Best 30A Activities and Adventures

Sea-Life Discovery Center (Grayton Beach)

SeaLife Discovery is a nonprofit organization that is focused on exploration and education of local marine life. Kids and families have the opportunity to get up close and personal with marine animals (some unseen to the naked eye). Both kid-only and family programs are available. Programs range from sea turtle snorkel, creature feature kayak tour, and sea life under the stars. Visit their website to discover the programs available and book your sea-life excursion. Address: 37 Logan Ln, Suite 3, Santa Rosa Beach, FL, 32549

The Big Chill 30A (formerly The Hub - Seagrove Beach)

The Big Chill features shops, walk-up restaurants, and a stage for live performances. From Mexican fare to fresh coastal cuisine, casual dining options are ready to satisfy hungry families. Boutique shops, ranging from jewelry and swimwear to art and cigars to Build-A-Bear and Sugar Wave Candy & Gifts, are a great spot to find gifts for family, friends or yourself. With weekly events, including farmers' markets, live music, movie nights, sports watch parties and more provide entertainment before or after a day at the beach. Visit their website (thebigchill.com/) to learn more. Address: 7000 E County Hwy 30A, Watersound, FL, 32461

Gulf Place Town Center (Santa Rosa Beach)

Gulf Place Town Center is 25 acres of local favorites in the heart of Santa Rosa Beach. Featuring boutique stores, an Artist Collective, popular restaurants, bike rentals, coffee shop, local businesses and vacation rentals, Gulf Place is a one-stop for all things coastal living. Located across the street from Ed Walline Public Beach Access, Gulf Place is steps from the beach and offers plenty of outdoor space to walk or ride bikes. Playing host to community events such as gallery nights, wine walks, and live music, Gulf Place is a popular gathering spot for those visiting 30A. Visit their website gulfplaceon30a.com/ to learn more. Address: 45 Town Center Loop, Santa Rosa Beach, FL, 32549

Seaside Rep Theatre (Seaside)

Looking to be entertained? Check out the Seaside Repertory Theatre.  With rotating shows such as “Friday Friends & Family Finale,” which features high-energy improv skits by the local improv boot camp to "Every Christmas Story Ever Told" at the holidays to live musical performances throughout the month, the Seaside Rep specializes in entertaining audiences of all ages. Free children's performances of classic tales such as the Adventures of Pinocchio and and Jack and the Beanstalk are held within 30A beach communities throughout the summer. Sit back and enjoy while also supporting the local arts that make this area so special. Learn more and view upcoming performances on their website at lovetherep.com/. Address: 216 Quincy Cir., Santa Rosa Beach, FL, 32549

The Shard Shop (Grayton Beach)

Rather than viewing art, make it! Popular local glass artist, Mary Hong, shares her passion for glass art through in-person and online workshops. Located in Grayton Beach, the Shard Shop offers visitors the chance to create original artwork, using shards of glass and resin. Participants are given a canvas and an assortment of repurposed glass to create their vision. Bring a special memento, beach finds or shells to personalize your artwork. Safety gear and help is provided. Visit their website at shardshop.com/ for more details and to book your experience online. Address: 26 Logan Ln. Cottage E., Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32549

Glass Deer Glass Blowing Studio (Santa Rosa Beach)

For those who love blown glass, you'll be enamored with the Glass Deer Glass Blowing Studio. Located within the art warehouse district off Hwy 393, the studio offers three distinct workshops for varying interests and skill levels. Participants may learn how to glass blow, fuse, or work with flames. For families with younger kids, the fusing workshop is a great choice. While flamework sessions and glass blowing classes are great for teens and adults. The best part is leaving with a one-of-a-kind customized piece of glass art that becomes a treasure from your beach vacation. Learn more about the Glass Deer 30A online and book a workshop on your next 30A beach vacation. Address: 416 Co Hwy 393, Bldg 61, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32549

State Parks

For a natural adventure, plan a tour of the state parks of 30A, including Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Grayton Beach State Park, and Deer Lake State Park. These gulf-front Florida State Parks are a vital part of the Emerald Coast’s ecosystem and offer nature-lovers opportunities to experience the beauty of 30A without development. In addition to the hiking and biking trails, two of these parks (Topsail Hill and Grayton) include some of the area's rare coastal dune lakes, which are only found in South Walton and remote portions of the globe. Park admission is $5 per vehicle and is waived in the summer months thanks to a grant by the Walton County Tourism Department. Visit our Best Places to Go Hiking in Destin blog for details. 

Electric Bike Ride 

Electric bikes are a fun way to explore South Walton. Ebikes allow you to explore 30A in style and comfort. Electric bikes allow riders to faster and farther than riding a traditional bicycle. With the pedal-assist technology, riders can pedal as much or as little as they wish. Whether biking the paved Timpoochee Trail that hugs Highway 30A or heading off to trails of Point Washington or tolling around the New Urbanism communities of 30A, ebikes are an exciting and zippy way to see the area on two wheels. Local electric bicycle companies offer special rates and discounts for Newman-Dailey guests. View our ebike blog to learn more and take advantage of the savings on your next beach vacation. 

Book Your Next 30A or Destin Vacation

It's never too early to start planning your next 30A or Destin beach getaway. Start by viewing our collection of 30A vacation rentals or nearby Destin condo or home rentals to find the beach vacation home that is ideal for your family or group. Remember to always view our deals page and book direct with Newman-Dailey for our best rate guarantee. Book online or call one of our friendly vacation specialists to assist in planning your perfect beach escape. 

See you @ the beach!