As our one-year journey of exploring this beautiful country starts to wind down, we couldn’t think of a better way to slow our pace than by soaking in the serenity and beauty of the 30A beaches. It’s been a year full of adventure — and now, we’re savoring the stillness, reconnecting as a family where sugar-white sand meets emerald-green water and time seems to stretch just a little longer.

There’s a quiet kind of magic to 30A — where each beach town has its own charm, from the creative soul of Grayton Beach to the elegance of Rosemary and the picture-perfect cottages of Seaside. The dunes, the coastal lakes, the gentle Gulf waves — they all invite you to pause. And what truly makes it special is the unhurried, joyful spirit in the air: families biking past, music drifting through the breeze, and sunsets that feel like painted gifts. Whether you’re toes in the sand or coffee in hand, 30A has a way of making you feel like you’ve found your breath again.

Exploring Seaside and the Magic of 30A Beaches

Santa Rosa Beach

We kicked off our adventure in Santa Rosa Beach, a vibrant and welcoming area with soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It’s the perfect place to sink your toes into the sand, let the kids splash in the waves, and soak up the peaceful rhythm of beach life. It quickly set the tone for the relaxing and joyful days ahead.

Seaside Beach

Of course, no visit to 30A is complete without spending time at Seaside Beach. With its iconic pastel-colored homes and welcoming town square, Seaside is the heart of this region. The beach here is absolutely beautiful—wide, clean, and perfect for a family day of sunbathing, swimming, and playing in the sand.

Grayton Beach State Park

Grayton Beach State Park was a natural highlight. The trails and sand dunes were stunning, and the peaceful, less-crowded beach was ideal for a slower-paced afternoon. We loved walking the nature trails and watching the kids explore the unique coastal landscape.

Santa Clara Regional Access (Seagrove Beach)

Santa Clara Regional Access in Seagrove Beach provided a great, well-maintained spot for beach access with convenient facilities. The beach itself was lovely, and it was an easy, no-stress stop that made getting to the shore simple for our whole family.

Inlet Beach

We wrapped up our 30A adventure with family pictures at Inlet Beach. The sunset was magical, the waves gentle, and the moment—captured forever—was the perfect way to end our time here. Thanks to our trusty tripod, a well-timed timer, and a quick photography lesson with the kids, we managed to snag some of our favorite shots from the entire year (pictures BELOW). Inlet Beach, with its wide stretches of sand and peaceful, uncrowded vibe, gave us the perfect backdrop. And just when we thought the evening couldn’t get better, we grabbed flashlights and buckets and finished the night with a round of crab hunting under the stars — squeals, laughter, and sandy toes included. It was pure 30A magic.

All the yummy food

Bayou Bill’s Seafood Restaurant When it came to seafood, Bayou Bill’s was an early standout. This family-friendly spot serves up hearty portions of fresh-caught favorites like blackened fish, shrimp, and oysters. The rustic, down-home atmosphere and delicious food made it a memorable and satisfying stop after a day in the sun.

Stinky’s Seafood Despite the cheeky name, Stinky’s Seafood delivered big on flavor. This funky little spot near Dune Allen Beach is famous for its oysters, and for good reason. The casual setting, inventive dishes, and fresh ingredients made it one of our favorite meals of the trip.

Entertainment

The Big Chill 30A

We loved The Big Chill 30A so much that we went twice! The first night was a blast thanks to a family-friendly DJ dance party that had all the kids (and let’s be honest, the adults too) dancing their hearts out. The second visit treated us to fantastic live music covering everything from 80s hits to today’s favorites. Great food, a festive vibe, and a safe space for kids to run around make The Big Chill a must.

Rosemary

The Rosemary Beach area feels like stepping into a storybook — elegant, timeless, and full of charm. Cobblestone streets wind past beautifully designed homes with gas lanterns, wrought-iron balconies, and manicured courtyards that make every corner feel curated and calm. The local shops are a treat to explore, with boutiques offering everything from beachwear to home goods and little cafés tucked between buildings inviting you to linger. The 30A Farmers Market brings the community to life with fresh produce, artisan goods, and friendly faces. And then there’s the beach — wide, peaceful, and framed by the most stunning dunes and boardwalks. Rosemary is where luxury meets laid-back coastal living, and it’s impossible not to fall in love.

**Built-in best friends, constant goofballs, and the perfect mix of chaos and love — there’s nothing like the bond between brother and sister.**

30A Farmers Market in Rosemary

We explored the 30A Farmers Market in Rosemary Beach and loved every minute of it. We grabbed some treats at the Cowgirl Café and took a peek at the stunning Rosemary Beach nearby. The market was full of local flavor—fresh produce, artisan goods, and a community vibe that felt warm and welcoming.

Where we stayed

Live Oak Landing – A Peaceful Retreat in Freeport

Nestled along the Choctawhatchee Bay in Freeport, Florida, Live Oak Landing offers a tranquil escape just a short drive from the vibrant 30A corridor. This RV resort and cottage destination blends natural beauty with modern comforts, making it an ideal spot for families, anglers, and nature lovers alike. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a saline swimming pool, boat rentals, a children's playground, and event pavilions. The resort provides both spacious RV sites with full hookups and fully furnished cottages equipped with kitchens, washers/dryers, and cozy lofts. Surrounded by towering oaks and serene waterways, Live Oak Landing is perfect for kayaking, fishing, or simply unwinding in a peaceful setting.

Why 30A is So Special

As we near the end of our year-long adventure traveling the country as a full-time family, 30A marks our second to last stop — and what a place to slow down and savor the journey. After months of exploring new cities, chasing sunsets, and creating memories coast to coast, we’re soaking in every peaceful moment this stretch of the Gulf has to offer.

What makes 30A so special isn’t just the sugar-white sand or emerald waters — it’s the feeling here. The connection. The laughter. The way time seems to stretch out a little longer. Whether we’re dancing at The Big Chill, sharing oysters at Stinky’s, or strolling the shoreline together, this place has wrapped us in warmth and wonder. It’s a spot we know we’ll come back to again and again — but for now, we’re holding onto the magic as our incredible journey begins to wind down.

The Beauty of 30A