Last week we took a road trip to 30A Florida, and on our way back, we took the long way home to the Smoky Mountains and the Biltmore Estate. I’ll share that in another post!
If you have not heard of 30A yet, you are in for a treat! “30A” is technically a county road in Florida. There is a stretch of small beaches along the road, nestled between Destin and Panama City. If you are in need of an end-of-summer trip, this could be exactly what you are looking for! Another great end-of-summer trip is to Zion National Park if you have already been to a beach this year! You can read about our trip here!
We stayed in Seacrest, between Rosemary & Alys Beach.
On our first day, coming into 30A, we stopped in Seaside to see it and have lunch before our Airbnb was ready. We had grilled cheese at the meltdown 10/10
Did you know that the Truman Show was filmed there? They even still have a section of the little market grocery store set up like the movie.
We walked around Seaside for a bit and then drove to Rosemary. Everyone had me worried that Seaside would be crowded, but it wasn’t. Or it didn’t seem to be. I am sensitive to crowds, so it wasn’t that bad!
SOME THOUGHTS FROM OUR TRIP
BEACHES
Wake up early to grab a good spot on the beach. (Be there by 8 AM) People started rolling in at around 9 AM, and by 9:30 AM it was full in front. Even though our condo had access to the private Seacrest Beach, we spent most of our time at Inlet Beach (public). Seacrest was CROWDED & you couldn’t park your bike or car there. Seacrest Beach is very small for the number of houses that have access to it. We found that after 5:30 PM, it settles down and is perfect for watching the sunset.
While we were there (end of July), the June Grass was in full force. Don’t be worried if you go during this time also. The grass moves quickly depending on the winds. There is a beneficial Facebook group called “Daily June Grass Report” or something like that!! One man goes out and checks the beaches every day (for fishermen), and the group has become for tourists too now. If your beach has heavy grass that day, move down the road a little bit, and one of those beaches will probably be clear.
On most beaches there, you can have umbrellas pretty close to the shore, but tents need to be a bit further back. We watched many people have to move all their items when the beach officers came by.
Shop this photo here. Our Airbnb supplied the umbrella and these trendy beach chairs. The picnic blanket I bought from Amazon worked so well! The sand did not stick to it at all, and the size was perfect. FYI the underside of it is bright a** green. OMG, HA
RENT BIKES IF STAYING IN ROSEMARY BEACH
Rosemary to Alys Beach is a 4-minute bike ride. Golf carts are not allowed to park in many areas of Rosemary or Alys. I hear that if you stay in Seaside, golf carts are recommended!
Bike rental companies are everywhere, but I found the most aesthetic bikes! They have white bikes with tan seats and tires. Perfect for photos.
Here’s their Instagram account! They delivered the bikes to me and picked them up. You can get lights and baskets for them. It was dark in Rosemary at night, so the lights were really nice to have!
WHERE TO EAT IN ROSEMARY BEACH 30A
RATINGS ON WHERE WE ATE
First, I want to say; that we are not foodies. We love good food but do not need fancy or great food for every meal. On the road trip to 30A – I found a Sams Club bc – IFKYK – that the hotdogs there are so good and only a dollar… So if that tells you what’s to come, in the food section. HAHA
Breakfast
The Donut Hole – Excellent donuts. It was busy each time we went. Only taking away a point bc they are not custom-style donuts. Large selection of standard donuts. 9/10
Raw & Juicy – I didn’t see the hype. The smoothie did taste good, but $$$ Ben gave it a 4/10. I say that’s a little harsh. 6/10
Playa Bowls – We had both Smoothies and Acai Bowls. I had the Green Smoothie; it was delicious! 9/10
Shop the bracelets here. The black one is customizable and has the coordinates to our first adventure together.
Lunch
George’s – Good size portion for the money. A lot of outdoor seating. Adults only for dinner. Friendly staff. I had a mojito, and while it was small, it tasted perfect, not too tart or sweet. 9/10
La Crema – Small plates (tapas) great for sharing! We had the steak tostadas, crab rangoon, and crab cakes. I wanted to eat there again! 8/10
Dinner
Pizza by the Sea – VERY busy the time we went (Sunday night). Good Pizza, a sweet sauce. We ate leftovers for dinner one night also.
LaCo – We had the shrimp ceviche and the steak burrito. Food was decent, but incorrect food was brought out (usually not an issue). I had to find the waitress twice. 4/10
Ice Cream
Kilwins – We stood in line forever. LOL, We were stubborn and wanted ice cream. It was after dinner, a busy time anyways! This is the only place near us that had homemade-style ice cream—worth the wait. I had the espresso crunch. 9/10
THINGS WE DID FOR FUN
IN 30A
I just realized today that we didn’t spend much time on the beach in the heat of the day! We always went early, left when it started getting crowded, and didn’t come back until after dinner. So besides the beach, we spent most of the time riding bikes around Alys Beach and finding food or snacks. HA, I almost feel bad that all I have to write for you is “go to the beach and bike around the pretty houses.”
ALYS BEACH 30A, FLORIDA
Every home was well thought out and follows a guideline for the community. The “town” was always pretty empty.
ROSEMARY BEACH, 30A FLORIDA
On our last day, we rode bikes around Rosemary looking at houses in the rain. It was still so beautiful!
MY OUTFITS FOR 30A
30A is a place where you can dress up or down, and you will fit in. We spent the majority of our time at the beach or riding bikes, so I did not wear the nicer dresses I had brought. I did not get photos of all my outfits.
The perfect travel day dress. I wear this a lot at home too. I sized down to a small. Shop it and other dresses I brought here!
This outfit is all sold out. I did find similar shorts and this exact cable knit sweater on eBay! Click here to shop.
The only photo I got with my favorite new cover-up, and also, it’s inside out. LOL, It’s knit and so flattering! You can find it HERE.
This dress is very comfortable. Ben never comments on my outfits and said he liked this dress. Click here to shop before it goes out of stock for the summer!
WHERE WE STAYED IN 30A
We booked this trip last minute (do not recommend it if you are particular). Our studio was not up to par for multiple reasons, so I will not be sharing it. I did figure out in my research that you do not have to stick with only AirBnB or vbro. There are rental management companies that do not put their houses on there. If you can find a rental with private beach access in your budget, that would be the best option!
Overall it was a good time! I would go back if the lodging was suitable and we had another couple to go with! We felt like three days was plenty for a solo couple staying in 30A! Let me know if you go there; I’d love to know your thoughts.
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