15 Things To Do On 30A (Must-Do Activities On and Off the Beach)

Thinking about visiting 30A Florida? I visit 30A every year and am here to give you the scoop on all there is to do.

There’s no place quite like 30A in the U.S. I lived in Florida for 25 years and explored beaches all across my home state — from South Beach in Miami; to the southwest beaches like Marco Island; to Siesta Key and Clearwater Beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast; and Daytona Beach on the Atlantic Coast; and nothing quite compares to the beaches along 30A.

However, sometimes you need a break from the beach. Whether you’re as red as a lobster from too much sun, there’s bad weather, or just need a change in scenery, I’ve got you covered. And trust me I get it — after spending a few days sunbathing on the beach, my husband is itching to do something else too.

Continue reading to find out all there is to do on 30A Florida!

Beautiful sunset in 30A Florida

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15 Things to Do on 30A

Without further ado, here are the top things to do on 30A, from one-of-a-kind experiences to popular beach activities we all know and love.

1. Enjoy a bike ride on the Timpoochee Trail

Bike rental shop along 30A Florida with tons of bikes to choose from

Enjoying a leisurely bike ride along the Timpoochee Trail is a must! This scenic 19-mile trail runs parallel to 30A and takes you through a coastal landscape, passing by dunes lakes, state parks, and all the charming beach communities that make up 30A.

You can rent a bike from one of the many shops along the length of the trail and explore at your own pace. Or, many times, vacation home rentals on 30A will come with bikes.

TIP: Make a pit stop and grab a refreshing Green King smoothie at Raw & Juicy in Alys Beach — you won’t be disappointed! It’s become a yearly tradition of mine.

2. Have a bonfire on the beach

Travel, tourism, hike, picnic and people concept - group of happy friends frying sausages on campfire at the beach. A company of young people came together for a barbecue.

There’s nothing quite like a bonfire on the beach — listening to the waves crash while enjoying a s’more and watching the sunset. Ah, talk about a memorable evening!

There are a ton of local companies that offer beach bonfire packages which include set up/break down and bringing chairs, tables, a fire pit, tiki torches, and even roasting sticks. This is a great option for large groups, families, and bachelorette parties.

Here are a couple of companies I recommend booking: 30A Blaze (packages start at $429) and Light Me Up 30A (packages start at $299).

Or, if you’d rather do it yourself, you can submit a bonfire permit request here through the South Walton Fire District.

The schedule of fees for the beach bonfire permit shall be established through local ordinances and resolutions as described below:

  • $50 shall be remitted to SWFD per SWFD Beach Bonfire Ordinance 2010-02 and SWFD Resolution 10-10 (effective date 2010)
  • $50 shall be remitted to Walton County per Walton County Code of Ordinances Chapter 22 and Resolution 2021-27 (effective date 2021)
  • The total fee per beach bonfire shall be $100.00 cash/check or $105.00 for credit card payments ($5 Credit card processing fee).
  • Both fees shall be collected by SWFD.
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    3. Paddleboard or kayak on a dune lake

    Low Altitude Aerial View of Grayton Beach and the Western Lake Outflow during a Forced Beach Closure due to the Coronavirus Outbreak

    30A is home to a unique geographical feature that can only be found in Madagascar, Australia, New Zealand, and Oregon, and 30A — coastal dune lakes. You can find 15 along the 26 miles of coastline, the largest being Lake Powell, located just beyond Rosemary Beach.

    On these coastal dune lakes, you can enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, or fishing (with a Florida fishing license).

    Here’s a full list of all access points for public use. Lake Powell, Western, and Eastern Lake also all have available boat ramps to launch from.  

    If you really want to make your life easy, you can “make an appointment” with a local rental company, like The Rental Shop 30A, who offers free delivery of kayaks and paddle boards, along with personal flotation devices, whistles, dry bags, and waterproof speakers. All you have to do is call 850-260-0001 and they’ll take care of the rest.

    TIP: It’s a great alternative activity for days when double red flags at the beach close the water to the public, and you or your kids are eager to swim. Although there are some alligator-infested areas, so be sure to avoid these zones.

    4. Play pickleball or tennis

    Pickleball court in WaterColor at sunset. There are two courts to play on with no divider in between.

    Looking to get a little exercise in on vacation? If you are like me (and the rest of the U.S.) and have become obsessed with pickleball, then you will be happy to know there are several courts on 30A to choose from.

    Click here to view the best pickleball courts on 30A.

    The majority on this list also have tennis courts if you rather play tennis. There are even a couple of spots that include a pro shop where you can rent all your equipment needs (paddles, tennis rackets, outdoor pickleball(s), etc.) so you can leave your gear at home.

