What is 30A? A First-Timer’s Guide to Florida’s Scenic Beach Towns for Families
If you’ve ever heard people raving about “30A” and weren’t sure what it actually was—you’re not alone.
30A is a 24-mile scenic stretch of highway along Florida’s Emerald Coast, tucked between Destin and Panama City Beach.
It’s known for its charming beach towns, soft white sand, and clear emerald-green water that feels straight out of a postcard.
We spent a week exploring 30A with our four boys and instantly saw why so many families return year after year—it’s beautiful, bikeable, laid-back, and full of hidden gems.
👋 Hi! I’m Katie, and I help busy moms plan stress-free vacations with practical tips
This guide includes everything I wish I’d known before our first trip to 30A—plus personal insights you won’t find on the usual travel sites.
Whether you’re planning a relaxing family getaway or looking for a vibrant beach town with local charm, 30A delivers.
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What to Know Before Visiting 30A for the First Time
- 30A isn’t a single town—it’s a scenic highway that connects a collection of small, distinct beach communities in Florida’s panhandle.
- There’s no centralized downtown, but some towns, like Seaside, have walkable town squares that give off that “main street” feel. Where you stay will shape your trip—each area offers a different experience.
- Golf carts and bikes are popular ways to explore, though you will still want a car for flexibility.
- Beach access varies quite a bit. Some neighborhoods have private stretches with security, while others offer public entry points. Be sure to check what kind of access your rental includes—it can make a big difference.
- It’s super family-friendly without feeling overly commercialized—think local ice cream spots and farmers markets instead of giant chain restaurants.
What is 30A (and Why is Everyone Obsessed With It)?
30A is a scenic stretch along Florida’s Emerald Coast between Destin and Panama City Beach.
It winds through around 15 beach communities—like Seaside, Rosemary Beach, and Alys Beach—each with its own personality and charm.
Even though the area only spans two zip codes—Santa Rosa Beach and Inlet Beach—you’ll find a wide variety of neighborhoods and atmospheres to choose from.
I’ve heard people rave about it for years, but I didn’t fully get the appeal until we went ourselves.
The water is crystal clear, the sand is soft and white, and the towns feel straight out of a movie.
You can bike almost everywhere, eat incredible food, and truly slow down.
It’s not just one destination—it’s a string of charming towns, and figuring out where to stay can feel like a lot!
That’s why I created this guidee—to help you understand how it all fits together and plan your family’s perfect trip.
How the Different 30A Communities Work
Each 30A town has its own look, feel, and pace—from the architecture to the food scene to the general atmosphere.
Most of them are walkable and bike-friendly, which is ideal for families wanting to explore without constantly hopping in a car.
You’ll mostly find vacation rentals instead of hotels, often tucked into quiet, thoughtfully designed neighborhoods.
During our stay, our rental was right across the road from a Dune Allen Beach access point.
While it was super convenient, we quickly realized the public section of the beach was actually pretty small.
There was a security guard on duty making sure anyone not staying in one of the beachfront properties kept their chairs and blankets within the designated public area.
It wasn’t a big deal for us, but it’s definitely something to be aware of—especially if you’re hoping for more room to spread out.
Knowing what kind of beach access your rental includes (if any) can really impact your trip.
Each town along 30A has its own personality—some are lively and walkable, while others feel quiet and tucked away. Where you stay can shape your experience more than you might expect.
➡️ For a full guide to our favorite family-friendly 30A beach towns read my post– Best 30A Towns for Families!
👉 Up next: I’ll walk you through the 30A towns we explored (from west to east) so you can find the right fit for your family.
📍 Check out this map for more information on beach access along 30A.
A Look at the 30A Towns We Explored (From West to East)
Here’s a quick rundown of the 30A communities that stood out to us during our trip:
- Dune Allen Beach – Quiet, peaceful, and less crowded, making it perfect for families. We stayed right across from the beach access point and absolutely loved it! It felt calm and relaxing—like a hidden gem compared to the busier spots.
- Blue Mountain Beach – Relaxed and a bit more local, with small shops and an easygoing feel. A great spot for biking and low-key exploring.
- Grayton Beach – Artsy, eclectic, and known for its creative charm. It’s one of the more laid-back towns, and its proximity to Grayton Beach State Park makes it perfect for nature-loving families.
- WaterColor – Upscale and beautifully designed with wide streets and loads of gorgeous homes. It’s super bike-friendly and picturesque—great for families who want an upscale but fun atmosphere.
