The Best 30A Swimming Spots for Kids 🏊♀️☀️
Not all beach days are created equal — especially when you’ve got toddlers in tow or cautious swimmers by your side. Thankfully, 30A offers a variety of calm, shallow, and family-friendly places where kids can safely enjoy the water without big waves or deep drop-offs.
Here’s your go-to guide to the best kid-friendly swimming areas on 30A — including beaches, dune lakes, and bays that make water play safe and fun.
1. Grayton Beach State Park 🐚💦
📍 Grayton Beach
With soft sand, gentle waves, and easy beach access, Grayton is a go-to for families. When the Gulf is calm, the shoreline here is perfect for little ones to wade, float, or splash.
✔️ Restrooms + rinse stations
✔️ Parking near the beach
✔️ Dune lake access nearby (Western Lake!)
✔️ Lifeguards seasonally
Best for: Toddlers, family beach days, and nature lovers
2. Seaside Beach 🍦🌊
📍 Seaside
Right in the heart of one of 30A’s most charming towns, Seaside Beach has wide stretches of shallow shoreline and clear water. It can get busy, but the vibes are fun and friendly — and there’s ice cream nearby!
✔️ Gentle slope into the water
✔️ Lifeguards during peak season
✔️ Close to food, snacks, and shade spots
✔️ Easy to walk back to shops if needed
Best for: Ages 4+, social swimmers, families who love walkability
3. Blue Mountain Beach Access 🩱🌞
📍 Blue Mountain Beach
This spot tends to be less crowded than Seaside or Rosemary and offers a calm, family-friendly stretch of shoreline. The slope into the water is slow, making it great for younger swimmers.
✔️ Public access with bathrooms
✔️ Ice cream shop right up the street 🍨
✔️ Clean sand and clear water
✔️ Local favorite for low-key mornings
Best for: Quiet family time, kids learning to swim, and peaceful play
4. Topsail Hill Preserve – Dune Allen Beach 🐠🏝️
📍 Santa Rosa Beach
Accessible via tram or walking trail, the beach at Topsail is peaceful, clean, and gently sloped — a favorite for locals with little ones. There’s also a dune lake nearby that offers a totally calm water option.
✔️ Wide beach with soft sand
✔️ Lifeguards in season
✔️ Close to picnic tables and restrooms
✔️ Less touristy, more relaxing
Best for: Kids who love to dig, splash, and explore in quieter spaces
5. Lake Powell – Camp Helen State Park 🛶🌿
📍 Inlet Beach
If the Gulf is choppy, Lake Powell offers a perfect alternative. It’s one of the largest coastal dune lakes in Florida, and it’s calm, shallow near the shore, and protected from wind and waves.
✔️ No waves = toddler heaven
✔️ Shaded picnic areas nearby
✔️ Kayak + paddleboard rentals available
✔️ Educational opportunities (nature center, trails)
Best for: Littles, first-time swimmers, or chill lake days
6. The Bay at North Beach Social 🧃🏖️
📍 Santa Rosa Beach (north side of 30A)
Looking for bayfront swimming with no waves and all-day dining nearby? This is the spot. Kids can swim or wade in the shallow bay water while parents relax nearby with a cold drink and live music.
✔️ Calm water, zero entry shore
✔️ Shallow for a long stretch
✔️ Family-friendly dining right on site
✔️ Beach chairs and music = bonus!
Best for: Young kids, multi-family outings, and chill sunset swims
7. Seagrove Beach Public Access 🏖️🐬
📍 Seagrove Beach
A great central location with a gradual beach slope and calm water on nice days. It’s less crowded than Seaside but still close enough to amenities for snacks or a lunch break.
✔️ Easy beach access
✔️ Perfect for boogie boarding and floating
✔️ Family-friendly atmosphere
✔️ Clean and well-maintained
Best for: Low-key family beach days with all ages
Tips for Safe & Fun Swimming with Kids on 30A 🏊♂️👒
✔️ Swim early in the morning for calmer waters
✔️ Always check the beach flag system before heading out
✔️ Bring reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and sun shirts
✔️ Pack floaties or puddle jumpers for smaller kids
✔️ Watch for jellyfish alerts after summer storms
✔️ Take breaks in the shade and stay hydrated
Final Thoughts 🌈🌊
From calm dune lakes to gently sloped beaches and splash-happy bays, 30A is full of safe, scenic swimming spots perfect for families with kids. Whether your little ones are just dipping their toes or ready to ride the waves, there’s a sandy, sunny corner waiting for you here.
Need help picking the best beach near your rental, booking a paddleboard, or planning a whole week of family-friendly water fun? I’ve got the local scoop — just ask! 🏖️📍🧃
