Walking on 30A

The best places to stroll along South Walton's 30A

Posted on 11/13/2020

With so many people heading to the beach every year for vacation, it's no secret that these paradise destinations get busy. In some areas, the craziness can be stressful. Scenic Highway 30A is not one of these! Because 30A is so walkable, there's no need to worry about traffic or other potential stressors. This way, you can spend your vacation exactly how you want—relaxing and soaking up the sunshine. Park your car, and enjoy everything that this beautiful stretch of Northwest Florida's Gulf Coast has to offer.

Each iconic 30A beach town has tons to offer its beachgoing pedestrians, including nature trails, walkable town centers, friendly neighborhoods, and the soft sandy beach shores. From west to east, this guide will help you make the best of time walking (or biking!) the 30A communities.

Dune Allen Beach

Dune Allen Beach is located on the western edge of 30A. Park your car at the public beach access, which includes parking spots, lush landscaping, restrooms, and a lifeguard station. From here, you can explore the surrounding area on foot. Check out the beach, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, and the rare coastal dune lakes. And after your adventure, be sure to grab a tasty meal at Stinky's Fish Camp!

Santa Rosa Beach

Santa Rosa Beach Towns

Santa Rosa Beach's Gulf Place is characterized by sidewalks lined with palm trees and an incredible town center with an outdoor amphitheater. All of this is perfect for walking! You can park at the beach access or near the town center. Once you've parked, walk through the outdoor Artists at Gulf Place, enjoy boutique shopping, get a coffee at Sunrise Coffee Co., and then head to the crystal sand beach.

Related article: Santa Rosa Beach Towns

Blue Mountain Beach

Blue Mountain Beach

The natural beauty of Blue Mountain Beach is best enjoyed up close and personal. Find parking at the regional beach access or other areas in the community. Catch some beach views from the highest point in 30A. Browse shops like Sallys by the Seashore and Store ALOHA. Get a bite to eat at Blue Mabel Smokehouse & Provisions, and follow it up with ice cream at Blue Mountain Beach Creamery.

Grayton Beach

Not only is Grayton Beach, a funky community with an artsy vibe, but it is also pleasantly walkable - making it easy to enjoy all it has to offer. There are places to park by the Shops of Grayton, the historic town center, as well as other areas. As you walk through this laidback town, there is so much to see and do. The Zoo Gallery, Red Bar, Modus Photography, and Chanticleer are just a few of the places you should check out.

See more: 10 Photos Showing How Beautiful Grayton Is

WaterColor

WaterColor Boathouse

WaterColor really does feel like a beautiful painting! Public parking is available throughout town, enabling visitors to walk to shops, restaurants, and the beach easily. Hop into the Blue Giraffe for some unique local finds. Walk the nature trails or stroll the white picket fence neighborhood. Check out events at the WaterColor Boathouse. Finally, end the day with a delicious dinner at FOOW.

Seaside

Seaside, Florida

As an original 30A beach town, Seaside incorporates new urbanism in every aspect of its design. Its half-circle town center features walkable shops, restaurants, lush landscaping, and parking. There is a grassy amphitheater for performances and live shows. Airstream Row has plenty of great food options, perfect for pedestrians. And of course, the beach is reachable by the public beach access.

Learn more: Best Things to Do in Seaside

Seagrove Beach

Seagrove Beach

As a beautiful 30A enclave, Seagrove's walkability ensures vacationers can take in the private seclusion of this paradise. From rustic cottages to newer beach homes, as well as an incredible canopy of oaks and magnolias, there is an old-world charm that can be enjoyed by walking the streets. No need to worry about driving or traffic while exploring the town, getting your shopping fix in, or dining at Café Thirty-A.

WaterSound

WaterSound

One of the most notable features of WaterSound is the walkable shopping center of the Hub 30A. Restaurants, boutiques, shops, and fun events like family movie nights are available for locals and visitors. Park your car and enjoy an entire day in WaterSound and the surrounding 30A towns without having to drive anywhere!

Alys Beach

Alys Beach Park

Alys Beach has it all, including public parking, scenic sidewalks and streets, a self-guided walking sculpture tour, parks, an outdoor green for events, and so much more. While at Alys Beach, be sure to check out everything this neighborhood has to offer, such as the beach, Caliza Restaurant, NEAT Tasting Room & Bottle Shop, Raw & Juicy, Alys Beach Bike Shop, and Ann Hartleys.

Explore more: Alys Beach Sculpture Tour

Seacrest Beach

Seacrest is a sweet retreat nestled between Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach. It is laidback and quiet and everything you could want on a relaxing vacation. Yet, it is within walking distance to so many great activities and experiences. There are cute shops like Maui Waves, Golden Seashell, and Ophelia. Restaurants include Pizza by the Sea and Beach and Brew on 30A. There is even a convenience store.

Rosemary Beach

Rosemary Beach Sculpture

Rosemary Beach has several parking lots in town. This is awesome because once you arrive, you won't want to leave! The community was designed in an effort to capture old-time values and interconnectedness. In this, it was successful! The pedestrian-centric design ensures everything from footpaths and tennis courts to restaurants, and the beach is never more than a five-minute walk. Be sure to catch a rooftop sunset from either Havana Beach Bar or Pescado! 

Inlet Beach

Inlet Beach

Inlet Beach sits at the eastern end of 30A, and it maintains the walkable approach of the rest of the highway. Park at 30Avenue, where you can get out and stretch your legs before enjoying high-end shopping, yoga classes, fine dining, and pretty landscaping.

When you book a vacation home in any of these communities (we have plenty of 30A vacation rentals!), chances are, you can get away without having to drive anywhere—unless you want to! That is the great thing about vacationing in such an amazing place as Northwest Florida's Scenic Highway 30A. 

Running 30A

Want to pick up the pace? Check out 9 Ways to Run 30A

Related Articles

FEATURED VIDEO

Surfing in Destin

Watch Now

Grayton Landing

30A in A Minute

Top 5 Miramar Beach Resorts

Rags to Riches Gratyon Beach

Trending Articles

Related Vacation Rentals

This hospitable Grayton Beach Vacation home's perfect placement provides direct views of Western Lake and the sparkling Gulf of Mexico. Up to 14 beach loving guests may reside on vacation in this lovely gracious home that features six bedrooms. The location on a gulf estuary of an exotic coastal dune lake provides panoramic views of natural serenit
Abaco
6 BR
6 BA
14 Guests
Home - Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating (3)