Vacation in Seaside, FL

If you follow us on social media, you know we just did a quick weekend vacation together to 30A. Jackie, being from the north, did not get to experience this little gem growing up, but it has since become her go to getaway with her family and friends. Kristina grew up going to Panama City Beach, but she has grown to love Seaside as much, or even more! We had such a blast together and want to share some of our favorite things in the area. 

Getting There

Most people drive since it’s a beach trip and you need all your gear. But, when we want a short weekend away for those incredible 3 day weekends, you can fly into Destin (VPS) or Panama City (ECP). Our favorite spot on 30A is in Seagrove Beach near Seaside, which is pretty equidistant from both airports. 

Getting Around

We love to ride our bikes everywhere when we visit Seaside. I can go my entire vacation and not move the car once. There are plenty of public beach access points, but we’ve learned the less populated ones don’t have parking. Being able to ride our bikes allows us to lock them to a bike rack or a tree. Plus, who doesn’t like being able to work off the delicious brunch you just ate by riding your bike back and forth! You’ll read about our favorite restaurants a little later on. If biking isn’t your thing, there is always the golf cart option or bring a wagon to pull to the beach.

Bike Rental Companies – Butterfly Bikes and Vacayzen

Golf Cart Rental Companies – South Walton Golf Carts and Outlaw Golf Carts

Where to Eat

Okay, now for the good stuff! We LOVE to eat and we eat out often when we come to Seaside. One of our favorite things about this area is the limited number of chains. Besides Subway (which is one of our favorites for a sandwich on the Beach) and Publix, everything is unique to the area. We put together a list of our must haves when we vacation here. 

Brunch

  • The Perfect Pig – The quiche and thick cut bacon is out of this world.
  • Great Southern Cafe – They have all kinds of benedicts and a heavy pour mimosa. Try the skinny mimosa, which is made with essential orange oil, or the man-mosa, which adds a shot of Titos. It will get your day going for sure!
  • Modica Market – If you are trying to have a quick breakfast and get on your way, grab a breakfast sandwich and mimosa to go!
  • Amivida Coffee & Tea
  • Black Bear Bread Co – Great pastries and bagels – The smoked salmon bagel if my favorite here.
  • Dough Sea Dough Donuts – Donuts – need I say more?!

Happy Hour

  • Cafe 30a – Martini Night on Tuesdays and Thursdays! Martinis for $6 – consider this your warning!
  • Bud and Alley’s Roof Deck Bar – Come here to have a drink and watch the sunset.
  • Great Southern Cafe – Drink specials from 3 – 5 daily include double pours, 2 for 1s, or half off! They have a shipping container located next to the main restaurant that gives a different vibe. We highly recommend!
Jackie and Kristina at Happy Hour

Jackie and Kristina enjoying Happy Hour at Great Southern’s Container Bar

Lunch and Dinner

  • Wine Bar on 30A – Great flatbreads, charcuterie boards, and kid friendly!
  • Cafe 30A – Pricey and fancy, however, if you’re looking for a night out – we highly suggest it! The steaks and snapper are to die for. You can get buy one get one half off entrees between 4:30 – 5 pm every day!
  • Fish Out of Water – The water views are amazing!
  • Old Florida Fish House – This one has outdoor yard games for the kids to be occupied while waiting for a table. Check their events calendar for live music, too!
  • The Big Chill (formerly the Hub) – This area has tons of smaller, fast casual concepts all in one place. There’s something for everyone! They also have events like kid yoga, outdoor movies, live music, and kid dance parties. Check out their events calendar to see more!
  • Angelina’s Pizza and Pasta – I’m OBSESSED with the caesar dressing and chicken piccata. Portions are huge, so either plan to share, or you can have lunch for the next day!
  • Red Bar – This one is a quick 10 – 15 minute drive down to Grayton Beach, but it’s a staple and has been around forever!
  • Chanticleer – Jackie’s husband argues this is the best Reuben he has ever had in his life. 
  • Hurricane’s Oyster Bar and Grill – Dive bar feel with amazing seafood!
Angelina's Restaurant

Chicken Piccata at Angelina’s

What To Do

Obviously being on the beach is the best part of the day, but when night comes and you’re ready for some other activities, check these out! 

The Big Chill often has music at night, DJ dance parties for kids, live music for adults, and sporting events broadcasted on the big screen!

The Seaside Amphitheater also does movies at night, an amazing Farmer’s Market on the weekends, and don’t miss Huck and Lily if they are performing! My kids absolutely love singing and dancing along with them. 

30A.com does a great job with their events calendar showing events all up and down the coast. 

Dog on beach

Enjoy Your Vacation!

We hope this helps you! Jackie loves it so much down here that she bought a short term rental, so if you’re looking for a place to stay, check it out here!

Let us know what you’re favorite vacations spots are!

 

Need some good books to read on your vacation? Check out Kristina’s favorite books of 2022!

Jackie and Kristina