Are you looking for the best 30A beaches for families? If you're like me, you love spending time with your loved ones on the beautiful shores of the Gulf of Mexico.
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But with so many options to choose from, how do you find the best beaches for your family's needs and preferences?
In this blog post, I'll share with you my personal experience of visiting some of the best 30A beaches for families. I'll also give you some tips on how to plan the perfect family trip to the best 30A beaches.
What are the best 30A beaches for families?
The 30A region is divided into several unique beach communities, each with its own charm, vibe, and amenities. Some of the most popular and family-friendly 30A beaches are Santa Rosa Beach, Seaside Beach, Grayton Beach, Rosemary Beach, and Alys Beach.
Also Read: The Best Beach Hotels in 30A Florida
These beaches offer stunning views, pristine sands, clear waters, and plenty of activities for all ages. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or culture, you'll find it on these 30A beaches.
Santa Rosa Beach
Santa Rosa Beach is expansive, having more than 15 miles of coastline. It is one of the oldest and most diverse 30A beaches, with a mix of historic and modern attractions.
You can find everything from luxury resorts to cozy cottages, from fine dining to casual eateries, from art galleries to antique shops, from golf courses to bike trails, from state parks to coastal dune lakes.
Santa Rosa Beach is a great choice for families who want to experience the best of both worlds: the natural beauty and the cultural charm of 30A.
Some of the highlights of Santa Rosa Beach are:
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
This is a 1,600-acre park that features three rare coastal dune lakes, a 25-foot-high sand dune, and a 3.2-mile stretch of white sand beach.
Also Read: Where Do Locals Eat on 30A?
You can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, or camping in this park. You can also spot some wildlife, such as deer, turtles, birds, and butterflies.
Gulf Place Town Center
This is a lively and colorful shopping and dining hub that offers a variety of options for all tastes and budgets. You can find local boutiques, art studios, souvenir shops, ice cream parlors, coffee shops, pizza joints, seafood restaurants, and more.
You can also enjoy live music, festivals, and events that are held regularly at the amphitheater.
The Pearl Hotel
This is a luxury boutique hotel that offers a sophisticated and elegant stay for families who want to splurge. The hotel features spacious and stylish rooms, a rooftop lounge, a spa, a pool, and a restaurant.
The hotel also provides complimentary bikes, beach chairs, and umbrellas for guests. The hotel is located in the heart of Rosemary Beach, which is another family-friendly 30A beach that I'll talk about later.
Seaside Beach
Seaside Beach is the quintessential 30A beach, with its pastel-colored cottages, white picket fences, and charming town center.
It is one of the first and most famous examples of New Urbanism, a design movement that promotes walkable, mixed-use, and community-oriented neighborhoods.
Seaside Beach is a great choice for families who want to enjoy a cozy and quaint 30A beach, with a touch of nostalgia and whimsy.
Some of the highlights of Seaside Beach are:
Seaside Town Center
This is the heart and soul of Seaside Beach, where you can find a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, and entertainment venues. You can browse through books, clothes, toys, art, and more.
You can also savor some delicious food, from burgers to tacos to seafood to pizza. You can also catch some live music, movies, or theater shows at the amphitheater, the Lyceum, or the Repertory Theatre.
Seaside Beach
This is the main attraction of Seaside Beach, where you can relax on the soft sand, swim in the clear water, or play in the waves.
You can also rent bikes, kayaks, paddle boards, or surfboards to explore the beach and the nearby coastal dune lake. You can also join some activities, such as yoga, volleyball, or sandcastle building, that are organized by the Seaside Beach Club.
The Truman Show
This is the movie that made Seaside Beach famous, as it was filmed here in 1997. The movie starred Jim Carrey as Truman Burbank, a man who unknowingly lives in a fabricated reality show.
The movie showcased the beauty and charm of Seaside Beach, as well as its quirky and friendly residents.
You can take a self-guided tour of the movie locations, such as Truman's house, the town square, the beach, and the bridge. You can also watch the movie at the Seaside Beach Club or buy some souvenirs at the Seaside Style store.
Grayton Beach
Grayton Beach is the oldest and most laid-back 30A beach, with its motto of "Nice Dogs, Strange People". It is a funky and eclectic 30A beach, with a mix of old and new, rustic and chic, hippie and hipster.
