Scenic Highway 30A is a 24-mile corridor that hugs the Gulf of Mexico coastline and is a major tourist attraction. People travel from near and far to experience the plethora of captivating sites and entertainment available along 30A.

Next time you’re passing through or going on an excursion outside of your South Walton home, be sure to check out these must-do activities!

Running parallel to the Scenic 30A highway, Timpoochee Trail is a wide, safe, and relatively flat trail ideal for biking. The nearly 18.5-mile trail, named after an influential Euchee Indian chief, weaves past dune lakes, state parks, and beach access points through several beach enclaves. There are several shops along the trail that offer rental bikes, allowing travelers the chance to rent bikes for the day or entire week. Once you experience the salty ocean breeze and sublime scenery of the trail, biking will quickly become your preferred mode of transportation at the beach.

As you make your way through the first mile, you’ll pass Stinky's Fish Camp, a favorite watering hole among locals and visitors alike. Once you arrive at the three-mile mark, stop by the many eateries and shops at Gulf Place for some food and window shopping before exploring the Blue Mountain Beach community around mile five.

You’ll pass Alligator Lake and the Grayton Beach State Park exit once you’ve hit the seventh mile. Definitely stop at Grayton, a stunning long strip of beachfront with access to Western Lake and many hiking and biking trails. You’ll see plenty of people kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding at Western Lake.

 

 

After enjoying some exhilarating watersports at Western Lake, head to WaterColor, a unique beach town teeming with boutiques and eateries. Just next door, enter Seaside, yet another charming beach neighborhood that was featured in the popular film The Truman Show. Stay on the trail to bike through Central Square, an ideal location to grab a snack on Airstream Row. If you’ve got the time, wander through the tree-lined streets of Seaside, where you’re bound to take a photo or two.

Once you hit Seagrove, you’ll have plenty of chances for rest breaks, food, and shopping. The final third of the trail boasts a lovely view of Eastern Lake followed by Deer Lake State Park, where folks come to bike, fish, explore the coastal dune habitat, and revel in the majesty of pristine Gulf beaches.

With just a few miles left on your journey, take a break in WaterSound with a delicious lunch of fresh local fish and sandwiches at Watersound Cafe. You’ll have one more chance to capture a beautiful picture of a dune lake when you reach Camp Creek Lake.

At mile 16, you’ll enter Seacrest, where you must stop by The Sweet Peddler to indulge in hand-dipped Hershey’s ice cream and saltwater taffy. You’ll know you’ve reached Alys Beach once you glimpse majestic white butterflies and palm trees along 30A. It’s the perfect spot to take a breather and explore the elegant white buildings. Immediately after Alys, you’ll hit the New Orleans-style Rosemary Beach before the trail ends in Inlet Beach. You made it!

Grab your adventure buddy, fill your bicycle tires with air and bring your childlike sense of wonder to the Timpoochee Trail today. Adventure awaits!  

The beautiful towns strewn along 30A offer more than sandy beaches and tasty treats. Various live performances and movie nights happen seasonally at Seaside Amphitheatre, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, and The Hub.

Spring and summer in Alys Beach offer plenty of outdoor events to enjoy while basking in the Florida sunshine. Movie Night at Alys Beach Amphitheater offers locals and visitors a chance to view classic films under the stars at Alys Beach Central Park on Wednesday evenings. This free, public event is a great way to meet with family and friends to watch classics such as Little Rascals and Lion King.

When the sun is shining, the weather is warm, and locals crave some live entertainment, they head to Seaside Amphitheatre for the Seaside Summer Concert Series. The series takes place every weekend from Saturday on Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. People pack blankets, chairs, and picnic baskets full of goodies to snag a great spot on the lawn to watch fantastic live musical performances by regional and local artists.

When Seaside residents yearn to watch a captivating play or musical, they head to Northwest Florida’s premier Meeting Hall Theatre to catch a show by The Repertory Theatre. The REP has built quite a reputation, attracting some of the finest talent worldwide who work closely with dedicated volunteers and professionals to entertain over 25,000 people annually.

Seaside is not the only town offering fabulous events throughout the year. From May through August, the Rosemary Beach Summer Concert Series is held on St. Augustine Green in Rosemary Beach on Monday nights from 6:30-8:30 PM. Each week features a different show where families and friends gather to listen and enjoy nostalgic tunes under the stars.

 

 

Last and certainly not least, The Hub in Watersound Beach is a premier entertainment district and gathering place for locals to enjoy terrific eateries, shopping, and events. Given the two bars and six restaurants, there’s something to please every discerning palate. All of the fabulous businesses border the lawn and patio area, which offers plush seating, a stone fireplace, and a large event stage boasting a 25-foot LED Jumbotron for movies and sports.

Upcoming events at The Hub include NFL Sunday Football, Family Game Night: Bingo, DJ Dance Party, and a New Year’s Eve Celebration. Bring the kids, delight in delicious fare, and enjoy a plethora of recreation and entertainment at The Hub.

In proximity to 30A, there are many public beach access points that lead to the world's most breathtaking white sandy beaches. Here are some you simply must visit when you’re in South Walton.

Deer Lake State Park is an expansive 1,920-acre park located on 30A just east of Seagrove Beach. This beautiful coastal dune habitat features an array of flora, including woody goldenrod, scrub oaks, golden asters, Southern magnolias, and rare plants such as Gulf Coast lupine, spoonflower, pitcher plants, and Curtiss’ sand grass. The pops of colorful wildflowers, marvelous butterflies, and singing migratory birds are a sight to behold. The boardwalk across the dunes allows visitors to wander to the beach, where they can sunbathe, picnic, swim, fish, and take in a spectacular view of the dune ecosystem.

 

 

The charming coastal community of Inlet Beach offers several beaches that are less busy than those farther up 30A, making them ideal for those who wish to get in touch with the ocean without being surrounded by loud and boisterous beachgoers. Wall Street Beach Access and Inlet Beach Access offer plenty of beachfront fit for lounging on the sand, taking a quick dip in the salty sea, and building sandcastles with your little ones. If you enjoy a more serene and secluded beach day, Inlet Beach is the place to be.

Beach access doesn’t end there. As you make your way up Scenic Highway 30A you’ll come across plenty of stops where you can revel in the sunshine, catch some waves and envelop yourself in the beauty that is South Florida.

If you are interested in real estate along 30A, contact Twin Palms Luxury Collective today.