This article appears in the inaugural issue of 30A’s Beach Happy Magazine. Look for Beach Happy magazine at Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Publix, Kroger and other major outlets nationwide, as well as in high-traffic locations along the Gulf Coast. Subscribe now to get print issues delivered to your home or enjoy the free digital edition. By Martin Liptrot It’s no secret […]

This article appears in the inaugural issue of 30A’s Beach Happy Magazine. Look for Beach Happy magazine at Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Publix, Kroger and other major outlets nationwide, as well as in high-traffic locations along the Gulf Coast. Subscribe now to get print issues delivered to your home or enjoy the free digital edition. 5 Questions With Chef Ben Robinson […]

By Kristy Gustafson Long before Publix, Whole Foods, and definitely before the days of Amazon Prime, farmers would gather to showcase their fresh produce for the townspeople in true farm-to-table fashion. In fact, these kinds of markets date all the way back to Egypt over 5,000 years ago where farmers along the Nile would come […]

Living life along a beach is like nothing else you’ll experience. It’s a laid-back lifestyle, but with plenty of local flavor to keep it unique and exciting. Numerous studies have shown how seaside living can help your health, coming with its own set of benefits. The Sunsets Can Wipe Away Anxiety Renowned for amazing sunsets, […]

By Susan Benton Donuts—aka doughnuts, if you prefer—have been around in some form or fashion for so long that, it is said that archaeologists have found fossilized pieces of material closely resembling donuts in prehistoric Native American settlements. However long their deliciously fried history might reach, there are just some that rank above the rest, […]

Are you an extraordinary up-and-coming digital video storyteller? The 30A Company seeks a passionate, creative, professional and adventurous videographer to join our full-time team. This is an incredible entry-level opportunity to join the fast-growing 30A media company and beach lifestyle brand. So what would your typical day be like? You’ll plan and produce numerous ongoing […]

By Abigail Abesamis Demarest Making your 30A vacation dreams a reality is becoming increasingly accessible as airlines like American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Allegiant Airlines expand their direct flight offerings to the area’s nearby airports – Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) and Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS). You may already know about […]

This article appears in the inaugural issue of 30A’s Beach Happy Magazine. Look for Beach Happy magazine at Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Publix, Kroger and other major outlets nationwide, as well as in high-traffic locations along the Gulf Coast. Subscribe now to get print issues delivered to your home or enjoy the free digital edition. Coastal Casual (Without The Kitsch) – 5 […]

Florida’s northwest Gulf Coast ranked #1 on the new “100 Best Places to Buy a Vacation Rental” report compiled by Rented Research and Weiss Analytics. The annual report – a guide for selling and buying vacation rentals – ranks destinations by the cost of ownership, short-term revenue potential, acquisition cost, annual appreciation, and projected changes […]

By Abigail Abesamis In addition to picturesque beaches and striking New Urbanist towns, 30A is also home to several standout spas offering relaxation, rejuvenation, and remedies for your aches and stresses in both the body and the mind. Schedule in some self care at these great local businesses highlighted below. It’s important to note that […]

By Martin Liptrot ‘Nice Dogs, Strange People’ – the unofficial town motto says it all. Grayton Beach is the funky heart of 30A. Populated by a mix of dotcom millionaires, fishing charter captains, grammy-award winning artists and families who have been walking its unpaved streets for decades, it isn’t flashy, all mod-cons development, its stores […]

By Jessica Roberts No day at the beach is complete without your trusty cooler by your side. Whether packing for a solo day of relaxing, or something to please everyone in the group, we’ve got you covered with our top picks. NOTE: As an official Amazon Associate, 30A can earn a small referral fee from […]

By Susan Gunn In Northwest Florida, not far from iconic County Highway 30A, lies a little peninsula with a big history. Sandestin, named for its geological location between Santa Rosa Beach and Destin, has long held an appeal for historic land moguls. Dotted with coastal lakes and lush lagoons, this land is only one mile […]

By Kristy Gustafson Legend has it that cornhole originated somewhere in the Midwest, with places like Cincinnati and Kentucky laying claim to inventing the ever-popular game. Some even credit a fourteenth-century cabinet maker, who is said to have created the game after watching children toss rocks into a nearby groundhog’s hole and deciding to put […]

By Jessica Roberts We all know the standard items for a beach day – chair, cooler, beach bag, sunscreen, etc. But, what about some more off-the-wall options? Check out our list for unusual, but helpful, beach gadgets you didn’t know you needed. NOTE: As an official Amazon Associate, 30A can earn a small referral fee […]

This article appears in the inaugural issue of 30A’s Beach Happy Magazine. Look for Beach Happy magazine at Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Publix, Kroger and other major outlets nationwide, as well as in high-traffic locations along the Gulf Coast. Subscribe now to get print issues delivered to your home or enjoy the free digital edition. […]

Year after year, people break away from the traditional work grind and move to the beach to set their own schedules and enjoy the change of pace. Whether you are a local looking for a new space to break up your routine, or someone visiting looking for a space to get a little work done […]

Walton County recently announced the launch of GoWal, the area’s first public transit service offering rides to those traveling north and southbound throughout the region. The shuttle buses launched Monday, June 29, along U.S. Route 331, from DeFuniak Springs to South Walton. The free service will operate Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with […]

By Susan Gunn It’s no secret that Walton County, specifically coastal County Highway 30A, boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. The stunning white sand is among some of the whitest in the world. It might be a secret though that the same sparkly white sand stretches farther inland than most people realize and […]

By Susan Vallee WaterColor community offers a bit of everything for the 30A visitor. Nestled in-between Seaside and Western Lake, WaterColor’s 500-acres weaves luxe accommodations with elaborately planned parks, trails that lap the edges of 30A’s rare coastal dune lake and Gulf views that never fail to take your breath. It’s a fantastic place for […]

By Jessica Roberts Cooking in the beautiful outdoors is a mainstay of Florida living – s’mores over the bonfire, grilling with the family, or just enjoying a meal al fresco. Along Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A, we are lucky enough to enjoy grilling all year long. Some love classic charcoal, others the ease of propane, some […]

By Susan Vallee Have you ever driven across the Lake Powell bridge and spied the battered remains of a wooden pier in the distance, ending in ruin amid the crashing waves and salt spray of the Gulf? Year after year, it succumbs bit by bit to the ravages of wind and rain — and yet […]

By Kristy Gustafson Let’s face it, nothing quite tops a rooftop. Yes, literally, but for countless more reasons as well. For starters, the views. Especially when you’ve got a backyard like ours! Rooftops are the best way to take in the bird’s eye view of our beautiful emerald coast and all it has to offer. […]

This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. You’re in your favorite suit, the hot sun is beaming down and you feel the soft sand between your toes as you approach the water’s edge. You dive under the first crashing wave and an instant sense of calm washes over you. But wait. Before dipping your […]

By Jessica Roberts Our idyllic beach town is known for beautiful beach cottages dotting the shoreline and sandy streets throughout our 16 neighborhoods. But, if you’re looking for something a bit more full-service, there are a number of luxury hotels perfect for your next stay along 30A. These stellar, award-winning properties are sure to impress […]

Walton County Sheriff’s Office received a special donation Monday, by way of a country music star and a local business. Country Music Singer Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line and his wife Brittney Kelley partnered up with YOLO Co-founder Jeff Archer to donate 15 bicycles for agency use. The YOLO Bolt electric bicycles were outfitted […]

By Martin Liptrot According to humorist and playwright Noel Coward, only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun. In a beach town with sparkling seas and sugar-white sands you too could be forgiven for venturing out in the heat of the day but, fortunately, the French came up with an altogether better […]

By Susan Vallee For such a small little beachside town, Seaside is teeming with things to do, places to shop and secret spots to discover. Consider this your Ultimate Guide to Seaside. The Little Town that Could Seaside was a dream of Town Founder Robert Davis’ grandfather J.S. Smolian. When  Davis inherited the 80 acres, […]

By Kristy Gustafson. Photos by Steve Mangum & Kristy Gustafson. If you have yet to visit the colorful Shops at Grayton, here’s (yet) another reason. One of the newest on the block, Nanbu Noodle Bar, joined the scene in early 2018 and ever since has been serving up a hip atmosphere and food that, according […]

By Abigail Abesamis There are so many things to love about brunch, and whether you’re craving stunning views, refreshing cocktails, crispy bacon or all of the above, there’s a restaurant on 30A that’s ready to serve it up. While most of the restaurants highlighted below exclusively serve their brunch offerings on Sundays, there are a […]

By Jessica Roberts You’re ready to make your first trip to 30A. You’ve seen photos and videos of the beautiful beaches and you’re drawn to the laid back, coastal atmosphere. But, what are the must-see and the must-dos along 30A… beyond enjoying the beaches of South Walton? Here’s a first-timer’s checklist for some of the […]

In this edition of 30A Q&A, we sat down with Holly Lewis to find out some of her favorite tips for experiencing 30A like a local. What are your three favorite local spots? Bud & Alley’s Taco Bar has always been one of my favorite local spots since I can remember. You can’t beat carnitas […]

If you’re ready to ride, and want the coolest bike on the planet, look no further, because this awesome collaboration between The 30A Company and the YOLO company is guaranteed to add some fun and excitement to your ride wherever you venture to. It’s not just a bike, it’s a whole new adventure in outdoor, […]

By Susan Vallee Seagrove Beach is like the classic beach town of your daydreams. A place for families to gather and relax, go on a bike ride, toast the sunset or try SUP for the first time ever. While the community has grown and changed over the years — homes have gotten larger, restaurants have […]

If you’re a fan of 30A you’re going to love our 30A Radio! With a 24/7 presence of your favorite coastal-inspired tunes to classic and modern rock, reggae, folk, country and more, 30A Radio has got you covered with the best selection of hits you know, as well as, a wide array of artists you’ll […]

By Susan Gunn What do you think of on a hot summer day? The beach or a nice cool dip in a pool? Or maybe it’s that first delicious sip of cold water taken to cool down after some time in the sun. Many of us take that last one for granted. The majority of […]

