4-Day 30A Itinerary for Families
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Planning a trip to 30A with kids can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling different ages, nap schedules, and the normal chaos that comes with traveling as a family.
As a mom of four boys who has been traveling with kids for over 12 years, I’ve learned how to create simple, doable itineraries that actually work for real families.
This 4-day itinerary is the exact plan our family followed on our most recent 30A vacation, and it worked perfectly for all of our kids’ ages, from toddler to tween.
It has the right mix of beach time, easy meals, low stress activities, and flexible afternoons so no one feels rushed or overtired.
And because 30A can get busy and overwhelming for first timers, I built this itinerary to help families enjoy the best parts of the area without feeling like they have to do everything.
Whether this is your first visit to 30A or you have been before, this family itinerary keeps things simple, enjoyable, and manageable for families with kids of all ages.
Where We Stayed
For this trip, we stayed in Santa Rosa Beach in the Dune Allen area.
Our cottage was tucked about a half of a block off of 30A, which made it easy to walk the Timpoochee Trail, hop over to the beach, and make quick drives to both Seaside and The Big Chill.
This location worked really well for our family and made each day of this itinerary simple to follow.
Day 1: Arrive, Get Settled, and Explore Seaside
This day helps you settle in, get oriented, and ease into 30A without rushing. It also gives you time to explore Seaside, which is one of the most iconic stops along the coast.
Morning or Arrival
- Check into your rental and get settled
- Take a short walk to stretch your legs after traveling
- If you’re close to the Timpoochee Trail, it’s an easy stroller-friendly walk
- Stop for coffee or a quick bite. Some great spots include Shelby’s Beach Bar in Dune Allen or Amavida Coffee closer to Seaside and Rosemary Beach.
- Grab groceries for simple breakfasts, snacks, and lunches. Publix in Santa Rosa Beach is a convenient stop and has everything you’ll need for the week.
Mom Tip: Stock up early so you can avoid extra trips to the store later. Snacks disappear quickly on beach vacations with kids.
Beach or Pool Time
Once you’re unpacked, head to a nearby public beach access or your vacation rental or resort’s pool for an easy first activity. Let the kids play while everyone unwinds from travel mode.
Late Afternoon: Head to Seaside
Plan to arrive earlier in the evening when parking is easier and the weather is cooler.
What to do:
- Park in the free public lot off Western Lake Drive (clean restrooms and an easy walk)
- Stroll the Timpoochee Trail into town
- Let your kids run around the greenspace
- Explore Seaside Town Center and stop in Duckies
- Take a picture in front of the iconic Seaside Post Office
- Check out all of the food options at Airstream Row
Dinner: Airstream Row or Pickles
Some family-friendly picks:
- Pickles
- The Meltdown on 30A
- Barefoot BBQ
Order ahead when possible to reduce wait time.
Evening
End the night with ice cream if your kids have any energy left. We loved Pecan Jacks in Santa Rosa Beach!
Mom Tip: Keep this day simple. Even little activities feel special on your first day here.
Day 2: Morning at the Beach, Lunch at Your Rental, and an Evening at Baytowne Wharf
This day is a perfect beach day with the added bonus of an evening at Baytowne Wharf where kids can explore and parents can enjoy a break from the sun.
Morning: Beach Time
Start your day at a nearby public beach access. Bring:
- Beach chairs
- Umbrella or tent
- Plenty of water
- Snacks
- Sand toys and boogie boards
Let the kids run, dig, splash, and play while you enjoy a slow morning on the soft white sand.
Mom Tip: Morning hours usually bring calmer waves and easier parking, especially during busy seasons.
Lunch at Your Vacation Rental
Come back to your rental for an easy lunch.
Sandwiches, fruit, chips, and cold drinks are simple, budget-friendly, and help everyone reset before heading out again.
Mom Tip: This is where stocking up at Publix on Day 1 really pays off. Lunchtime becomes quick and stress-free.
Afternoon and Evening: Explore the Village of Baytowne Wharf
After a little downtime, head to the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Miramar Beach, about a 20–25 minute drive from Dune Allen depending on traffic.
Baytowne Wharf is full of family fun, including:
- Playground
- Baytowne Adventure Zone (ropes course, zipline, bungy trampoline, and more)
- Arcade games
- Boardwalks
- Live entertainment depending on the day
It’s walkable, lively, and a great change of pace from the beach.
Dinner at Roberto’s Pizzeria
We ate dinner at Roberto’s Pizzeria and loved it.
The tables are covered in paper, which means the kids can draw while waiting for their food. It makes the whole experience more fun and helps pass the time easily.
The menu is family friendly, the atmosphere is relaxed, and it was the perfect way to end our visit to Baytowne Wharf.
Other family friendly spots at Baytowne Wharf include Hammerhead’s Bar and Grill, Cannery Lane Cantina, and Moo LaLa for dessert.
