The Best Thing to Do at Scenic Highway 30A 🚲🌞
Why 30A Is So Special
Scenic Highway 30A is more than just a road — it’s a coastal lifestyle. Winding 24 miles along Florida’s Gulf Coast, this two-lane highway is dotted with charming beach towns, rare dune lakes, boutique shops, and white-sand beaches that feel like a dream. Whether you’re driving the whole stretch or staying in one town, there’s something memorable at every mile.
Beach Hop from Dune Allen to Inlet Beach
30A is lined with sugar-white sand and emerald-green water, and each town has its own beach vibe.
Dune Allen is quiet and peaceful, perfect for sunrise walks
Blue Mountain has soft dunes and a relaxed, local feel
Seaside is lively and postcard-perfect
Rosemary Beach is upscale and elegant
Inlet Beach offers wide, uncrowded shoreline and big sky views
Bring a beach bag, your camera, and plan to stop often
Bike the Timpoochee Trail
This paved, family-friendly bike path runs the entire length of 30A. It’s the best way to explore each beach town without a car.
Rent bikes with baskets and cruise from coffee shop to boutique
Kid-friendly with flat terrain and plenty of shaded stretches
Perfect for early morning rides or sunset cruises
Stops along the way include ice cream stands, food trucks, and art galleries
Visit the Iconic Seaside Square
Home to pastel-colored cottages, vintage Airstream food trucks, and cobblestone streets, Seaside is a 30A must-see.
Snap a pic at the whitewashed Seaside Pavilion
Grab lunch from the Airstream Row food trucks (try the grilled cheese!)
Visit Sundog Books, a local bookstore full of charm
Hang out on the amphitheater lawn with a snack and people-watch
Explore a Coastal Dune Lake
These rare bodies of water are found in only a few places in the world — and 30A is full of them.
Paddleboard or kayak on Western Lake in Grayton Beach
Take a nature walk around Eastern Lake near Seagrove
Bring binoculars to spot birds, turtles, and even deer
Ideal for peaceful mornings or sunset paddles
Shop Local in Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach
These towns feel straight out of a magazine, with white buildings, European-style architecture, and beautiful courtyards.
Browse boutiques and galleries for handmade jewelry, art, and home goods
Stop at Fonville Press or Raw & Juicy for smoothies or coffee
Perfect for a little retail therapy after the beach
Catch an Outdoor Movie or Live Music
Many of the beach communities host free family events throughout the week.
The Hub (Watersound Town Center) has a massive screen and live concerts
Seaside Amphitheater hosts movie nights on the lawn
Baytowne Wharf (just off 30A) also has fireworks and street performers
Bring a blanket, some snacks, and settle in for an easy night out
Eat Your Way Down 30A
From fish tacos to fine dining, 30A’s food scene is delicious.
Try shrimp and grits at Great Southern Café in Seaside
Get crab cakes at Café Thirty-A in Seagrove
Grab a casual beachfront bite at The Shrimp Shack or Bud & Alley’s
Don’t miss donuts from Charlie’s or Blue Mountain Bakery in the morning
Watch the Sunset from Anywhere
Sunset is a daily event on 30A, and you’ll want to pause and enjoy it.
Best views from the beach, rooftop bars, or even a paddleboard
Popular spots include the beach at Grayton, the dune walkover at Seagrove, or the pier at Inlet Beach
Bring a blanket, your favorite drink, and just soak it all in
Final Thoughts
Scenic Highway 30A is packed with small-town charm, outdoor adventures, and soulful moments around every bend. Whether you’re biking past pastel homes, sipping wine on a dune, or watching dolphins splash in a coastal lake, 30A gives you permission to slow down and truly enjoy.
Need help planning a 30A day trip, choosing which beach town to stay in, or building your own “bike + beach + bites” itinerary? I’ve got local tips just for you!
