The Best Things to Do on 30A – Whether you’re looking to sit back in a beach chair with a good book or head out on an adventure, 30A has just what you need.
Scenic 30A spans from the eastern edge of Destin, Florida to Inlet Beach. A paradise for vacationers, 30A has miles of relatively uncrowded beaches, plenty of fun activities, and a laid-back feel that is second to none.
From sunbathing on white sand beaches and deep sea fishing to kayaking through the dune lakes and browsing charming boutiques in small towns, the memories of your 30A vacation will last a lifetime.
We have been coming to 30A for years and are currently building a house in Seagrove. One of our favorite things about coming to 309 is the vast array of options when it comes to activities.
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Be sure to check out my post about the Best Happy Hours on 30A. You won’t want to miss these.
This post is all about the Best Things to Do on 30A.

See Also: 30A Public Beaches with a Map
The Best Things to Do on 30A
- Rent Bikes/e bikes
- Sand Castle Lessons
- Explore the different beach communities
- 30A Farmers markets
- Exercise
- yoga beachside
- paddle boarding/Kayaking
- hiking
- Happy Hour
- Dinner with a View
- Sunset at Bud and Alley’s
- Shunk Gulley
- Pescado Rooftop Bar
- Catch a Sunset
- Golf
- Spa Day
- Tennis/Pickle Ball
- Fishing excursion
- Rent a pontoon/boat for a day
- Rent Jet Skis
- Bon Fire with or without dinner
- Helicopter tour
- Read a book
- Bocce Ball on the Rosemary Green
- Axe Throwing
- Shop
- Beach Day
Rent our 30A beach house here.
Rent Bikes and e-bikes
Renting bikes is probably one of the most iconic things you can do on 30A. First of all, you will probably get there faster on a bike than in a car due to the 30A traffic.
But the best part is, 30A is filled with great trails and neighborhoods that are great for hours and hours of peaceful bike riding.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can try tandem bikes. They are super fun and a memory you won’t soon forget.
Water Color is one of our favorite bike rides. With what seems like endless trails thru the dune lakes and neighborhood, it is, in my opinion, one of the prettiest areas of 30A.
Though 30A is a pretty flat terrain, e-bikes are a very popular mode of transpiration. If you’re looking for a unique and thrilling way to explore the stunning coastline of 30A, riding an e-bike is the way to go!
With an array of winding trails along emerald-green waters and lush tropical landscapes, getting around on electric bikes will absolutely add some unforgettable memories to your vacation.
Yolo is a local board and bike company that offers rentals as well as paddle and biking tours. It’s easy to experience this adventure with minimal effort. Tire out easily? No worries – the power assist gives that extra oomph so you won’t miss any sights or adventures!
See Also: 50+ Beach Essentials for the Best Day at the Beach
Sand Castle Lessons:
Whether you’re an adult or a child, who doesn’t love building sand castles?
Well, let the experts and Beach Sand Sculptures show you how it’s done. This is the perfect activity for the whole family and is rated as Trip Advisor’s #1 family thing to do on 30A.
Building majestic sand castles that impress even the most seasoned beachgoers can be much easier than most would think when done with the help of an expert.
Explore the Different Beach Communities
Exploring the beach towns of 30A is a must for every tourist. From Grayton State Park’s crystal clear waters and white sand beaches to Watercolor’s opportunity to kayak through the Coastal Dune Lakes, 30A offers something for everyone.
The cozy town of Seaside boasts quaint art galleries and classic architectural designs. Rosemary has luxurious white-sand Emerald Coast Beaches for those looking for rest and relaxation.
Lastly, the ultra-modern Alys Beach allows visitors to explore unique architectural elements only found around Florida’s gulf coast.
One of the best ways to explore the 24-mile stretch of 30A Beach towns is by e-bike. Get started early so you have plenty of time to really enjoy each area. You won’t be disappointed.
See Also: The Ultimate 30A Bucket List
30A Farmer’s Markets
Seaside and Rosemary Beach, two of the most beautiful and sought-after destinations on 30A, host some of the best Farmer’s markets around!
From fresh seafood to homemade jams, these markets offer a wide selection of locally sourced food and crafts. You can find everything from in-season produce to plants and herbs to artwork–all handmade right here on the Emerald Coast.
Grab your bag and head out to Seaside or Rosemary Beach, explore the vendors’ stalls, sample some yummy treats, and pick up something special for yourself or a loved one.
If you’re looking for an authentic local experience with plenty of options, these Farmer’s Markets are a must.
See also: The Best Photography Spots on 30A
Beachside Yoga

For a truly powerful yet relaxing experience, look no further than a beachside yoga class.
Experience the sun, sand, and surf as you practice yoga in the beautiful natural setting of the Emerald Coast
With knowledgeable instructors, a friendly atmosphere, and breathtaking seascapes, 30A provides an unbeatable combination that’s sure to leave you feeling energized, grounded, and full of joy.
Where can I take a beachside yoga class on 30A?
- The Yoga Haus offered private beachside yoga classes for all levels.
- Beach Yoga 30A offers daily classes Mon-Fri at 7:30 a.m. at the Gulfview Heights Beach Access – as well as private classes
- Balance Health Studio – Consistently voted 30A’s #1 Yoga Studio
Rent Paddle Boards/Kayak