- Seaside – Iconic and vibrant! The town square is the heart of Seaside, with its famous Airstream Row, cute shops, and tons of family-friendly energy. This was my favorite town to walk around. It felt laid-back yet lively—we could’ve stayed here all day soaking it in! 💛
- Alys Beach – Upscale, polished, and absolutely stunning—this community felt like stepping into a magazine. The white buildings, palm-lined streets, and minimalist architecture make it feel like it’s right out of a magazine! It’s quieter and more refined, but worth strolling through—even just to admire the design.
✅ Mom Tip: The playground at Alys Beach (see picture below) is a great spot for kids to burn off some energy. And the best part? Raw & Juicy Alys Beach is right next to it! You can sip a coffee, grab breakfast or lunch, and relax in the courtyard while the kids play nearby. Win-win!
- Seagrove, Seacrest, Rosemary, Inlet Beach – Each of these communities offers its own charm. Whether you’re craving a quiet beach day, a scenic bike ride, or cute shops and dining, there’s something for every kind of traveler here.
✅ Pro Tip: Check out a map of 30A (or use Google Maps) to get a better sense of the layout. The towns are close enough that you can easily explore a few in one day!
✅ Mom Tip: Just keep in mind: while many areas are very bike-friendly, biking between towns isn’t always realistic—especially if you have younger kids or are staying on the far west or east end of 30A. We stayed in Dune Allen and loved biking around locally, but biking to Seaside would’ve been way too far for our crew. For longer stretches, having a car makes things much easier.
Tips for First-Time Visitors to 30A
- Pick the right community for your vibe: Each community along 30A has a different feel. If you’re after a quieter retreat, Dune Allen Beach or Grayton Beach are great choices. If you want a more vibrant atmosphere with shops and restaurants, Seaside or WaterColor might be perfect.
- Rent bikes or bring your own: Many communities are best explored by bike. You can rent bikes locally (or even bring your own) and use the Timpoochee Trail, which runs along much of 30A. It’s a fun and easy way to get around! 🚲
- Consider a golf cart: Golf carts are another super popular way to get around in many 30A communities. Check to see if your vacation rental includes one, or look into local golf cart rentals. They’re especially handy for quick trips to the beach, restaurants, or shops—and the kids will think it’s the coolest thing ever! 🤩
- Know where the public beach access points are: Some communities have limited or no public beach access, so make sure you know where to go in advance. For families, this is a big consideration when planning your day at the beach.
- Plan for parking: Some areas, like Seaside, can get packed, especially during peak season. If you’re planning on parking near the beach or in town, arrive early to grab a spot—or be prepared to do a bit of walking.
One morning, we wanted to walk around Seaside’s Town Square, but the parking lot was completely full—we couldn’t find a spot anywhere. We ended up shifting our plans and drove a little farther down 30A to explore Alys Beach (which was so beautiful and peaceful). By the time we looped back to Seaside, a spot had opened up. Sometimes flexibility is key when exploring this area!
My Take: What to Consider Before You Visit 30A
My biggest tip? Do your research and ask questions—especially when choosing where to stay.
There’s a lot to think about beyond just how cute a place looks in photos. 📸
➡️ Consider the proximity to the beach—and whether you’ll have access to a private or public section.
➡️ Think about how close you want to be to shops and restaurants.
➡️ Is it a deal-breaker to drive to dinner, or would you rather stay somewhere walkable or bike-friendly?
➡️ And of course, price varies a lot between communities, so factor that into your planning too.
We stayed in Dune Allen Beach and loved it. 🥰
It was quiet, had easy beach access, and even though the public section of beach was small, it never felt too crowded.
We could walk to a few spots (about 0.8 miles), but we also loved driving to dinner in different communities. It gave us a chance to explore and experience the unique vibe of each area.
It really depends on what kind of vacation you’re looking for—do you want to explore or stay put?
Some families might love hopping between communities, while others may prefer to settle into one spot and walk or bike everywhere.
We truly enjoyed our experience, but everyone has different expectations, so think about what matters most to your family. 💕
Planning Your Family Trip to 30A
If you’re traveling with kids, 30A offers so much for families.
From biking trails to kid-friendly beaches, there’s no shortage of things to do.
Whether you’re staying in a peaceful cottage near Dune Allen Beach or in a vibrant rental close to Seaside, the communities of 30A are perfect for creating lasting memories!
Ready to Plan Your Own 30A Vacation?
If you’re thinking about visiting 30A, check out day one of our family-friendly stay and Seaside adventure here.
AND — if you’re planning your first trip to 30A, grab my Free Travel Itinerary Planner to stay organized from start to finish.
It’s the tool I use for every trip we take—and it makes vacation planning way easier and even fun!
May you love your adventure! KW