You can find everything from historic cottages to modern villas, from dive bars to upscale restaurants, from thrift stores to art galleries, from live oaks to palm trees.
Grayton Beach is a great choice for families who want to enjoy a relaxed and fun 30A beach, with a touch of attitude and humor.
Some of the highlights of Grayton Beach are:
Grayton Beach State Park
This is a 2,000-acre park that features a pristine beach, a rare coastal dune lake, a pine forest, and a salt marsh. You can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, or camping in this park. You can also spot some wildlife, such as alligators, dolphins, pelicans, and crabs.
The Red Bar
This is a legendary and iconic spot that is a must-visit for anyone who comes to Grayton Beach. It is a quirky and colorful bar and restaurant that offers a lively and festive atmosphere, a delicious and affordable menu, and a fantastic and eclectic music selection.
You can enjoy some drinks, food, music, and dancing at this place. You can also mingle with the locals, celebrities, and tourists who frequent this place.
The Zoo Gallery
This is a unique and creative shop that sells a variety of items, from clothing to jewelry to pottery to furniture. You can find some original and whimsical pieces that are made by local and regional artists.
You can also admire some art and sculptures that are displayed throughout the shop. You can also meet the owners, who are passionate and friendly, and who will tell you the stories behind their products.
Rosemary Beach
Rosemary Beach is the most elegant and sophisticated 30A beach, with its European-inspired architecture, manicured gardens, and upscale amenities.
It is one of the newest and most luxurious 30A beaches, with a design that reflects the influences of the French, Spanish, Italian, and Caribbean cultures.
Rosemary Beach is a great choice for families who want to enjoy a refined and classy 30A beach, with a touch of romance and glamour.
Some of the highlights of Rosemary Beach are:
Rosemary Beach Town Center
This is the focal point of Rosemary Beach, where you can find a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, spas, and salons. You can find some high-end and stylish items, such as clothing, accessories, home decor, and gifts.
You can also indulge in some exquisite and gourmet food, from French to Italian to Mediterranean. You can also pamper yourself with some relaxing and rejuvenating treatments, such as massages, facials, or manicures.
Rosemary Beach
This is the main attraction of Rosemary Beach, where you can relax on the fine sand, swim in the turquoise water, or play in the gentle waves. You can also rent bikes, chairs, umbrellas, or cabanas to enjoy the beach and the views.
You can also join some activities, such as tennis, golf, or yoga, that are offered by the Rosemary Beach Club.
The Pearl Hotel
This is the same hotel that I mentioned earlier, as it is located in both Santa Rosa Beach and Rosemary Beach. It is a luxury boutique hotel that offers a sophisticated and elegant stay for families who want to splurge.
The hotel features spacious and stylish rooms, a rooftop lounge, a spa, a pool, and a restaurant. The hotel also provides complimentary bikes, beach chairs, and umbrellas for guests.
Alys Beach
Alys Beach is the most modern and minimalist 30A beach, with its white-washed buildings, geometric shapes, and sleek amenities.
It is one of the most eco-friendly and innovative 30A beaches, with a design that incorporates green and smart features, such as solar panels, geothermal heating, and digital controls.
Alys Beach is a great choice for families who want to enjoy a contemporary and chic 30A beach, with a touch of sophistication and simplicity.
Some of the highlights of Alys Beach are:
Alys Beach Town Center
This is the center of Alys Beach, where you can find a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, and galleries. You can find some modern and elegant items, such as clothing, jewelry, art, and books.
You can also savor some delicious and healthy food, from organic to vegan to gluten-free. You can also admire some stunning and creative art and sculptures that are displayed throughout the town.
Alys Beach
This is the main attraction of Alys Beach, where you can relax on the smooth sand, swim in the clear water, or play in the calm waves. You can also rent bikes, chairs, umbrellas, or kayaks to enjoy the beach and the views.
You can also join some activities, such as fitness, wellness, or meditation, that are offered by the Alys Beach Club.
Caliza Pool
This is a spectacular and luxurious pool that is a must-see for anyone who visits Alys Beach. It is a saltwater infinity pool that is surrounded by palm trees, cabanas, and fire pits. It also features a hot tub, a kiddie pool, and a restaurant.