By Kristy Gustafson Like all great undertakings that have come to fruition, Grayton Beer Company started as a dream. With the goal of making a mark on a community comprised of some of life’s simplest pleasures – from crystal blue shores and sandy toes to making memories with new friends and old ones. From here […]

You may not have heard of June Grass unless you’ve been to our neck of the woods. The unappealing green algae appears in the Gulf of Mexico, along the Panhandle of Florida and the beaches of Alabama, and ultimately washes onto the shores. Locals call it June Grass, but what else do we know about […]

By Susan Benton If you are new to the 30A scene you might not know that it’s been rapidly expanding for well over a decade, as more and more people visit the area and decide to stay. I was one of those people 22 years ago, when with two babies in tow, I followed my […]

By Susan Vallee Rosemary Beach is younger than Seaside, its New Urbanist cousin, but feels like it has an older soul. Think of it as the beach destination your more refined sister-in-law would choose. You know, the sister-in-law with grown children who doesn’t worry about securing a 5:30 dinner reservation, is particular about her wine […]

By Martin Liptrot The average plastic bag has a working life of just 20 minutes – it ships shopping from the checkout to the kitchen cupboard. Then, with its work done, it spends the next 1000 years slowly decomposing. Very slowly. Each year, Americans throw away a staggering 100 billion single-use plastic bags. These bags […]

Grayton Beach State Park has clinched the title for the Number #1 Beach in the Annual Top 10 Beach List produced by coastal expert Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, professor at Florida International University, better known to many as Dr. Beach. The sand along the coast of Grayton Beach State Park is so unique, some say […]

From afar, life along Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A may seem quite idyllic, but that doesn’t mean that living in paradise comes without a price. Here are a few dirty little secrets about life on 30A … 1. The palm trees are fake. You know all those palm trees you see along Scenic 30A? Yeah. Fake. Well, […]

FAQs & Updates About COVID-19 (“Coronavirus”) for 30A / Walton County, Florida June 26, 2020: Effectively immediately, the emergency order from the office of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation has banned the sale of alcohol for on-premise consumption for businesses that derive more than 50% of gross revenue from sales of alcoholic […]

Grayton Beer Company announced new leadership of its 30,000 square foot production facility, located in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Jamey Price left his role as President of Grayton Beer Company to pursue other endeavors. Bo Walker now joins the company as Chief Operating Officer, overseeing all operations for Grayton Beer Company. A longtime local, Walker […]

Walton County has more than 50 public beach accesses along its 26 miles of white sand shoreline. Regional Beach Access (RBA) – Includes parking, restrooms, and most are ADA accessible. Each regional beach access also has a flag indicating current surf conditions. Neighborhood Beach Access – These are primarily for walk-­‐up traffic. Many of these […]

By Kristy Gustafson Thanks to our breathtaking backdrop and the various walks of life our area attracts, it’s safe to say South Walton knows a thing or two about bringing people together. Add in diverse offerings like art, music, eats and sips, and every event becomes a celebration of 30A’s movers and shakers – and, of […]

By Kristy Gustafson Did you know over 60 percent of all English words have Greek or Latin roots? Take the Latin word mare, meaning “sea” or “seawater,” the Greek kolpos for “gulf,” and Latin bellitās for “beauty.” When we dig a little deeper we see that names are more than just names, but a glimpse […]

It’s that time of year again in Florida… yellow flies have returned. Ugh. These pesky bugs with a very painful bite have returned for the season. They will be here during the summer to annoy you while you are trying to enjoy activities outside. Maybe you’re planning to head out to the Timpoochee trail for […]

A few 30A fans might remember the hit 1964 TV series about the bottle-nosed dolphin known as Flipper. And who wouldn’t want to spot “a Flipper of their own?” Well, in the waters and along the coastline of Scenic Highway 30A, that Technicolor-inspired fantasy could very well become reality. The Northwest Florida coastline teems almost year-round with the presence of […]

Whether you’ve spent days relaxing or playing upon the beaches of 30A, or simply gazed at our powdery white sands and clear emerald waters from afar, you’ve probably asked yourself the same thing – hundreds of thousands of others have asked about these beautiful Gulf Coast waters; why is that water so emerald-colored? And, you […]

Here’s the latest info we have on the wildfires that burned through the night in the South Walton area: WILDFIRE UPDATE: 10 a.m., May 9 The Mussett Bayou Road fire is 80% contained and at 343 acres. The fire destroyed 34 homes and led to multiple property damages in South Walton County. Firefighters from multiple […]

30A’s Mike Ragsdale offers 2020 graduates some timely advice on how to “level-up” in the game of life: COVID-19 Commencement Speech by Mike Ragsdale of 30A 30A’s Mike Ragsdale shares some advice for 2020 graduates. Posted by 30A on Tuesday, 5 May 2020 KEEP READING

By Martin Liptrot “Life is an adventure” says Mike Ferguson. We’re sat in the shade of a comfortable pergola, near where Scenic Highway 30A curves away from the beach and its million-dollar luxury homes, and cuts through the 15,000 acres of Point Washington State Forest and the biking and hiking trails of Deer Lake State […]

The Florida coast is teeming with all kinds of wonderfully tasty fish you can enjoy in endless ways both at home and in restaurants. Sustainable fishing has become more and more important as certain fish grow in popularity. Fishery managers are more vigilant than ever to protect these important species and ecosystems. Whether you want […]

Locals and visitors often speculate about the origins of the hundreds (actually 2,040 to be exact) of old wood pilings strewn across Choctawhatchee Bay just east of the U.S. Highway 331 bridge and just north of the Intracoastal Waterway. Some have speculated that they’re remnants from the logging industry that once thrived here in Walton County […]

If you’ve ever come across a mysterious Blue Button creature, you might have wondered what they are and how they function. They are found on the beaches of 30A fairly regularly and people are always very puzzled by them.  Here are seven facts about the Porpita Porpita, more commonly known as the Blue Button Jellyfish. […]

Joshua Chastain is a local photographer whose Instagram account never ceases a jaw drop. He shares his simply gorgeous beach photos, along with more from his travels to the mountains and other places. He’s particularly fond of long exposure shots that capture the Milky Way and, oh boy, are they spectacular! Chastain’s favorite live subject […]

You’ve most likely seen a whelk even if you don’t recognize the name. These pretty spiral shells provide the portable home for the large marine snails of the Buccinidae family. But how much do you actually know about whelks? Four species of whelks can be found in Florida waters. The most common is called the […]

Locally, our beach flag system uses a purple flag to warn visitors of marine life in the water. This is usually to announce jellyfish. Needless to say, jellyfish are very common in the waters off Florida’s coasts but especially in the Gulf of Mexico. Just like other animals, there are hundreds of different species of […]

By Jessica Roberts 30A is home to people that love where they live, and love what they do. That can definitely be said for Shannon Kramolis and Laura Bailey who partnered together to open Studio Thirty-A in Redfish Village in February 2020. The duo wanted to bring a “yoga hOMe” to locals as well as […]

Every ocean is deep and mysterious in its own way. But compared to the Mariana Trench, some parts of the ocean look like the shallow end of a pool. The Mariana Trench (sometimes called Marianas Trench), found in the western Pacific Ocean, is the deepest part located in any ocean. It’s a 1,580-mile crescent-shaped section […]

The 30A® Company has acquired the nationally distributed travel publication, Beaches, Resorts & Parks magazine. The magazine is being rebranded and will launch this summer under its new title, Beach Happy®. “Now more than ever, people need a voice of hope and optimism,” said Mike Ragsdale, Founder and CEO of The 30A Company. “Every issue […]

Catch our interview with Walton County Sheriff, Michael A. Adkinson, Jr.: Beach Happy 🏝️😎 Sheriff Michael Adkinson of Walton County, Florida Should people cancel their summer vacation plans? What’s coming in the days ahead? 30A’s BEACH HAPPY 🏝️😎 speaks with Walton County Sheriff, Michael A. Adkinson, Jr. Posted by 30A on Wednesday, 8 April 2020 […]

By Susan Gunn In recent weeks, the world as we know it has forever changed. Many Americans are experiencing frightening new unknowns, as we all navigate the world’s current health crisis. In these dark times, we face many challenges, one of which is to search for that proverbial light at the end of the tunnel; […]

By Lauren Catanese What can you do when are wishing to be at the beach, but not allowed to travel? How about taking a virtual beach vacation? Life gets tough and anxiety builds, it’s easy to find yourself feeling stressed. Escaping on a vacation or giving yourself a time out is a necessity. Laying on […]

By Christy (Chick) Hughes What do locals love more than the beach? Well, not much…but there is one thing. Eating! Almost everything in the South is planned around food. What will we eat? When will we eat? Will there be dessert? Here at the beach, it’s no different. We want to eat before, after, and […]

What can YOU do at home to stay healthy ❤️ + beach happy 🌴😎 during the COVID-19 quarantine? Dr. Bart Precourt of Balance Health Studio shares his tips: BEACH HAPPY 🌴😎with Dr. Bart Precourt How can you stay HEALTHY ❤️ + BEACH HAPPY 🌴😎 during quarantine? Here are some fantastic tips from Dr Bart Precourt […]

By Susan Gunn What do you think of when you think of the beach? Rest and rejuvenation? The sunshine, the shoreline and the wonderful feel of the ocean or gulf? These are some of the obvious things. Let’s face it, for those of us lucky enough to live at the beach, 30A, in particular, is […]

Shine On Living and The 30A Company introduced a new line of high-quality sun care products that are friendly to fragile marine eco-systems. Both companies are based in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, and are committed to eco-friendly products and lifestyle choices. 30A Branded SPF 30 Sunscreen, 30A Aftersun & Everyday Moisturizer and Aloe Recovery Gel […]

By Shannon Serpette Do you need a beach fix right now? If you don’t have the time or the money to head there yourself, you can still get one, thanks to the magic of technology. Live beach cams are set up throughout the world, giving you the views that you’re craving. If you have a […]

