If you’ve never celebrated Christmas at the beach, it’s the perfect time to check that experience off your bucket list—in where else besides the Sunshine State? In the exclusive 30A area, you can enjoy long walks on white sand beaches with views of turquoise water, a community feel with big city amenities, and a more peaceful and unhurried pace than many fellow Florida beach towns. The area is home to a collection of beachfront communities each offering their own unique charms, and you’re sure to find something for travelers from all walks of life. When you’re thinking of planning your next Christmas vacation to 30A, rest assured that you’ll find plenty of ways to get into that seasonal spirit, while enjoying some of Florida’s most scenic highlights along the coast of the Gulf. We’ve rounded up some inspiration for your Christmas on 30A!
Beaches Like You’ve Never Seen Before
It’s amazing that beaches as perfect as these exist, but they do, and they can make all your tropical dreams come true! Pay a visit to Blue Mountain Beach for a low-key atmosphere and sparkling blue-green water, or visit the historic town of Seagrove Beach for a shoreline against lush greenery. The huge Grayton Beach State Park offers opportunities for recreation, such as hiking and biking trails, as well as ocean swimming (though you might need a wetsuit in the Christmas season), and it also boasts a marshy lakefront. Paddleboarders and kayakers will love Seacrest Beach, where the far end of 30A is home to Inlet Beach with its picturesque seaside atmosphere.
Endless Choices for Christmas Fun on 30A
The great part about 30A is that it’s home to several beach towns, giving Christmas vacationers their choice of events, whether they’re looking for family-friendly activities or celebratory adult-centered Christmas events. In downtown Seaside, you’ll find a performance of “Every Christmas Story Ever Told” on weekends in December, at 11 a.m. in front of the Seaside Post Office. Visit the bustling Village of Baytowne Wharf to see their 12 Nights of Lights holiday light show, commencing at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Wednesdays December. The area is also home to a number of shops and restaurants, giving you so much to do that it can be more than a festive Christmas outing. On Wednesdays you’ll also find a holiday concert series, and visits from Santa!
Do Some 30A Style Christmas Shopping
Whether it’s for a treat yourself gift or a souvenir for a loved one, Christmas visitors will find plenty of opportunities for shopping in 30A, from outdoor malls to local farmers markets. The 30A Farmers Market offers several convenient locations—Grand Boulevard Farmers Market in Miramar Beach, and the 30A Farmers Market at Palm Plaza on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the 30A Farmers Market Rosemary Beach in the Florida Town Center on Sundays at the same time. The market offers up local vendors of all sorts and might even have some seasonal treats for sale. The Watersound Town Center Farmers Market presents a gorgeous outdoor setting and runs Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Outdoor malls boasting both local and nationwide shops include Destin Commons and Harborwalk Village and can be an excellent choice for some last-minute Christmas shopping and only-from-30A gifts!
Celebrate in Style at the 30A Holiday Market
Christmas Markets aren’t just for the freezing cold cities in Europe! You can find a bit of holiday market cheer right here on 30A at the Holiday Market at the Watersound Town Center Pavilion in Panama City Beach. The market gives visitors the chance to peruse aisles lined with local food vendors, gourmet farm stands, 30A based food trucks, and Christmas themed crafts and gifts. It’s a great way to support local businesses and get something special to remember your Christmas vacation on 30A! The Holiday Market takes place December 23rd and 30th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Enjoy Some Classic Winter Fun at Baytowne Ice Rink
A fun activity to give the kids some of that classic Christmas cheer is to take a day to ice skate at The Village of Baytowne Wharf’s Baytowne on Ice. Running from Halloween to February, visitors will find it conveniently located to other Christmas points of interest like the 12 Nights of Lights show, making it easy to combine both for a fun day and evening exploring one of 30A’s holiday attractions.
Spend Your Christmas 2021 with 30A Beach Girls!
We’re one of 30A’s top vacation rental companies for a reason, and we take the extra time and effort to pair you with a rental that will fit your vacation needs like the missing piece of a puzzle. Take a look at our properties and give us a call to reserve your Christmas 2021 30A vacation home today!