You can enjoy some drinks, food, music, and relaxation at this pool. You can also watch some amazing sunsets and starry nights from this pool.
How to plan the perfect family trip to the best 30A beaches
Planning a family trip to the best 30A beaches can be fun and easy if you follow some simple steps. First, choose the best 30A beach for your family based on your criteria.
Second, book your accommodation in advance to secure the best deals and availability. You can choose from a variety of options, such as hotels, resorts, condos, cottages, or vacation rentals.
Third, arrange your transportation to and from the beach. You can drive, fly, or take a shuttle. You can also rent a bike, a golf cart, or a car to get around the area.
Also Read: Best Solo Beach Vacations for Females
Fourth, plan your activities and itinerary based on your family's interests and preferences. You can enjoy the beach, the water, the nature, the culture, or the nightlife. You can also join some tours, events, or festivals that are happening on 30A.
Fifth, set your budget and stick to it. You can save money by booking in advance, comparing prices, using coupons, or choosing off-season dates. You can also splurge on some treats, such as a spa day, a fine dining experience, or a souvenir shopping spree.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the best 30A beaches for families are the ones that suit your family's needs and preferences. You can find them by doing some research, asking some questions, or exploring some options.
I hope this blog post has helped you in your search for the best 30A beaches for families, and inspired you to plan the perfect family trip to the best 30A beaches.
I also hope you had as much fun reading this blog post as I had writing it. If you did, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think.
Which 30A beach is your favorite? Which one do you want to visit next? Do you have any other tips or suggestions for planning a family trip to the best 30A beaches? I'd love to hear from you.
And if you liked this blog post, please share it with your friends, family, and fellow travelers. And don't forget to subscribe to my blog for more awesome content like this. Thank you for reading, and happy traveling!
FAQs
What is 30A?
30A is a scenic highway that runs along the Gulf of Mexico in Florida. It is also a popular destination for tourists and locals who enjoy the beautiful beaches, charming towns, and diverse activities that the area offers.
How many beaches are there on 30A?
There are 16 beach communities on 30A, each with its own beach access and amenities. You can find beaches of all kinds, sizes, and flavors on 30A.
You can also find beaches that cater to different needs and preferences, such as family-friendly, pet-friendly, or secluded beaches.
How to get to 30A?
You can get to 30A by driving, flying, or taking a shuttle. If you drive, you can take Interstate 10 or Highway 98 to reach 30A. If you fly, you can choose from three nearby airports:
Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS), or Pensacola International Airport (PNS). If you take a shuttle, you can book a service from one of the airports or from other locations in Florida or Alabama.
What are some of the best activities to do on 30A with kids?
There are plenty of fun and exciting activities to do on 30A with kids, such as:
- Swimming, surfing, boogie boarding, or snorkeling on the beach
- Kayaking, paddle boarding, or fishing on the coastal dune lakes
- Hiking, biking, or camping on the state parks or nature trails
- Playing, picnicking, or relaxing on the green spaces or playgrounds
- Shopping, dining, or watching movies on the town centers or markets
- Joining some tours, events, or festivals that are kid-friendly and educational
- Visiting some attractions, such as the Seaside Carousel, the Alys Beach Butterfly Garden, or the Grayton Beach Zoo Gallery
What are some of the best places to stay on 30A with kids?
There are plenty of comfortable and convenient places to stay on 30A with kids, such as:
- Hotels, such as The Pearl Hotel, The WaterColor Inn, or The Henderson
- Resorts, such as The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, The Carillon Beach Resort, or The WaterSound Beach Club
- Condos, such as The Village of South Walton, The Villages of Seacrest, or The Dunes of Seagrove
- Cottages, such as The Cottages at Seagrove, The Cottages at Rosemary Beach, or The Cottages at Alys Beach
- Vacation rentals, such as The Beach House Collection, The 30A Company, or The 360 Blue
I hope this FAQ section has answered some of the questions you might have about the best 30A beaches for families. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask me in the comments below. I'll be happy to help you out.
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I appreciate your support and feedback. Stay tuned for more exciting and informative content coming your way soon. Until then, happy travels and happy eating!