Before we made the full-time switch to beach life, my husband and I were part-time residents of Seagrove Beach for many years. It’s a great little slice of heaven right in the center of Scenic Highway 30A and if you’re looking for a lovely vacation spot—Seagrove is the place to be. There’s so much tucked into this three-mile stretch of beach you might even need to extend your stay just to fit it all in!
For starters, the number of public beach access points is amazing. You have a plethora of spots to choose from and they each have their certain charm. Most of them are walking or biking access only with no parking but I think that adds to the appeal. Plus, their pathways provide picture-perfect opportunities like no other.
From East to West, they are:
Walton Dunes* at 258 Beachfront Trail.
Sugar Dunes at 11 Beachside Drive.
Eastern Lake* at 491 Eastern Lake Road.
Ram’s Gate* at 679 Eastern Lake Road.
One Seagrove Place** at 57 Seagrove Place.
Beachwood Villas at 3874 East County Highway 30A.
Campbell Street at 3694 East County Highway 30A.
Pelayo Avenue at 3576 East County Highway 30A.
Montigo Avenue at 3512 East County Highway 30A
San Juan at 3458 East County Highway 30A.
Dothan at 276 Montgomery Street.
Andalusia at 52 South Andalusia Street.
Greenwood at 118 Montgomery Street.
Gardenia at 3016 East County Highway 30A.
Azalea/Camellia at 2920 East County Highway 30A.
Holly at 2844 East County Highway 30A.
Highway 395 at 2790 East County Highway 30A.
Nightcap at 2726 East County Highway 30A.
Live Oak at 2670 East County Highway 30A.
Hickory at 2624 East County Highway 30A.
Dogwood/Thyme at 2560 East County Highway 30A.
*Walton Dunes, Eastern Lake and Ram’s Gate have nearby parking lots that are an easy walk.
**One Seagrove Place has a nice driveway where you can easily drop off your gear and there’s also one coveted parking space.
If you want beach access with readily available parking, a bathhouse, and handicapped access; Santa Clara is the place for you. Located at 3468 East County Highway 30A they have thirty parking spots available on the south side and another 30 on the north.
The San Juan access, at 3458 East County Highway 30A also has parking available for thirteen vehicles.
Eastern Lake
As you may know, Highway 30A is home to several rare dune lakes and you will find two of them in Seagrove.
Eastern Lake and Deer Lake are both connected to the Gulf of Mexico and create natural habitats for numerous plant and animal species. Yes—even an occasional alligator.
These lakes are a mix of salt and fresh water and their rarity is matched only by the incredible environmental beauty they contribute to the area. In addition to providing a great place for paddle boarding and fishing, the shorelines of these lakes offer limitless opportunities for nature photography as well.
Seagrove Plaza has anchored this stretch of 30A for years. Here you’ll find a great selection of shops that can help you with everything from a new swimsuit to a new hairdo! You can also get help with vacation rentals, shop for a new outfit or even grab an ice cream cone. And be sure you stop by the 30A Store while you’re there. This signature shop is the perfect place to stock up on all your official 30A gear.
You’ll never go hungry in Seagrove, that’s for sure, and the list of wildly popular restaurants is long and varied enough to please everyone from your pickiest eater to your biggest foodie.
You can’t talk about restaurants in Seagrove without starting at Seagrove Village Market Cafe. A part of the community since 1949, it’s the first stop for many returning visitors. Generations of beachgoers return each year for their amazing fried seafood baskets, po’ boys, and mouth-watering burgers. It’s also a great place to snag a souvenir.
At Cafe Thirty-A, where reservations are required, you can always count on a delightful evening. The perfect spot for a date night, here you’ll find a menu filled with fresh seafood, perfectly prepared steaks, and desserts too tasty to pass up. You can also pop into their bar without planning and you’ll find a tasty menu plus a long list of fine wines and exciting martinis. If you love contemporary, eclectic foods, impeccable service, and gracious hospitality this is the place for you.
Another great date night spot is Surfing Deer. This upscale New American eatery is filled with fabulous food and gracious servers who will make you feel like the most special person in the room. Indoor and outdoor seating options allow you to choose your view and you can’t go wrong with their ever-evolving menu. And be sure you save room for one of their amazing desserts.
