When it comes to exploring the hidden wonders of 30A, most visitors need a little guidance on where to start. That’s where 30A’s abundance of local guides and tour services come into play, as well as attractions you’ll only find in 30A! Read on below to learn more about the unique and awesome experiences you can have in 30A!

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Coastal Dune Lakes

30A is famous for its incredible phenomenon of coastal dune lakes. These are so rare that there are only four countries in the world where they occur! In the U.S., you can only find coastal dune lakes along the Gulf Coast and in one single pocket in Oregon, with fifteen of the nation’s coastal dune lakes all located in South Walton and the 30A area. These gorgeous lakes have been around for as long as ten thousand years! This exotic wetland is from sand being redistributed by the wind to create shallow basin lakes teeming with verdant greenery and wildlife.

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Eden Gardens

This serene park is Nestled along the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay and the Tucker Bayou. It spans over the course of one hundred and twenty-four acres in the middle of South Walton. Check out the public grounds for a particularly wonderful experience.

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Longleaf Greenway Trail

This extensive eight-mile-long trail runs from west to east through the Point Washington State Forest, with primary access to the trail located along County Road 395 at Eastern Lake. The trailhead has ample parking and picnic tables. Parking costs $2.00 per person for day-use parking, with children under the age of six admitted for free. Annual passes are also available for as little as $30.00 at the Point Washington State Forest field office. The trail is named for the Longleaf pine trees that once dominated the landscape of the South.

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LIBATIONS

Red Bar

If there’s one must-try destination in 30A, it’s unanimously Red Bar. Locals and visitors alike flock to this one-of-a-kind Grayton Beach destination for its delicious eats and its incredible nightlife. You’re bound to spot a celebrity or two while enjoying amazing live jazz music from the house band. Chow down on shrimp pasta, hearty chicken, and spicy crawfish in this eclectic watering hole.

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Shades Bar & Grill

A 30A destination location for more than 20 years, Shades Bar & Grill continues to turn friends into family! With daily chef features, famous wings, classic spirits and a fabulous staff, Shades is the place to meet and eat on 30A.

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Old Florida Fish House

Located in the heart of Seagrove Beach, Old Florida Fish House prides itself in providing a family friendly, casual dining experience serving daily Gulf fresh seafood specials, select steaks and the best sushi on 30A. Old Florida Fish House’s guests are invited to sip mouthwatering cocktails or an ice cold brew and dine inside or outdoors. The Oyster Bar, more fondly known as the locals' hidden gem, features a full-service bar, big screen TV’s, the freshest oysters on 30A, and panoramic views of Eastern Lake. Old Florida Fish House has proudly featured local and national live music, special events, and South Walton's most sought-after dining experience.

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GOLF

30A is a fantastic destination for golf enthusiasts. Current list of golf courses can be found here: https://30a.com/golf/.  A great golf booking consolidator is here

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• Regatta Bay  This 6,894-yard, par-72 semi-private course is located just a few minutes away from 30A in Destin. The Regatta Bay Golf Course is nestled within nature preserves, so your views here include magnificent trees and the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay. The greens themselves overlook gorgeous lakes lined with pine. It’s common to see beautiful birds soaring overhead as you play here!  About an hour from the unit.   https://regattabay.com/

• Kelly Plantation Golf Course  The semi-private Kelly Plantation Golf Course features 18 holes spanning 7,099 yards. Overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay, this course is rated almost five stars and is in the top 5% of all golf courses in America (per Golf Digest). It’s not uncommon to see dolphins splashing in the distance as you play this course!

• Camp Creek Golf Club  Camp Creek Golf Club is tucked away and feels very much like a hidden gem. This public golf course near Rosemary Beach was designed by famed golf course architect Tom Fazio. It features 7,200-yards of fairways that complement the surrounding natural scenery. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as there have been several alligator sightings here.  About an hour from the unit. https://www.kellyplantationgolf.com/book-a-tee-time

• Shark’s Tooth Golf Club    Located alongside Lake Powell, Florida’s largest coastal dune lake, Shark’s Tooth Golf Club offers an incredible golf experience. Coastal dune lakes are rare ecosystems found only in a few places around the world, so this spot is special. Shark’s Tooth is one of the few golf courses in Florida that boasts the Silver Sanctuary Signature Status Award by Audubon International. Immerse yourself in nature as you play this course; it stretches 7,209 yards from the back tees. These fairways feature views of Lake Powell, oaks, pines, and wooden bridges.  20 minutes from unit, watersound members only.

• Origins Golf Club   The Origins Golf Club was designed by another renowned course architect, Davis Love III. It stretches approximately 1,800 yards along Florida’s Emerald Coast and is built upon “a spirit of relaxed refinement.” Fantastic views abound as you play this course.