Mild Florida winters give way to a beautiful spring. The welcome sunshine not only warms the soul but also wakes up those spring-blooming flowers. From roadsides to cultivated gardens, here are five spring blooms you’ll see everywhere in Florida right now. Azaleas The Sunshine State has a deep love for azaleas. This beautiful shrub only […]

By Sara Petit As the cold weather is fading and summer days approach, most of us are gearing up for fun times in the sun. There are vacations to plan, kids to entertain, and fitness regimes to start. Now that we are a few months past the new year, some of our resolutions to become […]

Tervis, the drinkware innovation company that created the first double-walled insulated tumbler, recently created another “first”: the first recycled cup made of post-industrial material in collaboration with The 30A Company. “We are committed to innovation and to helping resolve the current crisis with single-use plastic,” said Tervis president Rogan Donelly. “We’re proud to partner with […]

KEISHA SPRENKLE Volunteer Coordinator for The Sonder Project/PTO Vice President In our newest series, we ask some of our locals five questions about how they spend their time as a beach local. Watch for a new installment every Friday on 30A.com. Here’s what Keisha had to say… 1. What makes living at the beach so […]

Sunsets and 30A. Whether you’re a local, visitor, or admirer from afar, you know these two things to go together like happy hour and a darn good time. There’s just something about taking in a beautifully technicolor sky announcing the day’s end that washes away your worries with the tide and makes you feel like […]

By Shannon Serpette Want to let go of everything that’s bothering or stressing you? It can help to get back to the basics by ditching your clothes and feeling the warm sun on every inch of your skin. If you want to sunbathe in your birthday suit, though, you’ll need a place where you won’t […]

THOMAS GALLION Owner, Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar and Gallion Construction 1. What makes living at the beach so special? For me, the natural aspects that surround us are a huge part of what makes living at the beach so special. To have the Gulf, coastal dune lakes, state parks, biking trails, surfing, right at your […]

Registration is now open for the 9th annual 30A 10K Thanksgiving Day Races in downtown Rosemary Beach.  Recognized as one of the Top 10 Thanksgiving Day races in America by Southern Living, the 30A10K has been providing locals and visitors alike with a fun-filled road race that not only is good for the body, but […]

The inky ocean darkness is hiding a rather enchanting secret, something marine biologist and National Geographic explorer David Gruber discovered purely by accident when an eel let the cat out of the bag in the Caribbean. While taking photos of biofluorescent coral on a 2011 dive off of Little Cayman Island, a neon green eel’s […]

Caliza Restaurant at Alys Beach has received the Diners’ Choice Award as a result of being voted by diners as a top-rated restaurant experience. Additionally, Caliza Restaurant has received acknowledgements in various categories for the Northwest Florida region, namely: Best Overall, Best Food, Best Service, Best Ambiance, Best Value, Fit for Foodies, Hot Spot, Neighborhood Gem, Outdoor Dining, Romantic & Contemporary American. The […]

The St. Joe Company just announced its plans to build an outdoor lifestyle town center to include a Publix Super Market and additional leasable commercial space in Watersound, Florida. The location for the proposed center, which will be called Watersound Origins Town Center, is at the entrance to the Watersound Origins community at the intersection […]

Are you considering moving to the beach in the next 12-18 months? We just might feature you in 30A’s brand new video series called “Moving to the Beach!” If you’re seriously considering a full or part-time move to the beach within the next 2 years, please complete the form below. Our producers will contact you […]

By Kristy Gustafson What’s in a name? Well, for the Hub, located in Seagrove on the west end of beautiful 30A, its name says it all.  Hub | həb | noun 1. the central part of a wheel, rotating on or with the axle, and from which the spokes radiate. 2. the effective center of […]

We regret to announce that our 7th Annual 30A Sand Rover Rally is cancelled, due to current COVID-19 conditions. First and foremost, we want to ensure that all of our friends, employees and guests remain safe and healthy. Current conditions also prevent us from securing the proper event permits and insurance coverage for this special […]

Looking for a summer internship? Head back to college this Fall bragging that you snagged the unicorn of internships – a summer at the beach working for The 30A Company! 30A is looking for two ROCK STARS who are truly passionate and have a strong work ethic. Our interns are bonafide members of our team […]

By Kristy Gustafson You know it the minute you pass through its pearly white stucco gates: if this isn’t heaven, it’s gotta be close.   Behold Alys Beach. As you make your way down the main drag, you are immediately drawn in by rows of towering palms and buildings dressed to the nines in dazzling white. […]

Purses with a Purpose, the annual sale and auction of new and gently-used handbags to benefit Shelter House, returns to Grand Boulevard March 26-28, 2020. Whether you favor a tote, satchel, clutch or hobo, you can find it at Purses with a Purpose. Shoppers have the opportunity to select from hundreds of new and gently used […]

By Susan Vallee Do you feel like taking a break from the beach and heading out for a hike? Within South Walton are 200 miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through state forest, state parks and border 30A. Your efforts will be rewarded with serene views of coastal dune lakes, the Gulf of […]

By Jessica Roberts It’s not only sights and sounds that make an area iconic. Its cuisine and restaurants help build a full picture of a destination. Along 30A and the rest of the Emerald Coast, nothing is more synonymous with the area than seafood. But, with so many options, where should you start? Check out […]

723 Whiskey Bravo recently unveiled a highly anticipated new menu created by Chef Margaret LaVetty. Check out some highlights from the VIP tasting event: For more info, visit 723 Whiskey Bravo or follow them on Facebook.

NOTE: Due to the COVID-19, Digital Graffiti (originally slated for May 15-16) is being rescheduled to October 2-3, 2020. Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach—the ground-breaking projection art festival—is set to return October 2-3, 2020. Tickets will go on sale in August 2020. The event offers artists a large-scale blank canvas to explore the intersection of […]

The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) and South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA) recently revealed the sculpture designs selected by jury for permanent exhibition in the third installation of the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA). Named in 2018 by TIME Magazine as one of 100 “World’s Greatest Places,” the UMA is presented as part […]

By Christy (Chick) Hughes You can take the girl out of the Wild West, but you can’t take the Wild West spirit out of the girl. Nobody knows this better than beach local Nikki Nickerson. When she put down her 30A roots back in 2001, this Texas native brought with her a strong-willed take-no-bull spirit […]

In the mood for a movie featuring waves and a lifestyle so carefree it makes you want to pack up your bags and live in a beach shack? We’ve got you covered with the ten best surfer movies. 1. BLUE CRUSH This 2002 movie was Kate Bosworth’s breakout role. The plot may be predictable, but […]

Alys Beach, Florida, an EBSCO Industries New Urbanist development in northwest Florida, recently installed a substantial live oak as the anchor and focal point for the community’s northernmost section of Turtle Bale Spring, connecting the Gulf to the Nature Preserve, which will also include pocket parks and other green spaces. The landscape plan for the […]

By Jessica Roberts Maps designate water with the color blue, and most would answer that the oceans are blue. But in truth, pure water is perfectly clear. So, why is the water along 30A so clear and “emerald” compared to other areas in Florida and beyond? The easy answer – we are lucky. But, we […]

North­west Flori­da Beach­es Inter­na­tion­al Air­port (ECP) and Unit­ed Air­lines recently announced new non­stop ser­vice for Spring 2020 at ECP. Unit­ed Air­lines will be adding non­stop ser­vice on Sat­ur­days in March between ECP and Austin (AUS), Chica­go (ORD), Colum­bus (CMH), Den­ver (DEN) and St. Louis (STL). “We are excit­ed for Unit­ed Air­lines to add more non­stop ser­vice for […]

It can be easy to spend some cash on entertainment and eating out along Scenic Highway 30A, but there are also plenty of free things to do from concerts to getting creative with that sand beneath your toes. Here are 15 TOTALLY FREE ways to enjoy 30A: 1. Picnic Time Choose one of the free, public beach accesses and pack […]

Our oceans are facing many challenges. The good news is, more and more organizations, groups, and movements are springing up to combat them. Erin Politz is the Vice President of The SeaChange Agency, a nonprofit organization on a mission to improve oceanic ecosystems. We spoke to Erin about the agency’s fantastic projects, and about what […]

Although horseshoe crabs are big enough to make you pause when you encounter one as they come onto the shore to mate, they are still much smaller than many other ocean creatures. How much they contribute to the world, however, is much bigger than their size would indicate. Let’s look at all the things these […]

The Emerald Coast is best known for its sugar white sand, enchanting sunsets, and sparkling tranquility as far as the sunglasses can see. But you’ll have to ditch the sunglasses and look deeper to get a truly local experience for our most charming locals reside just beneath the waves. With over-the-top beaches and under-the-waves culture, […]

Husband, father and drone specialist, Seth Willingham shows off his magnificent drone skills above the water on his fascinating, captivating Instagram account. Based in California, he uses a bird’s eye view to capture beaches, marine life and even people from some of the most magnificent places in the world. His photos encompass the world’s oceans with a […]

Growing up, gently swaying palm trees were virtually synonymous with the beach (along with tacky airbrushed unicorn T-shirts). On the car ride down, we’d see our first palm tree right around Florala. These towering frondy concierges confirmed that we were indeed entering the last leg of our long journey. Like a particular song that might […]

In a delicious twist on our beach cocktail series, Devan McBride from La Crema Tapas and Chocolate in Rosemary Beach showed us how to make their signature La Crema Latte. There is no alcohol involved in this drink. It’s just one mouth-watering, amazing creation. La Crema Latte two scoops vanilla ice cream espresso whole milk […]

You’re On Vacation. Have the Dessert. We’ve worked hard (oh, it was SO hard) to find some of the most delicious and unique dessert offerings, and while we can’t list them all, below you will find something for every heart’s desire. Because if you aren’t enjoying dessert on vacation, something’s gotta give. La Crema Tapas […]