The Perfect Pig has two locations in Seagrove and as I mentioned when I wrote about their place in Dune Allen—get the nachos. Or maybe the fig and prosciutto flatbread. Or anything really because it’s all delicious.
If you’re looking for pizza, you are in the right neighborhood. Pizza By The Sea offers gluten-free options and their spaghetti & meatball pizza is like none other. Angelina’s has delicious hand-tossed pies and their calzones are the things dreams are made of over at Bronzini the traditional pizza and pasta along with their signature salads will keep you coming back for more.
Old Florida Fish House
Old Florida Fish House is a wonderful, family-owned restaurant tucked back on the shores of Eastern Lake is a great spot for traditional seafood meals. They also offer a sushi experience that is unmatched anywhere on 30A. And if you’re looking for a fun spot to shake your groove thing, their revolving list of live music regularly keeps the dance floor busy.
If you’re looking for an easy-going, relaxed space with an incredible view, check out Coastside Provision Market. You can grab a beer, a bottle of wine—or a glass— and enjoy the lovely outdoor porch while you visit with friends. They also serve up small plates of cheese, charcuterie, and flatbreads.
Are you an early riser? Do you have a sweet tooth? Then be sure you don’t miss out on Dough Sea Dough. Open each day at six a.m.—and regularly sold out before they close this delightful shop boasts the largest selection of specialty donuts on 30A. Keep in mind they close seasonally for January and February but during the rest of the year—you’re golden.
If you’re visiting Seagrove, you’re probably not planning on planting a garden any time soon. However, don’t let your short-term stay keep you from stopping by Clay 30A. This lovely nursery is a local favorite for plants, pots, and pine straw and their gift shop is delightful. Their perfectly curated space is filled with beauty and charm and you can easily find room in your suitcase for a special piece from Clay.
A cozy little hidden gem is Kahve & Cream. This small cafe is family-owned and proudly serves Lucky Goat Coffee and Nitro Cold Brew coffee as well. They have a full espresso bar, locally baked pastries along with candy and snacks. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and supper and their menu is filled with everything from English muffin sandwiches to flatbread pizzas and over a dozen flavors of ice cream.
For those who want a night in to cook for yourselves, you can grab fresh, local seafood at Reel’em In, Goatfeathers, and Buddy’s Seafood. Any of these three spots can help you find everything you need to create your spectacular meal at home. Beyond seafood, you will also find great selections of wine, dips, soups, spices and sauces to complete your meal.
There are countless vacation rentals available in Seagrove but sometimes you don’t want to book a week-long vacation. If you aren’t looking for a big house or condo and you’re only planning to stay for a night or two look no further than The Lodge 30A. Anchoring the new Greenway Station, you’ll find this secluded hotel is the perfect spot for a quick getaway. Once you experience their overwhelming hospitality and beautiful, cozy rooms you may even decide to extend your stay. The good news is, you won’t even need a car as you will soon find you are surrounded by a myriad of shops and spots to grab a tasty bite. Every one of the new Greenway Station merchants was chosen deliberately to create a one-of-a-kind experience for locals and guests alike. One of my favorites, The Salty Butcher, is an independent, boutique butcher shop with more than just steaks on the menu. You can find great cheeses, wine, and a wide selection of specialty products here along with ready-made sandwiches featuring bread from Black Bear. Be sure to pop into the Jonah Allen Gallery and take a peek at his artful photography that captures the 30A coastline in a unique and tranquil way. Then grab a drink from Turbo Coffee to sip while you explore this great little spot where delightful new shops are opening every day.
Ready for an outdoor adventure? Then you’re going to want to hit up Yellowfin Ocean Sports.
This is the place for bikes, paddle boards, kayaks—and then some. Whether you need to rent or even if you are looking to buy they’ve got what you need. Yellowfin carries a wide selection of fishing gear along with bait and tackle and their staff members will make sure you get what you need to reel in the big catch. They can even set you up with a charter service if that’s what you’re looking for. There is also a new YOLO store in Greenway Station where you can rent bikes, boards, and more.
All in all, Seagrove Beach is pretty darn hard to beat. It may be a small stretch of beach but it has a big heart and an even bigger fan club. It sees families return year after year, generation after generation, and always happily coming back for more. Come visit soon!
