- Travel
5 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do in 30A – An Insider’s Guide
Florida’s 30A is one of the South’s best-kept secrets — its sandy shores lined with beachfront homes stretching along more than 20 miles of highway between Destin and Panama City on the Florida Panhandle. The ultimate Florida beach destination, 30A is home to numerous beautiful beaches, charming coastal towns, incredible seafood restaurants, and ocean activities galore.
Located a short drive from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport and Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, this stretch of the Emerald Coast is easily accessible for a spring break vacation or weekend getaway. And while a lazy day at the beach is always encouraged, it’s not the only thing to do in these quaint coastal communities. A wide variety of activities — both on and off the water — make for idyllic days in this Gulf Coast paradise.
Here is an insider's guide, five things you didn’t know you could do in Florida’s 30A:
1: Discover the delights of the state park
While the emerald green waters and pristine dunes of Grayton Beach State Park are a significant draw, there’s so much more to explore across its 2,000 acres of coastal woodland. Start the day with a 4.5-mile hike or leisurely bike ride along trails under native pine trees.
Nature enthusiasts can paddle canoes or kayaks rented from the nearby ranger station on the still waters of the park’s expansive dune lakes. As you paddle, keep an eye out for plentiful birdlife, such as ospreys and bald eagles, found throughout the park. And if you have a fishing license, you can also try your luck at reeling in a fish or two here.
When lunchtime rolls around, head to the beach and find the perfect spot to sit and bask in the sun. KEY.co can deliver a delicious lunch box for your fun-filled day out. Choose between an artisan charcuterie box, a taco box, or a sandwich box packed with various handmade sandwiches, kettle chips, fresh fruits, and a little something sweet.
2: A sunset cruise to remember
A floating tiki bar is the perfect way to step up sunset cocktails. KEY can book a private cruise aboard a tiki bar for your group of family and friends. Climb aboard this thatched roof, bobbing bar and cruise through Destin Harbor or out to Crab Island as your guide shares insider tips on South Walton while pouring ice cold glasses of rosé. Cheers to an afternoon spent relaxing in paradise while the sun sets and colors flare across the sky.
3: A good catch
Abundant speckled trout, flounder, and redfish swim in the waters off 30A. The local experts at KEY can organize a world-class fishing trip with the aim of catching some of those delicious fish. On inshore fishing excursions lasting from two to six hours, an experienced local captain will take you and your friends and family out to drop your lines in only the best spots. You’ll be rewarded with some of the biggest fish outside of Destin.
30A’s rare and unique dune lakes also offer exciting fishing opportunities. Cast your line out at Western Lake in Grayton Beach, Alligator Lake, Big Redfish Lake, or expansive Lake Powell, Florida’s largest dune lake. These shallow bodies of water are home to both saltwater and freshwater fish including large-mouth bass, mullet, sunfish, and many more.
4: Dine by design
Speaking of fish, you can catch any number before cleaning and packing them up, ready to be cooked for dinner back at your luxury 30A home. And KEY can arrange for an acclaimed local private chef to come to your residence and cook your group a sublime fish feast to be served up in the comfort of your own dining room.
Alternatively, your top local private chef can create a multi-course menu to satisfy whatever you’re craving — delicious Asian, Italian, Latin or Mediterranean dishes, prepared with the freshest local ingredients. Pair them with an in-home wine tasting for a truly memorable evening with your nearest and dearest. Your personal sommelier will guide you through a sublime wine experience, savoring seven carefully curated bottles from around the world to complement the cuisine.
5: Bike the beach towns from Inlet Beach to Rosemary Beach
One of the most enjoyable ways to explore 30A’s beach communities is on two wheels with the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. The travel experts at KEY can arrange bike rental, with home delivery and pick up, so you and the whole family can easily and safely cycle from one beach town to the next along the Timpoochee Trail.
Stretching for 18.5 miles of paved path running parallel to the 30A Highway, this scenic cycle route takes you from Santa Rosa Beach east along the coast passing through Blue Mountain Beach, Grayton Beach State Park, Seagrove Beach, Seacrest, and Alys Beach, before arriving at Rosemary Beach. Spend a fun family day cycling through the various beach communities with pit stops at local favorites such as the Blue Mountain Beach Creamery where you can enjoy delicious ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet treats.
