Welcome to one of the United States’ best kept secrets – a pristine stretch of coastline in Florida known as 30A. Scenic Highway 30A is a 24-mile corridor that hugs the Gulf of Mexico in the Florida Panhandle, situated between the bustling areas of Panama City and Destin.

30A is somewhat unknown by those who don’t live on the East Coast, but recently it has been gaining popularity for its gorgeous white sand beaches, sparkling emerald waters, and cute beach towns teaming with luxury vacation rentals, upscale restaurants, bars, and boutiques. 

In 30A you won’t find many tourist traps, large hotels, or massive condo units. Instead, you’ll experience a more peaceful beach lifestyle with a greater presence of families than college kids, and more local shops with loyal followings rather than big chains.

The cute beach towns along 30A, such as Grayton Beach, Watercolor, Seaside, Seagrove Beach, WaterSound Beach, Seacrest Beach, Alys Beach, and Rosemary Beach – offer great restaurants and food trucks, cute boutiques and fantastic beaches.

I spent a week exploring 30A and fell in love with it. If you’re planning a visit to 30A (which I highly suggest), this article will help you discover the best towns and vacation rentals!

Top 10 Things To Do In 30A, Florida

One of the best things to do in 30A is relaxing on a beach, but there is plenty more to see and do in the area. These are my top 10 things to see and do during your stay in 30A, Florida.

1. Ride a bike or drive a golf cart and explore the area
2. Spend that day relaxing on the beach
3. Kayak or paddleboard 
4. Go wine tasting, beer tasting, or attend the 30A Wine Festival
5. Go shopping at the many stores and boutiques throughout 30A
6. Try some of the Gulf Coast’s famous seafood
7. Take a walk through Cerulean Park
8. Hike trails through Grayton Beach State Park
9. Visit Crab Island on a boat tour or jet ski tour
10. Go dolphin watching or whale watching 

Where I Stayed In 30A: Seacrest Beach

I visited 30A for the first time in May for a friend’s birthday trip, and I instantly fell in love with this magical area. 

As a travel writer, I’ve explored quite a lot of the United States, but like many travelers from the West Coast, I hadn’t heard much about 30A. When I arrived I was giddy with excitement when I saw the beautiful white sand beaches and emerald green, sparkling sea calling my name from the deck of our villa.

There are not many hotel options in 30A (I was told this is purposeful, to keep the small-town vibe intact) so most visitors opt for renting vacation homes. For our stay, we used KEY.co to find the best luxury vacation rentals in 30A.

Our birthday crew of five girls stayed at Devonshire West, a luxury villa located directly on the beach, in the community of Seacrest.

This pristine luxury property boasts 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, direct beachfront access, a private pool, 2 ocean view decks, multiple fireplaces, an outdoor fire pit, a BBQ, an outdoor shower – and just about everything you can think of to have an unforgettable luxury stay.

Set across two levels, I loved the high ceilings, spacious common areas, the upscale coastal decor, and that every room had an en suite bathroom. I also liked that this home is tucked away inside a gated courtyard making the property feel exclusive, private, and safe.

Our group loved the folding glass wall system on the oceanfront den area. This amenity allows you to enjoy an expansive indoor-outdoor living and dining space offering breathtaking, panoramic views of the emerald Gulf waters.

We spent many blissful mornings on the oceanfront decks, enjoying coffee with a view of the sparkling sea and many evenings enjoying wine and telling stories while watching the sunset. 

This villa was sparkling clean and ideally situated to explore the best of 30A by bike, golf cart, or car. KEY.co also offers an array of luxury amenities from private chef services to beach picnic set-ups, allowing you to arrive and make memories, not plans.

Our local management team was also very attentive and made sure we had everything we needed for an amazing girls’ getaway. If you’re looking for a top-notch luxury vacation rental in 30A, I highly suggest using KEY.co.

Overview Of 30A Beach Towns & Where To Stay

30A, or Emerald Coast (as it is otherwise referred to), is made up of a collection of small and unique Florida beach towns. All of these towns are located between Panama City and Destin along the County Road 30A.

