Most individuals have by no means heard of South Walton, however Florida’s Finest-Saved Secret is without doubt one of the state’s most charming, adventurous and distinctive seashore locations.
Positioned on the Florida Panhandle simply off the Gulf of Mexico, South Walton (affectionately often called 30A by locals), has 26 miles of sugary white sand seashores, crystal clear emerald waters, and the added enjoyable of 16 distinct neighbourhoods all with their very own personalities.
South Walton is situated alongside the scenic Freeway 30A (therefore the nickname), and is situated solely 40 minutes from the extra well-known coastal vacation spot of Panama Metropolis Seaside.
South Walton’s official motto is “Discover your Excellent Seaside”, which refers back to the various seashore communities that make this location interesting to each type of traveler.
On this 30A journey information I cowl the place to eat, keep, and play within the Sunshine State’s best-kept secret.
Disclaimer: My journey was sponsored by Go to Florida and Go to South Walton. As at all times, all phrases and opinions are my very own.
While in Florida, you may additionally like to take a look at:
Why Go to 30A?
Nestled quietly between Panama Metropolis Seaside and Fort Walton Seaside, 30A doesn’t have any massive accommodations or excessive rises, there may be extra of a household really feel than pupil hotspot and boutique native retailers trump chain shops in each means.
Within the US it is named the “Hamptons of the South” because it attracts celebrities and the rich.
Why is 30A so Fashionable?
30A is well-liked for its completely pristine seashores, relaxed vacation vibe, and entry to 4 state parks and numerous coastal dune lakes.
Why do they name it 30A?
The title 30A comes from the precise street in South Walton County (County Street 30A) that spans the Florida Panhandle shoreline.
The place is 30A? How do you get to 30A?
Positioned alongside the Florida Panhandle between Fort Walton Seaside and Panama Metropolis Seaside, the closest airport is Northwest Florida Seashores Worldwide Airport (ECP), which is 35 miles from South Walton.
You may catch a direct flight to ECP on certainly one of these 4 airways: Delta, American, Southwest and United Airways, from the next US airports:
- Atlanta GA
- Dallas TX
- Houston TX
- Nashville TN
- St Louis MO
- Washington DC
Different close by airports are Destin-Fort Walton Seaside Airport (VPS), and Pensacola Worldwide Airport (PNS) which is round 2 hours drive away.
From overseas, the best route is to fly to Atlanta (ATL) after which fly 1 hour on to ECP.
When is the Finest Time to Go to 30A?
June to August is the busiest time of yr to go to 30A, with Memorial Day kicking-off the summer season season.
Nevertheless there are quieter (and extra reasonably priced instances to go to) reminiscent of April/Could.
The truth is I visited in late April, and we had excellent climate the complete time, at a fraction of the summer season costs.
September and October are additionally cheaper instances to go to however they do coincide with hurricane season.
Nevertheless it’s throughout this time that the Monarch butterflies migrate by way of the Panhandle of their technique to Mexico.
What number of Seaside Cities are in 30A?
There are 16 charming seashore communities in South Walton county.
From East to West: Inlet Seaside, Rosemary Seaside, Alys Seaside, Seacrest Seaside, WaterSound, Seagrove, Seaside, WaterColor, Grayton Seaside, Blue Mountain Seaside, Santa Rosa Seaside, Gulf Place, Dune Allen, Sandestin, Seascape and Miramar Seaside.
The Seaside Communities of 30A
The seashore communities throughout 30A all have their personal personalities, that is seen to guests by way of the structure and the general vibe.
Beneath is a lowdown of the 6 hottest seashore cities in South Walton, so you’ll be able to choose which one resonates essentially the most with you:
Santa Rosa Seaside
Nice for: Journey seekers
The largest seashore group in 30A is Santa Rosa Seaside.
It’s extra of a laid-back, golf cart-friendly, a part of South Walton.
There are some gorgeous public seashores (with free parking), and it felt like a hidden gem on it’s personal.
It’s good spot for adventurers, as there are many watersports, climbing alternatives in Level Washington State Forest, and biking alongside the Timpoochee Path.
Probably the most distinctive issues to do in Santa Rosa Seaside is go to The Underwater Museum of Artwork.
It’s a everlasting sculpture park situated within the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, inside a mile of the shore at a depth of 58 ft.
Snorkelers can view the museum from a comfy depth above the installations, however licensed scuba divers can observe the sculptures at depth.
The museum is free however you do must pay for entrance to Grayton Seaside State Park.
Grayton Seaside
Nice for: Creatives
The oldest seashore group within the space is Grayton Seaside.
It’s an eclectic and quirky place with loads of artwork galleries.
It is usually one of many most pet pleasant locations in 30A, because it’s unofficial motto is “Good Canines, Unusual Folks” which you’ll discover depicted on the street artwork.