Follow the sandy dunes along the Emerald Coast that guides you down scenic highway 30a. Lined with aquamarine waters, 30a holds iconic charming beachfront colonies with some of the best dining on the Panhandle.
Inlet Beach
Come explore the immaculate community that welcomes you into 30a! A calm neighborhood with various dining gems and the largest beach access point in South Walton.
Shaka – sushi, noodles, poke, fried rice, hand rolls, soups, salads, sake, beer wine & more! Located in the Shoppes @ Inlet. Opening daily at 4pm, this spot has great outdoor and indoor seating available. Our beach girl favorites are the baked avocado & custom bento boxes! For a full menu & more information check out their website https://shaka30a.com
30a Burger– A casual restaurant with a not so casual menu! Offering burgers, chicken, shakes, local beers, wines, and even a plant based burger so our vegetarian pals can be in on the fun in this vibrant setting that looks over the 30a Avenue Greene. The perfect spot for lunch, its even pet friendly with a “dawg” menu for your furry friends to enjoy!
Amici– Italian for “friends”, this family owned authentic Italian restaurant shines on Inlet Beach. All ingredients are locally sourced that make up their signature menu consisting of; small plates to share, pastas, entrees, and their staple item Neapolitan pizza pies. These special pies are baked in an innovative Marsal pizza oven for extra crispiness. Pair your meal with a vintage wine or enjoy their full bar in this unique environment.
Rosemary Beach
Lined with cobblestone streets, this quaint beach town gives you total 1950s vibes. Take a bike ride around town to see how truly mesmerizing Rosemary Beach is.
La Crema– inspired by the restaurants of Spain, this tucked away bar has an array of small plates, authentic wines, and interesting desserts. i.e chocolate bacon
Havana Beach Bar & Grill– Residing in the focal point of Rosemary Beach, The Pearl Hotel features the rooftop Havana Beach Bar & Grill with breathtaking gulf views.
Seacrest Beach
Cozy between Rosemary & Alys Beach, the places to explore are endless! A good pair of flip-flops or a bike ride will get you everywhere you want to go around the village of shops and food.
La Cocina– Latin inspired cuisine with a coastal twist! A menu filled with deliciousness; pick from a variety of tacos, mouth watering appetizers, or entrees to satisfy your latin & seafood cravings all in the same place. Located in the heart of the Village of Seacrest.
Decadent Coffee– A gift to your senses, walk in and immediately get overwhelmed by the sweet aroma of the fresh baked goods and custom in house blend roast.
Alys Beach
Right out of a California dream! Alys Beach is the symbol of glamour on 30a– towering palm trees line the road that welcomes you into the Bermudan inspired all white architecture.
Georges-Upscale yet casual, located on a beautiful part of the beach. Plates are designed based off locally grown organic produce and fresh caught seafood!
Seagrove Beach
Just over two miles of beautiful oakwood trees,Gulf views, and the most public beach access points on 30a, Seagrove Beach has been a prime hangout spot since the 1940s.
Seagrove Village Market Cafe– Serving “deep fried love” since 1949. Their famous grouper sandwich was named one of the “100 things you must eat before you die” by Garden and Guns magazine.
Cafe Thirty-A- Routinely voted as one of 30a’s hot spots for fine dining, casual yet sophisticated, you can rock just a pair of flip flops here and fit right in for dinner 7 days a week.
Seaside
Beautiful walking paths along white sandy beaches and calming waves, there’s a reason Seaside has been named “Best Beach on Earth” in the Travel and Leisure magazine & was also included in USA Today’s “Top 10 Beach Towns” in Florida. The most unique part of this authentic colony is, “Airstream Row” which is made up of an array of food trucks & vintage air streams with a variety of food choices all made to order.