Each town on our list offers a different coastline experience, from golf resorts to funky art scenes to picturesque towns with Greek-inspired architecture. Each community has a unique personality. Some towns are considered part of 30A by some and just outside by others such as Sandestin and Carillon Beach.

Below I share an overview of the most popular 30A beachside communities, along with some of the best vacation rentals to stay at within each one. From small, affordable rentals to expansive, luxury villas, 30A offers something for everyone.

No matter what you are looking for, this where to stay in 30A guide will help you in find quality accommodations that are perfect for your Florida trip!

Photo Credit: 30A.com

Laid-Back: Santa Rosa Beach

Santa Rosa Beach offers a variety of housing options, including A-frame-style beach houses and four-story homes. The area is easily accessible by golf cart, bike, or car, and there are public beaches with ample parking.

Additionally, there is a diverse selection of dining options, including Goatfeathers, which has a to-go seafood market and live music, and other local restaurants serving seafood cuisine.

Pros & Cons Of Staying In Santa Rosa Beach

PROS

• Good restaurant choices
• Free beach parking
• Bike paths
• Golf cart-friendly streets

CONS

• Busier than other places

Luxury Rentals In Santa Rosa Beach

• Optimist Place – Nestled just moments away from its secluded beach, Boasting five bedrooms, six and a half baths, and a vertical three-level layout, this property is the pinnacle of coastal indulgence.
• Gulf Front Home – The house is situated around 23 feet above sea level, offering spectacular views of sunsets and sunrises. It is two stories tall and spans 3,300 square feet. This home has five bedrooms and six and a half bathrooms and can accommodate twelve of your girls, friends, or family members.
• The Lodge 30A – Located in Seagrove Beach in the shopping district, this hotel is close to the beach. The hotel also has an outdoor swimming pool and free self-parking.
• 408 Blue Mountain – This spacious beachfront home features two balconies that offer stunning views of the beach, maximizing its prime location.

Mid-Range Rentals In Santa Rosa Beach

• Home2 Suites By Hilton Santa Rosa Beach – Located in Santa Rosa Beach, this hotel is close to the Silver Sands Premium Outlets and Destin Commons, which are great shopping options.
• Shell Shack – This cozy three-bedroom beachfront cottage is situated directly on the white sands of Dune Allen Beach along Highway 30A. It has stunning beach views from nearly every room.
• Nautical Dreams – This three-bedroom home is conveniently situated just a 15-minute walk from Santa Rosa Beach. It offers enough space for up to ten people, with a variety of sleeping arrangements including bunk beds, queen beds, and a king bed. Additionally, the property features an outdoor swimming pool.

Budget Rentals In Santa Rosa Beach

• Anchor Down On 30A – The condo provides ample living space, with the kitchen, living room, and dining room all interconnected. The living room features a cozy sitting area with a smart TV and access to a spacious 400 square-foot patio, complete with comfortable seating and a dining area.
• Sky High Dune Delight – Just a short walk from both Highway 30A and the beach, you’ll find this charming newly built cottage, which serves as the perfect home base for your next beach getaway. The house can accommodate up to six people in three bedrooms, each with a king bed.
• Quiet Neighborhood Home – This comfortable family home offers plenty of space to relax and unwind. It is located within the Santa Rosa Golf Villas and features a beautiful community pool and lounge chairs for soaking in the Florida sun.

Funky Relaxed Village: Grayton Beach

Grayton Beach is one of the oldest communities in 30A. For over 100 years, people have visited Grayton Beach from northwest Florida and Alabama to enjoy the beach and the vibe. Grayton is often considered one of the funkier art communities with murals, art galleries, and hand-painted signs on the streets.

The Grayton State Park is an award-winning part with plenty of things to do and see, including hiking, kayaking, camping, fishing, swimming, and paddling in the 100-acre coastal dune lake.

Grayton Beach offers scuba divers a unique experience at the Underwater Museum of Art, located 58 feet deep, and less than a mile from the shore of Grayton Beach State Park.

