Have you heard of South Walton or Highway 30A? Located in Northwest Florida, South Walton stretches 26 miles along the Gulf of Mexico. It is made up of 16 little beachside towns including Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Inlet Beach, to name a few. The main road that goes through these towns is called Highway 30A, which is a scenic highway that 'hugs' the Gulf of Mexico coastline.
Krystle (@dineandfash) & I was fortunate to visit the area with Visit Florida earlier this month & I cannot tell you how quickly I fell in love. I am so, so excited to share what I saw and experienced when I was there!
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1. Fresh Seafood, & Food in General
As a foodie, an obvious important factor when visiting a new place is the food. After trying a number of places (I mean, I felt like I had to), I am pleased to say that the seafood here is incredible, along with the cocktails ;) A lot of the places we visited had 'fish of the day' dishes where we were told that the fish was literally caught that day in the morning!
In addition to seafood, the food in South Walton is deliiiicious. None of the restaurants in this area are chains, which yields an unique take on food at every spot open in South Walton! The one thing I thought was super cool was Airstream Row in Seaside on Highway 30A. Right in the middle of town, there is a row of Airstream trailers that serves a variety of food. Apparently when Seaside began development, a lot of owners that were building their homes stayed in Airstream trailers until they could move into their homes. It started out as a housing necessity, but it became a staple within the Seaside community thereafter!
Catch of the Day (mahi mahi) from Bud & Alley's
The AMAZING Smoked Turkey Grilled Cheese Sandwich from Meltdown on 30A
100 Layer Donuts from Five Daughters Bakery on Airstream Row
Nothing tastes better than ice cream on a hot, hot summer day in NW Florida!
Drinks on the beautiful rooftop restaurant, Pescado
Fish tacos (+ mac & cheese, yuuuum) from Chiringo
Breakfast at Fonville Press
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2. All Roads Lead to the Beach
If you're into 5 minute walks to the beach, the friendliest people, and a 'chill, small town' feel, South Walton is the place for you.
Seaside, a town in South Walton, is actually the trend setter when it comes to New Urbanism, as they've designed their town to ensure that no matter where you are in the town, there will always be a path that leads you to the beach within a 5 minute walk! This urban planning movement shaped a majority of the towns in South Walton, as locals and visitors alike have both embraced the idea that neighborhoods should all be walkable and bike friendly.
And if you think you've been to a nice beach before, you have to come to South Walton. I mean, who could say no to a solid 18.5 miles of non-stop glorious beach time?! Another cool fact about the beaches here is that the sand on their beaches are basically quartz crystals. Originating from the Appalachian Mountains, the quartz mineral was crushed during the last Ice Age and migrated slowly down river to the Gulf o Mexico. From there, it was weathered by the sun, wind, and water until it became fine sand washing up onto these beaches. I always wondered why the sand squeaked when I walked on it, and that explains it! I've never seen or felt anything like it before!
Seaside, a town in South Walton, is actually the trend setter when it comes to New Urbanism, as they've designed their town to ensure that no matter where you are in the town, there will always be a path that leads you to the beach within a 5 minute walk! This urban planning movement shaped a majority of the towns in South Walton, as locals and visitors alike have both embraced the idea that neighborhoods should all be walkable and bike friendly.
And if you think you've been to a nice beach before, you have to come to South Walton. I mean, who could say no to a solid 18.5 miles of non-stop glorious beach time?! Another cool fact about the beaches here is that the sand on their beaches are basically quartz crystals. Originating from the Appalachian Mountains, the quartz mineral was crushed during the last Ice Age and migrated slowly down river to the Gulf o Mexico. From there, it was weathered by the sun, wind, and water until it became fine sand washing up onto these beaches. I always wondered why the sand squeaked when I walked on it, and that explains it! I've never seen or felt anything like it before!
On the boardwalk leading out from Bud & Alley's
Stay hydrated, kids! (haha this may or may not had vodka in it..)
The most beautiful sunset on the beach in Rosemary Beach!
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3. The Lifestyle
Live your best beach life, in the way that suits you the best.
Obviously with all the beaches around, it only makes sense that the accommodations 'accommodate' to this lifestyle. You'll be able to find somewhere to stay from a romantic beach cottage to a luxury hotel resort, like The Pointe on Inlet Beach. Each town has it's own unique 'vibe' to it, and I can guarantee you will be able to find that suits what you are looking for. We had such a fun time walking through all the neighborhoods and admiring the houses. Obviously we had to take some pictures haha. Besides beautiful houses/cottages that can be rented out, there are also a number of luxury resorts and hotels in the area which I'd recommend if you (1) aren't with a huge party so you can't rent a whole house or (2) you also enjoy hanging out by the pool like me!
Another thing that I absolutely loved about South Walton was how friendly everyone was! It is a very safe community and everyone says hi to each other! The communities in South Walton were actually built on a human scale that encourages neighborly interactions, which I can totally get behind.
Obviously with all the beaches around, it only makes sense that the accommodations 'accommodate' to this lifestyle. You'll be able to find somewhere to stay from a romantic beach cottage to a luxury hotel resort, like The Pointe on Inlet Beach. Each town has it's own unique 'vibe' to it, and I can guarantee you will be able to find that suits what you are looking for. We had such a fun time walking through all the neighborhoods and admiring the houses. Obviously we had to take some pictures haha. Besides beautiful houses/cottages that can be rented out, there are also a number of luxury resorts and hotels in the area which I'd recommend if you (1) aren't with a huge party so you can't rent a whole house or (2) you also enjoy hanging out by the pool like me!
Another thing that I absolutely loved about South Walton was how friendly everyone was! It is a very safe community and everyone says hi to each other! The communities in South Walton were actually built on a human scale that encourages neighborly interactions, which I can totally get behind.
Beautiful pool area at The Pearl, a hotel in Rosemary Beach
Just enjoying a glass of vino in our beautiful 2 bedroom suite at The Pointe, a resort at Inlet Beach
Biking through the stunning Aly's Beach neighborhood
Walking through Seaside
I was honestly blown away at how easy it was for me to fall in love with the architecture, the vibezzz, and frankly, the lifestyle. Thank you for taking the time to read & I hope this makes you want to visit South Walton too!
Beep beep, it's time to go back to the beach - SEA you there ;)
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