Distinctive issues to do in Grayton Seaside embody driving a Jeep on the sand (with the correct permits) and exploring the uncommon coastal dune lakes on a SUP board or a kayak.
Seaside
Nice for: Coastal allure
The pastel-coloured homes and distinctive white picket fences of this quaint city have been made well-known by the film “The Truman Present”.
Chosen for its image excellent appears, this deliberate metropolis was designed with New Urbanism in thoughts.
Which means this can be very walkable, procuring and facilities are in shut proximity and it has accessible public areas.
Within the case of Seaside, there are three inexperienced areas price visiting, Ruskin Place, the Amphitheater and the Lyceum.
MUST VISIT: For avenue meals be sure to head over to the airstream trailers that function meals vans simply outdoors the Central Sq..
Alys Seaside
Nice for: Luxurious keep
Alys seashore (pronounced Alice seashore) is an Bermuda impressed architectural gem and an Instagram sizzling spot.
The all white exteriors will remind you of the Mediterranean, and while you’ll be able to discover its completely pristine streets, there’s a “members solely” vibe to this city.
It’s so unique that you could’t entry the seashore right here until you’re a resident or a visitor of the world, however the streets are nonetheless nice for biking, and there loads of fascinating artwork sculptures dotted round.
The very best time of yr to go to Alys Seaside is for the annual Digital Graffiti Competition in Could.
The white partitions of the buildings present a large-scale clean canvas for artists to mission their vibrant work onto the partitions.
Competition goers get to expertise an immersive and interactive artwork present beneath the celebrities at this distinctive exhibition in Florida.
Rosemary Seaside
Nice for: {Couples} break
Rosemary Seaside is named certainly one of America’s most romantic small cities.
It’s full of artisan boutiques, eating places, and impartial shops.
The greatest technique to get round is by bike, or just strolling, as there are many parks with public artwork, fountains, and playgrounds, that you’d in any other case miss out within the automotive.
WaterColor
Nice for: Household trip
This seashore is the right alternative for giant teams or households as all the pieces you want is inside strolling distance.
The seashores listed here are impeccable and one of the best place to eat needs to be the well-known FOOW (Fish Out Of Water) situated on the Watercolor Inn.
The place to Keep in 30A
Top-of-the-line locations to remain in 30A is Osprey Level at Sandestin Golf & Seaside Resort.
It’s made up of spacious 2, 3, and 4 bed room flats with a full kitchen, front room and balcony space.
It’s situated within the coronary heart of the resort, the place you’ll be able to simply entry the seashore, however you might be nonetheless solely a 15 minute stroll (or an excellent shorter bike or tram trip) from The Village of Baytowne Wharf.
The Village, homes loads of eating places, retailers and leisure services. It jogged my memory of a ski village within the Alps. All of the facilities beneath one roof, however with out the snow!
Ideas for Visiting 30A
Getting round 30A
Top-of-the-line methods to discover 30A is by golf cart or bicycle.
There are many biking trails and if the warmth places you off, rent an e-bike from Pedago, it would take all of the sweat out of the journey, so all you’ll really feel is the cool breeze in your pores and skin.
Notice: Nearly all of the 30A seashore communities enable golf carts however Alys Seaside, Seaside and Rosemary Seaside don’t.
Discover the Seaside Communities
Whatever the seashore city you select to remain in, be sure to go to as most of the different areas as you’ll be able to, they differ a lot and also you may discover the right place so that you can keep in your subsequent go to to South Walton.
Comply with the Seaside Guidelines
- Drinks are welcome, however glass containers should not allowed.
- Go away no hint – the seashores listed here are the cleanest I’ve seen anyplace on the planet, and guests are anticipated to maintain it that means.
- Respect the sea turtles and their nests, it’s in opposition to the regulation to hurt or disturb them in any means.
- Seaside bonfires are allowed with correct permits, however essentially the most stress free technique to expertise that is with 30A Blaze.
Finest Issues to do in 30A
Past the seashore journeys, South Walton is bursting with out of doors experiences, from bicycle routes to face up paddle boarding.
There are additionally loads of actions for tradition vultures, like artwork galleries and distilleries.
Absorb the Artwork Scene
Tackle: Justin Gaffrey Gallery, 21 Blue Gulf Dr, Santa Rosa Seaside, FL 32459
Web site: justingaffrey.com/
Go to the artwork studio of Tik-Tok well-known Justin Gaffrey.
Positioned at Blue Mountain Seaside, Justin makes use of a method of portray with heavy acrylics to create dreamy landscapes and enjoyable distinctive work.
I used to be fortunate sufficient to fulfill the person himself and expertise an artwork demonstration the place I obtained to expertise portray with a palette knife myself (I’ve to say, it’s more durable than it appears!).
Discover the Distinctive Coastal Dune Lakes on a Paddle Board
30A is without doubt one of the few locations on the planet (alongside Madagascar and New Zealand) that has coastal dune lakes (there are literally 15 of those freshwater lakes that dot the shoreline right here).