Pros & Cons Of Staying In Grayton Beach

PROS

• More affordable lodging options
• Lots of watersports
• Plenty of outdoor activities
• Plenty of dining and shopping locations

CONS

• Buildings are not as well maintained as in other communities

Luxury Rentals In Grayton Beach

• Blue Pearl – Architectural masterpiece that marries the splendor of beachside living with the pinnacle of luxury. Spanning an impressive 4,000 square feet across two levels.
• Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse – Located near Grayton Beach State Park, Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse offers a complimentary full breakfast, three beach bars, and a coffee shop. Each guestroom is uniquely furnished, and the guesthouse provides free parking.
• Blue Palmetto – With five spacious bedrooms, four full bathrooms, two separate living quarters, and a private pool, this rental property can comfortably accommodate up to 14 guests, ideal for large group getaways.
• Grayton Getaway – This beach cottage has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, comfortably sleeping up to seven people. It also has a heated swimming pool and beach access.

Mid-Range Rentals In Grayton Beach

• Blue Mountain Beach Condo – Located just a 5-minute walk from the beach, this condo is a great option for a small group getaway or couples getaway with one-bedroom.
• Grayton Beach Villas 103 – A newly renovated, modern, sunny two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo that accommodates six guests with two king beds and a queen sofa sleeper. Situated in a peaceful area of New Grayton, just 150 feet from the beach walkway.
• Cozy Grayton Beach Cottage – This two-bedroom cottage is situated in the heart of Old Grayton Beach, Florida, just one block from the renowned Red Bar and two blocks from the Gulf of Mexico.

Budget Rentals In Grayton Beach

• Sealake Cottage – This serene beach retreat features four bedrooms and two bathrooms. It is nestled among the stunning live oak trees overlooking the peaceful waters of Western Lake, just a short distance from the historic village center of Grayton Beach.
• Shepherd Cottage – This small cottage is nestled in tall pines and surrounded by palm meadows. It features a large front porch with a swing and rocking chairs, perfect for a romantic getaway for a couple.
• 2-Bedroom Vacation Duplex – This property is situated in the delightful village center of Grayton Beach. It is within walking distance of a unique gallery and two lovely restaurants with vibrant bars.

Walkable Foodie Town: Seaside

Considered by many as the perfect picturesque town, Seaside is where all the food trucks are. It also has other great restaurants and bars with plenty of outside seating areas making it a foodie’s paradise.

Seaside also has cute boutiques and a beautiful beach. It is one of the slightly more upscale communities in 30A, and you’ll love walkability to everything making it the perfect place to stay if you have kids in tow.

You just have to pay for a cabana or beach chair to access the main beach or you can stay at WaterColor Inn & Resort which will also give you access.

Pros & Cons Of Staying In Seaside

PROS

• Walkable
• Pastel-colored beach houses
• Stretches of white-sandy beaches
• Food trucks and great outdoor dining 

CONS

• More expensive than some of the other communities
• Pay for cabanas or beach chairs to access the main beach

Luxury Rentals In Seaside

• Slow Mocean – This exceptional property offers not one, but two houses in one for a total of six bedrooms and six and a half baths, accommodating up to 14 guests in absolute coastal luxury.
• WaterColor Inn & Resort – Located near Grayton Beach State Park, this resort is one of the only hotels in 30A and features three poolside bars, on-site shopping, a playground and a kids club. Guests can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and traditional southern cuisine at the three restaurants here.
• El Dorado – The home spans Scenic Highway 30A to the dunes overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. It features porches and open-air outdoor living areas on every level and provides incredible beachfront Gulf views. Although it is rented as a single home, it consists of two complete homes, the main house and the carriage house, sleeping up to 24 people.
• Cottage Gem – A laid-back atmosphere and cottage vibes await at this beachside vacation rental near the heart of Seaside. This ground-floor unit features a king suite and a queen sleeper sofa, making it perfect for a couple or a small family.

