Explore All 11 Towns of 30A: The Ultimate 30A Town Tour with Anderson Group 30A

 

Next up on our 30A Town Tour: Blue Mountain Beach. Despite the name, there’s no snow here — but you will find the highest elevation along the entire Gulf Coast of Florida: 65 feet above sea level.

 

The name comes from the blue lupine flowers that once carpeted the dunes – early sailors thought they looked like “blue mountains” from the Gulf and the name stuck.

Here you’ll find three neighborhood beach access points plus a full regional access — making it easy to hit the sand anywhere in town.

 

A must-stop is the local favorite Blue Mountain Beach Creamery — homemade ice cream, frozen yogurt and milkshakes, perfect for families or a sweet treat after the beach.

 

For dining, head to casual favorites like Local Catch (live music), Italian at Mimmo’s, or southern comfort at Cowgirl Kitchen.

 

And yes — you’ll find rare coastal dune lakes here too: Draper Lake, Little and Big Redfish Lakes, and Alligator Lake are all within easy reach of the beach. These lakes and their dynamic sand berms are some of the rarest ecosystems in the world.

 

 

 

Nestled between Blue Mountain Beach and WaterColor, Grayton Beach stands out as one of the most authentic and eclectic communities along Scenic Highway 30A. Known for its laid-back spirit and artistic charm, this coastal enclave blends Old Florida character with natural beauty and local culture.

 

One of Grayton’s defining features is that it’s the only beach in the Florida Panhandle where residents can drive directly on the sand, thanks to an annual beach-driving permit system managed by Walton County. The area’s crown jewel, Grayton Beach State Park, earned the title of #1 Beach in the U.S. by Dr. Beach in 2020 for its pristine quartz sand, emerald-green waters, and miles of scenic nature trails.

 

Adjacent to the shoreline lies Western Lake, a rare coastal dune lake that connects to the Gulf of America during seasonal outflow events. Visitors can kayak or paddleboard through its cypress-lined waters for a truly one-of-a-kind 30A experience.

 

Grayton also offers a lively social scene anchored by local favorites like The Red Bar—a 30A institution celebrated for its live music and casual coastal cuisine—and Chiringo, a breezy spot for fresh seafood and tropical drinks. Throughout the year, the community hosts events such as the Fourth of July parade, reflecting Grayton’s friendly, free-spirited vibe.

 

 

 

 

Just east of Grayton Beach sits WaterColor, Florida, a thoughtfully designed coastal community known for its balance of luxury, livability, and natural beauty. Developed in 1999, WaterColor spans nearly 500 acres between Seaside and Grayton Beach and is home to roughly 1,000 residences. Every detail—from the architectural styling to the abundance of green space—was planned to capture the essence of relaxed Gulf-front living.

 

At the heart of the neighborhood is the WaterColor Beach Club, one of the premier amenities along 30A. The club features three heated pools, including an adults-only pool and a zero-entry pool for children, along with poolside dining, cabanas, and breathtaking Gulf views.

 

Families are drawn to Camp WaterColor, a resort-style amenity offering waterslides, a lazy river, a playground, and casual dining at The Canteen. For recreation, the WaterColor Tennis Center includes five Har-Tru clay courts with LED lighting and two dedicated pickleball courts—perfect for lessons, matches, or social play.

 

The community’s active lifestyle extends beyond the courts. Residents and visitors alike enjoy exploring by bicycle or golf cart, traveling effortlessly between homes, the Beach Club, local shops, and nearby restaurants such as Fish Out of Water and The Wine Bar.

 

WaterColor also offers a serene side, with Cerulean Park serving as its green centerpiece. Shaded walking paths wind around koi ponds, flower gardens, and boardwalks that cross Western Lake, one of 30A’s rare coastal dune lakes, blending nature seamlessly into everyday life.

 

 

 

 

Known as the birthplace of New Urbanism and one of the most iconic destinations along Scenic Highway 30A, Seaside, Florida, is a masterclass in coastal design and community planning. Established in 1981, this visionary town introduced the concept of walkable neighborhoods, front porches, and pedestrian-friendly streets long before it became a nationwide movement. Every home, shop, and restaurant is thoughtfully placed to encourage connection and a sense of belonging.

 

Seaside is instantly recognizable to many as the filming location for The Truman Show, where its pastel cottages and perfect streets served as the backdrop for the film’s idyllic town. Beyond Hollywood fame, Seaside remains beloved for its timeless charm and sense of place.

