Best Things to Do on 30A | Fun Activities from Seaside to Rosemary Beach

When visiting the beaches along Florida’s 30A, there are lots of ways to keep busy. Here are nine of the best things to do on your beach vacation:

1. Kayak or SUP Board on the Dune Lakes

Walton County boasts fifteen coastal dune lakes stretching across twenty-six miles of coastline. These unique geographic features are not found in many places in the world. Many of the lakes connect with the Gulf of Mexico, offering scenic ocean views without having to battle the wind and surf. As a result, the lakes are a great place to kayak or SUP board. A SUP board, or stand-up paddle board, is an offshoot of surfing that originated in Hawaii and is now popular in Florida as well. You’ll find numerous places to rent kayaks or SUP boards along 30A and on the dune lakes. These picturesque, sandy lakes are easy for beginners to learn how to paddle.

2. Book a Fishing Charter

If you want an exciting, personal fishing experience onboard a boat, then book a fishing charter. Most charters start around $150 but can range as high as $750 depending on the type of service you wish to secure. Some may even depart from your resort. Whether you want to fish the Gulf, the shore, or the Bay, you can find a charter that’s right for you. Many charters require no experience and provide all your gear, so it’s a great way for the budding fisherman to enjoy a guided experience. Charters along 30A provide the opportunity to catch everything from speckled trout to sharks.

3. Ride Bikes from Seaside to Rosemary Beach

Enjoy a leisurely and scenic eight-mile bike ride from Seaside to Rosemary Beach. Cycling is a great way to get exercise while touring the area and seeing what it has to offer. If you didn’t bring your own bike, there’s no need to worry. You can rent a bike from numerous rental locations along the 30A, including Big Fish Bike Rentals, Seaside Transit Authority, 30A Bike Rentals, Rent Gear Here, and many more. Quite a few of the rental places will deliver to your vacation home as well, so you can get your bike where you are and start your journey.

4. Stop in for Coffee and Sweet Treats at Black Bear Bread Co.

Relax with a coffee and savor a treat at Black Bear Bread Co. on 26 Logan Lane in Grayton Beach. If you’re an early riser, you might be frustrated by the lack of things to do early in the morning, but this shop is open every day from 7 am to 3 pm (except Sunday, when it opens an hour later at 8 am). This neighborhood bakery and seasonal café works in collaboration with Stumptown Coffee Roasters and Chef Phil McDonald to bring customers delicious coffee, fresh baked breads, and tantalizing breakfast and lunch options. Enjoy breakfast sandwiches, tartines, sandwiches, and salads.

5. Visit a State Park

Florida offers numerous scenic state parks that are great for swimming, fishing, birding, biking, or hiking. Grayton Beach State Park at 357 Main Park Road in Santa Rosa Beach is open every day of the year from 8 am to sundown. Admission costs only $5 a car for parking and $2 for pedestrians or bicyclists. The park boasts a 4.5-mile biking trail, 59 campsites, kayak rentals, fishing, a hiking trail, a pristine swimming beach, and the opportunity to view a variety of wildlife from deer, black bears, and grey foxes to bald eagles, osprey, and other bird species.

Deer Lake State Park at 6350 E County Road 30-A is a little cheaper, at just $3 a vehicle. It’s also open year-round from 8 am to sundown and contains a costal dune lake within its boundaries. A great place for viewing plants and flowers, the park features spoonflowers, pitcher plants, southern magnolias, golden asters, and more. Consequently, it’s also an ideal place to view birds and butterflies. The park also offers fishing, a 1.5-mile hiking trail, and a sugar white sandy swimming beach.

6. Catch Happy Hour at The Great Southern

A local favorite, The Great Southern Cafe offers a daily happy hour from 4 pm to 6 pm. Get half off wines, $1 off beers, half off most cocktails, and a dozen oysters for just $11! Located at 83 Central Square in Seaside, the café is open daily from 6 am to 9 pm and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Chef Jim Shirley mixes Southern cooking with international cuisine using fresh produce from local sources including nearby farms and the Gulf of Mexico. If you’re a seafood fan, trying the Grits à ya ya a is a must!

7. Go to the Movies at the Hub

If you’re worn out from a day at the beach, catch a movie at the Hub, a family-friendly, laid-back locale with restaurants and entertainment. The Hub offers outdoor family movie night events on Wednesdays throughout the year and shows classic movies on Monday nights during the summer months. Check the website for showtimes.

8. Build a Bonfire at the Beach

It’s fun to spend an evening on the beach when you have a warm, inviting bonfire to socialize around. Grab blankets, some chairs, and, of course, all the ingredients for making s’mores. If you don’t want to hassle with getting a permit setting up the fire yourself, several beach equipment rental companies located along 30A will do the heavy lifting for you. Be sure to verify that the beach you are visiting allows bonfires before you light up. Check out additional information on beach bonfires on 30A here.

9. Catch a Free Concert During the Summer

During the summer months, Rosemary Beach, Seaside, and Alys Beach all offer free concert series. Bring a beach chair or a blanket and kick back and enjoy some live music. The Rosemary Beach Summer Concert Series is held on East Long Green on Mondays from 7 pm to 9 pm. The Seaside Summer Concert Series offers free live concerts on Wednesdays at 7 pm at the Seaside Amphitheater. Or enjoy the tunes at Alys Beach Amphitheater. Be sure to check the events section of each beach’s official website for current acts and showtimes before attending.