30A Summer Vacation Guide
If you’ve never been to 30A – the beautiful strip of shoreline towns that line the gulf coast of Florida – I can assure you that you’re missing out. We took a trip this Summer, as we’ve done each year for the last 19 years and I want to tell you all about it! We have some old faithful things and places that we go to, but always love trying new spots. The area is constantly growing and there are plenty of things to check out.
The Food of 30A
Our entire family loves seafood and there is plenty of it available on 30A. It’s fresh, local and some of the best I’ve ever had! Here is where we ate this trip and truly the best of 30A.
Surfing Deer
If you’ve followed our 30A travels, you know this is a favorite of ours. It’s such a special restaurant, with an incredible atmosphere. Located in Seagrove Beach, it’s location is just across from the beach. We started going with a date night over 10 years ago and it’s been a constant since! It offers fine dining – indoors or out, with indulgent seafood and steaks. We have taken our family many times and their kids menu offers tenderloin, which is our boys favorite!
Watersound Village Market
We had our first visit to this restaurant on our trip this year and it will absolutely be repeated. Watersound Village Market offers timeless southern classics, with a global twist. If you are gluten free on 30A, this is THE spot for you. I couldn’t believe how many options they had and their care with using different fryers for their fried seafood. 10/10! The grits and greens are a food I find myself dreaming about and wondering if they can ship them! They offer to-go food as well as plenty of grab-n-go options for easy dinners after a day at the beach. Next trip, their brunch is on our agenda!
Seagrove Village MarketCafe
This cafe has been around for 75 years and is a staple along 30A. Here you’ll find a more casual vibe, with po’boys, fresh salads, fish tacos and their iconic grouper sandwich. I’ve had it multiple times and it really is the best I’ve ever had! We’ve grabbed to-go food from here as well as eaten in the restaurant and it’s food is incredible every time. If you’re feeling a little wild on your trip, try the George-normous Po’ boy – a monstrous sandwich with fried seafood, pickles, sausage, hushpuppies and more. Speaking of hushpuppies, don’t skip them! They also offer a selection of souvenirs to remember your trip.
Papa Surf Burger Bar
This trip was our first visit here to Papa Surf – a collaboration with Jason Aldean, Tom Glavine and Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line. They offer a simple menu of burgers that are really great, offer gluten free buns, but the winner? The sweet potato waffle fries. Seriously so good! This is a great spot to grab lunch or a casual dinner if you’re not feeling seafood.
Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar
Shunk Gulley is known for it’s fun atmosphere with live music and ocean views. Their menu has oysters and plenty of fresh seafood. It’s a causal vibe that is perfect for families. They do not take reservations, so plan ahead. They did just open an outdoor bar that you can order cocktails at while you wait, though! Their beet salad is so fresh and the tuna poke appetizer is one of my favorites there.
Goatfeathers Seafood Market
I do love cooking at home and we always take a couple nights to grab fresh seafood from Goatfeathers. They have a restaurant that is not my favorite, but the seafood fresh is incredible! We often get peel and eat shrimp that they will season and steam right up for you. This trip we got grouper and scallops that were so fresh and delicious.
Blue Mountain Beach Creamery
There’s nothing that irks me more than the cost of ice cream from an ice cream shop. I can buy a whole gallon for the price of a cone! 🙂 But alas, some places are worth it and Blue Mountain Beach Creamery is one of them. Banana Pudding is my favorite! Prepare for some serious lines in the Summer and try to avoid right after dinner time, as that is the busiest. They are also cash only.
Fonville Press
This place has had a serious glow up in the last couple of years! What used to be a simple coffee shop, now has a full bar, an amazing bakery and serves 3 meals a day. The thing that drew me in was rumors of frozen espresso martinis! I’m so glad we stopped in because they did not disappoint! The boys also got some incredible pastries while we were there.
The rest of our trip was filled with some classic favorites – walking around Alys Beach and Seaside, plenty of time in the pool and the beach, reading, building puzzles, eating boiled peanuts and plenty of family time.
I really enjoyed this book series and read 2 of them on the beach!
30A really has something for everyone, from beaches to pools, fine dining and bars to kids activities galore. If you want to see even more tips and tricks for a 30A vacation, here are several more years of travel guides!