Planning an unforgettable family beach vacation? Join us as we revisit the sun-drenched shores of Florida’s Scenic 30A, a destination so captivating we’re returning for another summer adventure! From charming boutique shopping to an incredible array of restaurants and endless activities, the Seaside and Blue Mountain Beach areas promise a truly magical escape.
My love affair with the stunning beaches of the Florida Panhandle began years ago during visits to my sister-in-law in Pensacola. While my heart still holds a special place for the Atlantic Ocean, where I grew up just ten minutes from its waves, there’s an undeniable allure to the Emerald Coast. The serene atmosphere, combined with the breathtakingly clear, emerald-hued waters and sugar-white sands, has truly won me over. It’s a slice of paradise that offers a different kind of coastal charm, perfect for creating lasting family memories.
Today, I’m thrilled to share a glimpse into our incredible family beach vacation from last summer, which took us to the enchanting stretch of Scenic 30A, specifically focusing on the vibrant Seaside and tranquil Blue Mountain Beach areas! These coastal gems offer a unique blend of sophisticated charm and laid-back relaxation, making them ideal for families seeking both adventure and peace.
Last summer, our family embarked on an exciting road trip to the picturesque northwest corner of Florida, eager to discover new beaches and experiences. Scenic 30A is a remarkable 24-mile stretch of highway dotted with an array of quaint, distinct beach communities. Driving along this scenic route feels like stepping into a storybook, where each town possesses its own unique character, offering a truly idyllic small-town paradise. It’s unlike anywhere else I’ve ever visited. Among these charming communities, Seaside stands out as perhaps the most famous, drawing larger crowds with its iconic architecture, bustling shops, vibrant restaurants, and lively atmosphere. While Seaside is undeniably charming, we chose to stay in Blue Mountain Beach, a slightly more secluded haven located just seven minutes further west. This proved to be the perfect choice, offering a blissful sense of isolation and quietude that we deeply appreciated. Yet, Blue Mountain Beach and its neighboring towns are perfectly situated, allowing easy access to all the attractions from Seaside all the way to Destin, ensuring we could experience the best of both worlds.
The photos below capture just a fraction of the magic we experienced during our week-long stay last summer. And the best part? We’re eagerly counting down the days – less than a month now! – until we can return to the exact same cherished spot for another unforgettable family vacation.
Discovering the Charms of Seaside, Florida
Exploring Seaside was an absolute delight! Our accommodation in Blue Mountain Beach was so conveniently located that we were able to visit this iconic town several times throughout our week. One of Seaside’s greatest assets is its incredible walkability. Once you park your car, the entire town center and its surrounding areas are easily accessible on foot, inviting leisurely strolls. For those staying closer, cycling is also a popular and fantastic option, with bikes readily available for rent. This town truly is adorable, with its pastel-colored cottages, white picket fences, and meticulously planned urban design that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. I particularly adored the unique boutiques and specialty shops, offering a treasure trove of cute and distinctive items that you won’t find anywhere else. The town center serves as the bustling hub of activity, featuring a lively amphitheater that hosts various events and performances, alongside a captivating strip of gourmet food trucks housed in vintage Airstreams. While the town center can get quite crowded, especially during peak times, which required a bit more vigilance with our younger family members, the vibrant energy and diverse offerings made every visit worthwhile. If you’re traveling without little ones, it offers an even more leisurely pace for exploration.
Fun Fact about Seaside: This charming town gained international recognition as the primary filming location for the critically acclaimed movie, “The Truman Show,” starring Jim Carrey. Its picturesque, almost too-perfect aesthetic was central to the film’s theme, and walking its streets, you can easily spot familiar backdrops from the movie!
During our visits, we thoroughly enjoyed browsing and shopping at some of Seaside’s most adorable and distinctive boutiques. Each shop offers a unique selection, making it easy to find perfect souvenirs or special gifts:
- Duckies Shop of Fun: A delightful store filled with toys, games, and whimsical gifts, perfect for children and adults alike.
- Per spi cas ity: Known for its open-air market style, this iconic shop offers unique apparel, accessories, and home goods with a distinct coastal flair.
- The Seaside Style: The official store of Seaside, featuring branded merchandise, stylish home decor, and fashion that embodies the relaxed elegance of 30A.
- The Art of Simple: A curated collection of artisanal products, beautiful gifts, and items that celebrate thoughtful living and natural beauty.
- Mercantile: A charming general store offering a variety of provisions, local goods, and essential beach items, reminiscent of a classic country store with a modern twist.
Explore More of Seaside’s Iconic Landmarks
There’s so much more to explore beyond the shops in this thoughtfully designed town. Seaside boasts several architectural and community landmarks that are well worth a visit: the renowned Seaside School, with its charming garden and courtyard (pictured above), which serves as a model for community-based education; the quaint Post Office, a beloved symbol of the town; the serene Chapel, offering a peaceful retreat; and Ruskin Place (pictured below), a beautiful park-like square surrounded by unique homes and galleries, providing a wonderful spot for relaxation and people-watching.