If you’re looking for an activity with a splash of adventure, renting paddle boards or kayaks to explore the beautiful coast of 30A is just what you need.
Exciting sights await as you paddle through the crystal clear water and take in panoramic views of the stunning coastline or the many coastal dune lakes.
Where Can I Rent Paddle Boards on 30A?
- Yolo Board – Bike – Coffee, a local Board, and Bike company, rents paddle boards and offers guided tours.
- 30A Paddleboard Rentals – offers daily/weekly rentals as well as guided tours.
- RUN/SUP – Combines two of the best forms of fitness – running and paddle boarding. They offer rentals, lessons, and classes.
Hiking on 30A
When you think of a vacation on 30A, you typically think of “Beach.” But you will also find some pretty great hiking.
With 4 state parks, you will have plenty of opportunities to hike and enjoy the great outdoors.
Where is the best hiking on 30A?
- Grayton Beach State Park
- Deer Lake State Park
- Camp Helen State Park
- Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
- Point Washington State Park
Happy Hours on 30A
One of our favorite things to do when visiting 30A is to hit our favorite happy hour spots. 30A has some of the best bars with the most incredible drink and food specials. The Best 30A Happy Hours are:
- The Great Southern Cafe
- Cowgirl Kitchen
- Hurricane Oyster Bar
- Cafe Thirty-A
- The Wine Bar
See More: The Best Happy Hours on 30A

Dinner with a View
There are several restaurants on 30A that have a view of the beautiful ocean. You will definitely want to add these restaurants to your must-visit list.
Rosemary Beach Restaurants with a View
Pescado Rooftop Bar and Seafood Grill – 74 Townhall Rd. Site 4B
Pescado is an upscale restaurant located in the heart of Rosemary Beach. They have an impressive menu but what they are most known for is their brunch.
Pescado offers brunch Saturday and Sunday mornings until 1:30 pm. Reservations are recommended. Call for reservations:850-213-4600.
If you don’t have the time for a full meal, you can always go for dessert. I mean what could be better than eating delicious creme brulee while looking at the beautiful emerald waters?
You must be 18 years or older to enter except for Saturday and Sunday Brunch
Seaside Restaurants with a View
Bud and Alley’s Restaurant and Rooftop Bar – 2236 East County Road 30A
Bud and Alley’s is one of my all-time favorite restaurants on 30A. It really has a great vibe and everyone is welcome. Whether you’re coming straight from the beach in your bathing suit and cover-up or you are dressed up for a date night to watch the sunset, everyone just fits in.
They don’t have a happy hour menu with discounted drinks but they do have a cocktail hour menu with discounted food. They don’t advertise the menu on their website but it is typically posted at their entrance. This is a great way to save a little money while still enjoying the beautiful view.
This is one of the best places to watch the sunset. Get there early because people tend to camp out once they get their table with the best view.
See More – The Best Seaside Restaurants

Catch a Sunset
Our favorite place to watch the sunset is on the deck of Bud and Alley’s Restaurant. It is the perfect view. With the Coleman Pavilion in the foreground, it really sets the scene for a beautiful evening.
Another one of our favorite places to watch the sunset is right off the road on the west side of WaterColor. You will typically see several (sometimes A LOT) cars pulled over to watch. It’s really beautiful because you will have the Coastal Lake in the foreground. It’s the perfect evening bike ride if you have the time.
One of the best things about 30A is that the sun actually sets over the water from October to Early March. This makes for some beautiful evenings with glorious sunsets.
Golf Courses on 30A
30A offers some pretty incredible golf for the golf enthusiast. From quick casual executive courses to the ultimate upscale courses, 30A has something for everyone when it comes to playing golf.
Golf Courses on or near 30A
- Shark’s Tooth Golf Club
- Origins Golf Club
- Camp Creek at Watersound
- Holiday Golf Club
- Bay Point Golf Club
- Signal Hill Golf Club
- Santa Rosa Golf and Beach Club
- Burnt Pine Golf Club
- Raven Golf Club
- The Links Golf Club
Spa Day
30A is the perfect place for a spa day with an array of top rated spas in each of the beach communities. Whether you are looking for a traditional spa experience or something truly unique, you will find it here.
rom Vivo Spa Salon in Rosemary Beach to 30A Wellness Studio and Serenity by the Sea Spa in Sandestin, there is no shortange of of places to relax and rejuvenate.
Spas on 30A
- Vivo Spa
- 30A Wellness Studio
- Serenity by the Sea
- WaterColor Inn Spa
- Spa Pearl – Inside the Pearl Hotel
- For the Health of It
- 30A Medical Spa
- Beach Ready Spa
Tennis / Pickle Ball
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The Best 30A Coffee Shops
The Best 30A Happy Hours