What is 30A?
30A refers to a scenic highway and the surrounding beach communities along County Road 30A in Walton County, Florida. Nestled between Destin and Panama City Beach, this stretch of the Emerald Coast is famous for its sugar-white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and laid-back yet upscale vibe.
What makes the nature around 30A special?
The 30A area is home to rare coastal dune lakes (found in only a few places in the world), longleaf pine forests, and protected state parks like Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve. Nature lovers can explore:
- Bird watching and wildlife spotting
- Hiking and biking trails
- Kayaking or paddleboarding in serene dune lakes
- Stunning sunsets over the Gulf
What is the population of the 30A area?
Walton County has about 80,000 permanent residents, but the population along 30A itself is much smaller and seasonal. Many homes are second residences or vacation rentals, so the number of people swells significantly during holidays and summer months.
How popular is 30A with tourists?
Very! 30A is a major luxury and family-friendly travel destination. With over 4 million visitors annually to Walton County, many come specifically for 30A’s charm. The area is known for its:
- Walkable beach towns like Seaside, Rosemary Beach, and Alys Beach
- Bike-friendly paths and nature trails
- Gorgeous rental homes, cottages, and boutique hotels
What’s the real estate market like on 30A?
The 30A real estate market is hot and high-end. It features:
- Luxury beachfront homes and condos
- Charming cottages with southern architecture
- New urbanist communities (like Seaside and Alys Beach) with walkable designs
- Strong demand for vacation rental investment properties
Prices vary widely, but beachfront homes often exceed $3 million, while condos and inland properties offer more affordable options starting in the $500k+ range.
What are the best things to do on 30A?
Outdoor Adventures
- Rent a bike and ride the 19-mile Timpoochee Trail
- Explore Grayton Beach State Park
- Paddleboard on Western Lake
- Charter a fishing or dolphin cruise
Arts & Culture
- Attend events at the Seaside Amphitheater
- Browse galleries in Grayton and Seaside
- Check out the 30A Songwriters Festival (January)
Shopping & Markets
- Visit the Seaside Farmers Market (Saturdays)
- Shop local boutiques in Rosemary Beach and WaterColor
What are the best places to eat on 30A?
Beach Casual
- The Perfect Pig – brunch & Southern fare
- Pickle’s Burger & Shake in Seaside
- Chiringo – casual eats with Gulf views
Seafood & Fine Dining
- George’s at Alys Beach – upscale coastal cuisine
- Cafe Thirty-A – long-time favorite for fresh seafood
- Restaurant Paradis – Rosemary Beach’s fine dining gem
Local Treats
- Blue Mountain Creamery – homemade ice cream
- Black Bear Bread Co. – artisan bakery and café
- The Meltdown on 30A – gourmet grilled cheeses
When is the best time to visit 30A?
- Spring (March–May): Ideal weather, wildflowers, and fewer crowds
- Summer (June–August): Most popular (and busy), perfect for beach time
- Fall (Sept–Nov): Warm temps, fewer tourists, great for festivals
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Peaceful, cooler, and a great time for snowbird stays
What are some must-see beach towns on 30A?
- Seaside
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- Iconic & Artsy
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- Movie-famous, pastel cottages, events
- Grayton Beach
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- Laid-back & Eclectic
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- Funky art, Red Bar, State Park
- Rosemary Beach
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- Upscale & Romantic
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- European feel, brick streets, fine dining
- Alys Beach
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- Modern & Stylish
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- White architecture, high-end shops
- WaterColor
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- Family-Friendly
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- Nature paths, beach club, great for biking
How do I get around 30A?
- Bike rentals are extremely popular and safe
- Golf carts (rented or owned) are allowed in most neighborhoods
- 30A Trolley (seasonal) provides limited public transit
- Most communities are walkable and bike-friendly