• Santa Rosa Golf Club  Santa Rosa Golf Club is the only member-owned golf course and private beach club along scenic Highway 30A. It hugs South Walton’s white sandy beaches and overlooks the turquoise waters of the Gulf. At Santa Rosa, you will find an 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course. It is also a member of Audubon International and has been described as having “the purest golf in the Florida panhandle” by Golf Magazine.

 

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Deer Lake State Park

This beautiful park holds the freshwater coastal dune lake known as Deer Lake, as well as pristine beaches where you won’t find as many crowds. Take a walk through the park’s incredible ecosystems of coastal plants, delicate butterflies, vibrant wildflowers, and awe-inspiring birds before settling in for a lovely picnic outdoors.

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Butterfly Bike & Kayak Rentals

Butterfly Bike & Kayak Rentals is your go-to destination for rental bikes and kayaks in the Santa Rosa Beach area. You can even purchase bikes and kayaks, or have your personal bike repaired at the store’s full-service bike shop.

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Seaside Farmer’s Market

If you’re into local goods and fresh food, Seaside Farmer’s Market is the place for you. Peruse through the stalls of local farmers and homegrown goods in the scenic setting of Seaside. Fun fact: Seaside is where the iconic film The Truman Show was filmed. The farmer’s market is held each Saturday from 8:00am to 12:00pm.

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Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park boasts some of the most incredible dunes in 30A, with dunes towering as high as twenty-five feet tall. Come here for unfettered views of the gulf, impressively beautiful coastal dune scenery, rare wildlife, and lovely beaches.

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Stand-up Paddle boarding

Unlike other seaside destinations, the Gulf Coast is renowned for its calm, clear waters and gentle waves. While this spells dismal surfing conditions, the water is just right for stand-up paddle boarding, a leisurely yet invigorating sport that is often easier and more enjoyable than surfing. Go paddle boarding in the Gulf of Mexico, or at one of the many coastal dune lakes that dot Highway 30A.

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Eastern Lake Bike & Hike Trail

At the easternmost end of Point Washington State Forest, you’ll encounter the beautiful coastal dune lake known as Eastern Lake. Pay the $2.00 per person fee to enter and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views. You can bike or hike your way around this unique lake’s landscape of coastal pines, cypress ponds, sandhills, flatwoods, and wet prairies. Keep an eye out for extraordinary local wildlife, from alligators to deer and coyotes.

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Sculpt Studio

Keep in beach-body shape with the help of the experts at Sculpt Studio! They offer yoga-based classes incorporating light weights and cardio. They frequently host classes on The Hub stage, so make sure to keep an eye out for their class schedule!

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Timpoochee Trail and Point Washington State Forest

Timpoochee Trail is an eighteen-mile-long trail that runs the entire length of Highway 30A. This allows you to embrace the small-town atmosphere of 30A while enjoying a leisurely bike ride across multiple beach towns. Being up close rather than in the seat of a car, allows you to see what makes 30A so wonderful! The trail also diverts into the gorgeous Point Washington State Forest along the Eastern Lake Trail, where you can tailor your adventure to a three-mile, five-mile, or ten-mile loop.

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See Truman’s Hometown in Seaside

As we mentioned before, the quaint and charming town of Seaside served as the “too good to be true” setting of the iconic Jim Carrey movie, The Truman Show. The combination of pastel houses, white picket fences, and charming cobblestone streets make the town famous for its nostalgic perfectionism. Spend the day perusing through the adorable boutiques and treat yourself to a sunset dinner at Bud and Alley’s. End your night with a movie or theater performance under the twinkling stars at Seaside Amphitheater or Seaside Repertory Theater.

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Fishing on the Emerald Coast

30A is renowned for its incredible, record-breaking sport fishing that draws in anglers from across the globe. While there aren’t any harbors in 30A, you can rent out a fishing charter in Grayton Beach and embark on a deep sea fishing adventure to catch blackfin tuna, mahi mahi, grouper, wahoo, red snapper, flounder, and more. You can alternatively fish from the shore to catch pompano, redfish, and speckled trout along the beach or Choctawhatchee Bay.

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Grayton Beach State Park

Home to an expansive two thousand acres of park land, Grayton Beach State Park has something for everyone. You can fish, canoe, or kayak on Western Lake, or go hiking or biking through the incredible coastal forests. You won’t want to miss this lovely state park!

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YOLO Board

Sporting the phrase du jour of 2007, “You Only Live Once,” YOLO Boards takes that carefree philosophy and translates it to a passion for providing visitors with fantastic stand-up paddle boarding experiences. Rent a stand-up paddleboard, buy some new gear, or sign up for some lessons in Miramar Beach.

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30A Pontoon Rental

Ready to ride in style? 30A Pontoon Rental is now taking reservations for their super fun slingshot rentals. If you have never been on one, it’s a must! These sleek, fun, eye catching vehicles are available May 20th, 2021 starting at $375 a day or $1,500 a week. Contact 30A Pontoon Rental today to make your reservation and they can have a slingshot waiting in the driveway upon your arrival at 30A!