The Best Scenic Drives on 30A 🚘🌴

Why Drive 30A? 🚗🌅

Scenic Highway 30A isn’t just a road — it’s an experience. Winding between charming beach towns, rare dune lakes, white-sand beaches, and pine forests, this 24-mile stretch offers more than just a route from A to B. It’s one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the country, packed with places to stop, explore, and soak in the views.

📍 Start at Dune Allen – The Laid-Back West End

Begin your journey where 30A meets the Gulf in quiet, residential Dune Allen Beach
Roll past beach cottages, dune walkovers, and glimpses of the Gulf
Stop at Stinky’s Fish Camp for a photo (and maybe a bite!)
This stretch is peaceful, breezy, and a slow-paced start to your coastal cruise

📍 Cruise Through Blue Mountain Beach – Elevated Views

Named for its blue lupine flowers and rare elevation (a whopping 65 feet!)
This drive hugs the coast while climbing slightly above the Gulf
Enjoy views of dune lakes and beach access points
Pull off for a smoothie or cone at Blue Mountain Creamery and snap some shots of the colorful shops

📍 Grayton Beach – Old Florida Vibes

Drive into the heart of Grayton Beach State Park and down into the funky art-filled town
See coastal dune lakes on one side and sugar-white sands on the other
The quirky homes, signs, and murals give it a nostalgic, eclectic feel
Stop for a stroll or a snap near the Western Lake bridge — it’s one of 30A’s most iconic photo ops

📍 Scenic Route Through WaterColor + Seaside

This is peak 30A charm — pastel cottages, cobblestone streets, and scenic boardwalks
Slow down for pedestrians and bikes — this stretch is busy but beautiful
Drive past the Seaside Chapel, the famous Airstream Row, and take a detour into WaterColor’s quiet tree-lined lanes
Sunlight filters through the pines, and every corner is photo-worthy

📍 Eastern Elegance: Seagrove to Alys Beach

Seagrove’s dense greenery opens up into bright, whitewashed Alys Beach
You’ll go from wild oaks and palmettos to clean architecture and bougainvillea
Stop in Alys Beach for a luxurious pause — even the roundabouts here are photo spots
Don’t miss the side streets for views of courtyards, palms, and Mediterranean-style homes

📍 Rosemary Beach – Cobblestone Coastal Magic

Wrap up your scenic drive in Rosemary Beach, where brick roads, gas lanterns, and arched passages create a fairytale finish
Park and explore on foot — there are hidden alleys and shaded walkways perfect for photos
Grab a coffee or dinner and catch the sunset from Barrett Square or the beach walkover
This area glows with golden light in the evening — a perfect end to your day on 30A

📸 Pro Tips for the Perfect Scenic Drive

Go during golden hour (1 hour after sunrise or before sunset) for the dreamiest light
Pack a playlist full of beachy, mellow tunes
Stop often — there are hidden photo gems everywhere
Keep your windows down and your camera handy
Avoid peak traffic hours (late morning and mid-afternoon in summer)

Final Thoughts 🌊🚘

Whether you’re road tripping from town to town or just taking the long way home, the best scenic drives on 30A are more than pretty views — they’re full of charm, creativity, and coastal energy that makes you slow down and soak it all in.

Need a printable scenic drive itinerary, a map with photo stops, or help creating the perfect beach day playlist? I’d love to create one just for you! 🚗📍📸