YOUR ULTIMATE DESTIN 30A VACATION GUIDE
The Destin 30A area is one of the most popular vacation destinations on the Gulf Coast. If you are planning a vacation to the Destin or 30A area, we have you covered! This guide features where to stay, what to do around town, and more. This will be your go-to resource for your vacation or staycation!
Thank you so much to our Sponsors for their support of this resource!
WHERE TO STAY
30A
Each beach town along 30A is unique. It is one of the coolest parts of the area! Here is a little bit about the vibe in each town.
Inlet Beach is on the far east end of 30A. It’s convenient because it’s a bit off the beaten path and on HWY 98. You will see new shops, restaurants, and still some cozy beach cottages.
Rosemary Beach is like a little European town right here in Florida. Stunning architecture, family-friendly events, and great walking paths.
Seacrest Beach is eclectic and right next to Rosemary Beach. You will find fun shops and great restaurants!
Alys Beach: You will know you are in Alys Beach once you pass the iconic white pillars that flank both sides of the town. In Alys Beach you will find white architecture everywhere with fun pops of colors on shutters and doors. This is a truly elegant beach town!
Seagrove Beach sits next to Seaside and is filled with several popular spots to eat + shop.
Seaside is the center of 30A and what most people think about when they think of 30A! It has the cutest town center with a photo worthy post office. You can walk the streets and see idyllic pastel beach cottages. You can even find the Truman Show house!
Watercolor is a high-end beach town next to Seaside. You will fall in love with the street lamp lined streets + boardwalks.
Grayton Beach: The most laid back beach town on 30A! Known for being pet friendly, having fun hand painted signs, and gorgeous dune lakes.
Blue Mountain Beach is on the west end of 30A. Blue Mountain Beach tends to be quieter which makes it popular for families. It has wide biking paths and great beach access points.
Destin
There are a ton of options in terms of where to stay in Destin! Here are some things to consider when you are researching:
+Beach Access: If you aren’t staying at a condo with beach access, you will need to look into where your closest access points are. Make sure to take note of that especially if your group are big fans of the beach!
+Will you have a car? Most people like having a rental car in Destin unless you plan to spend most of your time at your rental home/condo. If you would rather not have a car you can plan for ride share cost.
+Neighborhood vs Condo: There are several developments where you can easily rent a condo. There are also many airbnb options in neighborhoods. Depending on your group and your preferences, it is nice to have choices!
Here are some specific areas to look into:
- Fort Walton Beach / Okaloosa Island
- Miramar Beach
- Crystal Beach
- Holiday Isle
- Sandestin
- Harborwalk Village
THINGS TO DO
Coastal Moke
Ready to cruise Destin or 30A in style? Rent a Coastal Moke during your stay to elevate your experience!
Massage By Jennifer
Ready to treat yourself while staying at your home, hotel, or airbnb? Massage by Jennifer creates the most luxurious, in-home massage experience in all of 30A! Book Today!
PLACES TO EAT
Kith + Kin Coffee
Rooted in faith and committed to excellence, we craft exceptional coffee while fostering authentic community and meaningful connection. Through our sister company, 30A Roasters, we stay closely connected to the journey from origin to cup, ensuring uncompromising quality in every drink we serve. We pair thoughtfully crafted coffee with house-made syrups, from-scratch pastries, and breakfast items designed to complement each cup. We’re Lance and Nicki Miller, and our shop is a reflection of our faith, values, and belief that quality, hospitality, and community belong together.
Be sure to check out these additional places during your Destin and 30A Vacation!
BREAKFAST
Crackings l Cowgirl Kitchen l Black Bear Bread Co l Cafe Destin l 2 Birds Cafe
COFFEE
Sunrise Coffee Co l Black Bear Bread Co l Hotz Coffee l Beachy Bean l Amavida
Southern Charm l East Pass Coffee Co l The Palms Coffeehouse
WHAT TO PACK
Depending on the time of year that you are visiting, your packing plan will change. But here are some tips from local moms to help!
Layers: Pack layers! We are in the panhandle so it can be unpredictable weather, especially in the Winter/Spring. Oftentimes we have cooler mornings + evenings, but it can still get really warm during the day. So layers are smart.
Rain Jackets: If you are visiting in the Summer, prepare for rain. Most of the time it’s just for a short period during the day and then passes.
Sand Toys: Pack some inexpensive sand toys or plan to grab some at a local shop.
Sunscreen: Don’t forget sunscreen!
During the busy months (spring break, the summer, holidays), the beach can get really busy. Head to the beach in the morning and/or at dinnertime. It’s more family friendly at those times and can tend to be really busy mid-day.
Red Flag Day Tips
Red flag (and double red flag) days can throw a bit of a wrench in your beach plans during your Destin or 30A beach vacation. While they aren’t necessarily fun, they are definitely for your safety. So it’s important to follow the rules and we are here to help. Here are some ideas for things to do on a red flag day.