Mid-Range Rentals In Seaside

• Nobellah’s Retreat – Located in the sought-after Seaside community along Highway 30A, this house offers easy access to the charming town square and the community pool.
• Fantasia Cottage – Just a three-minute walk from Seaside Beach, this three-floor cottage can sleep up to seven people. It has three bedrooms, and you can even watch the sunset from the top floor.
• Seaside Beauty – This home is close to the Westside Pool and is just a short walk to the beach and the Gulf of Mexico. The house has three bedrooms and can accommodate up to nine people, with three bedrooms and a sofa bed available for sleeping.

Budget Rentals In Seaside

• Mis B’Haven – Located in an area of Seaside called Rosewalk, this recently renovated home has two bedrooms and can sleep up to four people. It has a king bed, a double bed and a twin bed.
• Frose Rose – Located in Seaside with access to the private beach at The Tupelo, this charming two-bedroom, two-bathroom cottage is nestled among the trees and opens up to beautiful private pathways and gazebos on Rosewalk.
• Sea Shack – The guest cottage has been designed in a luxurious coastal style, with creamy white walls, wooden floors, and new vintage-style appliances in the kitchen.

Sophisticated Paradise: Alys Beach

Alys Beach is unlike any other community on the list. Alys transports you to the Mediterranean with all-white buildings with architectural aspects of Bermuda, Antigua, Guatemala, and the Mediterranean.

With a distinct private community feel, Alys has a resident or guest-only beach but is an incredible place to walk around with a real Mykonos feel.

The area has plenty of lunch and dining options, but if you want to stay in Alys be ready to splurge as vacation rental prices can be pricey.

Pros & Cons Of Staying In Alys Beach

PROS

• Picturesque white houses
• Quite and calming community

CONS

• Can’t access the beach unless you are staying here
• Expensive vacation rentals

Luxury Rentals In Alys Beach

• Villa Sandy Shores – Situated in the private gated community of Sandy Shores, along scenic Highway 30A in beautiful South Walton between Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach, this spacious Gulf-front cottage showcases Mediterranean architecture with a lush, grassy courtyard. Villa Sandy Shores includes a private heated pool and jacuzzi, along with private beach access via the beach walkover in the backyard.
• Sealah – This four-bedroom luxury home can accommodate eight people. It features an outdoor swimming pool, various balconies, and four adult bikes.
• Here Comes The Sun – This large home is located directly on 30A, between Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach. It has three floors and four bedrooms, with bunk beds, king and queen beds, and enough space to sleep up to 14 people.

Mid-Range Rentals In Alys Beach

• The Summer Palace – Perfectly designed for eight guests, The Summer Palace welcomes you to relax and enjoy the serene outdoors. Its three charming porches feature Adirondack chairs and cozy wicker furniture.
• On 30A – Located on the Gulf side of 30A, the gated Villas at Sunset Beach are a five-minute walk to the shops and restaurants of Rosemary and Alys Beach. The house accommodates up to eight people.
• Dock Holiday – This completely renovated four-bedroom, three-bathroom home is situated in the sought-after 30A community of Seacrest Beach. It is only 880 yards from beach access and within walking distance of Rosemary Beach. The home features a bright, open floor plan with elegant coastal vibes.

Budget Rentals In Alys Beach

• Legacy at the Alexander – This 1,700-square-foot penthouse condo has three bedrooms and can sleep up to eight people. Its balconies and interior offer incredible sea views.
• Three-Bedroom Condo – This spacious, beautifully decorated 1,117 sq. ft. open-concept three-bedroom and two-bathroom condo is located in the heart of the Seacrest Beach community. It comfortably sleeps eight people and is situated on the top floor.
• Seacrest Beach Cottage – This charming beach-themed cottage comfortably accommodates six guests. Located in a highly sought-after neighborhood, you will have access to the largest community pool on 30A and be within walking distance of Rosemary Beach.

Charming & Chic: Rosemary Beach

Rosemary Beach is often considered one of the best places to visit in the USA. It has a community feel with some Alys Beach vibes combined with tree-lined and cobbled streets.

This community has charming dining options and shops, but to access the beach you are required to rent a beach chair – or rent a house on the beach.

This is a great community to stay in if you’re on a girls’ getaway and want to be able to walk to great restaurants and boutiques. 

