30A things to do could fill an entire vacation on their own — and honestly, for a lot of families, they do. This 24-mile stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast is one of those places that gets under your skin. The water is impossibly green, the towns are charming and walkable, and there’s always something going on. I’ve photographed hundreds of families along 30A over the years, and I still find myself discovering new favorite spots.
Whether you’re planning your first trip or your tenth, here’s my honest guide to making the most of it.
The Beaches
Every beach along 30A has its own personality, which is part of what makes exploring 30A things to do so fun. Grayton Beach is my personal favorite — consistently ranked one of the most beautiful beaches in America, and for good reason. The natural dunes, the clear water, and the quiet make it feel like you’ve stepped back in time. It’s the kind of beach that doesn’t need anything added to it. Just show up and let it do its thing.
Deer Lake State Park is worth a visit if you want a more secluded experience. A boardwalk leads you over protected dune ecosystems to a stretch of beach that never feels crowded. If you’re lucky you’ll spot wildlife along the way — herons, osprey, and the occasional fox have all made appearances on my morning walks out there.
For families with kids, the calmer waters near Seaside and Watercolor are great for younger swimmers. The Gulf is generally gentle along this stretch, but conditions vary by season, so always check before letting little ones wade in. Early morning is my strongest recommendation for beach time — the light is golden, the crowds are minimal, and kids are at their most energetic before the heat of the day sets in.
The Coastal Dune Lakes
One of the most unique 30A things to do is exploring the rare coastal dune lakes — a natural phenomenon that exists in only a handful of places in the entire world. You’ll find them in New Zealand, Australia, Madagascar, and right here along this stretch of the Florida Panhandle. Western Lake at Grayton Beach State Park is the most accessible. Rent a paddleboard or kayak and spend a morning out on the water. It’s peaceful in a way that’s hard to find anywhere else, especially in the summer months when everywhere else feels busy. The water is calm, the scenery is stunning, and it’s one of those 30A things to do that feels completely off the beaten path even though it isn’t.
The Towns
Each community along 30A is worth its own afternoon, and part of the fun of visiting is wandering through all of them. Seaside is the most famous — the pastel cottages, the open-air market, the iconic beach pavilions. It was the filming location for The Truman Show, which tells you something about how picture-perfect it looks. The Airstream food trucks at the central market are a must, and the town is small enough to explore entirely on foot.
Rosemary Beach has a more elevated, European feel — white Mediterranean-style architecture, quiet courtyards, upscale boutiques, and restaurants that consistently earn their reputations. It’s a great spot for a dinner out while you’re in the area.
Alys Beach is similar and absolutely stunning to walk through even if you’re just browsing. The all-white architecture against the blue sky is something else entirely, and it photographs beautifully.
Watercolor and Watersound are great for families with younger kids — more relaxed, with easy beach access, plenty of green space, and a slower pace that makes it easier to manage little ones. If you’re renting a house along 30A for a week, these communities tend to be popular choices for families for exactly that reason.
Blue Mountain Beach is quieter and a bit more laid-back than the others, and it’s one of my personal favorites for that reason. It has some excellent restaurants and feels less like a destination and more like a neighborhood.
Food and Coffee
The food scene is one of the most underrated 30A things to do. Seafood is obviously the move — fresh grouper sandwiches, shrimp po’boys, oysters when they’re in season. Most of the restaurants along 30A take their sourcing seriously, and you can taste the difference.
The Seaside Farmers Market is worth timing your trip around if you can. Local producers, fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade goods — it’s one of those weekend morning experiences that sets the tone for a great day.
For coffee, Amavida is the local staple. They have locations in Rosemary Beach and Seaside, they source ethically, and the quality is genuinely excellent. Grab a cup before heading to the beach in the morning and you’ll have a perfect start to your day. It’s become a non-negotiable part of my morning routine on shoot days along 30A.
Outdoor Activities
Biking the Timpoochee Trail is one of those 30A things to do that sounds like a simple activity but turns into a highlight of the whole trip. The trail runs 19 miles parallel to the entire highway, passing through every major beach community from Dune Allen to Inlet Beach. It’s paved, well-maintained, and flat enough for kids. Most rental companies will deliver bikes directly to where you’re staying, which makes the logistics easy. Give yourself a full morning or afternoon and stop wherever catches your eye along the way.
Point Washington State Forest is worth a morning if your family enjoys hiking or trail biking — over 15,000 acres of protected land with trails for all skill levels. The Eastern Lake Trail system is my favorite, especially in the early morning when the light filters through the pine trees and everything feels still. It’s a completely different side of 30A that most visitors never see, and it’s worth making the effort.
Fishing charters and dolphin cruises run out of several locations along 30A and are always a hit with kids. There are family-friendly options specifically designed for younger children, so don’t let the idea of deep sea fishing intimidate you if your kids are small. Sunset dolphin cruises in particular are one of those experiences families talk about for years — the dolphins tend to show up right on cue as the sky turns pink.
Arts and Culture
The 30A Songwriters Festival draws musicians from all over the country every January and is one of the most beloved events on the Florida Gulf Coast. Intimate venues, incredible talent, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere make it unlike any other music festival I’ve been to. If your trip overlaps with it, clear your schedule and go.
For art galleries, the Justin Gaffrey Studio in Blue Mountain Beach is worth a stop. His textural, dimensional paintings capture the Gulf Coast in a way that’s completely his own and unlike anything else you’ll find. Many of my clients have picked up a piece as a keepsake from their trip, and I completely understand why.
The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County also sponsors events and exhibitions throughout the year, so it’s worth checking their calendar depending on when you’re visiting.
For events, festivals, and up-to-date information on everything happening along the coast, the Visit South Walton websiteis the best resource for planning your trip around what’s happening while you’re there.
Planning Tips
Timing matters along 30A. Summer is the busiest season — warm water, full beaches, and a lot of energy in the towns. If you have flexibility, the shoulder seasons of April through May and September through October are my personal favorites. The water is still warm, the crowds are thinner, and you can actually get a table at a restaurant without a two-hour wait.
Make restaurant reservations in advance during peak season, especially for dinner. The best spots fill up fast and walk-ins can be difficult. If you’re traveling with young kids, early dinners — before 6pm — make everything easier and you’ll usually get seated quickly.
Biking is genuinely the best way to get around, but if you’re driving, parking in Seaside and Rosemary Beach during summer can be challenging. Plan to arrive early or use designated lots and walk in.
One More Thing — Capture It While You’re Here
Of all the 30A things to do on this list, a beach photography session is the one families tell me they’re most glad they added. I’ve photographed families at Grayton Beach State Park more times than I can count, and it never gets old — the dunes, the light, the way the water looks at golden hour. It’s genuinely one of the most beautiful settings I’ve ever worked in, and the images we create there end up on walls and in albums that families treasure for decades.
Kids grow fast. This stretch of life — the little ones running toward the waves, everyone together in one place — goes faster than anyone warns you. I’d love to capture it for your family while you’re here.
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