We are not exaggerating when we tell you that the 30A landscape (and seascape!) is quite possibly one of the most beautiful ones in the world, offering sugar white sands created from quartz that has eroded to the finest crystals over thousands of years, turquoise waters so clear it is easy to watch its denizens going about their daily business, and a verdant countryside so lush and serene visitors often wish they could call this section of Florida their home. But there’s more to the scenery than beaches and palm trees. There are historic coastal dune lakes that have been around for tens of thousands of years, there are charming neighborhoods that, while they could never blend into the background, complement the beauty of their surroundings, and beautiful nature preserves where flora and fauna coexist peacefully in the safest of environments. A visit to Florida offers an opportunity to play outside as often as possible, only coming in at the end of each day to enjoy the comforts a 30A Beach Girls sanctuary can bring, and this guide to all the fun you can have during your play will help you fill every minute of your 30A vacation in paradise!
A Walk Through Paradise
There are varying levels of walking, from a simple stroll along the beach at sunrise or sunset to a hike along the trails that lead guests through the parks and recreation areas that dot the landscape. Start every day with the stroll that will bring you peace, letting the serenity of the sea seep into your bones as the sky scrolls through a kaleidoscope of colors and the waters crash against the sugar white sands or, for those non-morning people amongst our guests, save this same delight for the evenings. A Florida sunset has been known to draw applause, stopping people in their tracks and leaving them mesmerized by the show in the sky, and ending your stroll on the beach with that high note will bring you memories you will cherish forever.
Time for the Hiking Shoes
If you really want to get out and enjoy the landscape, however, a hike along the trails is destined to be your favorite way to do so! There are over 15 miles of hiking trails to explore in Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, including the No Name Trail that leads hikers to the idyllic beauty of the smallest coastal dune lake in the park, the No Name Lake! The coastal dune lakes are a rare natural phenomenon appearing in only four countries, with Florida offering up a whopping 15 of these bodies of water. The No Name Trail is a short one, but is filled with natural experiences, including possible alligator sightings, that you will want to document, so don’t forget to include a camera in your list of hiking necessities!
Under the Sea
The world under the sea is a fascinating one that you will definitely want to explore closely, and snorkeling and scuba diving are two of our favorite ways to watch and learn. Snorkeling needs very little training and even less equipment, so it is often the most popular way to examine life underwater and can be done pretty much anywhere, including the aforementioned Topsail Hill Preserve State Park around Seahorse Reef. Many local companies (Dive 30A in Santa Rosa Beach is a popular one) offer snorkeling tours, so if you don’t feel comfortable trying it by yourself, be sure to check out what’s available out there. Scuba diving is a sport that requires more training, but if you have your certification and want to check out something really cool, the Underwater Museum of Art, located less than a mile off the shore of Grayton Beach, is something you really should explore! Every year artists submit works of art that are designed to be a permanent part under the sea and become home to many of the sea’s creatures, ensuring your explorations will be unlike anything you have ever seen before.
At Home with 30A Beach Girls
As comfortable as our Florida escapes are, you will also be able to find plenty to do outside them during your stay! Beachfront properties, of course, offer all the beachy fun you desire, including fishing, swimming, jet skiing, and all-around frolicking and during March, April, and part of May, 30A Beach Girls is offering free beach bonfires which just may be our most favorite outdoor activity of all! Our condos provide access to community amenities which can include resort style pools, hot tubs, barbecue grills, and even the use of bicycles for exploring the communities around the condo you chose. Reserve your favorite sanctuary today and discover how much the right vacation home can make your Florida getaway shine even brighter!