If you’re familiar with Scenic Highway 30A, the first thing that probably comes to mind is glowing white beaches and tranquil emerald waves. For those in the know, 30A is synonymous with laid-back coastal relaxation and beautiful beach views in South Walton.

 But did you know there is actually more than one 30A?

Yep! Not only are there “30A” roads around the world, including in India, Vermont, and New York—there are also four roads named 30A in Florida. Who knew, right?

So, here’s the scoop on State Road (SR) 30A, and why our beautiful 24-mile stretch of coast from Topsail Preserve State Park on the west to Inlet Beach on the east is the best one.

SR 30A is a Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) designation shared by four roads. Of these, two segments feature 30A signage, while the other two do not, as they are part of US Highway 98. These were once considered “alternate” routes to Old Florida SR 30. Old Florida SR 30 once began at the Alabama state line and continued east across the Florida Panhandle. Approximately 50 years ago, however, the Florida DOT returned road maintenance back to the individual counties, removing many SR designations. Which is why we now have multiple roads with the 30A label.

CR 30A is the 30A segment you are probably most familiar with—and our favorite, of course! This road was officially designated as “Scenic Highway 30A” in April 2008. And for good reason. This scenic expanse of road boasts views of the beach, as well as stunning nature preserves and parks, as it meanders through picturesque beach towns along the way.

Beginning at Topsail Preserve State Park, the road winds its way eastward through our popular beach vacation destinations, hugging the Gulf as it does so. These cute towns include Dune Allen Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Grayton Beach, WaterColor, Seaside, Seagrove Beach, Seacrest, Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, and Inlet Beach. With such an incredible route, it’s no surprise that this scenic highway is a huge draw for beachgoers around the world—not so alternate anymore, that’s for sure!

Related article:

Why Is 30A So Popular?

30A – If you've never been to Northwest Florida, you likely have no clue what all fuss is about. Even if you have been coming to Destin for years, you may still have to ask yourself why is this little two-lane road just so incredibly famous?

At the eastern end of the Scenic Highway 30A segment, the road rejoins with Old Florida SR 30 before once again separating. Old Florida SR 30A resumes as Front Beach Road, while SR 30A moves inland as Panama City Parkway. This 30A segment continues for 16 miles, where it merges with Old SR 30 at the Hathaway Bridge over St. Andrews Bay.

On the eastern side of Hathaway Bridge, the roads split once again. This 30A segment is US Highway 98, which runs through Panama City and Callaway, ending near Long Point Park in Callaway.

Finally, we come to the former and current SR 30A segment, which is a loop near Port St. Joe. This segment skirts the shore of Bay San Blas, Indiana Lagoon, and Saint Vincent Sound in Florida’s Gulf County. Today, the north/south section is designated as 30A, while the east/west section is County Road 30A.

What do you think—did you learn something new today? We love sharing our beaches and more about our history, so we hope you love hearing about it, too! While there is more than one Florida Panhandle 30A road—and each has its own unique experience to offer—we’d love for you to come visit our stretch of Gulf Coast in Walton County’s Santa Rosa Beach! With plenty of 30A vacation rentals, from beachfront homes to low-density condos, we have something for everyone! Browse our selection and book your next 30A stay with us!