Barefoot BBQ– Hormone and steroid free BBQ, even better than your neighborhood get togethers
Frost Bites– serves Hawaiian shaved ice, homemade frozen custard, and fresh squeezed lemonade, the perfect spot to cool you off at the beach
The Meltdown on 30a– A new spin on the grilled cheese sandwich tomato soup that mom used to make
Raw & Juicy– Organic juice smoothies, raw food, and healthy snacks perfect to take down to the beach
Wild Bills Beach Dogs– hotdogs from grass fed beef from the Five Dot Ranch, as well as. family farmed pork and pasture raised turkey hot dogs
Crepes du Soleil– Taking France to the beach, delicious made to order crepes, either sweet or savory. Be sure to grab a frose or frozen lemonade!
Pickles Beachside Grille– A colorful environment, Pickles Beachside Grille is ideal for the whole family. All American, serving burgers, chili cheese dogs, fried grouper sandwiches, and their MEGA famous fried pickles.
Most of you have probably heard that any wine YOU like is a good wine. This is true if simply enjoying wine is your goal. To determine what is good for you, all you need is to give it a swish and take a sip. Your taste buds will decide “yes” or “no.”
It’s true that figuring out what you like is an important component of wine tasting, but it’s not the only component. Quickly passing judgment about a wine is not the same as truly understanding and evaluating it. As you become more knowledgeable you will begin to acquire a taste profile and you will begin to identify the main flavors and scent components in every wine you try. You will know the basic characteristics of the most important varietal grapes, and beyond that, the blended wines from the best wine-producing regions. You will also be able to quickly point out specific flaws in bad wines.
Picking the best wine for yourself or a dinner party can be truly exhausting. Just look at all those bottles lining the shelves! Red, white, sparkling… it’s easy to pick the same bottle over and over, but variety is key when hosting. To help you narrow the choices, here is a list of the most popular types of wines so you can find something everyone might like:
Pinot Grigio
Particularly from Italy, is known for being dry, light, fruity, and easy drinking; making it one of the most popular wines. These acidic pinot grigios pair easily with fish, chicken and shellfish.
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is the most planted grape in the world and the U.S., though many either love it or hate it. It is often noted as being “buttery” or “oaky” in flavor varietals.
Rosé
More of a style of winemaking versus a grape, rosé wines are made when red grape skins are left in contact with the wine for a short time, allowing a little color to be imparted but not as much as a red wine. Rosé has soared in popularity over the past few years due to its quaffability and ease of pairing with pretty much everything. Flavors can range from strawberry to citrus to melon.
Pinot Noir
Lighter than other grapes (such as merlot, malbec and cabernet sauvignon), pinot noir is fruity and soft, making it a crowd pleaser for red-wine drinkers.
Cabernet Sauvignon
With flavors of black currant, anise and black pepper, cabernet sauvignon is the most popular red wine. Cabernet sauvignon known for its’ boldness is grown in almost every wine-growing region in the world. Cabernet sauvignon is a fabulous choice if you’re serving red meat; if it’s a little too strong for your palate look for blended wines such as merlot, malbec, cabernet franc, or petit verdot.
There are often Florida wine tastings making it a great way to be introduced to new wines and gain knowledge of types and pairings. Now it’s time to get out there and start tasting. Here is a list of places to start with. Have fun and enjoy the ride!
Local places to go for wine:
Wild Olives – Rosemary Beach, FL
Paradis – Rosemary Beach, FL
Havana Beach Bar and Grill in the Pearl – Rosemary Beach, FL
Cuvee, 30Avenue – Rosemary Beach, FL
Old Florida Fish House – Seagrove, FL
Coastal Dunes – Seagrove, FL
The Wine Bar – Watercolor
Check out our guide to all of the fun the whole family can enjoy on their 30a trip!
30a Photo Bus
A gem created by 30a Beach Girls, the 30a Photo Bus is a vintage 1963 Volkswagon van that has been converted into a photo booth with fun props to strike a pose! Get your pictures printed on the spot to have memories to last a lifetime, and yes it still drives!
Grayton Beach All Natural Kiddie Pool
Where Western Lake meets the Gulf of Mexico creates a perfect pool of water with no waves or currents making it great for kids to enjoy!
