30A: Where to eat, drink, & Stay!
(& anything else I think might be helpful!)
What is 30A
If you’ve never heard of 30A before, it's a string of beach communities along Scenic Highway 30A in South Walton, FL. They’re all connected by bike paths, the most beautiful white sand beaches, turquoise water that rivals Turks & Caicos (imo!), the most incredible restaurants, and the most charming, coastal vibe! Great for any group, families, couples, girls trips, babymoon, bachelorette, etc!
Airports
ECP: 20 miles / 30 minutes to Rosemary Beach
VPS: 48 miles / 1 hour 6 mins to Rosemary Beach
Allegiant and SW both offer direct flights from KC on certain days of the week!
How To Decide Where To Stay
There are so many areas that make up 30A, it can be really overwhelming when planning a trip, but from my experience, here’s my take!
Quiet/Local Feel: Inlet or Grayton Beach
Luxury: Alys Beach
Traveling w/ kids: Seacrest, Watercolor, Prominence
Walkable: Rosemary or Seaside
Before you book: Private vs Public Beach Access
One of the biggest things to consider (esp with kids) is private vs public beach access. This will always be specified in a rental description, so pay attention to that. If it’s not, send the host a message and ask, especially if you plan to do a lot of beach time!
Private: if your rental includes private beach access, it’s typically very close, easy to get to, and quieter!
Public: if your rental doesn’t include private access, don’t automatically count it out! Just make sure to find out how close the nearest public beach access is before booking! If it’s farther away, just know it will require a drive/golf cart!
Airbnbs
I always recommend an airbnb, esp with kids or a large group. I love having ample space, a kitchen to make breakfast in, pack lunches, a place to hang out all together at night, etc. There are TONS of rentals in this area, so take advantage!
Seacrest Airbnb: We stayed here most recently (July 2026) and we loved it. Loved the layout – bedrooms downstairs, living area and kitchen upstairs. This way, we could do naps/bedtime downstairs and then we got to hang upstairs and not worry about noise etc! Sleeps 12!
One thing to note: this house has a beach access right across the street, but it’s temporarily closed for maintenance. As of right now, the walk is a bit further and down quite a few stairs, so just keep this in mind!
Inlet Beach Airbnb: I’ve stayed here twice now (girls trip and family trip!), and absolutely love it! It’s smaller, but quaint and so charming! It is a less than 2 min walk to the beach, which is unbeatable in this area! Sleeps 4!
If you love a hotel vibe, The Pearl is beautiful, quiet, in an incredible location, and has an iconic pool!
Haven’t Stayed, but on my List!
sans kids: Kaiya Beach Resort (babymoon/couples trip, look here!)
with kids: Watersound/Prominence area (near the big chill, golf included, multiple pools, community center, etc)
When to Visit
Late April: nicest weather (75-80) and least busy, minimal wait times, beaches are quiet.
Early/Mid May: warm weather (81-84), still not insanely busy if you can get there before Memorial Day!
Sept: very warm (86-88), but school is back in session, crowds are thin after Labor Day!
Oct: Not as warm as Sept (80-83), cool evenings, fall break lands in Oct so busier than Sept, but still a great month to visit.
July**: This was our first year going in July, and it was busy, but if you need a summer trip, would highly rec the week after the fourth! Locals told us this was their dead week and it didn’t seem crazy at all. Very hot, but manageable.
Kid Friendly Restaurants
The Big Chill – outdoor, tons of different walk up restaurants, turf, outdoor games, live music, bars, great drinks, face painting, a dream for families!
Georges – They don’t take reservations but big, relaxed outdoor patio area for kids to play while you wait!
Old Florida Fish House – A little overpriced imo, but fun dinner spot with plenty of space for families, typically have live music here too. Make a res, this place is always packed.
Raw & Juicy – Perfect option for a breakfast or light lunch. They have smoothies, juices, acai bowls, a great break from vacation food. Tons of outdoor seating and an amazing turfed outdoor play area for kids!
Pizza By the Sea – family favorite for a no stress dinner. They have pizza, pasta, salad, etc. Great for takeout back at the airbnb or grab a pizza and bottle of wine and enjoy the sunset on the beach!
Coffee / Breakfast
Fonville Press – Aesthetic vibe and the besttt coffee imo. I go here at least 2x every trip! The cinnamon roll here and breakfast sandwich are our favorites. They don’t have a bad coffee, everything I’ve had is 10/10. They have cocktails too!
Salty Bottle – I have not had a chance to go here yet, but all my friends highly rec. They’ve gone viral on IG, so I think they get pretty busy but I hear the line moves quick. The coffees are SO cute and it’s first on my list for our next trip!
Black Bear – Great coffee and even better pastries. Cozy vibe, everything is so fresh, just an all around great coffee stop!
Raw & Juicy – Perfect option for a breakfast or light lunch. They have smoothies, juices, acai bowls, a great break from vacation food. Tons of outdoor seating and an amazing turfed outdoor play area for kids!
Donut Hole – The best donuts I’ve ever had. Run and grab to have back at your airbnb one morning, you will not regret it.
Drinks
The Pearl – an iconic 30A spot with craft cocktails and an amazing rooftop!
Citizen – great drinks, amazing apps, vibes 10/10
Pickles – local fave, laid back vibe, outdoor seating and live music
Pescado – best sunset views, incredible cocktails (need a res wayyy in advance!)
Cowgirl Kitchen – great spot for a post beach day marg
Peddlers – one of the best casual/hang out spots, live music, fire pits, etc (great spot for kids to run around too!)
Dinner
Oku – gorggg spot for sushi/japanese; perfect for date night, girls night, etc. vibey!
Pescado – best sunset dinner spot in 30A, incredible seafood, book way in advance for a rooftop res! Not kid friendly imo.
Georges – longtime 30A staple, upscale but not formal, wonderful food and drinks! No reservations here, go early.
Citizen – really vibey spot known for oysters, fresh seafood, and amazing cocktails.
Amici – italian, family friendly spot for when you’re not wanting seafood
LaCo – laid back mexican and great margs, family friendly, casual spot and typically live music right outside after dinner!
Things to Do
Beaches, duh!
Beach sunsets
Farmers market on sundays
Beach bonfire
Book photos (the sunsets here, insane, we will be doing this the next time we’re here and it's not so hot!)
Helpful Links
@30atravelguide — great 30A travel guide & recs!
@hey30a — 30A IG account
@30aarange — they come into your airbnb / rental and set up your groceries, organize everything & set up for when you get there!
Baby Quip — we’ve used them in 30A & it is the best service. If you need anything baby wise, pack & play, slumberpod, beach wagon, etc, you can rent using this service!