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!

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!