Culinary Adventures: Dining Experiences on 30A
(A delightful spread from Bud and Alley’s in Seaside, including a mouth-watering Scrambled Eggs & Cherrywood Bacon Sandwich, savory Poached Eggs & Lentils, a fluffy Belgium Waffle with Whipped Ricotta, and unique Sweet Potato Pancakes.)
Seaside offers a fantastic array of dining options, from casual bites to upscale experiences. During our visits, we savored meals at two particularly memorable restaurants:
- The Great Southern Café: For lunch, we enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere and delicious Southern-inspired cuisine at The Great Southern Café. Their Mojitos were a refreshing treat, and my Mediterranean Salad was absolutely perfect. Every dish we tried was incredibly flavorful and fresh, making it a perfect spot for a satisfying midday meal.
- Bud & Alley’s: We indulged in a fantastic brunch at Bud & Alley’s, an iconic Seaside establishment known for its Gulf-front dining and lively rooftop bar. The dishes shown above, including the hearty Scrambled Eggs & Cherrywood Bacon Sandwich, the wholesome Poached Eggs & Lentils, the decadent Belgium Waffle with Whipped Ricotta, and the creative Sweet Potato Pancakes, were all exceptional. The view of the Gulf from their patio is unparalleled, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely meal.
Just a few minutes’ drive from Seaside, we discovered an absolutely AWESOME family and friend hangout spot called The Hub on 30A. This unique venue is designed like a huge, communal backyard, offering an abundance of diverse seating options, from picnic tables to cozy lounge areas. It’s a vibrant entertainment center featuring a massive outdoor LED screen for movies and sports, a stage for live music, numerous food stands serving a variety of delicious cuisines, and several bars. We spent an evening there enjoying dinner, soaking in the fresh air, and catching a Star Wars movie playing on the big screen. The atmosphere is incredibly lively and family-friendly, making it a perfect destination for groups of all ages looking for a fun and relaxed evening out.
We managed to resist the endless temptations for only so long before giving in to some delicious treats and endless fun! The smiles say it all. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Blue Mountain Beach: Our Serene Slice of Paradise on 30A
Ah, Blue Mountain Beach! This charming community truly became our little slice of paradise during our 30A vacation. Unlike the lively hustle of Seaside, Blue Mountain Beach offers a more secluded and tranquil experience, perfectly blending natural beauty with a laid-back lifestyle. Our days here were filled with blissful relaxation and engaging activities: splashing in the pool, gliding across the serene waters in kayaks, building sandcastles on the beach, unwinding with good books, engaging in friendly board game competitions, enjoying delicious barbecues, and exploring the hidden gems of the area. One discovery that quickly became a family favorite (and a frequent pilgrimage!) was the nearby Blue Mountain Creamery – I’ve honestly been dreaming about their ice cream ever since!
Our accommodation was situated on the edge of Big Redfish Lake, one of Florida’s rare and incredibly unique coastal dune lakes. These fascinating natural phenomena, where freshwater lakes are found in close proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, separated only by a narrow strip of sand, occasionally breach and exchange waters with the Gulf. It’s a captivating ecological wonder that truly highlights the area’s natural splendor, and I absolutely love exploring such unique aspects of nature.
Getting to the beach each day was an adventure in itself. Our convenient transportation was a pontoon boat, expertly piloted by the same hospitable captain and crew, making our short journey across the lake to the pristine Gulf shores a delightful daily ritual.
Alternatively, for the more adventurous, kayaking offered another fantastic way to reach the Gulf, allowing for a more intimate connection with the tranquil waters of the lake and the surrounding nature.
The view as we approached the beach was nothing short of spectacular. It was literally just a few minutes’ boat ride, transforming from the serene lake environment to the vast expanse of the Gulf. The untouched beauty of these beaches, less crowded than others, made every arrival feel like discovering a hidden treasure.
Searching for crabs along the shoreline became a favorite pastime, offering endless fascination for the little ones and a chance for us all to connect with the local marine life.
I even had the chance to learn how to kayak on the calm waters of Big Redfish Lake, a wonderful new skill acquired amidst stunning natural surroundings!
My sister-in-law Jamie and I particularly relished our long walks along the beach and lake trails. With such breathtaking natural beauty surrounding us, how could we not seize every opportunity to explore and appreciate it?
It’s abundantly clear from these cherished memories that we had an absolutely awesome time, truly valuing every moment spent together as a family in this incredible part of Florida. The combination of Seaside’s vibrant charm and Blue Mountain Beach’s serene beauty made for a perfectly balanced vacation. We simply cannot wait to do it all again this summer!
We hope you’ve enjoyed this virtual photo album and travel guide from our unforgettable trip to the 30A Seaside and Blue Mountain Beach areas. May it inspire your next family beach vacation!
