South Walton Beach Communities Along Scenic 30A
30A is a 19 mile scenic one-lane road that runs through a network of unique beach communities along the Gulf Coast of Florida. It’s located in Walton County but the area is most commonly referred to as “South Walton” and/or “SoWal”. It’s been a favorite vacation spot for many years among folks that live in southern cities such as Birmingham, Atlanta, New Orleans, Nashville and more but is now drawing visitors from all over the United States. South Walton neighbors Bay County / Panama City Beach to the east and Okaloosa County / Destin to the west.
The two main airports used to access 30A are Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (EPC) in Panama City Beach and Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS). Both are about a 20 – 30 minute drive from the beaches of 30A Florida. The purpose of this articles is to introduce you to the beach neighborhoods that line scenic highway 30A and talk about what makes each of them so special. So without further ado, let’s start on the the east end of the 30A corridor with Inlet Beach and work our way west…
The Neighborhoods of 30A Florida
Inlet Beach
Located next door to Rosemary Beach on the east end of 30A, Inlet Beach is a nature lover’s paradise that has everything you need for the perfect Florida vacation. It offers some of the best beach access points, shops, and restaurants such as Cuvee 30A and Amici in South Walton! Orange Street Regional Beach Access is a favorite Gulf Of Mexico entry point among locals and visitors alike. A small community that seems to have been overlooked by time, Inlet Beach is a place where true relaxation can be found.
Watch our TikTok video of Inlet Beach below…
@30aescapes It’s always a good day on 30A! 🌊 #30A #inletbeach #floridahype #coastalliving #goodday #vacationtunes #vacationmode #vibewithme
Rosemary Beach
Rosemary Beach offers the perfect blend of old world charm and modern amenities including 4 community pools, clay tennis courts, walking paths, a fitness center and more! The Town Center (Barrett Square on north and south side of 30A) has fun boutiques and tasty restaurants such as La Crema and Pescado that are sure to please everyone. In Rosemary Beach you’ll find beautiful green spaces, white sand beaches, a playground, splashpad and easy access to Inlet, Seacrest and Alys Beach.
Watch our TikTok video of Rosemary Beach below…
@30aescapes It’s thyme to turnip the beet in #rosemarybeach 😎 #30a #southwalton #florida #beachside #hiddengems #vibezone #summervibes #vacaymode
Seacrest Beach
Seacrest Beach has all the elements for a perfect family vacation. It’s home to a 12,000 square foot lagoon pool, great shops, tasty take-out food spots, beautiful vacation rentals, a candy store, and much more. Live music and cold beer are a regular occurrence during the summer months at Peddlers Pavilion and the adjoining outdoor Peddlers Pub kiosk. Rosemary and Inlet Beach neighbor Seacrest Beach to the east. Alys Beach, old Seacrest, WaterSound, and the HUB 30A are just a short walk or bike ride to the west so the location is prime.
Watch our TikTok video of the Seacrest Beach community pools below…
@30aescapes Feelin pool by the pool in #seacrestbeach 🌞 #30a #floridacheck #southwalton #Teleport #stepintolove #yourpage
The highly popular High Pointe Resort community is also located in Seacrest Beach on the Gulf side of scenic 30A.
Watch our TikTok video of High Pointe Resort below…
@30aescapes All these amenities! 😍 #highpointeresort #seacrestbeach #30A #floridahype #vacationcheck #razrfit #DoggyAnthem #StrapBack #FallAesthetic
Alys Beach
One of the most unique of the modern 30A communities, the entrance to Alys Beach is marked on the east and west end by pairs of white butteries. The structures pay homage to tritonal Bermuda architecture of which the community is based upon. The Alys Beach butteries are a favorite backdrop for many Instagram enthusiast and social media influencers. All of the homes and buildings in Alys Beach are white. Massive palm trees and perfectly manicured grass line both sides of scenic 30A throughout the entire community. Visitors will find plenty of fun things to do in Alys Beach as it features a large amphitheater with a splashpad for kids, a 20 acre nature preserve and boardwalk hiking trail, and a high-end playground.
Watch our TikTok video of Alys Beach below…
@30aescapes Where the grass is green 🌴 #alysbeach #30a #30aescapes #springbreak #getaway #palm #paradise #floridalife #vacationmode
Old Seacrest / Seacrest West
Seacrest Beach West is the perfect place for those looking for a laid back vibe and smaller crowd sizes. It’s away from the hustle and bustle yet still within walking distance to fun stuff such as the HUB 30A, Alys Beach, and Seagrove Beach. Seacrest Beach West is what old Florida is all about – beach and quiet!
WaterSound
WaterSound is a 1,400 acre private community located on the south side of scenic 30A. It’s loaded with amenities such as community pools, green spaces, parks, wooden boardwalks, trails and more. The architecture found in WaterSound has an eastern seaboard town feel and is made up of cottages and condos. WaterSound is located next to the Hub 30A which is a great place to grab a bite to eat and watch the big football game. If you’re looking for an “all-inclusive” vacation type feel where you don’t really have to leave the property, then WaterSound just might be for you.
