Florida’s Scenic Highway 30-A in South Walton is a beach road. The natural beauty of 30A presents the opportunity to discover a whole new world. Numerous parks and trails here are ideal for kayaking, hiking, biking or bird watching. We’re appreciated worldwide for our sugar white sand beaches, but did you know this area is one of only a handful of places on Earth where you can find coastal dune lakes? These beautiful hidden jewels are living communities, sculpted by the winds and tides, constantly evolving, and occasionally exchanging water with the Gulf of Mexico. This fascinating natural phenomenon is a perfect metaphor for the relationships our 16 beach neighborhoods share with their surroundings and with one another. 

 

Parks and Recreation — With four Florida state parks and a state forest, there are plenty of places to experience the natural side of 30A. Explore unspoiled beaches and dune lakes at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, take a walk through a cypress swamp in the Point Washington State Forest, or stand beneath a 600-year-old live oak at Eden Gardens State Park.

 

Board to be Wild — Stand up paddle boarding is now a nationwide sport, but South Walton was one of the first places to discover the joys of gliding on top of the water on a specialized surfboard. Enjoy the tranquility of paddling on a calm dune lake or the thrill of the Gulf of Mexico.

 

Take a Hike — With trails offering great variety in length and scenery, 30A area is ideal for casual and avid hikers alike. A short nature path in Grayton Beach State Park puts you close to the unique plants and animals that call the sand dunes home. Point Washington State Forest extends ten miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through sandhills, wetlands and flatwood forests.

 

Back in the Saddle — Cover lots of ground with little exertion on a guided horseback tour. A leisurely ride through Point Washington State Forest offers a higher vantage point for taking in the magnificent scenery and wildlife in the long needle pine forest and scrub palmettos.

 

Pedal Power — Catch some rays, see some sights and even get a little exercise. Bicycles are the perfect mode of transportation in South Walton. You can bring your own or rent one here. At beach accesses and along the trails you’ll see beach cruisers, long-run road bikes and trikes for tikes.

 

 

FOODIE PARADISE - the tastes of South Walton

 

Fresh seafood is certainly a calling card: red snapper at Fish Out of Water, Bud & Alley’s crab cakes or the legendary grouper sandwich at the Seagrove Village Market. South Walton serves up the tastiest offerings from its neighbor, the Gulf of Mexico. But our dynamic restaurants also offer delicious cuisine to suit just about any other craving, from Thai to Italian to Cajun. As you might expect, our neighborhoods are home to transplanted residents from around the globe, so the recipes and flavors here are as authentic as they come. If you feel like creating your own meal, our markets are filled with plenty of ingredients for a gourmet masterpiece

 

Bountiful Breakfasts — For coffee cravers, Amavida in Seaside and the coffee house at the Grayt Grounds at Monet Monet in Grayton Beach are essential stops. Hartell’s Village Diner in Sandestin’s Village of Baytowne Wharf is a classic 50s throwback. Stop by Charlie’s Donut Truck in Alys Beach for something on the more decadent side. Sometimes brunch takes the place of breakfast, and it’s tough to top the amazing Sunday brunch at Restaurant Fire in Gulf Place.

 

Grab n’ Go Lunches — Grab a heavenly pulled pork sandwich from The Perfect Pig in Seagrove. The friendly mom & pop market Seacrest Sundries is a great place to pop in or people-watch from one of their sidewalk tables. Miss Lucille’s Gossip Parlor in Gulf Place doles out the latest scoop along with scoops of ice cream and grab-ready goodies. Lining the central drag of Seaside is a row of converted Airstream trailers, any of which offer delicious, quick eats. Meltdown on 30A is a prime example, making a fine art of the grilled cheese sandwich.

 

 

A for Ambience — Escape for some relaxed Mediterranean-style elegance with poolside dining at Caliza Restaurant in Alys Beach. Tucked away at the bottom of a little street in Rosemary Beach is Edward’s Fine Food & Wine, which offers rave-worthy seafood and continental cuisine. The rooftop lounge at Seagrove’s 723 Whiskey Bravo is a great option for sunset views. Whale’s Tail Beach Bar & Grill in Seascape may be casual, but its panoramic beach views provide first-class natural atmosphere.