Best 30A Towns for Families (Mom-Approved!)
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Looking for the best 30A towns for families? I’m a mom of four boys who’s explored this scenic 24-mile stretch from Destin to Panama City Beach—and I’m sharing our favorite spots.
There isn’t one single “best” town on 30A—there’s the one that fits your family’s vibe, pace, and budget.
Some families love the energy and walkability of Seaside, others prefer the quiet calm of Dune Allen, the resort-style ease of WaterColor, or the refined beauty of Alys Beach.
This guide highlights what each town feels like with kids—where to play, stroll, snack, and relax—so you can find the match that makes your family’s trip doable and worth it.
🌟 Seaside: One of the Best 30A Towns for Families to Explore
Seaside is one of the most iconic and popular stops along Florida’s 30A—and for good reason.
It’s charming, walkable, and full of fun, family-friendly things to do.
Seaside was my absolute favorite place on our 30A trip!
Even if you’re staying on the far east or west side of 30A, I highly recommend planning to spend at least part of a day here. It’s not to be missed!
We visited Seaside twice—once in the early evening and again in the late afternoon.
One morning, we tried to visit earlier in the day but couldn’t find parking—the lot at 20 Western Lake Drive, Santa Rosa Beach was completely full.
Travel Tip: Parking in Seaside is limited. Have a backup plan in case the lot is full, and aim for earlier mornings or later afternoons to increase your chances.
At the heart of Seaside is Central Square, a gorgeous open green space surrounded by shops, restaurants, and the famous Airstream Row—a collection of retro Airstream trailers converted into food stalls.
If you’ve never heard of Airstream Row, think: grilled cheese, crepes, hot dogs, and shaved ice.
It’s perfect for grabbing a casual, kid-friendly meal or treat!
Our boys loved running around the green space, and our older ones had a blast tossing a football.
It gave me the perfect moment to sit back, relax, and soak in the charm of Seaside’s town square.
One of our favorite stops was Duckies Shop of Fun—a bright and playful toy store filled with fun souvenirs your kids will beg to bring home.
We also snapped pictures in front of the adorable white post office, which is supposedly one of the most photographed post offices in the world. A quirky little highlight for your visit!
Travel Tip: Seaside is usually bustling! Be flexible with your plans and bring sunscreen and hats—shade in the square is limited.
🌴 Alys Beach: An Upscale 30A Town That’s Great for Families
Alys Beach is one of the most beautiful and unique communities along 30A, known for its whitewashed architecture and quiet, upscale vibe.
It’s a perfect spot to slow down and enjoy a peaceful morning with kids.
When we visited mid-morning, Alys Square was calm and uncrowded—such a nice contrast to some of the busier beach towns.
There’s a green space where our kids got some energy out, and a splash fountain that’s fun to cool off in on a hot day!
Make sure to check out Charlie’s Delights—a cute little donut and ice cream shop that makes a great stop for a yummy treat!
After grabbing donuts, we walked through the stunning streets of Alys Beach and made our way to the Alys Beach Playground.
This hidden gem quickly became one of our favorite stops!
The playground features a slide, sand play, a turf-covered hill, and a whimsical white sea serpent sculpture the kids can climb on or hide under. There’s also a log tunnel, climbing wall, and more—perfect for imaginative play.
Family Tip: The playground is right next to Raw & Juicy, making it super convenient to grab a smoothie or light lunch while the kids play.
Even if you don’t stay long, Alys Beach is worth a visit just to explore the dreamy architecture and enjoy some quiet family time.
Travel Tip: Alys Beach is a quiet, upscale stop that’s still fun for families to explore, even if you’re just visiting for a morning or afternoon. Start with donuts or ice cream from Charlie’s Delights, stroll the beautiful white-washed streets, and let the kids burn off energy at the Alys Beach playground near Raw & Juicy. It’s a peaceful, family-friendly break from the busier 30A spots.
🎢 Village of Baytowne Wharf: A Top 30A Spot for Family Fun and Adventure
If you want something fun to do beyond the beach, the Village of Baytowne Wharf is an amazing option for families—especially if you’re staying near the east end of 30A. It’s located in the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort area in Miramar Beach.
When you arrive, you’ll pass through a gated entrance—just tell the guard you’re heading to Baytowne Wharf and they’ll let you through.
Baytowne has a festive, family-friendly vibe with tons to do.
Our kids had a blast at Adventure Landing, a large wooden playground perfect for climbing, sliding, and running off energy.
Just steps away is the Baytowne Adventure Zone, which includes a ropes course, bungee trampoline, zipline, and more—ideal for older kids who love a challenge.
There’s also a peaceful lagoon, a carousel, and plenty of space to explore.
We visited in the early evening and loved the lively atmosphere—there was live music playing, people milling about, and families enjoying dinner or dessert.
Speaking of dessert, we treated the kids to ice cream from Moo La-La Ice Cream & Desserts, conveniently located right next to the playground. It was the perfect sweet ending to a fun-filled evening.
Travel Tip: Parking is free and usually easy to find, especially in the afternoon. Just let the gate guard know you’re heading to Baytowne Wharf. Plan to go in the late afternoon or early evening to catch the festive atmosphere as well as dinner—and don’t forget to check their events calendar if you’re hoping for live entertainment!
🏡 Staying Near Gulf Place: A Relaxing 30A Town for Families
On our trip, we stayed on the far west end of 30A, right between Gulf Place and Dune Allen Beach—and it was such a good fit for our family of six.
This area felt quieter and more laid-back than the busier towns like Seaside, which gave us the perfect balance of fun and relaxation.
Our cottage, “Dune Nothin’,” was across the street from a beach access point, which made beach days with kids super convenient.
We loved starting our mornings with a short walk (about 0.8 miles) to Gulf Place Town Center—the kids could run around while we grabbed coffee from Shelby’s Beach Bar & Grill.
In the evenings, Pecan Jack’s Ice Cream became our go-to stop, and it quickly turned into a family tradition.
Some of our favorite downtime moments were at the community pool just a few cottages away, or on the back porch overlooking Oyster Lake.
After a day of exploring along 30A, it was the perfect spot to recharge.
👉 Mom Tip: If your family likes quieter evenings and space to unwind, Gulf Place and Dune Allen are wonderful areas to explore.
🔗 Curious what it’s like to actually stay here? I break down the pros and cons (plus vacation rentals vs. hotels) in my full guide: [Where to Stay in 30A for Families]
📌 Final Thoughts: The “Best” 30A Town is Yours
There’s no single “best” 30A town for families—because every family is different.
Some will love the energy and walkability of Seaside, while others crave the quiet of Dune Allen or the beauty of Alys Beach.
Your family’s best 30A town is the one that matches your pace, your budget, and the experiences you want to have together.
✨ The best part? No matter where you land, you can always explore the other towns during your trip—making 30A a choose-your-own-adventure for families.
👉 If you’re trying to pick a home base, I break down the pros and cons of staying in each town in my guide: Where to Stay in 30A for Families.
👉 If you’re new to the area, be sure to check out my post: What is 30A? A First-Timer’s Guide to Florida’s Scenic Beach Towns for Families.
📅 And if you’re planning your trip now, don’t miss: Family-Friendly 30A Itinerary: Day 1 on 30A with Kids for inspiration!
✨ Ready to Plan Your Own 30A Adventure?
If you’re feeling inspired but a little overwhelmed with all the amazing spots to choose from, I’ve got you!
Grab my Family Travel Itinerary Planner — it’s designed to help busy moms like you map out doable, kid-friendly trips in just a few simple steps.
Click below to get the planner and start organizing your dream 30A vacation today!
May you LOVE your adventure! KW