Trying to work on your tan? Or maybe you just want to experience the world in a very natural way. If you’ve nodded your head, then you may enjoy this selection of nude beaches in the United States. These destinations are each unique and a great way to enjoy what the beach has to offer […]

Here on 30A there is lots of fun to be had within the limits of the county laws. Everything you need to know about beach permits and rules required for certain beach activities is right here. Vehicles Driving your vehicle on the beach is not allowed at most beaches along 30A. You can drive your […]

No matter how you pronounce the word (gif or jif), gifs are in! These funny, little animated slices of life have definitely made a place in our online world, in text messages, comment fields and on posts. And now small, transparent gifs known as Stickers are adorably invading Instagram Stories and Snapchat. As a digital […]

One of the best ways to genuinely get to know the 30A area is to volunteer! With dozens of local nonprofits serving Walton County, you will not only impact those in need but also see the philanthropic spirit and love neighbors have for one another. Volunteering your time and resources can be truly invaluable to […]

The famously beautiful beach sunsets of 30A have often been described as fiery – the reds, pinks, and oranges painted across the sky. Friends and families gather to roast marshmallows and enjoy the shift from day to night as the flames of beach bonfires flicker. So, it makes perfect sense that the art of fire […]

MEGAN LYONS National Sales Director, The 30A Company 1. What makes living at the beach so special? What I love most is the vacation feeling that surrounds the beach. Everyone tends to be more relaxed and in good spirits. I have to pinch myself when I leave work and catch the sunset or can eat […]

They give us some much-needed shade during long lazy beach days, they create awesome photo backdrops for fun beach selfies, and they even create food! But there’s a lot more to these tropical treasures than meets the eye. To prove it, here are five fascinating facts about palm trees. 1. They’re ancient. Palm trees can live […]

By Kristy Gustafson Long before Publix, Whole Foods, and definitely before the days of Amazon Prime, farmers would gather to showcase their fresh produce for the townspeople in true farm-to-table fashion. In fact, these kinds of markets date all the way back to Egypt over 5,000 years ago where farmers along the Nile would come […]

By Susan Benton Donuts—aka doughnuts, if you prefer—have been around in some form or fashion for so long that, it is said that archaeologists have found fossilized pieces of material closely resembling donuts in prehistoric Native American settlements. However long their deliciously fried history might reach, there are just some that rank above the rest, […]

By Abigail Abesamis In addition to picturesque beaches and striking New Urbanist towns, 30A is also home to several standout spas offering relaxation, rejuvenation, and remedies for your aches and stresses in both the body and the mind. Schedule in some self care at these great local businesses highlighted below. It’s important to note that […]

By Martin Liptrot ‘Nice Dogs, Strange People’ – the unofficial town motto says it all. Grayton Beach is the funky heart of 30A. Populated by a mix of dotcom millionaires, fishing charter captains, grammy-award winning artists and families who have been walking its unpaved streets for decades, it isn’t flashy, all mod-cons development, its stores […]

By Susan Gunn In Northwest Florida, not far from iconic County Highway 30A, lies a little peninsula with a big history. Sandestin, named for its geological location between Santa Rosa Beach and Destin, has long held an appeal for historic land moguls. Dotted with coastal lakes and lush lagoons, this land is only one mile […]

This article appears in the inaugural issue of 30A’s Beach Happy Magazine. Look for Beach Happy magazine at Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Publix, Kroger and other major outlets nationwide, as well as in high-traffic locations along the Gulf Coast. Subscribe now to get print issues delivered to your home or enjoy the free digital edition. […]

Year after year, people break away from the traditional work grind and move to the beach to set their own schedules and enjoy the change of pace. Whether you are a local looking for a new space to break up your routine, or someone visiting looking for a space to get a little work done […]

By Susan Gunn It’s no secret that Walton County, specifically coastal County Highway 30A, boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. The stunning white sand is among some of the whitest in the world. It might be a secret though that the same sparkly white sand stretches farther inland than most people realize and […]

By Susan Vallee WaterColor community offers a bit of everything for the 30A visitor. Nestled in-between Seaside and Western Lake, WaterColor’s 500-acres weaves luxe accommodations with elaborately planned parks, trails that lap the edges of 30A’s rare coastal dune lake and Gulf views that never fail to take your breath. It’s a fantastic place for […]

We recently sat down with 30A’s Erica Wilson to learn a few of her favorite local hangouts, guilty pleasures and when she likes to head out to the beach. 1. Where do you go when you need quality me-time? When I need me-time, I head to the beach. I love to go early in the […]

By Susan Vallee Have you ever driven across the Lake Powell bridge and spied the battered remains of a wooden pier in the distance, ending in ruin amid the crashing waves and salt spray of the Gulf? Year after year, it succumbs bit by bit to the ravages of wind and rain — and yet […]

By Kristy Gustafson Let’s face it, nothing quite tops a rooftop. Yes, literally, but for countless more reasons as well. For starters, the views. Especially when you’ve got a backyard like ours! Rooftops are the best way to take in the bird’s eye view of our beautiful emerald coast and all it has to offer. […]

By Jessica Roberts Our idyllic beach town is known for beautiful beach cottages dotting the shoreline and sandy streets throughout our 16 neighborhoods. But, if you’re looking for something a bit more full-service, there are a number of luxury hotels perfect for your next stay along 30A. These stellar, award-winning properties are sure to impress […]

By Martin Liptrot According to humorist and playwright Noel Coward, only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun. In a beach town with sparkling seas and sugar-white sands you too could be forgiven for venturing out in the heat of the day but, fortunately, the French came up with an altogether better […]

By Susan Vallee For such a small little beachside town, Seaside is teeming with things to do, places to shop and secret spots to discover. Consider this your Ultimate Guide to Seaside. The Little Town that Could Seaside was a dream of Town Founder Robert Davis’ grandfather J.S. Smolian. When  Davis inherited the 80 acres, […]

By Kristy Gustafson. Photos by Steve Mangum & Kristy Gustafson. If you have yet to visit the colorful Shops at Grayton, here’s (yet) another reason. One of the newest on the block, Nanbu Noodle Bar, joined the scene in early 2018 and ever since has been serving up a hip atmosphere and food that, according […]

By Abigail Abesamis There are so many things to love about brunch, and whether you’re craving stunning views, refreshing cocktails, crispy bacon or all of the above, there’s a restaurant on 30A that’s ready to serve it up. While most of the restaurants highlighted below exclusively serve their brunch offerings on Sundays, there are a […]

In this edition of 30A Q&A, we sat down with Holly Lewis to find out some of her favorite tips for experiencing 30A like a local. What are your three favorite local spots? Bud & Alley’s Taco Bar has always been one of my favorite local spots since I can remember. You can’t beat carnitas […]

By Susan Vallee Seagrove Beach is like the classic beach town of your daydreams. A place for families to gather and relax, go on a bike ride, toast the sunset or try SUP for the first time ever. While the community has grown and changed over the years — homes have gotten larger, restaurants have […]

If you’re a fan of 30A you’re going to love our 30A Radio! With a 24/7 presence of your favorite coastal-inspired tunes to classic and modern rock, reggae, folk, country and more, 30A Radio has got you covered with the best selection of hits you know, as well as, a wide array of artists you’ll […]

By Kristy Gustafson Like all great undertakings that have come to fruition, Grayton Beer Company started as a dream. With the goal of making a mark on a community comprised of some of life’s simplest pleasures – from crystal blue shores and sandy toes to making memories with new friends and old ones. From here […]

You may not have heard of June Grass unless you’ve been to our neck of the woods. The unappealing green algae appears in the Gulf of Mexico, along the Panhandle of Florida and the beaches of Alabama, and ultimately washes onto the shores. Locals call it June Grass, but what else do we know about […]

By Susan Benton If you are new to the 30A scene you might not know that it’s been rapidly expanding for well over a decade, as more and more people visit the area and decide to stay. I was one of those people 22 years ago, when with two babies in tow, I followed my […]

By Susan Vallee Rosemary Beach is younger than Seaside, its New Urbanist cousin, but feels like it has an older soul. Think of it as the beach destination your more refined sister-in-law would choose. You know, the sister-in-law with grown children who doesn’t worry about securing a 5:30 dinner reservation, is particular about her wine […]

By Martin Liptrot The average plastic bag has a working life of just 20 minutes – it ships shopping from the checkout to the kitchen cupboard. Then, with its work done, it spends the next 1000 years slowly decomposing. Very slowly. Each year, Americans throw away a staggering 100 billion single-use plastic bags. These bags […]

From afar, life along Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A may seem quite idyllic, but that doesn’t mean that living in paradise comes without a price. Here are a few dirty little secrets about life on 30A … 1. The palm trees are fake. You know all those palm trees you see along Scenic 30A? Yeah. Fake. Well, […]

Walton County has more than 50 public beach accesses along its 26 miles of white sand shoreline. Regional Beach Access (RBA) – Includes parking, restrooms, and most are ADA accessible. Each regional beach access also has a flag indicating current surf conditions. Neighborhood Beach Access – These are primarily for walk-­‐up traffic. Many of these […]

By Kristy Gustafson Thanks to our breathtaking backdrop and the various walks of life our area attracts, it’s safe to say South Walton knows a thing or two about bringing people together. Add in diverse offerings like art, music, eats and sips, and every event becomes a celebration of 30A’s movers and shakers – and, of […]

By Kristy Gustafson Did you know over 60 percent of all English words have Greek or Latin roots? Take the Latin word mare, meaning “sea” or “seawater,” the Greek kolpos for “gulf,” and Latin bellitās for “beauty.” When we dig a little deeper we see that names are more than just names, but a glimpse […]

It’s that time of year again in Florida… yellow flies have returned. Ugh. These pesky bugs with a very painful bite have returned for the season. They will be here during the summer to annoy you while you are trying to enjoy activities outside. Maybe you’re planning to head out to the Timpoochee trail for […]