Choose whatever fits your family’s mood. It’s all casual and easy.
Evening
After dinner, stroll around the village, listen to some music, watch the kids play, or grab a treat before heading back to your rental.
Mom Tip: Baytowne is especially fun in the evenings when the lights come on and the temperature cools down.
Day 3: Alys Beach in the Morning, Souvenir Shopping in Seaside, and Lunch at The Big Chill
This day lets you see three different 30A areas with short, easy stops that kids enjoy and parents appreciate.
Morning: Explore Alys Beach
Start your day with a peaceful stroll through Alys Beach. The white buildings and clean, modern architecture give this town a very different feel from other spots along 30A, and it is beautiful, calm, and easy to explore with kids.
Here is what families enjoy:
- Coffee or juice from Raw and Juicy
- A sweet treat from Charlie’s Donuts
- The unique walkways and bright white scenery
- The greenspace and splash pad in the town center
- The small park and play area
Mom Tip: Mornings tend to be quieter here, which makes it a great time for kids to explore and for parents to enjoy the calm atmosphere.
Lunch at The Big Chill
After Alys Beach, head to The Big Chill in Watersound for a relaxed lunch.
It is one of the easiest places along 30A for families because it has:
- Plenty of shaded seating
- Space for kids to move around
- Easy food options
- A fun, laid back atmosphere
Order lunch, enjoy a cold drink, and let the kids play while you take a break from the sun.
Afternoon: Souvenir Shopping in Seaside
If you are heading west along 30A after lunch, Seaside makes a great next stop for souvenir shopping and exploring.
This is a fun place for families and gives kids a chance to pick out something memorable from the trip.
Favorite spots include:
- Duckies Shop of Fun
- Sundog Books
- The Seaside Post Office photo spot
- Small shops along Central Square
Take your time browsing and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Evening: Quiet Night at Your Rental or the Nearby Beach
After being in the car a bit more today, a quiet evening is the perfect way to wind down.
You might relax on your porch, take a short walk to the beach, or enjoy a simple sunset before getting everyone settled for the night.
Mom Tip: Kids usually need a slower pace by this point in the day, especially after exploring different towns. A calm evening gives everyone the reset they need.
Day 4: Choose Your Own Adventure and Enjoy Your Favorites
Your final day on 30A is all about leaning into what your family enjoyed most during the week.
You can revisit a favorite spot, try something new, or keep things completely simple.
We chose to spend the morning at the beach and then headed back to the Village of Baytowne Wharf for another fun afternoon and dinner because it fit our family’s rhythm and everyone loved it.
Use this day to do whatever feels right for your family.
Morning: One More Beach Day
Start your last morning with time at the beach.
Bring snacks, chairs, and toys and enjoy a slow and easy few hours by the water.
This is one of the simplest and most memorable ways to end a 30A trip.
Afternoon: Village of Baytowne Wharf
We went back to Baytowne Wharf because our kids loved the atmosphere, the open spaces, and the many places to explore. If your family enjoyed it earlier in the week, this is a great spot to revisit.
Families can enjoy:
- Playgrounds
- Boardwalk areas
- Shops and treats
- Occasional live entertainment
- Open spaces to run and play
It is lively, walkable, and full of energy in the afternoons and evenings.
Dinner at Baytowne Wharf
There are plenty of family friendly places to eat here, and this was one of our favorite parts of the evening.
We did a choose your own adventure dinner, which worked well with our kids.
They wanted food from Bunkley’s Burgers, especially after seeing that they sometimes deliver with a robot. They were not using it that day, but the staff ran the robot just for us, which made the whole experience even more fun.
I grabbed food from Cannery Lane Cantina, which has quick service Mexican options that were perfect for a simple dinner.
We found a spot on the benches and lawn near the Events Plaza and enjoyed everything together while the kids played.
For dessert, we stopped at Moo LaLa Ice Cream for another round of ice cream before heading back to our rental for the evening.
Making This 30A Itinerary Your Own
This 4-day itinerary worked really well for our family based on where we stayed along 30A, the places we found ourselves drawn to, and the rhythm that felt good for us throughout the week.
We loved exploring Seaside, so we ended up visiting more than once.
Baytowne Wharf was another favorite with plenty of space to explore and easy dinner options, so returning there made sense for our crew too.
Think of this itinerary as a starting point. As you discover the towns, restaurants, and activities your family enjoys most, you can adjust the flow to match your needs and create a vacation that feels both memorable and manageable.
There is no perfect way to do 30A. The best itinerary is the one that fits your family.
If you want help planning your own trip days, meals, and activities, grab my free Family Travel Itinerary Planner. It will help you stay organized and bring more ease into your next family vacation.
More 30A Posts You’ll Love
If you are planning a trip to 30A with kids, these posts will help you dive deeper into specific towns, planning tips, and family friendly ideas:
