I recently took a quick trip to 30A, Florida, for the first time, and I am already looking forward to my next visit. If you enjoy white sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and charming beach towns, 30A is a must-visit. Stay tuned for a detailed recap of my trip, including a complimentary downloadable itinerary at the end of this post!
Travel Day
I'm not a fan of flying, so my friend and I opted to drive from Houston, Texas, to Florida. For road trip enthusiasts, the journey from Houston to Florida takes about 8 hours and offers picturesque views along the way. However, considering most people prefer flying, I recommend flying into Destin if you're planning a trip to 30A. Depending on your accommodation choice, you may need to rent a car. Alternatively, if you're staying in the Rosemary, Seacrest, or Aly's Beach area, everything is within walking distance, making it convenient to Uber from the airport to your destination.
Where to Stay
During our visit to Santa Rosa, we stayed at a charming condo I discovered on Airbnb. The accommodation was ideal for two people, but it could also host four guests. The area had a lovely vibe with numerous restaurants within walking distance of the Airbnb. Just across the street, there was public beach access, and we also had private beach access through the Airbnb. I would definitely choose to stay here again. The location was close to Watercolor, but we particularly enjoyed Aly’s Beach and Rosemary Beach, which were a 25-minute drive away. For my next trip, I am thinking of staying at Inlet or Seacrest Beach since they are situated between Rosemary and Aly’s Beach, making it convenient to explore the surrounding areas on foot.
Our First Night
We arrived at our Airbnb around 4 pm and decided to explore Watercolor since it was nearby. Just in time, we witnessed a stunning sunset at the beach. Visiting during the off-season allowed us public access to the Pavilion, giving us access to the beach at Watercolor. It's worth noting that in most boutique beach areas, beach access is restricted to homeowners, Airbnb renters, or hotel guests. I was thrilled to find that Watercolor offers public beach access during the off-season, making it convenient to enjoy the beach after dining or drinks.
A friend who is an influencer messaged me before our trip and recommended checking out Day Trader, a beachfront spot that truly lived up to the hype. This charming beach bar offered fantastic drinks, a delightful patio, and a convenient walk-up bar for on-the-go sips. If you visit this place on your next trip, don't miss out on their delicious margarita – it's a must-try!
We had a fantastic time at Watercolor. This location is ideal for families with its spacious green area where kids can play freely, as well as numerous dining and shopping choices available at the plaza. I loved the wide array of dining options close to the beach, some even with a beachfront view.
Aly's Beach
On our first full day, we visited Aly’s Beach. I was particularly eager to explore Aly’s Beach due to its resemblance to Greece, and I must say, it exceeded my expectations! Our first stop was at Fonville Press, the most charming coffee shop I've ever come across. I ordered an iced vanilla latte, which was delicious. They also offer lunch choices and cocktails. I'm definitely looking forward to trying their frozen espresso martini on my next visit.
Stepping into Aly’s Beach is like entering a real-life Restoration Hardware store. The stunning homes made us feel like we were in a dream. Aly’s Beach is perfect for Instagram enthusiasts, with perfect photo opportunities at every corner. Undoubtedly, Aly’s Beach stood out as our favorite spot – truly picturesque and breathtakingly beautiful.
Another picturesque location worth visiting is Raw and Juicy. We stopped by for an afternoon coffee and acai bowl. While Aly’s Beach may not be the most kid-friendly, Raw and Juicy offers a green space for children to play and a large fire pit for relaxation. We found ourselves wanting to stay all day, savoring our coffee by the fire – it was incredibly relaxing. The coffee was exceptional, and the acai bowl was delightfully refreshing.
Similar to Watercolor, Aly's Beach doesn't offer public beach access. Nonetheless, Inlet Beach, which is a 10-15 minute walk from Aly's Beach, provides public beach access. We enjoyed a peaceful afternoon napping and unwinding on the beach – it was pure bliss. Additionally, they offer ample parking facilities and public restrooms.
Rosemary Beach
Just down the road from Aly's Beach lies Rosemary Beach, another picturesque destination. Rosemary has a tropical ambiance and is incredibly beautiful, making it ideal for children with plenty of activities to enjoy. The Pearl offers a fantastic dining experience and a spacious green area in front of it, perfect for children to play and unwind. Strolling around and exploring the charming shops was delightful. For those who adore pink and all things feminine, a visit to Disco Boutique is highly recommended.
Where to Eat in 30A
During our trip, we dined at numerous fantastic restaurants. Every meal we had was exceptional, and we thoroughly enjoyed each place. One of the highlights for breakfast was Black Bear Bread co. in Watercolor, where we visited twice. Their delicious bagels were reasonably priced, and I recommend trying the asiago bagel with cream cheese. For dinner, I recommend trying Mimmo's for an authentic Italian meal. We savored their Rigatoni Alla Vodka and Pappardelle Corleone. Here are a few more dining spots I recommend checking out:
Day Trader in Watercolor
Great Southern in Watercolor (try the shrimp!)
The Wine Bar in Santa Rosa (try the red sangria!)
Fonville Press in Aly's Beach
Raw and Juicy in Aly's Beach
Havana at The Pearl in Rosemary Beach
Black Bear Bread Co. in Watercolor (try the asiago bagel with cream cheese!)
Red Fish Taco in Santa Rosa
Mimmo's in Santa Rosa
I am definitely planning to make an annual visit to 30A. This stunning location in the United States is the ideal tropical escape. It will definitely be a memorable trip!
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