Vintage Movies at Eden Gardens
Enjoy free great vintage movies under the stars in the beautiful Eden Gardens National Park for just $4 admission to the park. Blankets, chairs, and coolers are welcome!
Stand Up Paddleboarding
This activity is perfect for adventurous older kids and teens. We recommend paddling across one of our rare coastal dune lakes. Lake Powell and Western Lake are two of our faves, there are many to choose from. South Walton’s Dune Lakes are very rare, only appearing a few places around the globe. The calm waters make it the most ideal place to learn or perfect Paddleboarding before taking it out to sea! Several of 30A Beach Girls properties include SUP boards!
Family Bike Ride
30A is one of the best places in Northern Florida for biking due to its impressive network of 30A Bike Trails with ahhmazing scenic views. We recommend trying the Timpochee Trail, which stretches almost the entire length of 30A. Best part of this is all of 30A Beach Girls properties come with FREE bikes!!!
Let’s Go Sightseeing
A fun, relaxing, and easy way to get some fresh air without spending too much time at the beach is going on a 30A boat tour. Everyone in your group will love an immersive and unforgettable trip through misty mangroves, stunning clear-water springs, and beautiful bays. We recommend booking a trip with Backwater Tours, we are more than happy to make these arrangements for you!
Get Artsy and Channel Your Creativity
The Shard Shop in Grayton specializes in a unique form of art called ShardWorx Art. ShardWorx Art allows you to build a gorgeous masterpiece by placing glass on canvas then covering it with a clear glistening coat of resin. Go to one of their daily DIY art classes in Grayton to try out a one of a kind art experience. They have everything you need to make your own art including glass, resin, mixed media materials. Makes for a perfect escape from hot or rainy weather.
Baytown Warf
The Village of Baytowne Wharf is a short 20-minute drive away. The kids will love climbing the rock walls, going ziplining, playing in the water features, and attending magic shows here. The adults in your party will love it, too! There are countless boutiques here offering upscale ladies’ clothing, beachwear, fishing gear, gifts, and more.
Gulf World Marine
Gulf World Marine is so much more than an aquarium! You’ll find indoor and outdoor tropical gardens as well as several exhibits showcasing penguins, flamingos, sharks, sea turtles, and more. Additionally, there are daily live shows starring dolphins, sea lions, reptiles, and tropical birds. It’s a perfect stop for all ages (and an exceptional rainy day activity).
The Hub
The Hub is your one-stop shop for family fun on 30A. This festive gathering place features world-class music and weekly events. After a fun day at the beach, come out for a night of live music, great food, and drinks. The Hub also features a family movie night on the 25’ Jumbotron and has multiple TV screens to watch the latest game.
Camp Rosemary Beach
There are plenty of fun activities to enjoy on Rosemary Beach. During the summertime, your kids will love going to Camp Rosemary. This day camp is a great way for your child to make friends while having a blast on vacation. Each day includes arts and crafts, sports activities, crazy pool games, beach expeditions, and more! The camp is designed for children 5-12 years old, but there is also a teen night on Thursdays.
Bonfire on the Beach
End your perfect day of fun in the sun with a relaxing bonfire on the beach! Relax by the fire, listen to the waves crash on the beach, roast a marshmallow or three, and enjoy the company of your favorite people. S’mores, a seafood boil we can customize whatever you want to add.
Family-Friendly Fishing Charter
Treat the little ones to a family-friendly fishing charter! Share your love of the open water with your kiddos on a 2 or 3 hour customizable fishing trip. Your experienced captain will take his time explaining the different types of fish and gear. Your kids will have the opportunity to catch some fish and enjoy quality time with their loved ones on the water!
Parasailing
Fly with your closest friends or family members as you soar to astounding heights above the Emerald Coast. Feel the calm weightlessness as you glide over the stunning waters of the Gulf of Mexico. With safety always in mind, you can trust that Xtreme H2O will make this the most memorable parasailing experience ever. We are happy to make reservations for you and your family for this exciting adventure!