    5. Visit a state park

    Nature trail at Grayton Beach State Park Florida

    If you need a break from the beach, explore one of the nearby state parks, such as Grayton Beach State Park, Deer Lake State Park, and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, which provide opportunities for hiking, biking, and experiencing the natural beauty of the area.

    You can also go to the beach while you’re here. The beaches in the state parks along 30A usually offer a quieter experience compared to some of the more crowded public beaches nearby. And it’s cheap to enter!

    Admission is usually around $3-$5 (two to eight people), and $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists. For example, during our last visit to Deer Lake State Park, we paid $3 and just had to walk about 5 to 10 minutes along a scenic boardwalk to reach the beach.

    6. Learn how to surf

    A group of surfers catching a wave during sunset

    If you are interested in learning how to surf, Austin Magee’s Surf School offers private lessons, group lessons (requires 2 or more people), or mini lessons perfect for young children who want to learn the basics.

    Austin Magee’s Surf School consistently receives rave reviews! Check them out here.

    All participants must be at least 6 years old and be able to swim with confidence. The lessons are offered from May through October, weather permitting.

    To make a reservation, you can email Austin at austin.magee@rocketmail.com or call him at 850-217-4042.

    7. Eat the local cuisine

    Fish special at Pescado Seafood Grill & Rooftop in Rosemary Beach. The rooftop patio provides a view of the ocean.

    While you can certainly pick up groceries at Publix and cook during your stay on 30A, I would recommend trying at least one of the local restaurants in the area. When we visit for two weeks each year, we like to do a little bit of both because the restaurants are so good!

    Having lived in Florida for 25 years, I was used to typical beachfront restaurants offering fried shrimp, burgers, and chicken tenders — same old, same old. That all changed when I visited 30A.

    Many of the restaurants in the area take great pride in sourcing menu items directly from local fisheries and farms. I’ve truly had some of the best meals during my vacations here. Click here to find my full list of recommended eateries on 30A.

    8. Enjoy a boat cruise on the water

    Waves and yacht from top view. Turquoise water background from top view. Summer seascape from air. Top view from drone. Travel-image

    To enjoy a scenic cruise on the water, you will have to venture a little outside 30A. (There are no great boating opportunities right on 30A unless you are going on a fishing charter).

    Lake Powell is the closest spot near 30A to enjoy boating. Palm and Powell offer the cutest pink boats with a picnic spread that’s perfect for bachelorette parties!

    If this doesn’t float your boat (no pun intended), then enjoy a boat tour, dolphin cruise, sunset cruise, or fireworks cruise on a 45′ Beneteau sailing yacht with East Pass Sailing Company.

    9. Hang poolside at Caliza Pool

    Alys Beach 30A Florida calm morning pool with white exterior and green umbrellas.

    The Caliza Pool in Alys Beach is the epitome of “luxury”. You’ll find a 75-foot lap pool with an iPod port for personal underwater music listening, a zero-entry pool, a family pool with fountain spouts for the kids to play in, and an open-air restaurant and bar.

    Both the pool and restaurant are restricted to Alys Beach homeowners and vacation rental guests. If you fall into either of these categories, take advantage of these amenities. Trust me, those staying in other nearby beach communities are looking over in envy.

    10. Visit the home from The Truman Show

    Home from the film, The Truman Show with a bright green door.

    It never seems to fail that every time we get in an Uber while visiting 30A, our driver always asks, “Have you visited ‘The Truman House’?” It’s kind of like seeing a celebrity but in a house form.

    If you are familiar with the 1998 blockbuster film, The Truman Show, Jim Carrey steps out of this home in Seaside every morning and delivers the memorable line, “Good morning, and in case I don’t see ya — good afternoon, good evening, and good night!” There’s also a mural with this exact quote in Seaside’s central square.

    The home is now owned by a couple, Don and Vicky Gaetz, who have kept the original house number, 36, above the door. So while you can’t tour the home, you can still pass by and take a photo.

    11. Go to a local farmer’s market

    Farmer's market on 30A florida that offers fruits, veggies, handmade soaps, candles, etc.

    A farmer’s market is a great way to pick up local goods for your stay on 30A. My family and I usually buy homemade bagels, jams, farm-fresh eggs, fruits, vegetables, and fresh seafood to cook throughout the week. It becomes our “grocery run” in a way.

    There are also health & wellness items, home decor, beard oils, handmade jewelry, hand-poured candles, homemade soaps, art, crafts, and so much more.