 

The town’s Post Office, often photographed for its quaint design, anchors the central square alongside beloved local landmarks such as Bud & Alley’s, the original 30A restaurant famous for its rooftop sunset views and coastal cuisine. Steps away, Sundog Books and Central Square Records welcome visitors year-round, while the striking Vincent Scully mural honors one of the great architectural historians who helped shape Seaside’s philosophy.

 

At the heart of it all lies the Seaside Amphitheater, a grassy gathering space surrounded by boutique shops, art galleries, and food trucks. Weekly outdoor concerts, movie nights under the stars, and farmer’s markets fill the calendar, giving the town its unmistakable community spirit.

 

 

 

 

Tucked between Seaside and Watersound, Seagrove Beach captures the perfect balance of Old Florida charm and modern coastal comfort. Known for its lush oak canopies, sugar-white sand, and clear emerald waters, this community has long been one of 30A’s most beloved destinations.

 

With more than 20 public beach access points, Seagrove offers some of the most convenient shoreline entry along the entire 30A corridor—making it easy for residents and visitors alike to enjoy the Gulf at any time of day. The scenic Timpoochee Trail runs directly through town, providing a 19-mile paved path ideal for biking, jogging, or leisurely rides from home to the beach or a nearby café.

 

Seagrove’s dining scene blends upscale flair with relaxed Southern hospitality. Favorites include Surfing Deer for creative coastal cuisine, Café Thirty-A for fine dining in a casual atmosphere, and the Old Florida Fish House, which pairs fresh seafood with beautiful lake views. Shopping and local staples like The 30A Store and Cocoon’s add even more small-town personality, offering everything from beach apparel to gourmet finds.

 

 

 

 

While not technically an incorporated town, Watersound has quickly become one of the most recognizable and sought-after communities along Scenic Highway 30A. Designed and developed by The St. Joe Company, this master-planned enclave blends architectural sophistication with the natural beauty of Florida’s Gulf Coast, creating a serene yet vibrant coastal lifestyle.

 

The community’s design showcases classic coastal architecture, featuring shingle siding, wide front porches, and meandering boardwalks that weave through the dunes. Every detail emphasizes harmony between home and nature, offering residents a peaceful connection to the surrounding landscape.

 

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to explore, with Camp Creek Lake—one of 30A’s rare coastal dune lakes—just moments away for paddleboarding, kayaking, or quiet morning walks. The Watersound Club enhances the lifestyle even further, offering resort-style pools, fine dining, fitness and wellness facilities, and access to nearby golf at Camp Creek Golf Club.

 

Watersound continues to grow, with additional residential phases, retail spaces, and amenities under thoughtful development. This ongoing expansion makes it one of the largest and fastest-evolving communities on 30A, presenting excellent opportunities for both homeowners and investors seeking long-term value in South Walton County.

 

 

 

 

Along the eastern end of Scenic Highway 30A lies Seacrest, a community that perfectly balances laid-back tradition with lively, resort-style living. Technically, there are two sides to this area—Seacrest and Seacrest Beach. The original Seacrest came first, offering a quieter, more residential stretch that reflects the nostalgic charm of “Old Florida.” Just a few blocks east, Seacrest Beach brings a more vibrant energy, with colorful homes, palm-lined streets, and modern amenities that have transformed it into one of 30A’s most family-friendly destinations.

 

At the heart of Seacrest Beach is its defining feature—the Lagoon Pool, a stunning 12,000-square-foot oasis holding more than 370,000 gallons of crystal-clear water. Surrounded by lush landscaping, pastel cottages, and wide sun decks, it serves as a natural gathering place for residents and visitors alike. The community tram makes getting around effortless, whisking guests to the Gulf or through the neighborhood’s winding paths that connect seamlessly to neighboring Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach.

 

The town’s social center, Peddler’s Pavilion, pulses with life throughout the day and evening. Visitors can grab tacos and margaritas at LaCo, enjoy a pizza from Ticheli’s, or stop by Seacrest Sundries for breakfast, coffee, or a quick lunch. For unbeatable Gulf views, Crabby Steve’s—a hidden beachfront bar perched above the dunes—offers legendary sunsets and a relaxed coastal vibe.

 

 

 

 

Gracefully positioned along the Gulf of America, Alys Beach is one of the most visually distinctive and architecturally celebrated communities on Scenic Highway 30A. Encompassing 158 acres of master-planned design, Alys Beach is the embodiment of New Urbanism—a philosophy that emphasizes walkability, cohesive aesthetics, and purposeful living. Here, every building is painted white, every line is intentional, and the architecture itself becomes the art.

