Scenic Highway 30A: the back story

About Scenic Highway 30A: the back story

By the ULTIMATE Florida Editorial Team

County Road 30A runs along the Gulf in South Walton, between Destin and Panama City Beach. Along it are a string of small beach towns, each with its own look, and coastal dune lakes found in few places in the world.

East: Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach

At the eastern end of 30A, Rosemary Beach is a walkable town of courtyards and boardwalks, and Alys Beach, next door, is known for its white-walled houses.

Seaside and WaterColor

In the middle of the route, Seaside’s pastel cottages and town square are the heart of 30A, with WaterColor next door.

South Walton’s official visitor centre is on US Highway 331 South in Santa Rosa Beach (Visit South Walton).

Grayton Beach

Grayton Beach State Park, just west of WaterColor, has dunes, a coastal dune lake and an unspoiled stretch of beach.

Getting around

30A is slow, busy in summer and made for bicycles: many visitors park once and cycle the paths between towns. Fly into Northwest Florida Beaches (ECP) for the east end or Destin–Fort Walton Beach (VPS) for the west. Visit South Walton’s visitor centre is at 25777 US Highway 331 South, Santa Rosa Beach.

Our advice: hire bikes for your stay and leave the car at the hotel.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Scenic Highway 30A: the back story before you go.