristine beaches that line Scenic Highway 30A, but If you want to be a little more active, there is plenty of fun to go around!

Go Horseback Riding

Arnett’s Gulfside Trail Rides offers trail rides, stables and boarding, parties, and camping in Santa Rosa Beach. Their 20-acre horse ranch is only 1/2 mile from the Gulf of Mexico along Scenic Highway 30A.

Play Golf

There is a public course, Origins, that was designed by Davis Love III and is intended to be simple and fun for golfers of all ages and skills. You can also play at Raven in Sandestin, or at Regatta Bay in Destin, or Hombre and Signal Hill in PCB. Camp Creek Golf Club, designed by famed Tom Fazio, and the Shark’s Tooth Golf Club, designed by legendary Greg Norman, are private courses.

Visit Eden Gardens State Park

Centered around an 1897 mansion, this beautiful part harkens back to the Florida days of old. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour through the Wesley House, meander through the gardens, enjoy a picnic lunch, or go fishing off the dock in Tucker Bayou.

Camp Helen State Park

Bordered by the Gulf of Mexico on three sides and by Lake Powell, one of the largest coastal dune lakes in Florida, this beautiful 180-acre park offers beach access and activities including swimming, nature studies, hiking, fishing, and kayaking.

Ride the 30A Bike Trail 

The 19-mile paved path referred to as the Timpoochee Trail runs the entire length of Scenic Highway 30A and passes through all of the small beach towns along the way. 

Kayak & Stand Up Paddle Board the Coastal Dune Lakes

Most of the dune lakes are only about five feet deep and offer wonderful wetland landscapes filled with coastal birds and unique trees and plants.

Go Off-Roading through Point Washington State Forest

If you have a vehicle that can handle it (four-wheel drive recommended), the 15,400-acre Point Washington State Forest is dotted with sandy trails open to the public for exploring. 

Visit the Red Bar in Grayton Beach

This famous restaurant and watering hole in  Grayton Beach is housed in what was once the town’s general store in the early 1900’s. Today, the kitschy bar/restaurant is popular among locals and visitors alike. Stop in to check out the Red Bar's funky décor and grab a cold beverage or bite to eat. In the evening, the Red Bar Jazz Band plays funky old-time jazz and blues.

There are many more wonderful things to see and do along Hwy 30A, but I’ll save those for another blog so check back soon!

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!