A few 30A fans might remember the hit 1964 TV series about the bottle-nosed dolphin known as Flipper. And who wouldn’t want to spot “a Flipper of their own?” Well, in the waters and along the coastline of Scenic Highway 30A, that Technicolor-inspired fantasy could very well become reality. The Northwest Florida coastline teems almost year-round with the presence of […]

By Martin Liptrot “Life is an adventure” says Mike Ferguson. We’re sat in the shade of a comfortable pergola, near where Scenic Highway 30A curves away from the beach and its million-dollar luxury homes, and cuts through the 15,000 acres of Point Washington State Forest and the biking and hiking trails of Deer Lake State […]

Locals and visitors often speculate about the origins of the hundreds (actually 2,040 to be exact) of old wood pilings strewn across Choctawhatchee Bay just east of the U.S. Highway 331 bridge and just north of the Intracoastal Waterway. Some have speculated that they’re remnants from the logging industry that once thrived here in Walton County […]

Joshua Chastain is a local photographer whose Instagram account never ceases a jaw drop. He shares his simply gorgeous beach photos, along with more from his travels to the mountains and other places. He’s particularly fond of long exposure shots that capture the Milky Way and, oh boy, are they spectacular! Chastain’s favorite live subject […]

By Susan Gunn In recent weeks, the world as we know it has forever changed. Many Americans are experiencing frightening new unknowns, as we all navigate the world’s current health crisis. In these dark times, we face many challenges, one of which is to search for that proverbial light at the end of the tunnel; […]

By Christy (Chick) Hughes What do locals love more than the beach? Well, not much…but there is one thing. Eating! Almost everything in the South is planned around food. What will we eat? When will we eat? Will there be dessert? Here at the beach, it’s no different. We want to eat before, after, and […]

By Susan Gunn What do you think of when you think of the beach? Rest and rejuvenation? The sunshine, the shoreline and the wonderful feel of the ocean or gulf? These are some of the obvious things. Let’s face it, for those of us lucky enough to live at the beach, 30A, in particular, is […]

Mild Florida winters give way to a beautiful spring. The welcome sunshine not only warms the soul but also wakes up those spring-blooming flowers. From roadsides to cultivated gardens, here are five spring blooms you’ll see everywhere in Florida right now. Azaleas The Sunshine State has a deep love for azaleas. This beautiful shrub only […]

We caught up with Nicki Thompson of The Hub to find out a few of her top places and guilty pleasures!  1. What’s your favorite dessert on 30A? This is a tough choice with so many amazing restaurants and bakeries in the area, but I have to go with the tiramisu from Amici 30A Italian […]

By Sara Petit As the cold weather is fading and summer days approach, most of us are gearing up for fun times in the sun. There are vacations to plan, kids to entertain, and fitness regimes to start. Now that we are a few months past the new year, some of our resolutions to become […]

KEISHA SPRENKLE Volunteer Coordinator for The Sonder Project/PTO Vice President In our newest series, we ask some of our locals five questions about how they spend their time as a beach local. Watch for a new installment every Friday on 30A.com. Here’s what Keisha had to say… 1. What makes living at the beach so […]

Sunsets and 30A. Whether you’re a local, visitor, or admirer from afar, you know these two things to go together like happy hour and a darn good time. There’s just something about taking in a beautifully technicolor sky announcing the day’s end that washes away your worries with the tide and makes you feel like […]

While thousands of beachgoers share the beaches of 30A with each other every year, many may not know they are also sharing the beach with endangered sea turtles. Posted by Nathan Frymire on Tuesday, 23 May 2017 For 20 years, Sharon Maxwell has looked out for these magnificent creatures. When she first arrived in the 30A area, […]

THOMAS GALLION Owner, Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar and Gallion Construction 1. What makes living at the beach so special? For me, the natural aspects that surround us are a huge part of what makes living at the beach so special. To have the Gulf, coastal dune lakes, state parks, biking trails, surfing, right at your […]

We caught up with 30A local Shannon Kramolis of Studio Thirty-A to ask about her favorite spots around town. 1. Where do you go when you need some quality me-time?   On a long beach walk. We are so lucky to live near Topsail Hill Preserve State Park where I can walk alongside the dunes […]

You will find them on the beach every Monday and Wednesday after work unloading beach chairs, coolers, putting up nets, and getting ready for a fun evening of volleyball. Grayton Beach Volleyball isn’t a formal club, but it’s become known around the community as a fun place to play, socialize and watch the sun set […]

ANN DELANEY Marketing Coordinator, Alys Beach 1. Favorite thing about living at the beach?  SUNSETS! Our sunsets constantly remind me of how grateful I am to be living and working in 30A. When I finish [working] each day, I’m less than a minute drive to seeing an unforgettable sunset year round with each one bringing […]

723 Whiskey Bravo offers many specialty cocktails to be enjoyed on their rooftop bar in Seagrove Beach. Mixologist, Eli Redman, shows us how to make their signature Bravo Blue beach cocktail: The Bravo Blue 1 ounce Absolut vodka 3/4 ounce blue curacao 1/2 ounce coconut syrup 1 ounce pineapple juice Splash of Sprite 1 cherry […]

Our famous 30A stickers have been spotted all over the planet! Have you seen a 30A sticker in a fun, creative or exotic place? Email us a pic, or share it with our 1.3 Million 30A Facebook fans. We give away our 30A stickers in local businesses for donations to Alaqua Animal Refuge.  So far, […]

We regret to announce that our 7th Annual 30A Sand Rover Rally is cancelled, due to current COVID-19 conditions. First and foremost, we want to ensure that all of our friends, employees and guests remain safe and healthy. Current conditions also prevent us from securing the proper event permits and insurance coverage for this special […]

Alys Beach, Florida, an EBSCO Industries New Urbanist development in northwest Florida, recently added a new sculptural installation to the landscape. Recline in Blue was unveiled in early February and is currently turning heads on 30A. Recline in Blue is the work of world-renowned sculptor and Royal Academician, Dhruva Mistry (born in Kanjari, India, 1957). Mistry’s works […]

By Kristy Gustafson You know it the minute you pass through its pearly white stucco gates: if this isn’t heaven, it’s gotta be close.   Behold Alys Beach. As you make your way down the main drag, you are immediately drawn in by rows of towering palms and buildings dressed to the nines in dazzling white. […]

As our small corner of the world grows, so does its library. From coffee table books filled with gorgeous photography to novels full of intrigue, taking home a bit of 30A is easy to do. Two of the last great independent bookstores in the country are located right here. Sundog Books in Seaside and Hidden […]

Crossing into Seaside’s town limits feels like entering a movie set. Each home has a distinctly different version of a white picket fence. Pastel homes with deep porches sink into the shade of gnarled scrub oak and skinny white sand pathways provide secret passage throughout this tiny beachside enclave. It’s the perfect version of small-town […]

While a handful of die-hard locals have no doubt sampled all of 30A’s wonderful watering holes, out-of-town visitors don’t always have a lot of extra time to venture off the sandy path. And although the following bars are somewhat hidden away from public view, there’s certainly no reason to keep any of them confidential. Even if you’re a local, we bet you’ll still find something […]

This isn’t your typical lifeguard job at the community pool. The South Walton beach lifeguards are a group of highly trained, physically fit guards who keep visitors to our beaches safe. The South Walton Fire District (SWFD) lifeguards monitor the entire length of Walton County’s sandy beaches. Even if there is no guard tower in […]

Our area boasts many wonderful amenities including some hidden gem playgrounds. All these are located in South Walton, and hey, grab a swing yourself and you’ll quickly feel like a kid again! Helen McCall Park Just off Highway 98 on Moll Drive in Santa Rosa Beach, this spacious playground has tons of great equipment for […]

Mike Ragsdale – founder of The 30A Company – has published his first book, an illustrated graphic novel entitled Holier Than Thou.  Based in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, 30A® is a beach lifestyle and digital media brand with over 1.3 million social media fans. Ragsdale said Holier Than Thou [BUY IT NOW] tells the story of the Devil […]

Julie Kerwin Cumby shares some of her favorite tips to experiencing 30A like a local. Where do you go when you need some quality me-time? The water. Whether I jump on my board and paddle out to the Bay or head down to Western Lake in Grayton Beach, an early morning SUP session is the […]

30A is the perfect playground for fun and fit outdoor recreation like paddleboarding, bike riding, or walking trails at State Parks. But, not to worry! We have a wide selection of more traditional workout centers and gyms all across 30A. Many offer drop-in or short term rates for visitors and monthly memberships for locals. Fitness […]

Truly great beach cocktails are not hard to find along Scenic Highway 30A, but we’ve hand selected seven of the best of the best.  Check these out! 1. NEAT  — Southern Disposition Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka is the base of this cocktail. Add in Benedictine, lemon, orgeat (a rich syrup), and soda. Mm mm, […]

Planning your trip to 30A to kick-off the new year? Here are a few reasons why January is the perfect time to visit and enjoy all that our beach communities have to offer! 1. No Crowds The holidays are behind us, so you can say goodbye to traffic, and the crowds have returned home. It’s […]

While there are approximately 50 species of seahorses worldwide, the Hippocampus Erectus – also known as the Lined Seahorse – is the most common form of seahorse found in the Gulf of Mexico and therefore here in South Walton, Florida. Hippocampus is latin for “Horse Caterpillar.” Here are some fast facts about seahorses you may […]

The South Walton Fire District Beach Safety Division is hiring Professional Open Water Lifeguards for the 2020 season! Position requirements include: • Must be at least 17 years of age • Must have a high school diploma • Must be able to work weekends and public holidays • Must be in good physical condition • […]

Tying a fly, casting a line out into the open water and just taking in your surroundings at a slow pace. For most people who participate in it, few things clear the mind, make you slow down like fly fishing. For veterans, it’s therapeutic and provides the chance to focus on something other than life […]

Minto Communities USA, global lifestyle brand Margaritaville Holdings and The St. Joe Company recently announced the commencement of land development activities for Latitude Margaritaville Watersound. The site for the newest active adult community is located in Florida’s Panhandle region in Bay County near Panama City Beach and the Scenic Highway 30-A corridor. An official groundbreaking […]

