Best 30A Towns for Families (Mom-Approved!)
Looking for the best family‑friendly towns to visit on 30A with kids? You’ve come to the right place!
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.
This guide covers the best 30A towns for families, with insider tips on what makes each one special when traveling with kids.
From Seaside’s iconic town square to Alys Beach’s charming playgrounds and Baytowne Wharf’s fun attractions, you’ll get real‑mom advice on parking, playgrounds, and stroller‑friendly paths.
Hi, I’m Katie, and I help busy moms plan stress‑free vacations with practical, real‑mom advice.
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🌟 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 along 30A that’s still great for families. 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
For our 30A trip, we stayed on the far west end of the scenic highway, in a peaceful area right between Gulf Place and Dune Allen Beach.
Our rental cottage, Dune Nothin’, was just across the street from the Dune Allen Regional Beach Access, making beach days with our kids incredibly convenient.
We absolutely loved this area because it felt so much quieter and laid-back compared to some of the busier spots along 30A.
It was the perfect retreat for our family after a busy day exploring.
The peaceful vibe gave us the balance of being close enough to the action, but far enough to enjoy some much-needed relaxation.
The cottage itself was cozy and had everything we needed.
One of the best features was the community pool, which was just a few cottages down.
After a day at the beach or exploring all the fun spots along 30A, it was so nice to unwind by the pool or enjoy a quiet evening on the back porch.
The view of Oyster Lake from our porch was super relaxing, and it became a favorite spot to kick back and enjoy the scenery.
From our cottage, we could easily walk just under a mile (about 0.8 miles) to Gulf Place Town Center, a fun little area with restaurants, shops, and green space.
We made a morning tradition of walking to Shelby’s Beach Bar & Grill for coffee while the kids ran around.
And Pecan Jack’s became our go-to spot for ice cream almost every evening—definitely a highlight!
While our location was between Gulf Place and Dune Allen Beach, we found that Dune Allen Beach offered a quieter, more laid-back vibe.
You’ll need to drive to get to some of the other 30A hot spots like Seaside, but we didn’t mind at all.
In fact, we loved getting to explore the various unique spots along 30A and then return to our peaceful home away from home at the end of the day.
Why Dune Allen Beach Worked Well for Our Family:
- Quiet and laid-back atmosphere—perfect for families looking for a peaceful retreat
- Direct access to the beach just across the street
- Community pool just a few cottages down 🏊🏻
- Relaxing back porch view of Oyster Lake 🐟
- Easy walk to Gulf Place Town Center 🚶♀️🛍
- Fun nearby spots like Shelby’s and Pecan Jack’s ☕️ 🍦
- A bit farther from the hustle and bustle of places like Seaside, but perfect for those who enjoy peace and quiet
If you’re looking for a quieter, more relaxed base for your 30A vacation, Dune Allen Beach is the perfect spot.
It provided the perfect balance of fun, convenience, and relaxation for our family!
📌 Final Thoughts: How to Choose the Best 30A Town for Your Family
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to picking the perfect 30A town—each one has its own charm and vibe.
That’s honestly what makes 30A so fun to explore as a family!
Whether you’re craving a peaceful beach retreat or a lively town center packed with food, music, and activities, there’s a spot along 30A that will fit your family perfectly.
If your family loves a walkable, bustling town square with shops and food trucks, Seaside is a great pick.
Want a more polished, upscale feel? Alys Beach is beautiful, quiet, and great for strolling.
For more action-packed fun and adventure zones, The Village of Baytowne Wharf delivers.
And if you’re like us and want a quiet place to relax but still be close to the excitement, Dune Allen Beach was the perfect home base.
Wherever you choose, you’ll find stunning beaches, bike-friendly paths, delicious eats, and plenty of family memories waiting to be made.
I hope this post helped you get a feel for the different vibes each town offers—and gave you some ideas for your own 30A vacation.
👉 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 stress-free, 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
