Here’s what to do in Seaside Florida. Seaside (also known as Watercolor FL) is one of the best places to visit in the panhandle. From restaurants to shops to beach access… you will find it all in Seaside while on vacation.
When Hollywood was scouting a location to shoot The Truman Show, they needed a town with white picket fences that looked to perfect to be true. And that’s what they found in Seaside Florida located in the 30A area.
Seaside Has Perfect White Beaches
The main reason people visit the small town of Seaside, is for the sun and the beaches.
In Northwest Florida, Seagrove Beach (on the Gulf of Mexico) has over a mile of emerald waters and white sand beaches.
The beaches are the perfect place to take a long walk or a relaxing swim.
Each beach entrance has a beach pavilion. Each pavilion is individually designed and owned by the home owner’s associations. Because each is owned by a separate association, each has a different architectural style.
Other beaches near Seaside:
- Seaside Beach
- Seaside Promenade
- Gearhart Beach
- Santa Rosa Beach
- Cannon Beach
Go Hiking on Trails at Grayton Beach State Park
Take in all the outdoor beauty of the area by hiking the trails at one of Florida’s most popular state parks.
At Grayton Beach State Park, you will find a 4 mile long paved trail. You can either walk it or take your bicycle. Either way, you will go through a beautiful coastal forest filled with scrub oaks and magnolias.
If you don’t want a paved trail, there is also a one-mile long nature trail that takes you through some pine flatwoods and the dune ecosystem.
And seaside, of course, has a great pristine beach.
Other nearby state parks:
- Del Rey Beach State Park
- Ecola State Park
- Sunset Beach State Recreational Site
The Food Trucks at Airstream Row Seaside
Much of Florida’s 30A area is pricey.
But, in the middle of Seaside (Central Square), there are foodtrucks in an area called Airstream row. It gets its name because the row of gourmet food-trucks is made up with shiny Airstream trailers.
So, on your trip to Seaside, you can choose from hot dogs, tacos, a pizza bar and more. Or get frozen treats like shaved ice at Frost Bites.
This is where along highway 30A you will find the best bang for your buck when eating lunch or dinner.
Here are the local Seaside Food Trucks:
Morning Yoga at the Seaside Pavillion
Every morning at 8:30 am, you can take a yoga class. Just bring your own yoga mat and a water bottle.
The yoga course are weather permitting and at the Seaside Pavillion. It’s first come first served.
Take an Instagram Selfie at the Chapel at Seaside
The Chapel at Seaside is one of the most scenic and photographed areas in Seaside Florida.
It’s a white bell tower and is the tallest building in the community.
The popular wedding venue holds 175 people. Architect Scott Merrill created the chapel’s amazing and elegant design.
If you are in Seaside FL on a Sunday morning, you’ll be able to hear the church bells.
Eat at Bud and Alley’s
Bud and Alley’s is a restaurant with seafood, southern and American fare. They also have vegetarian and a gluten free menu.
This waterfront restaurant has been a Seaside tradition for 30 years. It over looks the Gulf of Mexico and was forerunner in the farm-to-table trend.
Their rooftop dining area is the perfect place to watch the sunset over the Gulf.
Bud and Alley’s is at 2236 East County Highway (That’s Highway 30-A) in Seaside.
Don’t Forget About the Farmers Market
The Seaside Farmers Market is at the Seaside Amphitheater. It happens every Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm (rain or shine)
The booths off locally grown produce, artisan breads, cheeses, and beef from what they call “happy cows”.
Visit the Art Galleries
For a small gulf coast city, Seaside Florida has more than it’s share of art galleries.
Fusion Art Glass Gallery is favorite among tourist.
Also, be sure to check out Newbill Collection by the Sea and Red Bird Gallery.
And if you are in town, Seaside Art Gallery has art shows and exhibits almost every month.
Stroll through Ruskin Place
Seaside was designed to be a pedestrian down. So, if you walk north of Central Square, you will find Ruskin Place. It’s a quiet park surrounded by beautiful private homes, boutique shops, and art galleries.
It’s a great place to both shop and relax.
The northern park of Ruskin Place is called the Fairy Forest. Local children have made clay fairies and have hid them through the park.
And the Famous Seaside Post Office
The Post Office is Seaside is probably the most famous traditional post offices in the world.
It’s the one thing you don’t want to miss.