Hey girl hey, grab your best girlfriends and plan your 30a getaway!
Visitors from all over the country are flocking to Beautiful Scenic Highway 30A to discover what the hype is all about. With so many choices, how do you possibly fit the best into one girls’ epic trip?
Here are our tips and tricks to having the best girls’ reunion, bachelorette party, birthday trip or just time away from the kids.
WHERE TO STAY ON 30A
We have several high en d luxury homes perfectly equipped to host your trip. Homes with ensuite, private heated pools, decks overlooking the golf, kitchens set up for a private chef… call us with your specific needs and we will connect you with the perfect house.
WHAT TO DO ON 30A
PADDLE BOARD
Not only will it be pants-wetting hilarious when you or your besties fall off the board, but you can burn some calories. Our favorite place to rent is at the Watercolor Boat House because you can paddle around and get your bearings. Visit 30A Paddleboard Yoga for an added experience of yoga right on the board.
YOGA CLASS
For first-time yogis or dedicated followers, try Otium Studios, a hip, tudio based out of Savannah. Try a private class for up to 14 people, or take a drop-in class. A few others include: Balance Health Studio, and 30-A Yoga. Check with local studios to see if you can book a private class for your girls’ weekend, or have an instructor come to you. We have several we can recommend for private classes in your vacation rental or on the beach.
BEER TASTING AT LOCAL BREWERIES
Craft beer isn’t just for the boys. Here on 30A, we have the well-respected Grayton Beer Company, with namesake paying homage to 30A’s Grayton Beach. Visit the Tap Room to see the beer making up-close. Their Brew Pub in Grayton Beach offers beer flights and food. Idyll Hounds Brewing Company also has a tap room to try favorites like Divide and Conch’r and seasonal selections. Drive a little farther into Destin for McGuire’s Irish Puband Destin Brewery, or head right over the bridge to Fort Walton Beach for Props Brewery & Grill.
ART CLASS
Use those creative juices and take home a souvenir. Most of the classes offer a beach-inspired landscape, or sea-life painting such as starfish, shells and palm trees. Try The shard shop. Check with us for artist trips we hold them in the off months, all inclusive with chef meals, yoga, bike trips and more to get your creative juices flowing!
WINE TASTING AT NEAT BOTTLE SHOP
One of the things I love most about 30A are the quaint well-decorated rooms hiding behind every corner, and Neat is one of these. Head inside the tasting room for shareable bites, creative cocktails and wine tasting galore. Great pre-dinner bites and sips for the night ahead.
SPA DAY
Self care? Vacations are the perfect time to start! 30A is home to multiple places for facials, massages and other luxurious treatments. The Spa Pearlin Rosemary Beach has treatment rooms poolside, and after a treatment, the pool is all yours for the day. Other choices include the Watercolor Inn Spa, or take a short drive to Destin, and visit two more inclusive spa experiences (think lavender steam room, sauna and Himalayan salt room) at The Henderson and Hilton Sandestin.
Shopping!
We love to shop and 30a is home to some amazing boutiques!! Start at Willow at the 30a Ave shoppes. You won’t be disappointed from Golden Goose to Veronica Beard and other sought after designer pieces.
BEACH DAY
The biggest draw to the Emerald Coast are the beaches, which stretch for miles of white and every shade of cyan blue. If you are not staying close to the beach, don’t fret! Check out this list of public beach accesses along 30A.
RIDE BIKES
The easiest way to soak in all the area has to offer is to ride bikes (And, no, I wouldn’t suggest tackling the entire stretch of 30A in one day). Pick the area closest to where you are staying, or drive and rent bikes in one of the communities. If you rent a beach house, it may even come with a few beach cruisers. My favorite stretch is Seagrove, Seaside and Watercolor, but you could also do the stretch between Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach. All our homes include bikes and many include electric bikes… haven’t had an electric bike trip yet ohhh girls you have to!