Kara Whatley, Marketing & Events Director, Old Florida Fish House What’s your favorite local event? There are just so many weekly events and large annual events, it is hard to pick just one. We all know and love Sunday Funday at Local Catch. Grayt Vibes just had a major debut and I love what that […]

What happens when a father of two active young kids with a bachelor’s degree in plant sciences decides to piddle around on his two gardening benches? A germ of an idea takes root! A local family recently planted a community seed that’s fast becoming one of the most fun scavenger hunts to ever pop up […]

Ashton Burks, Sales & Events Manager, The Pearl Hotel What’s your favorite way to stay fit on 30A? One of my first dates with my now-husband Brett was a run down 30A/Grayton and into the state parks. Seeing the vintage rovers and everyone’s smiling faces as they pass by on beach cruisers always keeps me […]

Our eclectic beach community is known for some amazing culinary hotspots that satisfy both that beastly hunger growl and the more sophisticated palate. We foodie locals, and visitors alike, take every opportunity to curb both hankerings. As luck would have it, some hip hoppin’ new places to get your grub on have just landed on […]

By Caroline Giddis Salty, meaty, flaky, mild. These are some of the characteristics of the favorite fish of executive chefs, seafood market managers and fishing captains in South Walton. Whether they come from the bay or the gulf, our local fish are some of the best in the world, and highly sought after by fish […]

In Okaloosa and Walton counties about 58,800 children over the age of 5 and 57,700 adults have some kind of disability. While it’s challenging for ANYONE to walk through sand, for many people with disabilities it’s impossible. Even if you can’t walk through sand, you can still get down to the water’s edge to enjoy the […]

Every day, The 30A Company works hard to promote our laid-back beach lifestyle and to help support and promote Gulf Coast businesses. But we’re also very passionate about giving back to our local and global community. Here are a few of the ongoing projects we’re very proud to be involved with: The Sonder Project 360 Blue, YOLO Board and The 30A Company are founding partners of The Sonder Project, […]

We caught up with Matt Moore, Food & Beverage Director / Executive Chef at FOOW to find out what keeps him #BEachHAPPY! 1. What’s your favorite local event? I cook for several, including Emeril’s Taste of the Race in Seaside, but overall Mountainfilm Festival always amazes me. It wins. 2. What’s your favorite way to […]

It can be easy to spend some cash on entertainment and eating out along Scenic Highway 30A, but there are also plenty of free things to do from concerts to getting creative with that sand beneath your toes. Here are 15 TOTALLY FREE ways to enjoy 30A: 1. Picnic Time Choose one of the free, public beach accesses and pack […]

30A’s own, Cory Davis answers our fab five questions! 1. Where do you go when you need some quality me-time? Fishing at sunrise at the beach, but getting set up in the complete dark. There’s something to be said about watching the Gulf of Mexico wake up as the sunlight starts to peek over the […]

Are there sharks gliding through the emerald clear waters off the coast of Scenic Highway 30A? You betcha. But 99 times out of 100, that shadow you see slipping through the shallow waters near the beach is something far less… toothy. And even if it is a shark, they’re certainly not interested in you. According […]

The Emerald Coast is best known for its sugar white sand, enchanting sunsets, and sparkling tranquility as far as the sunglasses can see. But you’ll have to ditch the sunglasses and look deeper to get a truly local experience for our most charming locals reside just beneath the waves. With over-the-top beaches and under-the-waves culture, […]

Think you’ve got this whole 30A beach thing down? Well, let’s see … you’ve cheered the sunset ringing of the bell at Bud & Alley’s and you’ve YOLO’d your way across Western Lake … but have you experienced the magic of a bonfire on the beach? When you combine the fun of a campfire (s’mores, cuddling and shared […]

The beach is fun all year round as a place to relax and people watch while enjoying your time in surf and sand. However, it’s important to remember we all must do our part in keeping the beaches clean and safe for everyone. Walton County has some beach safety guidelines to follow, both in the […]

Phil McDonald, Executive Chef & Partner at Blackbear Bread Company, lists his top recommendations along 30-A! 1. Where do you go when you need some quality me-time The places I like to go for some me-time would be The Beach at Western Lake and Topsail Hill state park. Both of these spots along 30-A offer […]

Don’t feel like getting dressed up or just in the mood for some great pizza? Look no further. 30A has some amazing pizza that will always hit the spot. Here is a list of ten great places to get a slice of everyone’s favorite pie—the pizza pie! Pizza by the Sea Pizza by the Sea […]

After a hard day’s play on the beach, we’re all thinking the same thing: I’m beat. Let’s eat. If you have hungry kids in tow, you know that time is of the essence. Meltdowns born of exhaustion and hunger are on the horizon. This is no time to dawdle. Wanted: good food, reasonable prices, and […]

Just a few miles north of Seaside and Seagrove, you can experience the dreamy romance of a bygone era at Eden Gardens State Park. This 161-acre park is a wonderland of ancient moss-draped oaks, punctuated by gorgeous views of Choctawhatchee Bay and Tucker Bayou. With March typically being the peak blooming season, camellias and azaleas still offer dazzling displays from […]

Deer Lake State Park is truly one of 30A’s best-kept secrets. The beach here is secluded and undisturbed and the quarter-mile dune boardwalk is incredible. It provides astounding views and is ideal for those who are not able (or do not wish) to trudge along a sandy path. Check it out: Quiet your mind and listen […]

When it comes to getting bang for your beach, the locals know best. And according to them, Fall brings the bang. And the boom. Here’s the local lowdown. Fall sunsets are more vivid, and the weather is amazing. ~ Phillip Todd, local since 2004 The humidity takes a hike (yellow flies are gone!), and everyone […]

Growing up, gently swaying palm trees were virtually synonymous with the beach (along with tacky airbrushed unicorn T-shirts). On the car ride down, we’d see our first palm tree right around Florala. These towering frondy concierges confirmed that we were indeed entering the last leg of our long journey. Like a particular song that might […]

Come on. What do the locals really want you to know? Whether you visit for a summer vacation, weekend getaway, wedding, or a celebration of any sort, we have so much to offer you. Read on for some tips from locals to make your trip the best one yet! 1. Be excited! This one seems […]

In a delicious twist on our beach cocktail series, Devan McBride from La Crema Tapas and Chocolate in Rosemary Beach showed us how to make their signature La Crema Latte. There is no alcohol involved in this drink. It’s just one mouth-watering, amazing creation. La Crema Latte two scoops vanilla ice cream espresso whole milk […]

First time surfer? Experienced surfer? Maybe you have been before, but want to learn more? Well have no fear, we are here to tell you all you need to know to get in a full day of surf and sun! We sat down with ONO Surf Shop owner, James Caldwell, who gave us the low […]

You’re On Vacation. Have the Dessert. We’ve worked hard (oh, it was SO hard) to find some of the most delicious and unique dessert offerings, and while we can’t list them all, below you will find something for every heart’s desire. Because if you aren’t enjoying dessert on vacation, something’s gotta give. La Crema Tapas […]

Almost eight months after the iconic Grayton Beach landmark burned to the ground, shovels hit the dirt at the official groundbreaking ceremony in November 2019. Owner Louis Petit poured the original Red Bar’s ashes at the rebuild site, marking new beginnings in an inspiring, phoenix-like rising, even as friends, family and the local community cheered […]

30A local Derek Makekau of 20/30 North Studios answers five questions on favorite local events, months and past-times! 1. Where do you go when you need some quality me-time? Home for sure. My sofa, my wife, our dog and five cats help us stay very close to the house, but we also live along beautiful […]

Julie Smith has always loved building her own worlds. As an architect, she has helped shape the local landscape in many communities throughout the Southeast. As an accomplished local artist, she builds beautiful artwork in a world of its own. She creates in several different mediums from watercolor to acrylic, from mixed media all the […]

Here on 30A there is lots of fun to be had within the limits of the county laws. Everything you need to know about beach permits and rules required for certain beach activities is right here. Vehicles Driving your vehicle on the beach is not allowed at most beaches along 30A. You can drive your […]

The abundance of sights, sounds, tastes, people and experiences to discover in our area is undeniably overflowing. Thankfully, there are miles of entertainment gems to discover along the Gulf. Did you know the average American spends $50-$75 per person per day on vacation, just for food and drink? That can add up pretty fast. So, […]

One of the best ways to genuinely get to know the 30A area is to volunteer! With dozens of local nonprofits serving Walton County, you will not only impact those in need but also see the philanthropic spirit and love neighbors have for one another. Volunteering your time and resources can be truly invaluable to […]

This week, Crissy Thibodeau, Owner of Thi Bod Fitness, tells us what cheat meals and local hangouts she can’t get enough of! 1. What’s the best place for a night out? Nothing beats Fleming’s Prime Steak House – my absolute favorite spot for a night out! Chef Innocent is beyond amazing. He makes sure everything […]

By Caroline Giddis The people of South Walton share many passions. The vibrancy of each neighborhood is characterized by a love of culture and art, and of course it’s hard to live down here if you’re not a beach fanatic. There’s one other thing that many people here can’t live without — their dogs. > […]

by Sarah Murphy Robertson Did you know the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) runs for 3000 miles – from the Eastern seaboard in New Jersey, where it connects with the Atlantic Ocean, all the way to the Gulf of Mexico in Brownsville, Texas? And it also runs right alongside our little beach community. This extraordinary network of canals, […]

Looking for a nice restaurant for a date night? Maybe it is your anniversary or maybe you’re just looking for a reason to dress up and eat some good food with your family. Here are 30A’s fine dining restaurant options, even including a few in Miramar Beach which is 30A adjacent. Pescado Seafood Grill & […]

Anytime is a great time to visit the beautiful, pristine beaches and unique seaside communities of Scenic 30A, but certain months have their own set of benefits and reasons to plan your stay. Check out our handy month-by-month guide to the pros and cons of each time of year on 30A: PROS In January, you have […]

