30A Area Guide
Get to Know the Emerald Coast
Tucked along a 19-mile stretch of the Florida panhandle lies scenic highway 30A. More than a destination, it’s a lifestyle that reflects the unpretentious charm of the region. Here, dotted across the powder-soft sand, you’ll find unique communities, each with its own charm and characteristics. From the quiet shores of Inlet Beach to the nightlife of Destin, there’s a perfect spot no matter what kind of beach vacation you seek. Join us in exploring all 30A has to offer, and start planning your vacation to the Emerald Coast today!
Activities
In 30A, every day is an opportunity to dive into fun. While spending time on our coveted shores is a must, if you want to venture beyond a casual beach day, consider a visit to YOLO Board + Bike in Santa Rosa Beach or Grayton Beach. Check out their paddleboard or kayak rentals and get out beyond the water’s edge as you explore coastal dune lakes and local wildlife. For something a little more adventurous, 30A Water Sports offers jet ski rentals perfect for skimming the waves. Golf enthusiasts will love hitting the links at the Sandestin Resort, or you can choose from more than a dozen other courses in the area, each with beautifully maintained grounds, regulation-length holes, and challenges for players of every skill level. Additionally, you’ll find world-class tennis facilities in the area, and even pickleball courts!
If you’re looking for leisurely activities, visiting the nature trails in 30A provides opportunities for bird watching and offers an easy way to explore the local ecosystems.
Relaxation
Begin your journey to relaxation at Serenity by the Sea Spa located in the Sandestin Beach Resort. With their indulgent massages and facials, their experts will have you feeling brand-new.
Rent an e-bike and cruise through the picturesque communities, taking time to visit the local shops and businesses along the way. From boutiques with lifestyle brand items to one-of-a-kind antiques, you're sure to find the perfect souvenir to commemorate your 30A vacation.
Regional Favorites
Take a journey for the senses as you explore the delicious restaurants of 30A. With renowned chefs creating world-class dishes, you’ll be treated to the finest coastal cuisine during your stay. From Rosemary Beach’s Restaurant Paradis, where the fresh Gulf Coast Snapper elevates the dining experience to new heights, to Cuvee 30A, where you can try offerings from the “Best Chef on the Emerald Coast,” the 30A food scene is second to none. For exciting nights out, a visit to Destin’s Red Door Saloon or Tailfins Seafood and Oyster Bar is sure to deliver on live entertainment, good drinks, and an exceptionally fun atmosphere.
In addition to delicious food and late-night fun, 30A is famous for its annual festivals and events that see droves of tourists return every year. The Sandestin Wine Festival, 30A Songwriters Festival, and Seabreeze Jazz Festival are just a few of the cultural highlights and annual traditions you can discover when you visit 30A
Uniquely 30A
Did you know:
- The architecture in 30A is as unique as its landscape, with communities like Seaside, known for its New Urbanism design, offering a picturesque setting that feels both timeless and distinctly modern.
- 30A's art scene is vibrant and deeply rooted in the community. The area boasts numerous galleries and artist-run spaces, such as the Justin Gaffrey Gallery, where visitors can immerse themselves in local art and even witness artists at work, creating pieces that capture the spirit and beauty of the Gulf Coast.
- The Underwater Museum of Art, located just off the coast of Grayton Beach State Park, combines art, conservation, and recreation in a truly unique way. As the first of its kind in the U.S., this underwater sculpture garden serves as an artificial reef, attracting a diverse array of marine life and offering a surreal experience for snorkelers and divers.
