Our 30A
The places we go back to.
Our own list, kept short and honest. We're adding favorites as we write them down — no filler, no borrowed reviews.
Blue Mountain Beach
Palmera's home stretch of 30A — a quieter, higher-ground pocket of the coast with a handful of very good places to eat and easy access in both directions.
Grayton Beach
The old soul of 30A: state park dunes, a coastal dune lake and a few institutions worth the bike ride.
WaterColor
Pastel porches, a bike path through the pines and a boathouse on Western Lake.
Seaside
Amphitheater, airstream food trucks and the postcard version of 30A, a short drive east.
By category
Coffee
- Black Bear Bread Co.Grayton Beach
Great coffee, pastries, sandwiches and sourdough that's almost as good as Val's.
- Coffee Shoppe at 30ABlue Mountain Beach
Walking distance from Adagio — a relaxed vibe for hanging out.
Breakfast
- Donut HoleSanta Rosa Beach
A tradition we go back to year after year for amazing donuts. On 98 — worth the 10-minute drive.
- The Perfect PigSanta Rosa Beach
On 30A, 5 minutes from Adagio. A little more upscale — great for brunch, and the hash is unique and excellent.
- Black Bear Bread Co.Grayton Beach
Breakfast sandwiches and granola are what we'd call out — both excellent.
Lunch
- ChiringoGrayton Beach
A dive in a good way. We can only speak for the fish tacos, shrimp tacos and cold beer — some of the best we've ever had.
- Wine WorldWaterColor
We split a Caesar salad and wood-fired pizza and both were excellent — a glass of wine made it even better. Lots of people there on a weekday enjoying the place and each other. Highly recommend.
Dinner
- Mimmo'sBlue Mountain Beach
A 5-minute walk from Adagio. Excellent Italian, arugula salads so fresh, and great atmosphere and service.
- BoragoGrayton Beach
Another Italian favorite. It's in the same building as lululemon, so don't be fooled.
- Shunk GulleySanta Rosa Beach
Live music, open air, and a 2nd-floor counter to people- and car-watch 30A while enjoying Gulf views. A great place to catch a game on one of the many TVs.
Drinks
- Shunk GulleySanta Rosa Beach
Drinks are pretty standard, but combine them with open air, Gulf views and live music and it's a great place to enjoy a drink. The 2nd-floor counter is perfect for people- and car-watching 30A, and there are plenty of TVs for catching a game.
Ice Cream
- Blue Mountain CreameryBlue Mountain Beach
A staple when our four kids were young. We don't go as often now, but with grandchildren we plan to pick up visits to the creamery again very soon.
Beaches
- Adagio BeachBlue Mountain Beach
The main reason we fell in love with 30A. The sand is clean, soft and white as snow. The water is so clear the color looks like the Caribbean, and it's shallow enough that the whole family can relax and enjoy the water together on a hot day.
- Grayton Beach State ParkGrayton Beach
Beautiful beaches and dunes, and a great place to hike and get memorable pictures of family and friends together — just a few minutes away.
Hike/Bike
- 30A Hike/Bike TrailAlong 30A
The 30A hike/bike trail runs end to end — walk, run or ride to your heart's content. We have e-bikes, which make the entire 30A path easily accessible.
Shopping
- Sandestin Outlet MallSanta Rosa Beach
A favorite of Val and our daughter Lauren.
- Grand BoulevardSandestin
Another great shopping destination with so many of the top brand retail stores. A premium shopping experience in a beautiful setting.
Things to Do
Our picks are coming — we'd rather leave this blank than recommend somewhere we don't actually go.
Rainy Days
Our picks are coming — we'd rather leave this blank than recommend somewhere we don't actually go.
Family Favorites
Our picks are coming — we'd rather leave this blank than recommend somewhere we don't actually go.