Pros & Cons Of Staying In Rosemary Beach

PROS

• Lots of restaurant options
• Plenty of stores to look around
• Walkable

CONS

• Beach access only with a beach chair
• More expensive than other communities

Luxury Rentals In Rosemary Beach

• St. Ivory Place – Indulge in the ultimate luxury retreat at this exquisite Rosemary Beach vacation home. Relax in the heated pool, unwind in the outdoor living room with a cozy fireplace, and savor delicious meals prepared on the built-in grill.
• The Pearl Hotel – Located on Rosemary Beach, this upscale hotel is one of the only hotels in 30A and has two bars, an onsite spa, and two onsite restaurants.
• Under The Rosemary Sun – A fantastic retreat that blends the charm of the stunning Gulf of Mexico with the ambiance of a Tuscan Villa. The villa features four bedrooms accommodating up to ten people, along with an outdoor swimming pool and an exceptional outdoor area.
• Seaglass Cottage – This cottage is nestled in an exclusive community on the quieter east end of Rosemary Beach. You can park your car and forget about it because you can walk almost everywhere from the cottage. The cottage has three bedrooms and can accommodate up to eight people.
• Sandy Haven – With just a two-minute walk to the beach and the Coquina pool right outside, this home has it all. Sandy Haven was designed by Rosemary Beach’s first Town Architect, Elizabeth Guyton. 

Mid-Range Rentals In Rosemary Beach

• Rose Cottage – Situated just a few blocks away from the Rosemary shopping and restaurants, this cottage provides easy access to all the action without being too close. This lovely cottage features coastal décor with wood accents and earthy tones.
• Highland Cottage – The Highland Cottage in Rosemary Beach features a courtyard that evokes the atmosphere of a sultry New Orleans afternoon. This charming cottage can accommodate up to ten people in its three bedrooms and includes a balcony and outdoor dining area.
• Belize Cottage – The Belize Cottage resembles a Mediterranean-style villa, featuring white plaster walls and ceilings with exposed log beams. The indoor space seamlessly extends outdoors to a covered dining area that overlooks a fountain terrace surrounded by a tropical garden.

Budget Rentals In Rosemary Beach

• Rosemary Beach Luxury Condo – The home’s layout immediately draws you through the open-concept living and dining area to the unique private rooftop terrace, ideal for a girl’s trip.
• Freedom At The Beach – This beautiful home has a reverse floor plan and features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and beach access, making it ideal for a girl’s getaway or family vacation.
• McKenzie Cottage – This two-story townhouse has everything you need for a great girls’ getaway or family vacation. Complete with a covered porch, balcony, open-plan living area, and bikes to use to explore the town.

Outdoor Delight: Prominence

Prominence, (which is close to WaterSound), is a small, planned community featuring small rental cottages, a golf course, a lake, and multiple pools, along with boutiques and several restaurant options.

Vacation rental options in this area are more reasonably priced than in other communities. Prominence has several community areas including The Big Chill with outdoor spaces and a stage for live music, yoga, and outdoor activities.

This community has plenty of dining options with restaurants, food trucks, ice cream shops, coffee shops, wine bars, and boutiques, making it a great spot to book if you’re on a family vacation.

Pros & Cons Of Staying In Prominence

PROS

• Slightly cheaper than other communities
• Plenty of dining options
• Something for everyone
• Premium outdoor entertainment
• 17 miles of bike paths

CONS

• One of the most popular communities 

Luxury Rentals In Prominence

• 6-Bedroom Gated Community Home – Sleeping up to 16 in six bedrooms, this two-story home is perfectly located within a gated community with beach access.
• Joy Of Home – Located in the gated private community of WaterSound Beach, this newly renovated residence showcases the work of renowned interior designer Ashley Gilbreath. It is ideally situated steps from both the community dock and private beach walkover.
• Gulf View Home – This home is complete with a beautiful outdoor area, including a swimming pool, bio-folding doors that open from the living room, and numerous outdoor living room areas.

