- Travel
5 Days in 30A — An Itinerary
for Florida’s Top Beach Town
- October 6, 2022
Flamingo-colored beach umbrellas in white sands washed by turquoise waters epitomize a beautiful day on Florida’s Emerald Coast. Stretching from Panama City Beach to Destin, this slice of beachside paradise is known as 30A.
From biking along the boardwalk to sunset dolphin cruises and beach bonfires, it’s impossible not to fall in love with idyllic days in these Gulf Coast communities. Here is KEY’s five-day itinerary for 30A — home to Florida’s best beach towns.
Here is our guide for what to do for five days in 30A:
Day 1
Morning:
Rise and shine for sun salutations during a private beachside yoga session. Feel the soft sand under your toes and listen to the ocean waves as your professional yoga instructor leads you through the poses. It’s the perfect start to your day.
Afternoon:
Rosemary Beach is arguably one of the most breathtaking beaches in 30A. Before you spend some time there, let KEY organize delivery (and pick-up) of a bundle of beach necessities to your 30A vacation home. From beach chairs, umbrellas and cooler boxes to paddleboards and boogie boards, we have everything you need to fully enjoy the powdery sands and jade waters at Rosemary Beach.
Evening:
There’s a seemingly endless array of fantastic eateries in the Florida Panhandle. Try George’s At Alys Beach for fresh-caught seafood and upmarket American cuisine served in airy dining rooms or at tables out on the porch. A word to the wise; George’s no reservation policy means it’s first come, first served, but you can enjoy a craft cocktail on the rooftop deck while you wait to be seated.
Day 2
Morning:
Start the day at a beloved neighborhood coffee shop with some of the best beans on 30A. There are three Black Bear Company Co. locations around Santa Rosa Beach, each with a Parisian aesthetic. Come for a refreshing cold brew coffee, signature naturally leavened Black Bear breads, or a standout avocado tartine. Then, choose from an array of gourmet sandwiches to takeaway for your day at the beach.
Afternoon:
Encompassing a 2,000-acre expanse of coastal woodland, Grayton Beach State Park has over four miles of trails through the forest offering biking or hiking for the whole family. A mile-long nature path taking in dunes, salt marshes and pinewoods provides opportunities to spot white-tailed deer, gray foxes, and abundant birdlife, while the calm waters of the dune lakes are perfect for kayaking. If beaches are your thing, stroll along the mile of pristine white sands overlooking emerald waters to find your perfect spot.
Evening:
Stop by a 30A food truck for delicious comfort food, from grilled cheese sandwiches at The Meltdown on 30A to gourmet hotdogs at Wild Bill’s Beach Dogs, before heading to the beach for sunset. The local experts at KEY can set up a beach bonfire complete with fire pit, beach chairs, and fire supplies, on the beach of your choice, including Watercolor, Seacrest, or Rosemary. Sit back, relax, and savor the sunset as you snack on s’mores and listen to the fire crackle and the waves roll in.
Day 3
Morning:
The smell of warm, gooey cinnamon rolls draws you into Crackings at Grayton Beach, but the lobster gouda grits keep you coming back. Southern-style breakfast plates piled high are the order of the day at this area institution specializing in delicious eggs, pancakes, and waffles. Crackings is an absolute must while on your beach vacation in the Florida Panhandle.
Afternoon:
Beautiful beach communities like Blue Mountain are a prime reason sun worshippers flock to this stretch of Florida shoreline. Named after the blue lupine flowers that bloom in the nearby sand dunes, Blue Mountain Beach is ideal for lounging on fine white sands and swimming in gentle, crystal-clear waters. Later on, take a break from the sun to cool off with a homemade ice cream cone from the Blue Mountain Creamery.
Evening:
Drive west up the coast to Destin Harbor and climb aboard a comfortable cruiser boat for a two-hour sunset dolphin cruise. The captain will tour you around Destin Harbor before heading out to the Gulf of Mexico to cruise along the coastline where pods of dolphins leap from the water and play in the boat’s wake. Then watch the sunset over the ocean as you head back into the harbor.
Day 4
Morning:
Diner meets donut emporium at the relaxed Donut Hole breakfast joint in Inlet Beach. Stop by for casual breakfast classics like omelets and homemade biscuits or grab a dozen donuts to take back to your 30A home away from home. Spend the morning by the swimming pool with a good book in one hand and an indulgent chocolate cruller in the other.
Afternoon:
Another day, another dreamy beach community. Dune Allen has pristine white sandy beaches, rare coastal dune lakes, and miles of hiking trails. Let KEY organize a private sandcastle lesson during which a sand sculpting expert will teach the whole family how to craft a masterpiece from nothing more than sand and water.
Evening:
Relax and relish an evening made memorable by a private chef who will prepare a mouthwatering meal for yourself and your guests at your 30A home. Select a menu inspired by American, Asian, Italian, Latin, or Mediterranean cuisine. Or create a tailored gastronomic experience based on your own specific preferred dishes.
Day 5
Morning:
Every great vacation deserves to be recorded for posterity. Start the day with a sunrise, couple or family vacation beach photography session. Your private photographer will consult with you about attire, location and your expectations prior to the session. The result will be a picture-perfect reminder of your 30A beach getaway.
Afternoon:
Gather your nearest and dearest for a final day together on the water. The travel specialists at KEY can arrange a luxurious pontoon boat for a half- or full-day rental to make it extra-special. Cruise by Rosemary Beach, Inlet Beach, or Alys Beach, leap from the boat into the water, and take turns going down the waterslide. It’s the ideal way to cap off your stay in South Walton.
Evening:
Dine in style on your last night at lauded chef Tim Creehan’s Cuvee 30A in Rosemary Beach. The menu of succulent steaks and seafood, such as Maine lobster and Alaskan king crab, is served in an elegant dark wood dining room and complemented by a world-class wine list.
