If you like beach life, and you want to know about a gem of a stretch of sandy beaches that also has great restaurants, superb shopping venues, and wonderful recreational facilities, look no further than the little-known stretch of Florida highway called the 30A.
Along 30A you’ll discover several quaint, unique, and interesting beach communities that stand out decisively from the larger, busier areas of Panama City and Destin which also lie along County Road 30A.
Along this stretch of road, you’ll find beautiful, laid-back beach communities like Seaside, Aly’s, and Santa Rosa, and that’s just a start.
30A – What and Where?!
The 30A gets its name from a road in South Walton County called County Road 30A. It covers some 20 miles along the Emerald Coast of the Florida Panhandle. The area is nestled between two march larger locales such as Panama City and Destin.
35 miles from Seaside along 30A you’ll find the nearest airport in Panama City, Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. The airport is small but it’s modern, and it’s an easy way of reaching the 30A without much trouble. There are a couple of other options available if you’re flying here, including Pensacola International Airport (PNS), two hours drive from the 30A, and one in Destin – the Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS).
What About Panama City Beaches?
Along 30A there is a long stretch of beaches that alone can keep you occupied for days. There’s Seagrove Beach, Seaside, Seacrest Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, Dune Allen Beach, Alys Beach, to name a few. However, along the road, many of the areas are high-end and beaches may have only private beach access.
So, if you’re not staying within the community and thus have a gate code access will be limited. You may have to park in an outlying area with public access and walk down to the beach.
The breathtaking scenery along this piece of road will make you want to stop where you are and get out just to take it all in. However, the beach-side communities also feature charming accommodations, plenty of shopping venues, and inviting food options. The drive along this two-lane road is slow, with a 45 MPH speed limit, but you won’t mind because it is an absolutely gorgeous route.
How’s the Food in the Florida Panhandle?
Traveling along 30A will be a leisurely trip, so don’t expect to blow on through. Instead, expect to enjoy a lazy weekend drive. Stop often and take in the sights along the way. You won’t see any fast food chains or franchise eateries on this journey, so expect to find a great restaurant and stay a while.
If you want surf and turf, you’ll find the Watersound at Ambrosia 30A Prime Seafood & Steaks meets your needs. You’ll want to stay a while. If you’re looking for a more upscale venue to spend your evening, you’ll want to check out Restaurant Paradis in Rosemary Beach. But plan on making reservations and dressing accordingly.
No matter what you choose to do, your visit to Florida’s 30A is sure to be a relaxing one. Be sure and stay up to speed on all the hot spots and sweet destinations in Florida.
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