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.
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.
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
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.
Jackie and Kristina enjoying Happy Hour at Great Southern’s Container Bar
Chicken Piccata at Angelina’s
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.
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!