Every fall, locals and visitors alike delight in the return of our own migrating mascot: monarch butterflies. Monarch butterflies are arguably some of the most beautiful of their kind… so much so that many consider them royalty among all the butterflies (hence their name). Every year, starting in the northern U.S. and Canada, these truly […]

When one thinks of beautiful scenic Highway 30A, the first thought is usually not bridges. There are seemingly endless vistas of the beach, the sunsets and the Gulf of Mexico to contend with. If you slow down and look, however, you’ll notice some uniquely styled and intricate bridges that dot our landscape. Around here a […]

Smokey the Bear is famous for the line, “Only you can prevent forest fires.” However, the truth is that a lot of work goes in to preventing forest fires here in Walton County as well as across the state of Florida. One of the most versatile and cost-effective tools used is a prescribed fire. Fire […]

For years, Grayton Beach visitors have seen several pieces of art hung along the 80’ of fence line perpendicular to the shops and restaurants of Hotz Avenue. But, when the iconic restaurant, The Red Bar, unexpectedly caught fire in February 2019, many of the pieces were lost. “I asked Joyce Levey (owner of the fence) […]

Ever dream of moving to the beach? Before you do, there’s a ‘secret code’ that permeates our laid-back flip-flop culture. After you’ve been around for a while, you’ll gradually figure some of these things out on your own. But for anyone who wants to study-up in advance, here are 30 tips from 30A locals that will help you ease right in… 1. […]

The once small, independent coffee company roasting out of owners Dan & Sally Bailey’s home nearly 15 years ago, Amavida Coffee Roasters has not only grown beyond those humble beginnings and captured the attention and accolade from a national magazine, but the brand continues to grow and evolve. Winners of Roast Magazine’s 2018 Roaster of the […]

Kelly Layman Business Investor, Vacation Rental Owner & Board Member, Safe Water for Walton (volunteer non-profit) 1. What makes living at the beach so special? Our world-renowned coastal dune lakes, hands down. Each one is its own fascinating mini-ecosystem. The County has established special land use protections for building on them; it might now be […]

Each year as fall approaches, a naturally occurring phenomenon called “red tide” is on a lot of people’s minds up and down the Gulf Coast. We’ve compiled some information with the help of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission to answer your questions with facts about what it is and what it isn’t. Quick […]

“Breast cancer is not pretty. And it’s no pink ribbon.” When you visit the Foye Belle Foundation’s website, that statement sits bold and blue on the landing page. Most of us equate Breast Cancer Awareness Month to fundraisers and marathons dripping with cheerful fuchsia banners and balloons, and all things girly pink. 30A local and […]

Did you know we’ve printed over 2.6 million of our famous round blue 30A stickers and they can now be spotted all over the world? Although we give 30A stickers away for free in local businesses, we’ve set up donation boxes in many locations to encourage direct donations to Alaqua Animal Refuge, Walton County’s no-kill […]

Whether you’re a relative newcomer or a seasoned local, there’s a good chance your romance with our emerald coast was “love at first beach.” Between the dazzling white shores and the countless shades of turquoise that sweep along the horizon, who could blame you? It’s a kind of bliss that instantly envelopes you – from […]

Kyle Walter Seaside Repertory Theatre / Grayton Beer Company 1. What makes living at the beach so special? Aside from the countless picture-perfect sunsets and white sand beaches, I love how tight-knit the community is. It’s almost like going back in time before cell phones; you’re bound to run into your friends anywhere you go. […]

COLLIN MERIDETH Owner of Collin Cools 1. What is your favorite part about living here? Living on the beach is special because we as locals get to experience every day what people (who are lucky) only get to experience on vacation!  2. Three favorite local spots? My 3 favorite local spots are Chiringo’s after volleyball, […]

Alys Beach, the luxury seaside community town located along Scenic Highway 30A, announced that The Camden & Whitby condominium residences are available for purchase. Designed by Hart Howerton of San Francisco and New York City, The Camden & Whitby residential spaces overlook Alys Beach’s growing Town Center, and are within walking distance to ZUMA, Alys […]

We visit with our beach locals and ask them their favorite spots around town. Stephanie Madden Marketing Coordinator, 30Avenue 1. What makes living at the beach so special? I am always in awe of the sky here. No sunset is ever the same and the sky at night is so clear without light pollution. The […]

From full menus to delicious one-off items, 30A has a respectable number of options for vegans and vegetarians at restaurants when the rest of the group is a bit more of an omnivore. Vegan vs. Vegetarian: A Handy Re-cap Both vegetarians and vegans exclude meat, poultry, and seafood from their diet. Some vegetarians also exclude […]

Balder Saunders Co-founder of Dread Clampitt/Music Teacher at Seaside Neighborhood School 1. What makes living at the beach so special? Being able to go to my favorite beach access and fish with my son is top of the list. Going floundering off of the beach on a full moon night. Being able to see all […]

Sarah Brazwell Membership & Marketing Director, Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club 1. What makes living at the beach so special? Living at the beach is a lifestyle that you can’t get just anywhere. The sand, the sound of the surf, the sun…the beach just puts a smile on my face. 2. Three favorite local spots? […]

August 1, 2019: This morning off the coast of Grayton Beach, we spotted upwards of 60 sharks just chilling near the June grass.  It starts with just two sharks and less than two minutes later, dozens show up. They appear to be black tip sharks, sandbar and spinner sharks, and they were about 100 or […]

A lot of hard work, late nights and family support has made Shades Bar and Grill a local success for the past 25 years.     Co-owners Joe Freer, John Freer and Greg Wakeham started Shades in 1994 in Seaside’s town square. Their first building is now home to the Great Southern Cafe. The need for […]

George Barnes Co-Founder 30A Coastal Dunes Wine Company and General Manager of Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar 1. What makes living at the beach so special? I’ve been a local since 1995. The natural beauty of this area is what keeps me smiling every day, and the local community that always rallies together for great causes. […]

Whether you prefer the old-school Mom & Pop places or the newest shops to open their doors, you’re sure to find the perfect place for you and yours. Here are fourteen terrific ice cream shops on 30A.  Why not try them all? 1. 30A Cookies & Cream  – 30Avenue, Inlet Beach The perfect mix of […]

Our Q&A series features some of our beach locals sharing some of their favorites spots to eat and spend time.  Mike Ingram Owner, Mike’s Pressure Washing 1. What makes living at the beach so special? As a local for the past 30 years, I can tell you that living on 30A is nothing but good […]

First things first: Is there such a thing as a flesh-eating bacteria? This is a headline grabbing term but a misnomer. A more apt term would be “flesh-eating infection.”   There are several types of bacteria that can lead to an infection called Necrotizing Fasciitis, a type of rare soft tissue infection that destroys (or eats) the […]

Krystal Rose Wife/Mom/Entrepreneur 1. What makes living at the beach so special? Beach life is the best life! The people are so sweet and laid back. The food is ah-mazing. There is always something to do here and the scenery is breathtaking. 2. Three favorite local spots? Tops’l Beach & Racquet Resort – Our family […]

KATIE GULAK Company Member, Seaside Repertory Theatre 1. What do you like most about living at the beach? The small community of people, the sunsets, the great food, the music that comes through this area, the combination of arts, culture, cuisine and everything beach is what makes it so special to me! 2. Three favorite […]

Get yourself fueled up for a fun day in the surf and sun! These eateries each deliver on taste and service, and you may even find yourself becoming a regular. The Perfect Pig Now with their third location in WaterColor, The Perfect Pig’s motto is “Praise the Lard.” Their breakfast biscuits are offered with ham, […]

TIFFANIE NELSON Founder/CEO, Food for Thought Outreach Inc. 1. What is your favorite part about living here? As a northern transplant, I am so happy to be raising my children at the beach! There is a wonderful sense of community in Walton County. As a parent, I see all of us supporting each other and […]

Old Florida Fish House offers a variety of cocktails to be enjoyed while overlooking Eastern Lake in Seagrove Beach. Mixologist, Kara Whatley, showed us how to make their signature cocktail, The Black Betty, which is their take on an old fashioned. The Black Betty 1.5 ounces of Basil Hayden’s dark rye Splash of house-made simple […]

Jacqueline Ward Photographer, Jacqueline Ward Images 1. What makes living at the beach so special? I love how supportive the area is to connecting people with common interests, especially artists. For the vast majority of us that live here full time, we have all been the “new person” here at some point. It really makes […]

Master developer Minto Communities USA, lifestyle brand Margaritaville Holdings and The St. Joe Company announced the official formation of their joint venture to develop Latitude Margaritaville Watersound, an active adult community in Florida’s Panhandle region located in Bay County near Panama City Beach and the scenic 30A corridor. The community is projected to break ground […]

The visual air navigation signage that once marked Grayton Beach for pilots has been restored on Defuniak Street in Grayton Beach, Florida after decades. Residents and supporters have worked for many years to have the sign, which dates back to World War II, restored after it was paved over. In 2018, the Walton County Board […]

JUSTIN T. SMITH Manager/Escrow Officer, Coastal Land Title 1. What is your favorite part about living here? Having access to the beautiful waterways and beaches. I also love the relaxed feeling that is always in and around the 30A community. I’ve been a local since 2002 and enjoy everything about this place! 2. Three favorite […]

Red Fish Taco offers refreshing cocktails just steps away from the gulf in Blue Mountain Beach. The Pineapple Aloe Margarita is no exception. Mixologist, Kelsey Sawyer, shows us how to make this perfect beach cocktail: Pineapple Aloe Margarita • 2 ounces of Pineapple Aloe Infused Tequila • 1 ounce lime juice • 5 ounces Pineapple […]

The origin of Daisson Hickel’s business had an unconventional beginning far from his home in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. It was 2014 in the mountains of southern Afghanistan that the vision for his portable coffee kit came to be, and The Java Can was born. Spending time in the mountains, away from base, allowed him […]