Seagrove Beach
Seagrove Beach is one of the original 30A neighborhoods dating back to at least the 1940’s. It’s equally loved by visitors and locals alike. Lined with lush oak and magnolia trees, upscale boutiques, and tasty food spots there is so much to explore in Seagrove Beach. It’s home to a true 30A institution in Seagrove Village Market Café which was once the only local gas station and grocery store in the region. Today, Seagrove Village Market is a tasty restaurant serving up “Deep Fried Love” daily. Visitors will find a plethora of fun things to do in Seagrove beach such as taking a leisurely stroll down the Timpoochee Trail, exploring rare coastal dune lakes, hiking through Deer Lake State Park, or soak up the sun on the white sand beaches. Seagrove Beach is one of the largest 30A neighborhoods and features some of the best public beach access points in South Walton.
Watch our TikTok video of Deer Lake State Park below…
@30aescapes 30A Escape 🏝 #30a #sowal #sowalbeaches #santarosabeach #floridalife #vacationswitch #travelwithme #emeraldcoast #30aescapes
Seaside
By far the most well known of all the 30A communities, Seaside, Florida was the main backdrop for the 1998 Truman Show film which starred Jim Carrey. Airstream food trucks like “Meltdown On 30A” line the north side of scenic 30A and boutiques and Gulf front restaurants such as “Bud & Alley’s” line the south side. In normal, COVID-19 free years the Seaside Amphitheater is a popular live music venue all through Spring Break and summer months.
Watch our TikTok video of Seaside, FL below…
@30aescapes Did you know?! #thetruemanshow was shot in #seaside on #30A 🌴 #funfact #Flashback #LittleBitFancy #southwalton #floridahype #travel #vacationvibes
WaterColor
Hailed for its eco-friendly design and environmental stewardship, WaterColor is a shining example of how responsible development enhances natural beauty. Like Rosemary Beach, it’s a master planned 30A community with lush green spaces, winding trails, tennis courts, community pools, a boathouse and much more. You’ll find tasty restaurants such as “Fish Out of Water”, fun shops such as “The Blue Giraffe” and a plethora of amenities throughout this 30A community; including the newly renovated WaterColor Beach Club.
Watch our TikTok video of WaterColor in Santa Rosa Beach below…
@30aescapes #watercolor is giving us that #summer feeling! #SongOfTheSummer #stepintolove #moodflip #LittleVoice #30a #southwalton #vacationswitch #beachside
Grayton Beach
One of the original 30A neighborhoods dating back to the late 1800’s, Grayton Beach is known for its artistic, laid-back vibe. This historic South Walton beach town is home to the famous Red Bar, Western Lake, Grayton Beach State Park, fun boutiques, and friendly locals. It’s a nature lover’s (and yoga lover’s) paradise in the heart of Grayton Beach is tucked away a bit giving it a more secluded, relaxing feel than other 30A communities.
Watch our TikTok video of Grayton Beach State Park below…
@30aescapes Such good exercise! 🥾 #graytonbeach #statepark #suchgreatexercise #hiking #30A #sowal #morningcheer #thatshot #showandtell #fyp
Blue Mountain Beach
Blue Mountain Beach is a laid-back South Walton neighborhood within easy biking distance of Grayton, Gulf Place, and Dune Allen Beach. It features amazing restaurants such as Local Catch and Basmati’s, fun boutiques, top-notch beach access, one legendary ice cream parlor and much more. It offers an abundance of stunning Gulf views and breathtaking sunsets. Blue Mountain Beach is one of the most popular places 30A beach bonfire parties.
Dune Allen Beach
With miles of white sand beaches and natural preserve, Dune Allen Beach is all about life on the water. South Walton’s all-natural neighborhood known for its tranquility is the perfect place to set out for a hike, bike the Timpoochee Trail, or stand up paddle on coastal dune lakes. As peaceful as Dune Allen is, you’re never far from the action. You’ll find plenty of fun shops at Gulf Place, some of 30A’s most notable restaurants like Stinky’s Fish Camp and one of the best golf courses in SoWal all within walking distance.
Watch our TikTok video of the Artist At Gulf Place…
@30aescapes It maybe a cloudy day, but the art is never dull on 30A! 🎨 #gulfplace #artistoftiktok #santarosabeach #sowal #PhotoStory #floridacheck #tiedye
That concludes our list of 30A beach neighborhoods. We hope it helps guide you in terms of where to stay when you visit South Walton. Please feel free to reach out to our team of local experts here at 30A Escapes if you have any questions at all!
You can reach them via phone at… (850)213-2670
You can reach them via email at… Connect@30aEscapes.com
