The towns of Florida’s 30A highway in South Walton are the perfect place for a getaway for families and couples, but also for a girls weekend. It’s a short drive from airports like Panama City Beach but you forget all about the busy highways once you see the white sand beaches of South Walton.
Rosemary Beach, Seaside, and Watercolor are just a few of the communities along the way. The area also has some terrific restaurants serving local seafood. Gather your gals and head for the coast!
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Eating in South Walton
Dining out is a part of the experience in South Walton and you’ll never be far from a great restaurant. Seafood is the main draw, but the area also has Italian, Thai, and other international eateries.
Breakfast
Charlie’s Donut & Yogurt Truck– You’ll have to get up early to catch a donut from this Alys Beach truck. They’re made fresh daily in unique flavors, hand-rolled and dipped. They open at 6:30 am, so get moving or risk them running out.
Cowgirl Kitchen– With locations in Rosemary and Seagrove, grab one of their breakfast burritos, pecan waffles, or biscuits and gravy with a strong coffee. Their market also sells prepared foods and grocery items.
Hibiscus Vegetarian Cafe– Located within a local guesthouse, this healthy cafe is open seasonally. All menu items are vegetarian-friendly and others are appropriate for vegans.
Perla Baking Co.– This charming, farm-to-table bakery and café in Defuniak Springs is a sister brand to Amavida Coffee Roasters, with house-made pastries and local artwork.
Lunch
The Big Chill– Stop by this complex that has shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Choose from burgers, barbecue, Mexican, and more, along with drinks.
Chanticleer Eatery– This favorite local restaurant is covered in colorful artwork. Grab a sandwich, salad, or a combination of the two.
La Cocina Mexican Grill and Bar– For flavors south of the border, try the burritos, enchiladas, and salads. Split a queso dip or guacamole with the table while you wait.
Nick’s Seafood- The beloved coastal eatery in Freeport sits on the Choctawhatchee Bay, offering fresh Gulf seafood and a laid‑back, family‑friendly vibe with indoor and outdoor seating and a full bar.
Dinner
George’s At Alys Beach– Coastal cuisine is the draw at this light-filled restaurant. Sit on the patio with a salad, wrap, and a glass of wine.
The Red Bar– A 30A institution, go early and bring cash for this funky Grayton Beach establishment. The menu changes daily, read on the boards by the servers. Stay for live music. It has reopened after a devastating fire.
Stinky’s Fish Camp– Don’t let the name fool you. This seafood restaurant is the best around. Choose a local beer and an order of oysters and shrimp.
Surfing Deer– The contemporary coastal restaurant is owned by Ann and George Hartley and is named after Cube McGee’s beloved pet deer “Bambi,” often seen “surfing” the waves in the 1940s.
Drinking in South Walton
Grab something to drink with your squad, whether you want a glass of wine from around the world or something a bit lighter. You’ll find it all in South Walton.
Daytrader Tiki Bar– The Polynesian‑inspired hotspot in Seaside offers a modern twist on tiki escapism with creative spins on the classics like the Medical Mai Tai, served in an IV‑bag for self‑pouring. Happy hour is a great time to come.
Grayton Beer Company– If you’re a craft beer fan, you’ll be happy to know that this is just one of 30A’s breweries. Stop by their tasting room for a pint or sampler.
La Crema Tapas & Chocolate– There’s nowhere better for drinks and dessert than this tapas bar in Rosemary Beach. Order some chocolate cake and red wine after dinner.
Raw & Juicy– Stop by the location on Airstream Row or pick up their products at one of the many outlets in town.
Relaxing, Beauty, and Fitness in South Walton
You likely won’t tire of beach time and those types of activities, but you can also pamper yourself or keep up with your workout regimen during your trip.
30A Morning Paddleboard Yoga– Catch a paddleboard yoga class in one of the calm bays of South Walton. It lasts around an hour and includes all the required gear.
30A Bike Rentals– The best way to see the beach towns are on two wheels. The company even delivers beach cruisers to your accommodation if needed.
Balance 30A– This health studio is run by a yoga teacher and a doctor. Drop in for spinning, yoga, and core fitness classes or opt for chiropractic treatments, massages, and acupuncture.
SoWal Pilates– This state-of-the-art studio offers beginners and advanced classes in aerial yoga and multiple types of pilates.
Spa Pearl– Located at the hotel in Rosemary Beach, the intimate spa has poolside treatment cabanas, manicures, pedicures, and massages.
Shopping in South Walton
There’s no better place for shopping than South Walton. Local businesses are set up in each of the towns, selling everything from artwork to clothing to books.
Beachfolly– Watercolor’s shop sells all the resort wear you need for the trip like coverups, swimsuits, and more.
Big Mama’s Hula Girl Gallery– Funky sea-inspired finds are sold in this shop and the ones surrounding it.
The Hidden Lantern Bookstore– Rosemary Beach also has its own bookstore with cozy leather couches and walls of books of varying genres.
Sundog Books– This longtime Seaside shop sells books of all genres, including those by local authors and telling the history of the area.
The Zoo Gallery– Take home some unique artwork, clothing, jewelry, and accessories at this funky Grayton Beach shop.
Sightseeing in South Walton
South Walton isn’t known for its tourist attractions, but rather its beaches, however, there are a few places you can go to when you tire of sand.
Destin History & Fishing Museum– The offbeat museum is a place to spend the few rainy days. It focuses on the fishing history of the area.
Destin Dolphin Watch and Crab Island Sightseeing Cruise– See the barrier island and the animals that call it home on an afternoon excursion.
Eden Gardens State Park– Pose like you’re in The Notebook while touring this stunning mansion just a short drive from the beach.
Morrison Springs– The stunning freshwater spring is fed by cavernous vents, and the crystal-clear water makes it popular for swimming as it remains around 70 degrees year-round.
Sleeping in South Walton
Camp Creek Inn- The boutique resort in Inlet Beach opened in 2023 and offers a “Member for a Stay” experience with exclusive access to Watersound Club amenities. It offers onsite dining, a massive pool, and a shuttle to the other campus.
Kaiya Beach Resort- The boutique-style, luxury resort nestled along Florida’s scenic Highway 30A in Inlet Beach is only a 6-minute walk from Rosemary Beach. It also has restaurants, a spa, and a fine art gallery.
The Pearl Hotel– The Rosemary Beach hotel has already won countless awards, despite its small size, for its amenities and design. Rooms have balconies and WiFi and guests enjoy the in-house restaurant and fitness center.
WaterColor Inn and Resort– This resort is another property option that has multiple room types. WaterColor has a private beach, balconies, and complimentary bike rental.
Camping- Fancy Camps lets you set up glamping tents in the area’s state parks, including Grayton Beach State Park, which also has standard campsites.
Rentals- Sites like Airbnb are best to find beach house rentals in these communities, including Rosemary Beach, or outside of them.
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