A Pretty Guide to 30A

Happy Wednesday friend! Although I have posted this same exact blog a few times, I wanted to bring it back and add a few updates to it. Last month I stayed out on 30A for a whole week so I was able to try a few new places. I hope this blog post, which has been my most popular travel piece, helps you plan your next trip to the Emerald Coast.

When I first wrote this post I was super excited to share it with you because it’s all about my beautiful hometown, the Emerald Coast. Many people don’t realize that I grew up on the beach and got to watch it EXPLODE with tourism. I constantly get asked what to do while visiting the white sandy beaches of 30A so I figured I’d put together a travel guide for you.

Before your trip, I highly recommend downloading the 30A app or checking out 30A.com  to see whats going on while you are there. This app is great and I actually used it a lot while I lived there. It tells you everything 30A has to offer- from free concerts, movies to beach fitness classes- everything you need to know can be found on this website and app.

Where to Stay

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa- This beautiful resort located in San Destin (a few miles from 30A) is the largest full-service beachfront resort in Northwest Florida. What makes this resort so special is that it has everything you need to have a successfully relaxing beach weekend in one place. From delicious restaurants, to beach and pool access and kid activities, the Hilton Sandestin is a great place to stay with the whole family. You can see my full blog post HERE on my recent stay there.

Your Friend at The Beach– This family run business only provides the very best condos 30A has to offer. I stayed in one of their condos for my sisters bachelorette party and it was incredible! They make booking super easy and are located in some of the best parts of 30A. They also have excellent amenities and provide add ons (for low prices) like bicycles and cribs for your family.

The Pearl Hotel– With its distinctive Old World European architecture and sun-drenched turrets and terraces; along with timeless black-and-white striped awnings, The Pearl Hotel brings an ultra-luxury boutique experience to the regal shores of Rosemary Beach.

Airbnb– I like to recommend using Airbnb for renting houses on the beach. You can find some great deals on here- especially if you go during low season (after Labor Day and before Memorial Day). Save $40 off your trip by clicking here!

Where to Eat

This is the question I get asked the most! I couldn’t pick just one favorite restaurant so I narrowed it down to some of the ones I go to the most. The good thing about 30A is most their restaurants are locally sourced and provide you with the freshest ingredients.

Great Southern Cafe– my favorite brunch spot! Make sure you order their famous, award winning Shrimp and Grits (Shrimp Yaya)

The CITIZEN– we ate here on our last trip for the first time and it was phenomenal. They do take reservations but we had no issues getting a table after 7 PM. Highly recommend their cocktails, oysters, octopus and salad options.

Pescado– the most beautiful view of sunset on 30A! Make sure you get there early to grab a seat out on the rooftop bar. Great food and drink menu.

George’s at Alys– all locally sourced, this is my favorite lunch spot. You can’t go wrong with any of their seafood dishes

La Crema– hands down the best paella I’ve ever had! The large option is enough for 2-3 people so bring the whole family

Stinky’s Fish Camp– this cajun restaurant has some amazing po’boys

Bud and Alley’s– located in Seaside, this restaurant comes with a great view!

Chiringo– in case you missed it, here is my full restaurant review. A super fun restaurant located walking distance to the beach

The Red Bar– great food, great music and a great place to drink! Heads up- they are cash only!

Amavida Coffee and Tea– can’t forget about coffee! Located in Seaside and Rosemary beach, Amavida coffee has delicious coffee and small plates

Black Bear Bread Co– another spot for coffee and delicious snacks! This adorable little coffee shop has some of the best tartine options! My personal favorite is their banana tartine- whipped ricotta, local honey, sea salt, mint, chili, pecans and freshly baked sourdough.

Seaside Airstreams– these gourmet food trucks (airstreams) are great for an easy lunch/dinner! There are various options so the whole family can find something they like!

Bud and Alley’s Pizza Bar– best pizza on 30A!

Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood– located inside the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, this restaurant is a perfect option for special occasions. It’s one of the only AAA Four-Diamond in the area so you know it will not disappoint!

Shunk Gulley- fun spot to grab dinner, drinks and live music! Their truffle fries are to die for!

What to Do

Beach- this is an obvious one! I don’t know about you but I could spend ALL day on the beach reading a good book!

Rent bikes- one of my absolute favorite things to do on 30A is to go biking to Seaside. We usually rent our bikes from Big Daddy’s and enjoy the scenic route to Seaside (about 4 miles). We then grab lunch in Seaside, walk around, then head back. They have great prices too! If you are looking for trails to ride on, check out this video.

The Shard Shop– I recently got to try one of these glass art classes and it was the coolest experience! This is especially fun to do with the whole family (ages 6 and up). The team at Shard Shop are very helpful so even if you are not artistic (like me!) they will help you create a beautiful piece of glass art!

Charlie’s Donut Truck– A must when you are staying on 30A! These delicious donuts go fast so make sure you get there early!

Live Music and Treats at The Hub– this fun, new venue has delicious food, treats and live music for the whole family. And not to mention it’s super adorable!

Movie or concert at Seaside- you can check out whats playing here. Grab some ice cream or food from one of the food trucks and enjoy a movie/concert under the stars!

Wine tasting at Chan’s Wine World– this was one of my favorite things to do while I lived on 30A! Enjoy a wide selection of wines while people watching by the beach.

Ice cream at the Sugar Shak– end the perfect beach day with some delicious ice cream or sweet treats!

Where to Shop

Silver Sands Outlets– these outlets are not located on 30A but just down the street! Trust me, it’s worth the short drive!

Bump + Baby– the cutest store to hit Seaside! You can find clothes for baby and any mama to be! Its my favorite shop to buy cute clothes for my little man!

Seaside Classic– fun fact about myself: I actually worked here one summer! I had a blast being part of the Seaside team and selling the iconic t-shirts! You can’t leave 30A without one!

Ophelia Swimwear– looking for a new swimsuit while you’re at the beach? Stop by this little shop to find the trendiest styles!

Rosemary Shops– this little town is absolutely beautiful and has some fun shops!

Outpost– located a few miles away from 30A, this elegant store looks like something straight out of a magazine! They also have a beautiful coffee shop located inside so treat yourself to a coffee (or wine) while you shop!

Photos On the Beach

What better way to remember your trip to the beautiful beaches of 30A than with professional photos? Take advantage of the scenery and invest in these incredibly talented photographers. Although there are many more talented photographers that shoot on 30A, I have worked with the following ladies and cannot recommend them enough:

Rachel from Two Lights Photography 

Madie from Heritage Heart Collective 

Sarah from Sarah and Paul Photography 

I hope you find my guide helpful! If you have any specific questions I did not address here, please shoot me an email or leave a comment below. Enjoy the beach!!

Xo,