How to Spend Your First Day on 30A With Kids
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Planning your first day on 30A with kids does not need to feel overwhelming.
You do not have to plan the perfect day or try to fit everything in at once.
This is a simple and doable first-day plan that helped our family ease into our trip without packing the schedule.
It gives you space to settle in, enjoy the beach, explore a little, and find the rhythm that works for your family.
As a mom of four who has visited 30A, I have found that keeping the first day relaxed makes the entire trip feel smoother and more enjoyable.
This guide walks you through an easy, family friendly option for how to spend your first day based on what worked well for us.
If you are new to 30A, you may also love my First-Timer’s Guide to 30A for Families.
And when you are ready to plan your full trip, make sure to check out my 4-Day 30A Itinerary for even more ideas and inspiration.
Why This First-Day Plan Works Well for Families
Day 1 of any family trip is usually a transition day.
Kids are tired from traveling, parents are unpacking and getting oriented, and everyone is adjusting to a new routine.
A simple plan helps you enjoy the day without adding unnecessary stress.
This first-day flow gives your family:
- Time outdoors to stretch after traveling
- A low pressure beach morning
- A chance to stock up on groceries
- A simple afternoon activity
- A fun evening exploring Seaside
It is relaxed, flexible, and easy to adapt no matter where you are staying along 30A.
Start Your Day With a Walk and Coffee
We stayed in Dune Allen near Santa Rosa Beach, and a morning walk on the Timpoochee Trail was a great way to start our first day.
If your kids need to move or you want a little fresh air before the beach, this is an easy win.
Walk the Timpoochee Trail
The trail is stroller friendly and runs along scenic 30A. It is a peaceful way to ease into the morning and take in the coastal views.
Grab Coffee at Shelby’s Beach Bar
We walked 0.8 miles to Shelby’s Beach Bar for coffee, breakfast tacos, granola, and donuts.
They have plenty of grab and go options along with outdoor seating if you want to stay for a few minutes before heading to the beach or back to your rental.
Mom Tip: A short morning walk helps kids burn energy and gives you a quiet moment to enjoy your coffee before the day gets busy.
Spend a Relaxed Morning at the Beach
After breakfast, we walked to the beach near Dune Allen. The soft white sand and clear water are beautiful, and a slow beach morning is a great way to introduce kids to 30A.
Know the Difference Between Public and Private Access
Some access points along 30A are private and reserved for certain neighborhoods. Look for “Regional” or “Public” beach access signs, or ask your rental host where to go before heading out.
Simple Tips for Your First Beach Day
- Bring only the essentials
- Stay as long as the kids are happy
- Keep expectations low
- Reapply sunscreen often
- Save the big beach day for later in the trip
Head Back for an Easy Lunch at Your Rental
We made a quick stop at Publix and stocked up on groceries so we could make sandwiches, fruit, and snacks for lunch.
Eating back at your rental keeps things simple and budget friendly, especially for families with young kids.
Budget Tip: Stock up early in the trip. Snacks disappear fast on beach vacations.
Enjoy an Afternoon Pool Break
After the beach and lunch, a pool break is a great way to slow down the pace.
Our rental had a community pool, and the kids loved having time to swim freely. Many families prefer this slower afternoon since everyone is still settling in.
If your rental or resort has a pool, the first afternoon is the perfect time to use it.
Explore Seaside in the Evening With Kids
Seaside is one of the most charming towns on 30A, and evenings are a great time to visit. The weather is cooler, parking is easier, and the atmosphere feels lively without being overwhelming.
Where to Park in Seaside
We parked in the free lot off Western Lake Drive around 5:00 PM.
There were plenty of spaces, and the public restrooms were clean.
From there, it is an easy walk along the Timpoochee Trail into Central Square.
What to Do in Seaside With Kids
- Let kids run on the greenspace
- Explore the Airstream food trucks
- Wander through the shops
- Take a family photo by the iconic white post office
If you want ideas for other towns to explore, check out my Best 30A Towns for Families.
Where to Eat in Seaside With Kids
We chose Pickles for dinner, a quick service, counter-order restaurant right across from the Airstream food trucks.
You order at the window and pick up your food when it’s ready, which keeps things simple for families.
Ordering ahead online will save you a significant amount of time because you skip the line to order and get your meal into the queue much faster.
We placed our order in advance and grabbed a picnic table near Pickles, which gave us a comfortable spot to sit and wait for our food.
We ended the night with ice cream from Pecan Jack’s near our rental. The mud pie flavor was a favorite.
Final Thoughts on Your First Day on 30A With Kids
Your first day on 30A does not need to be packed or perfectly planned.
This simple plan helped our family settle in, enjoy the sunshine, explore Seaside, and ease into the rhythm of our trip.
Use this as a starting point and adjust it to fit your family’s needs.
More 30A Posts You Will Love
- What Is 30A? A First-Timer’s Guide to Florida’s Scenic Beach Towns for Families
- 4-Day 30A Itinerary for Families
- Best 30A Towns for Families
- Where to Stay on 30A for Families (A Town-by-Town Guide)
Want Help Planning Your Trip to 30A?
Grab my free Family Travel Itinerary Planner to help organize your trip days, meals, activities, and more so you can stress less and enjoy more sunshine with your crew!
May you love your adventure! KW