 

Driving through the community’s palm-tree-lined avenue, visitors immediately sense they’ve entered somewhere extraordinary. The uniform white façades are far from monotonous; Moorish arches, Grecian trellises, and Dutch-inspired gables create a striking interplay of light and shadow, giving each home a unique identity while maintaining perfect harmony within the town’s vision.

 

Alys Beach’s amenities reflect the same thoughtful craftsmanship. The Caliza Pool & Restaurant, often described as the jewel of Alys, features a zero-entry saltwater pool surrounded by private cabanas, fountains, and sculptural architecture. It’s also known for its surprising touch—an underwater iPod port that allows swimmers to enjoy music beneath the surface. Nearby, the Beach Club offers tiered pools overlooking the dunes, with the ZUMA Wellness Center completing what locals call the “Amenity Triangle”—a trio designed to elevate relaxation and wellness to an art form.

 

Adding to the community’s character is a unique requirement: every homeowner must contribute an “architectural gift” to the public realm—such as a bench, fountain, or planter—ensuring that private residences enhance the shared beauty of streets, courtyards, and pathways. This tradition gives Alys Beach a sense of living artistry, where design and community are seamlessly intertwined.

 

 

 

 

At the eastern edge of Scenic Highway 30A, Rosemary Beach stands as a living work of art—an architectural masterpiece that blends European-Caribbean charm with coastal Florida ease. Established in 1995 and designed around the principles of New Urbanism, this thoughtfully planned community emphasizes walkability, connected spaces, and a seamless integration of residential, retail, and recreational life.

 

Here, cars are tucked away behind alleys, leaving the heart of town open to pedestrians and cyclists. Cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards, and shaded boardwalks knit together homes, boutiques, and beachfront access, creating a neighborhood that feels both intimate and effortlessly navigable. The architectural style draws from the Dutch West Indies, St. Augustine, New Orleans, and Caribbean influences, featuring raised masonry bases, shuttered windows, steep-pitched roofs, and wide porches designed to capture the Gulf breeze.

 

The town’s center, Barrett Square, serves as the social and cultural hub of Rosemary Beach. Here, visitors can browse boutique shops and art galleries or stop into local favorites such as The Hidden Lantern Bookstore, CK’s Feed & Supply, and Rosemary Beach Trading Company. The square is also home to the 30A Farmers’ Market, held every Sunday, where residents gather to enjoy fresh produce, artisan goods, and local fare beneath the shade of oak trees.

 

For relaxation and recreation, Rosemary offers lush green spaces like St. Augustine Lawn and Eastern Green, perfect for picnics, outdoor concerts, or quiet afternoons by the sea. Active visitors can explore the Timpoochee Trail, kayak the nearby coastal dune lakes, or visit Camp Helen State Park for hiking and wildlife viewing. At the heart of it all, The Pearl Hotel stands as a boutique landmark, known for its rooftop lounge, spa, and elegant coastal views.

 

 

 

 

Marking the easternmost point of Scenic Highway 30A, Inlet Beach is where tranquility meets accessibility—a peaceful Gulf-front retreat that still keeps you close to everything the 30A lifestyle has to offer. Once known as “Soldiers Beach,” the area was originally granted to World War II veterans through a post-war land lottery. Today, it has evolved into one of the fastest-growing and most desirable beach communities along the Emerald Coast.

 

Inlet Beach is prized for its wide, uncrowded beaches, soft white sand, and clear turquoise water. The town still maintains an “Old Florida” charm while embracing thoughtful new development that enhances convenience and livability. A defining feature is the underground pedestrian tunnel beneath Highway 98, connecting the north side of town directly to 30A. Its walls are covered in vibrant, locally created coastal murals, transforming an everyday walkway into a living art gallery.

 

Just north of the tunnel, 30Avenue serves as the town’s social and dining hub. This open-air lifestyle center features a curated mix of upscale restaurants and boutiques, including Amici (Italian), Amigos (Mexican), and Cuvee 30A, known for its fine coastal dining, live music, and relaxed patios. Across the highway on the south side, Shades Bar & Grill remains a longtime local favorite—a gathering spot for sports fans, families, and anyone seeking good food and laid-back beach energy.

 

Location is another key appeal. Inlet Beach borders Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach, giving residents and visitors the perfect balance of quiet coastal living with immediate access to 30A’s most iconic destinations.