Scenic 30A

          Scenic 30A is a 24-mile stretch running coast between Destin and Panama City Beach, and home to some of most pristine vacation real estate of the entire Gulf Coast.  The small two-lane highway is home to many upscale areas – including world-class dining, shopping, and relaxation options in places such as Seaside, Grayton Beach, and Aly’s Beach.

Neighborhood Make-up

            Development of the area that would one day be 30A began in the late 1800s, with resort communities – such as Grayton Beach – beginning to draw national interest by the turn of the century.  By the 1920s, marketing and advertising campaigns had lead many residents to build along the just over twenty miles of pristine coastline and its rare mix of sugar-white beaches, and coastal dune lakes.

            While the beach is more often the focal point of most home aesthetics in area, 30A showcases a wide mix of architectures, touting design influences from around the world.  From the classic 2-3 story homes of Old Florida, to seaside cottages, and elements of New Urbanism in its planning – 30A offers residents and guests a medley of styles and national influences synonymous with the state’s multinational past.  Finding homes with elements of Federal, Victorian, or Colonial Caribbean styles on the same street is a common occurrence in the tight-knit beach communities of 30A.

            See how 30A blends architecture and cultural styles in this short video.

Dining

            Perhaps one of the best things about 30A is the availability of beach dining, in options as diverse as 30A, itself.  Upscale dining options are available at places such as Fish Out of Water – a part of the WaterColor Resort complex located in Seaside, celebrity chef Tim Creehan’s Cuvee 30A and Pescado Seafood Grill & Rooftop Bar in Rosemary Beach.  30A is also home to a long list of much more relaxed eateries with a beach view, such as Bud & Alley’s seaside dining & cocktail options, the Great Southern Cafe, and The Surfing Deer at Seagrove.

Entertainment

            30A is also home to an extensive entertainment and live music culture that perfectly blends with the relaxed beach atmosphere residents and tourists come to expect from the area.  Venues such as Marie’s Bistro and AJ’s Grayton Beach combine delicious menu options with nightly live music.  In downtown Grayton Beach, the newly rebuilt venue – The Red Bar – is again offering beach-goers a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere.  The 30A Songwriter’s Festival also brings many music-lovers to the coast each year – showcasing local, regional, and national artists.

            Click here for a custom 30A playlist.

Shopping

            30A may be best known for its exquisite shopping options, and custom retailers.  From upscale shopping at Grand Boulevard in Destin, to the pristine shops and assorted merchants of South Walton’s famous Seaside community – shooting location for the 1999 film, The Truman Show – 30A is the perfect place to indulge your shopping fantasies.  Places like 30Avenue, a retail complex within walking distance of three of 30As best beaches, The Market Shops at Sandestin, and the Village of Baytowne Wharf offer many high-end products, services, and other activities – such as a nail spa, outfitting retailers, and numerous boutiques!

Attractions

            Point Washington State Forest

            Point Washington State Forest – a 15,400-acre forest located in southern Walton County – should be of interest to any nature-lover.  The forest – made up of ten natural communities, such as sandhill, wet flatwoods, and basin and cypress swamps – is crossed with 3.5, 5, and 10-mile trail loops, and is counted in the state’s State Forest Trailwalker Program.  Overnight camping is allowed at Eastern Lake Campground; the site is pet-friendly.

            The Repertory Theatre

            The Repertory Theatre – a 75-seat meeting hall theatre in the middle of downtown Seaside – is premier theatre company that works to entertain more that 25,000 people each year.  A first-rate regional theatre, the REP attracts talent from around the world, working together with a group of dedicated volunteers to roll out a new season each year – including main stage plays, and children’s theatre at various amphitheaters along the beaches of 30A.  The REP also offers drama mentoring programs to students, alongside various acting camps and workshops in fields such as lights & sound, costume, and improv – among others.  

            Morrison Springs

            One of the most popular diving spots in northwest Florida, Morrison Springs attracts many divers to explore its underground aquifer.  The 161-acre park – acquired by the state in 2004 – is home to a 250-ft diameter spring pool that reaches down to depths of nearly 300 feet at its deepest point.  For divers, the park features a floating dock, two scuba centers, and after-hours training for certification courses.  For the less adventurous, the park also includes a picnic pavilion, a boat ramp downstream from the diving location, and multiple boardwalks. 

Schools

30A is served by the Walton County Public School District.

• South Walton High School – Public, 9-12

• Van R. Butler Elementary – Public, 1-4

• Bay Elementary – Public, K-4

• Emerald Coast Middle School – Public, 5-8