Mid-Range Rentals In Prominence

• Sea Happy – Located within Prominence, this home features three bedrooms and can accommodate up to nine people. The home also includes a brand-new electric six-seater golf cart and four adult beach cruiser bikes.
• Seas The Day – Experience the best of 30A by staying at this vacation rental in the town of Prominence 30A. The rental offers resort accommodations for up to 10 guests in three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.
• Seas The Day 30A – This spacious three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom Bahamas-style unit is professionally decorated and offers all the comforts and amenities for a perfect home-away-from-home experience.

Budget Rentals In Prominence

• Recovery Room – Ideally situated directly across from The Big Chill in the Prominence North community, this three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom luxury townhome provides everything you need for a relaxing getaway.
• Maison de la Mer—This three-bedroom townhouse can accommodate up to six guests and is conveniently situated near the community’s resort pool and the Big Chill entertainment and shopping complex.
• Coastal Cottage – A highly appointed three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom Bahamas unit that exceeds expectations with its extra and unique features. Sleeping up to eight people, this home has a large open kitchen, dining and living area, along with an expansive outdoor balcony and access to the communal swimming pool and beach.
• Coco Cottage – This charming vacation home is situated in the upscale community of Prominence on Scenic Highway 30A. The property boasts two levels, three bedrooms, two and a half baths, and access to fantastic amenities. Up to six guests can enjoy the comfort of this cozy retreat.

Where To Eat & Drink In 30A, Florida 

30A offers an array of excellent upscale restaurants and bars along with good quick-bite options like roadside taco stands and gourmet food trucks. This is by no means an extensive list, but here are 10 great restaurants and bars in 30A to get you started.

1. Old Florida Fish House – Excellent outdoor dining plus karaoke and dancing – Santa Rosa Beach
2. Bud & Alley’s Taco Bar – Outdoor seating with good ceviche and great margaritas – Seaside
3. The Pearl Hotel – Rooftop Bar for drinks and dinner below after – Rosemary Beach 
4. Beachy Bean – Upscale breakfast & coffee in a cute setting – Santa Rosa Beach
5. Gallion’s Restaurant – outdoor seating, great cocktails – Rosemary Beach
6. Pescado – Upscale seafood bar and grill with a fun rooftop bar – Rosemary Beach
7. Lola’s Coastal Italian – Authentic Italian, outdoor seating – Rosemary Beach
8. Neat Wine Bar – Bottle shop and tasting room – Alys Beach
9. Goatfeathers – Fresh local seafood and live music – Santa Rosa Beach
10. The Red Bar – Iconic restaurant and bar featuring live music daily – Grayton Beach

How To Get To 30A, Florida

30A is located in South Walton County and spans 20 miles along the Florida Panhandle coastline. The closest airport (ECP) is located in Panama City. Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) is just 35 miles from the town of Seaside.

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) and Pensacola International Airport (PNS) are other options that are less than a two-hour drive from 30A.

No matter which airport you decide to fly to, a rental car is necessary to explore the area.

Best Time To Visit 30A, Florida

June July and early August are high season and very busy in 30A so avoid these peak summer months if you want to get better deals and miss the crowds.

May, late August, September, and even early October are great times to visit. However, be aware that late summer and fall are during hurricane season for the area.

If you are okay with visiting in the cooler winter months when high temperatures usually don’t get out of the 60s or 70s, rentals and hotels are a fraction of the price of the summer season.

Where To Stay In 30A, Florida Wrap-Up

I hope my where to stay in 30A guide has inspired you to plan a trip to this underrated area of Florida!

One of the best things about 30A is that it has a small beach town feel throughout the communities, while still having many amenities and attractions of a big beach city.

30A also has the prettiest white sand I have seen thus far in the US. And the water temperature in May (70s) was perfect – warm while still being refreshing. I loved this trip so much that before it was over, I was already plotting our next 30A girls’ getaway!

If you’re looking for a new Florida destination, I highly suggest visiting 30A. Or you can check out all of our Florida Guides for more inspiration!

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We hope that this article has inspired you to visit 30A, Florida! If you have questions about  30A or tips to share with our readers please leave these in the comments below.

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