    Here are the local farmers’ markets you can visit on 30A:

    • Seaside Farmer’s Market: open every Tuesday and Saturday from 9 am – 1 pm
    • Rosemary Beach Farmer’s Market: open every Sunday from 9 am – 1 pm
    • Watersound Town Center Farmer’s Market: open every Sunday from 9 am – 1 pm and Thursdays, June 1 – Aug. 13:  9 am – 1 pm
    • The Big Chill: open every Thursday from 9 am to 1 pm

    Things to do on 30A When it Rains

    Sometimes the weather can be unpredictable on 30A it is Florida after all. When it’s a rainy day and you want to get out and do something, here are a few good options.

    12. Go shopping

    Rows and rows of books at Sundog Books bookstore in Seaside, Florida.

    Here on 30A, you won’t find the typical touristy souvenir shops selling “I Heart 30A” memorabilia. Instead, you will find family-owned independent bookstores, record stores, clothing boutiques, toy stores, and much more. I love to go shopping on 30A when I visit!

    Some of the best spots to go shopping include:

    • Seaside Town Center
    • The Big Chill
    • Rosemary Beach Town Center
    • 30Avenue (Inlet Beach)

    13. Treat yourself to a massage

    Enjoy a relaxing spa day in 30A.

    Treat yourself to a massage at Spa Pearl, The Spa in Seaside, or book Seaside Mobile Massage and bring the spa to you. On my last visit to 30A, I booked a deep tissue massage for my mother to enjoy from the comfort of our vacation home rental (while overlooking the ocean). It gives a new meaning to a massage with a view!

    14. Make your own scent

    Pish Posh Patchouli's, located in Rosemary Beach, is an apothecary boutique offering bath, body, and home products. Inside the store, there's a section where you can customize your own scent for perfumes, fragrance oils, shea lotions, body oil, and hand soap.

    Pish Posh Patchouli’s, located in Rosemary Beach, is an apothecary boutique offering bath, body, and home products. Inside the store, there’s a section where you can customize your own scent for perfumes, fragrance oils, shea lotions, body oils, and hand soap.

    With over 50 scents to choose from, you can mix and match to create your own unique creation. Bottle sizes include 16 oz, 8 oz, and 3.4 oz and smaller for those traveling with just a carry-on.

    Price ranges from $9 to $40 per bottle. It’s a perfect activity for a mother-daughter outing, girl’s trip, or bachelorette party!

    15. Arts & Crafts at Rock Paper Scissors

    Rock Paper Scissors 30A offers kid's art classes, open studio hours where you can walk-in and pick a project, or even take home 3D art kits with its own YouTube tutorial.

    Rock Paper Scissors 30A offers kid’s art classes, open studio hours where you can walk in and pick a project, or even take home 3D art kits with its own YouTube tutorial.

    The classes are split into age groups 3yr-5yr and then 6yr and up! Projects are all priced individually and range from $5-$34. Most projects take 30 minutes to an hour to complete.

    Be sure to check their social media pages for updated hours of operation.


    Map of 30A Beach Towns

    FAQs: Things to do on 30A Florida

    Planning a vacation to 30A? In this 30A Florida FAQ guide, you’ll find answers to common inquiries about this stunning coastal destination, helping you make the most of your visit along the Gulf Coast.

    Are the beaches on 30A private?

    Many beaches on 30A are private and require a code or a wristband to access them. The beach communities of Seaside, WaterColor, Alys Beach, and Rosemary Beach do not have any public beach access. These beaches are only accessible to people who are staying in the corresponding town at the time of your visit.

    When is the best time of year to visit 30A?

    April and May are often considered the best months to visit 30A. The weather is quite comfortable (highs in the mid-70s and 80s) and you escape the brutal summer months where not only are the temperatures higher but so are the prices for vacation home rentals.

    Something to also keep in mind is the Atlantic hurricane season which runs from June 1st to November 30th. You can potentially expect heavy rains and cloudy skies during this time (especially during the season’s peak in September).

    Can you drink alcohol on the 30A beaches?

    Yes! Alcohol is permitted on 30A beaches for anyone of legal drinking age. However, glass containers are not allowed. So grab your can and koozie and enjoy some R&R!

    Final thoughts

    30A Florida is a vacationer’s paradise, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, charming coastal towns, and a wide range of activities and attractions.

    Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway or an action-packed adventure, 30A has something to suit every taste. From luxurious beachfront resorts to cozy vacation rentals, you’ll find the perfect accommodation to make your stay comfortable and memorable.

    And with its stunning beaches, diverse culinary scene, and family-friendly activities, there’s never a dull moment on 30A. So, start planning your dream vacation and get ready to create unforgettable memories along Florida’s stunning Emerald Coast. Your 30A adventure awaits!

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