BEACH BONFIRE
We loved e hosting bonfires!! Beach Boyz will set up a fire pit, chairs and tiki torches right on the beach. We of course follow the “leave no trace” policy, and clean up after the night has ended. We bring the cooler, can even pick up food I suggest boil and of course s’mores (ask about gourmet style) for a fun evening (and amazing sunset views if you time it right).
SHRIMP BOIL
Restaurants can get crowded if you are visiting during peak times. Catering food to your vacation home is a great way to have a more low-key evening. A great way to feed a larger group during your girls’ weekend is to host a shrimp boil. Signature Catering of 30A offers this set up right on the beach or in your home. Also try Lesgo Personal Chef. This is also a great add on to your bonfire or we can set up at your vacation home!
SEASONAL EVENTS
30A offers a wide variety of events during the year. A few of my favorites include: the Seaside Fourth of July parade and the fantastic wine festivals. This includes the 30A Wine Festival at Alys Beach and the Seeing Red Wine Festival in Seaside. These would both be great events to attend with your girlfriends. The 30A Songwriters Festival is also a must-do to see national music talent.
WHERE TO DRINK ON 30A
From sips by the sea to views from above the rooftops–it is always 5 o’clock when you are on vacation. Here are the best spots to grab a drink during your girls’ weekend.
Chiringo has quickly become one of my favorite spots for drinks and Mexican-inspired eats. The downstairs has great wrap-around seating with a front row view to the drink making, or you can grab a seat in the comfy chairs on the lawn. Order the island-inspired Billy Ocean with ginger, pineapple and mango or the house margarita.
LA CREMA TAPAS FOR WINE AND DESSERT–ROSEMARY BEACH
Chances are you have a friend who has been to Rosemary Beach, and they will recommend La Crema. A staple in this beach community, with the best smells of melting cheese and chocolate fondue. Don’t miss the fruity sangria, and the wide selection of wines. Another favorite is the chocolate-covered bacon.
HAVANA BEACH ROOFTOP LOUNGE AT THE PEARL–ROSEMARY BEACH
Visit the rooftop of The Pearl for the perfect place to take a group photo. Face the beach and have the staple yellow umbrellas in the back, or opt for a beach background. Happy Hour is from 3-6 p.m., so try and get your hands on a frozen mule for $7.
PESCADO’S BAR FOR SEASONAL COCKTAILS–ROSEMARY BEACH
From prickly pear margaritas to dill-infused gin drinks–Pescado is a great place to go for sips, and views of Rosemary Beach, and the gulf. If the waitlist is too long for a table, head to the bar seating outside, and make sure to arrive before sunset. Sure to become one of your faves!
GREAT SOUTHERN CAFE FOR MOJITOS–SEASIDE
Great Southern Cafe is famous for their mojitos, which come in flavors galore: mango, coconut and more. Plus, since they don’t take reservations, waiting by the bar is a great way to pass the time while you wait for a table.
WANT A LATE NIGHT OUT?
If you want to check out the bar scene, take your girls’ weekend out to AJ’s Grayton Beach. If you don’t mind the long Uber or Lyft ride, take a drive to the Destin Harbor for a bar-hopping experience: AJ’s Destin, and a few more are within walking distance of each other.
WHERE TO EAT ON 30A
Let’s be honest, a good vacation always involves food. I love to say my “phone eats first,” because if you didn’t get a good picture, did it really happen? Here are my picks for best eats for your girls’ weekend.
LUNCH AND DINNER ON 30A
LA CREMA TAPAS AND CHOCOLATE–ROSEMARY BEACH
With small plates, and an entire side of the menu involving chocolate, this intimate space on the main stretch of Rosemary Beach smells decadent when you arrive at the host stand. Start out with the sweet white or red sangria, and cheese fondue. Don’t miss the lobster-stuffed mushroom caps or the steak tostadas. For dessert, have each guest at your table order a different type of chocolate: espresso cookie, chocolate molten cake or an order of chocolate fondue to share.
