30A, Florida // Travel Guide
Like many of you, this year our Spring Break trip has been cancelled. We are truly disappointed, but understand the rationale. That said, we had the incredible chance to spend a week on three separate occasions in my former home of Rosemary Beach, Florida last year. I was fortunate to live there while in college studying at Florida State, often making the commute to campus. I couldn't wait to share this place with which I have been able to enjoy since birth with Hannah, and a few years ago, we made our first trip here together. Needless to say, Hannah fell head over heels in love!
Life moves slowly and peacefully on 30A, the 30 to 45 MPH “highway” that runs along the beach. Here, many towns sit near the sea and offer quaint amenities and views one cannot forget. The beaches of 30A have been voted the most beautiful in the world over and over again. They may truly be the most beautiful sugar white sand gems in the United States. Rent bikes, kayaks, paddle boards or golf carts. Walk, run, and see the exquisite vistas of the Florida beaches.
ROSEMARY BEACH
Hannah was FREAKING OUT while taking her first steps through Rosemary Beach. Truly, this is a place that we cannot sufficiently describe to you. You NEED to go see it for yourself. This small beach town is filled with magnificent, European-like homes, elaborate landscaping, and unique architecture. The level to which this place is perfectly manicured, is mind-blowing. I have never seen my wife in a happier state.
ALYS BEACH
Alys Beach is one of those places that you won't believe exists. Let me paint a picture for you. This beach town sits on the Gulf of Mexico, and is filled with multi million dollar homes boasting architecture and design akin to that of Greece. Grab lunch at George's and take a short stroll around town to enjoy a few minutes of the mesmerizing sight your eyes may ever see.
SEASIDE
Seaside, FL is the backdrop of the Jim Carrey movie, the Truman Show. It is as perfectly manicured in real life as is portrayed in the movie. Explore the charming beach side town and its many shops and eateries. Walk through the cobbled streets and appreciate the architecure and homes. It’s as an idyllic a place as you'll ever see.
GRAYTON BEACH
Known for its historic and artsy charm, Grayton Beach is a small village just 2 miles west of Seaside. It is much less populous, and "under the radar" than it's neighboring towns. Grayton also features one of our favorite restaurants in town, Chiringo. More on that below!
Where To Eat :
BLACK BEAR BREAD CO.
One of the most charming establishments in America, Black Bear is a coffee and breakfast spot that has lines daily (for good reason!). It has indoor and outdoor seating, and exceptional pastries. Worth the stop, and the wait!
GEORGE'S
One mile from Rosemary, in the ultra posh community of Alys Beach, is George’s. George's is one of the most spectacular restaurants, sitting right on highway 30A. The grouper sandwich is the freshest, juiciest I’ve had. We prefer the lunch menu over dinner.
CHIRINGO
Located in Grayton, the brains that brought Tin Lizzy's to ATL, developed this incredible beachside restaurant. From the upstairs, the restaurant offers ocean views. Oh, and all of food is excellent!
HUB 30a
The Hub is a new venue in town! The Hub has many small eateries, market style, and an enormous outdoor viewing area for movies or sports, a stage for live music and shops to entertain. An amazing place to watch football in the fall!
SHADES at the Loop
My favorite local haunt when I lived in this area, Shades is a sports bar atmosphere with better food. TV's abound so you can watch your favorite southern team! They also have outdoor seating, corn hole, and projectors outside. Walkable from Rosemary or Inlet Beach as well.
RAW & JUICY
A juice and coffee bar located in Alys Beach, Raw & Juicy is your healthy friends favorite spot in 30A. You can grab a smoothie and jump right onto the path and walk or bike for miles! Hannah's favorite.
AMICI
A newer restaurant located in 30Avenues, on 98 right near Rosemary Beach, Amici is an Italian restaurant with a bevy of options and a wonderful, airy atmosphere. There is also indoor and outdoor seating, and TV's for watching your favorite sporting events.
MODICA MARKET
The world renowned Modica Market is situated downtown Seaside and is worth the stop. The chicken salad is my literal favorite in the world. I essentially survived on it during college. They have amazing desserts, lunch options and groceries as well. I am drooling just daydreaming of their chocolate cake and the chicken salad...
THE OUTPOST
A new spot located attached to a beach inspired housewares store that Hannah absolute loved, Outpost has terrific coffee and is a fun spot to grab a beverage to go before your walk or time at the beach.
Other great restaurants:
La Cocina in Rosemary Beach; Goatfeathers in 30Avenues, Great Southern Cafe in Seaside
Thanks for reading. Don't miss out on this coastal gem (and best kept secret in the world!)
We miss 30A every single day. It's a vastly different feeling than most of the places that we travel to. It has a genuine homeyness, distinct beauty, and a comfort about it that Hannah and I find unparalleled.
-Ty + Han