The easiest way to expertise this uncommon ecological gem is to get out onto the water and see it for your self on a kayak or a arise paddle board.
Head right down to Grayton Seaside State Park, and discover the backwaters of their distinctive 100-acre Western Lake.
The lake water is calm and tranquil so is appropriate for all ability ranges, however you’ll discover it’s a darkish, wealthy tannin-colour, which is brought on by water seepage from the close by sea.
This ensures Western Lake is without doubt one of the most biodiverse locations in Florida.
Leap within the Sea
It’s so simple as that!
I’ve at all times most popular a swimming pool to the ocean, however the water at Grayton Seaside was calling to us all and we couldn’t assist however leap into the waves.
Artwork Bicycle Tour
Rent an e-bike and cycle alongside the Freeway 30A.
Cruise by way of Alys Seaside and take a look at their everlasting out of doors sculptures then discover the WaterSound Monarch Artwork Path and the Timpoochee path.
Then end up at Rosemary Seaside by the sculpture exhibition.
The route is simply 3 miles lengthy, so is manageable by all age teams and health ranges.
Go to a Distillery and a Brewery
Simply steps away from one another in Santa Rosa Seaside, is Distillery 98 and Idyll Hounds.
Distillery 98 produces small batches of handmade vodka made out of domestically sourced components and household farmed crops.
They use a oyster shell filtration course of to distill their distinctive Dune Laker vodka. Additionally they present excursions, tastings, and cocktail courses for guests, that I can extremely advocate!
Subsequent door is, Idyll Hounds Brewery, a microbrewery that options artistic flavours and new takes on beer, ciders and exhausting seltzer drinks.
Luxurious Seaside Picnic and Bonfire
The seashores of the Florida Panhandle are among the best locations to expertise a luxurious picnic and bonfire.
The setup is catered in your group, however anticipate a handcrafted desk, lounging pillows, blankets, flowers, and candles, alongside essentially the most lovely charcuterie boards and even a guitar participant or two to serenade you into the night.
Photos don’t do that expertise justice however belief me, when you’ve tried it, you’ll be too spoilt to return to a easy picnic within the park.
After the two hour seashore picnic it’s also possible to go for a bonfire, absolutely geared up with tiki lights, a hearth pit, and all of the components to make the right s’mores, while you absorb the sundown.
The place to Eat in 30A
There are numerous locations to eat in 30A, however right here a set of locations I’ve visited first hand.
Charlie’s Café
There are a number of branches of Charlie’s Café situated round South Walton together with Rosemary Seaside and Inlet Seaside.
It’s such an incredible place for fast and attractive meals, that I visited twice in 3 days!
You may choose up breakfast (I liked their 1920’s model donuts and breakfast burrito), or seize lunch to go (I went for the traditional grilled cheese with purple pepper gouda soup).
FOOW
FOOW- Fish Out of Water, is situated within the WaterColor Inn, and is without doubt one of the few household eating places in 30A that overlooks the Gulf of Mexico.
It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu focuses on recent seafood, however there are many decisions to swimsuit everybody, and I can completely advocate the “Georgia Peach on the Seaside” drink.
Airstream Row
As already talked about, Airstream Row in Seaside is without doubt one of the greatest locations for avenue meals in South Walton.
You may take pleasure in high quality barbecue, sizzling canine, grilled cheeses, donuts, snow cones, and crêpes — all ready from customized retrofitted Airstreams.
Ovide
Positioned in Lodge Effie in Sandestin, Ovide is a should go to if you’re on the lookout for positive eating.
The delicacies showcases Gulf Coast flavours and traditional French methods.
Highlights included, Effie’s biscuits with bacon jam, and the pasta primavera pictured beneath.
Ara Rooftop Bar
Lodge Effie Sandestin, is the solely lodge with a rooftop pool on Florida’s Emerald Coast.
It additionally occurs to be the greatest place for sundown cocktails.
Whether or not you fancy a dip within the heated pool, a comfortable night in one of many cabanas or a sport of life-size Join 4, Ara rooftop bar is most stylish house to spend a night in 30A.
Hibiscus Espresso & Guesthouse
Positioned in Grayton Seaside, this hidden gem is the right breakfast cafe.
It has loads of veggie choices like vegan biscuits and gravy subsequent to staples like smoothies, granola, waffles, cinnamon rolls and natural drinks.
There may be restricted seating inside however loads of out of doors house the place you’ll be able to sit beneath the oak timber and revel in your breakfast in nature.
The place to Go to After South Walton?
After taking within the environment of South Walton, you’ll be able to drive simply 40 minutes to Panama Metropolis Seaside for a extra laidback seashore trip or drive 2 hours in the wrong way to Pensacola, the place you’ll be able to soak in additional of the historical past and wildlife of the Florida Panhandle.
Planning a Journey to Florida?
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