SHUNK GULLEY OYSTER BAR–SANTA ROSA BEACH
When the garage doors come up, the sunsets are unmatched at Shunk Gulley. The restaurant perches above a public beach access with uninterrupted views of the rolling gulf. We started out at the bar while we waited for a table, and sipped on Jalapeño margaritas, which included muddled jalapeños and a salty finish. The tuna poke appetizer comes in a stack with avocado, sesame soy ginger dressing and won-ton chips to load up with the scrumptious poke. We ordered the gulf sandwich with blackened grouper, heirloom tomatoes and slaw, which was delicious and a huge portion of fish. If you don’t want a sandwich, basket or oysters (the majority of the menu), the chef features daily specials on their Facebook page, so make sure to take a look before visiting.
Sit atop Rosemary Beach’s most elite homes and soak in the views of the gulf at this soon-to-be 30A staple. The bartender recommended the “Pescado 76” so that is exactly what we ordered. The fusion of Meyer lemon, basil and bubbly prosecco was a refreshing start to dinner. We sampled the pepper-seared tuna & blue crab from the raw bar section of the menu and loved the striking combination of flavors from the peppers and aioli on top of the tuna. The clams & mussels were delicious, slow-cooked in a Thai-infused coconut milk and ginger sauce. The menu is a culinary-fanatic’s dream, with offerings from the raw bar to shareable feasts like the whole-grilled fish. We enjoyed the visual merge of small plates whisking around the dining room followed by colorful cocktails and the chef’s daily creations.
LACOCINA MEXICAN GRILL & BAR–SEACREST BEACH
Need some chips and guac for dinner? This is just the place. I love their house-made guacamole with pepitas, cotija and pomegranate. The tacos and enchiladas are also all good. Don’t forget a margarita!
Sushi lovers flock to this spot settled on Choctawhatchee Bay with a laid-back vibe, but well-prepared food. We loved the Thai Shrimp Lettuce Wraps as an appetizer before our sushi, but make sure to also consider ordering the chef’s special when you visit. The chef had homemade tomato soup with a pizza-style Focaccia bread when we were there and we couldn’t resist the order. Sushi favorites are the The Bay Roll (spicy) and the John the 2nd Roll.
Sit along the wrap-around white porch of this feels-like-grandma’s house restaurant right in the middle of the action of Seaside Square. They are famous for Grits-s-Ya-Ya with creamy mushroom sauce, blackened shrimp all over a bed of rich gouda grits with a crispy carrot topping. We also love the crab cakes and fried green tomato appetizer. Don’t leave without trying a coconut mojito, and make sure to arrive early with a big group, the lines get long!
By far the most well-known restaurant on 30A, up there with Bud and Alley’s, the Red Bar is a favorite for visitors far and wide to Grayton Beach. Enter into the intimate, red-lit space screaming 80s eclectic from all walls. If you are lucky, a jazz band will be strumming away in the corner while you eat. The menu is served on a chalkboard with only five items–but don’t fret, all five are stand-out. I recommend the Panne Chicken topped with lemon butter caper sauce and served with the most amazing mashed potatoes and salad with a house-made tomato vinaigrette. The cucumber margarita is a refreshing pair to dinner. And good news, they now accept credit cards.
Surfing Deer has a Southern California vibe with the added charm of Gulf flavors. Favorites include the flavorful clothesline bacon, served with clothespins on a a wire, rich lobster tacos, and the everything bagel wedge salad.
You cannot miss the best local deal on 30A: Cafe Thirty-A’s two-for-one entrees! Check their social media for times (typically from 5-6 p.m.) Tini Tuesday and Thursdays mean $5 martinis of all kinds (they have very well-mixed martinis). We always start with the tuna poke, and end with one of their great desserts. You can’t go wrong with any of the entrees, Cafe Thirty-A is a staple (it has been around since 1995).
With a recent revamp, FOOW has added more causal menu items for any time dining. The Carolina Pimento Cheese Toast is a great way to start, or the plentiful seafood gumbo. Choose from seafood baskets, handhelds, or tacos. Everything has a dressed-up Southern feel. At 5 p.m., they begin serving larger entrees, including swordfish and grouper.
