Things To Do Along Hwy 30A

Whether you’re staying along Scenic Highway 30A or in a gulf front Destin condo or spacious beach home in Miramar Beach, exploring Scenic Highway 30A is a must. This stretch of highway is designated an official scenic byway by the State of Florida DOT and is definitely worth a trip to experience this 19-mile coastal road that meanders through more than a dozen diverse beach neighborhoods in South Walton County. 

Whether you’re on foot, on bike or in the car, here’s our top 5 “must-see” things to do along 30A:  

Visit the Artist Cooperative at Gulf Place – Don't be fooled. Behind the unassuming facade, Gulf Place is filled with delicious restaurants, boutique shops, and our favorite, The Artists at Gulf Place. Located at the corner of 30A and 393, once you turn in you’ll be greeted by colorful shacks filled with one-of--kind artwork by nine local artists. Dwight, the potter, is usually there (look for the guy who looks like Gregg Allman), he’ll show you around and tell you about the featured artists or visit Tie Dye Kris and make your own wearable art.  

Visit the Red Bar in Grayton Beach– This famous restaurant and watering hole in Grayton Beach is housed in what was once the town’s general store in the early 1900’s. Today, the kitschy bar/restaurant is popular among locals and visitors alike. Stop in to check out the Red Bar's funky décor and grab a cold beverage or bite to eat. In the evening, the Red Bar Jazz Band plays funky old-time jazz and blues. 

Take a Hike at Grayton Beach State Park– Grayton Beach State Park is one of several parks nestled along our sugar white sand beaches. At the far west end of the main parking area, you’ll find a trail head that leads through the spectacular dune system that is not only scenic but home to many indigenous species. The trail leads through the dunes and along one of the rare coastal dune lakes (Western Lake). Since walking on the dunes is strictly prohibited, this trail provides a unique glimpse from within this special coastal habitat. (Park Entrance Fee: $5/car or $2/bike)

Stand Up Paddle at WaterColor- YOLO, the area’s local stand up paddle board maker and manufacturer, is conveniently located at the WaterColor Marina on Western Lake off Hwy 30A. Stop by and rent boards for an hour or a full or half-day. Paddlers have the option to paddle on Western Lake and continue paddling through Grayton Beach State Park and then out into the Gulf of Mexico. Be sure to wear sunscreen and bring water to stay hydrated on this fun and tranquil paddle.

See Truman’s House in Seaside– Entering Seaside may feel vaguely familiar as this is the town where the Truman Show with Jim Carrey was filmed in 1996. Truman’s home in the movie is located at 31 Natchez Street. While the landscaping looks different, you can still picture Truman greeting his neighbor with “Good Morning, and in case I don’t see you, good afternoon and good night.”   

There are many more treasures along Hwy 30A, but we'll save those for our next blog so be sure to check back. 

In the meantime if you're looking for the perfect vacation rental on 30A, check out our selection of well-appointed 30A Condos and South Walton beach houses or call our vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652.

We know that enjoying adventures along 30A and the sugar white sand beaches of South Walton is "where you'd rather be!" See you soon!

Published by Tracy Louthain
Tuesday, July 8, 2014