With a renovation in 2019, Bud and Alley’s is better than ever. Start with the house-made smoked tuna dip, and move on to the crab cakes, or gulf fish. The owners also run a pizza bar and taco bar close by if you want something more relaxed.
This quaint cottage packs quite the punch in the flavor department. The seafood plates are a classic pick, served Southern style with grits, hush puppies and slaw. Make sure to check the chalkboard for seasonal specials.
GRAB AND GO EATS ON 30A
The Hub 30A and the Seaside Airstreams are two great places to check out. The Hub has a few small restaurants (more like permanent food trucks) to grab different types of food, while you enjoy a concert, or movie on the lawn. The Seaside Airstreams include Frost Bites, Barefoot Barbecue, Raw & Juicy and more for grabbing food to-go.
BREAKFAST AND BRUNCH ON 30A
BLACK BEAR BREAD COMPANY–GRAYTON BEACH
The locals know this is the spot for the best coffee and tartines (a fancy way to say open sandwich) in the area. For girls’ weekend, arrive early to beat the lines, which reach out of the door and down the steps of this quaint cafe in Grayton Beach as the day goes on. My personal favorite is the avocado tartine (I am a self-proclaimed avocado toast specialist, and their toast is hard to beat), but the salmon is a must-try as well.
THE PERFECT PIG–SEAGROVE BEACH AND WATERCOLOR
The deep scent of sweet maple bacon wafts toward you when entering The Perfect Pig. They serve lunch and dinner as well, but the breakfast is a must-try. Try the pork belly biscuit or the mouth-watering biscuits and gravy.
A New Orleans-raised chef, and James Beard Award-winner, brought this restaurant to 30A, and we are oh-so-thankful. Do not go here without ordering one of their famous, buttery biscuits. The Huevos Rancheros Grit Bowl is to die for.
WORTH THE DRIVE: MAMA CLEMENZA’S
This location is not on 30A, but it is worth driving into Miramar Beach for Mama’s fabulous breakfast (the picture above is eggs Benedict on a Yorkshire pudding muffin). Start with the espresso biscuits and a mimosa, and make sure to check the specials board. Mama makes sure to taste all of the chef’s creations before they make the board.
BEACH WARNING FLAGS:
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30a is the perfect location to reconnect with your partner, spark a flame, or treat someone special to a special night. Whether you’re a foodie or adventure chaser, 30a holds something for everyone.
For those with children who need an escape, 30a Beach Girls offers in-home babysitting. To ensure comfort knowing your little ones are in good hands & having just as fun of a night as you are, we bring activities that your children will enjoy such as coloring, games, or movies. Contact us for booking & rates.
Watch the sun go down the best way. Many boating companies offer sunset tours from the water. The “Keep on Sippin” cruise takes place on a pontoon boat while encouraging couples to bring their own wine & snacks to enjoy. If you prefer sailing, “Paradise Adventures” takes you on a sailboat for 2 hours with a bottomless bar available for purchase, while also offering 1 complimentary drink per guest. Live music is also part of the journey.
Something that will never get old is fun for free! Grab your favorite beer or bottle of wine, blanket, snacks & head to the beach for a nighttime picnic with good conversation & the sound of the waves crashing filling your ears for a perfect night of relaxation with your special someone.
Bud & Alley’s
Located in Seaside with Gulf Views. Where fine dining meets southern cuisine with locally sourced fish & produce, Bud & Alleys features an array of seafood dishes including steak & pasta, making it the perfect spot for anyone’s date night.
The Terrace
Two words. Citrus butter. Actually, four words, citrus butter and martinis. Mediterranean cuisine with a martini list of over a dozen combinations. They have made themselves a star in Inlet Beach, The Terrace is a perfect cozy night made for great conversation & cocktails.
Edward Fine Food & Wine
Create a date night straight out of an old movie. Candle lit tables while black & white movies are displayed in the court yard. Double French doors open to allow you to view the chef working their magic in the kitchen, while sipping on 115. different wine selections. This is truly an experience you can’t get anywhere else.