Stacey Brady Director of Marketing and Communications, Grand Boulevard 1. What makes living at the beach so special? I’ve been a local for 23 years and counting, and it’s the gulf vistas and a fun, giving community which makes living at the beach special. The beauty and respite of the gulf calms me and gives […]

Calling all teens and tweens! A relaxing beach day with friends is a hard thing to beat. But when fun needs to be taken up a notch, South Walton, Florida has you covered. Check out this list of fun to-dos on and around 30A. 1. The Shard Shop in Grayton Beach offers a chance to flex […]

Scenic Walton recently announced that it has officially joined a nationwide movement to promote and support beautification projects in local communities throughout the country. The local Scenic Walton chapter, formerly Scenic Corridor Foundation, now joins other communities nationwide, becoming part of the Scenic America and Citizens for a Scenic Florida network. “Scenic Walton’s mission is […]

Havana Beach Bar and Grill inside the Pearl Hotel offers many elevated cocktails in Rosemary Beach. The Sunny Bunch is no exception. This delightful citrus drink is absolutely perfect for a lazy vacation day or after a long day in the hot sun. Mixologist Sire Negri shows us how he makes this signature drink. Sunny […]

JIMMY BURGESS Chief Growth Officer Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Beach Properties of Florida 1. What do you like most about living at the beach? The people make living at the beach so special. Our active community encourages physical, mental, and spiritual growth. There is always someone or something right around the corner to inspire you, […]

Some people love the beach. Some people love golf. Some people love both… and those are the people who come to 30A and South Walton, round after round, to indulge in the best of both worlds. In fact, South Walton’s home to some of Florida’s top-rated golf courses. Here is a round-up of golf courses you can […]

Caring and Sharing of South Walton is in need of volunteers to support their operations during the summer months. Volunteers are needed to help with sorting donations, organizing and working with customers in the warehouse and boutique, packing bags in the food pantry, and other various tasks. Shifts occur Monday through Friday and are three […]

Beyond our beautiful beaches, there are few things that make 30A more iconic than all of our bike-friendly and walkable communities. But, when you’re looking to travel a little further, where do you turn? Meet the newest mode of transportation – Tuk Tuk 30A! These street legal, motorized versions of the traditional rickshaw are the […]

If you’ve passed by the corner of Hwy 393 and 30-A, you’ve more than likely seen the addition to the 30A landscape, Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar. The seafood and casual fare restaurant (and 30A Hot Spot winner!) has a packed menu, open air decks with panoramic views and outdoor green, live music, a great selection […]

RICHARD OLIVAREZ Director of Marketing, Ocean Reef Vacation Rentals & Real Estate 1. What makes living at the beach so special? Being surrounded by all this natural beauty is humbling. Spending time on or by the water grounds me, helps me reset, and makes me appreciative of everything I have in my life. 2. Three […]

Chris Alvarado of Driftwood Guitars created a one-of-a-kind tenor ukulele for the 30A Company, handcrafted from ziricote rosewood, spruce and mahogany along with a 30A inspired inlay. “I’ve really always wanted to make an instrument for 30A, to represent the brand of 30A because of everything it does for the area. It’s a great partnership […]

CAROLINE STEPHENSON Mom/writer/student 1. What makes living at the beach so special? Beach living matches my disposition and personality perfectly. People don’t move here to be miserable or live small, and you genuinely feel that when meeting locals. Everyone here has a story of why they are here and how they drew a line in […]

One step onto South Walton’s white sandy beaches was all it took to convert casual visitor Dr. Michael Stickler to loyal local. In 2006, this dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon at Dermatology Specialists of Florida was completing his residency at University of Florida, when he and his wife Johnna (then pregnant with their first child) visited […]

By Shannon J. Winslow-Claunch Here in South Walton, rising temperatures mean an increase in tourists. And it also means more opportunities for potential encounters with some of our longtime locals: Florida black bears. In fact, Florida’s black bear population is on the rise, with sightings doubling statewide to nearly 6,200 every year. There are a few things […]

JASON HEFNER Pharmacy Manager, Walmart Pharmacy 1. What makes living at the beach so special?  Everyone, locals and visitors alike, seems so happy to be here. Our beach itself is special, but the friendly people who live and visit here are what makes this beach where I want to live. 2. Three favorite local spots? […]

Scenic Corridor Foundation has announced McCaskill & Company in Miramar Beach as the winner of its Design Excellence Award. Owners Bill and Elizabeth Campbell and Carolyn Campbell Brigman will receive the award at a special presentation ceremony on April 12, 2019, at 9:30 a.m. at their Miramar Beach location, 13390 Highway 98 West. Founded by […]

MEGAN LYONS National Sales Director, The 30A Company 1. What makes living at the beach so special? What I love most is the vacation feeling that surrounds the beach. Everyone tends to be more relaxed and in good spirits. I have to pinch myself when I leave work and catch the sunset or can eat […]

TOM SCHELL Owner/Designer, Richard-Paige Leather 1. Favorite thing about living at the beach?  Being an Australian (and a local since 2015), I’ve always been fortunate to live near the beach, but I’m pretty stoked that the water is so much warmer here than back on my side of the world! Plus, I’ve never seen such […]

The St. Joe Company and HomeCorp announced today the formation of a joint venture to develop, manage and lease apartments in Watersound, Florida. This is the second joint venture between the two companies. The parties are working together to design, develop and construct Origins Crossings, a proposed 217 unit multi-family apartment home community to be located on […]

County Highway 30A‘s 19-mile paved bike path (sometimes referred to the “Timpoochee Trail”) parallels the entire length of the scenic road and passes through all of its famous beach communities, from Dune Allen in the west to Seacrest and Alys Beach in the east. Enjoy the thrill of biking alongside rare coastal dune lakes and discovering a side of South Walton that’s difficult […]

Jenna Varney has had a knack for art and creativity since childhood. But it wasn’t until 2002, the year Air Force assigned her husband to Eglin Air Force Base, that the 2019 South Walton Artist of the Year found her footing as a professional artist. All those years ago, while looking for a home in Florida, […]

Community gardens are empowering tools. Their benefits are often times too numerous to mention, but we’ll give it a try. They increase access to fresh produce, improve nutrition and food security, and they bring people together to create connections with neighbors. Gardening promotes good physical and mental health, too! In 2018, The Sonder Project helped […]

From bars to restaurants, almost everyone who visits 30A for vacation would conclude that our area is sincerely accommodating to canine companions. Likewise, locals love to bring their pets for an afternoon out for lunch or drinks. An overwhelming majority of the restaurants and bars on 30A welcome pet owners and their four-legged friends. We’ve […]

Coastal Biplane is the new ride in town. Next time your feet are in the sand, look up and you may just catch a glimpse of a red biplane cruising the coastline 500 sea-salty feet up. And it isn’t just any red. The actual color is called Ferrari Red. Fittingly named by owner and pilot […]

Is there really a better place than the Emerald Coast to watch the sun set on a successful career and transition into retirement? South Walton’s Fire Chief Richard Talbert announced his 2019 retirement after dedicating 11 years of diligence and service to our community. Chief Talbert grew up in Prince George’s County Maryland and moved […]

The pineapple is a traditional expression of Welcome and Friendship, and the sun represents Life. So when the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA) in South Walton announced a competition and invited artists to participate, Rachel Herring felt inspired to get her feet wet and create something that would celebrate fish and marine life. From above, […]

You’ve spent your day exploring our gorgeous area and now it’s that magical time: Happy Hour! Buzzing with bargains on booze, appetizers and entrees, 30A has a full spread of restaurants teeming with good deals. Here’s a few to get you hightailing it off to Happy Hour everyday. A visit to Seaside means a stop […]

A source of great local pride (and for great reason), Alaqua Animal Refuge and founder Laurie Hood have won the hearts of everyone that learns of their saintly mission. The refuge was founded on a 10-acre farm in Freeport in 2007, after Laurie learned that countless animals were being euthanized every month due to the […]

Compassion is contagious. And one non-profit program is spreading the give-back bug near and far. The Sonder Project was founded in 2014 when three Walton County based businesses – The 30A Company, YOLO Board, and 360 Blue – partnered to do good in communities, domestically and internationally. In its infancy, the project aided funding for […]

When you first step foot onto the 163 acres of Eden Gardens State Park, you feel as if you’re being transported back in time – back to an era where hoop skirts, oil paintings, and Victorian-style architecture decorated a land rich with opportunity. Today, that can be felt beneath the surrounding shade of Spanish moss-draped oak […]

Coastal Dune Lakes are a very rare natural phenomena that only occur in a handful of locations around the globe, including New Zealand, Australia, Madagascar and South Walton, Florida. In fact, South Walton has 15 named coastal dune lakes along its 26 miles of coastline. They are (moving from west to east): Fuller Lake, Morris […]

ARTICLE UPDATED on 11/5/18 On November 4, 2018, Walton County Commissioners voted unanimously (5-0) to uphold Customary Use for Walton County beaches, meaning the next step is to take the matter to court to have it fully re-instated after Florida HB 631 rendered it null. More than 12,000 signed affidavits were submitted from those who […]

Originally published April 14, 2016. Updated October 20, 2018 360 Blue, YOLO Board and The 30A Company are founding partners of The Sonder Project, a non-profit organization that supports high-impact, sustainable projects aimed at ending extreme poverty and hunger, locally, domestically and abroad. The organization’s global projects are focused on some of the poorest areas in the world and include building […]

When Bennett Moss was selected to be in a video that highlights children’s abilities and not their disabilities, choosing what to wear was easy. “No surprise, he chose his 30A shirt,” his mother Claire Moss said. “It’s his favorite place on Earth.” The Moss family now lives in Raleigh, North Carolina but were previously 30A […]

By Laura Braune Smyer For fifteen years after its inception, 30A’s quaintly idyllic beach community of Seaside was a little-known secret gem of a vacation spot along Florida’s Emerald Coast. But in 1996, the master-planned New Urbanist beach town hit the big time when it was chosen as the primary location for the filming of Jim […]

Visitors have been making their way down to the 30A area even before there was a Highway 30-A, much less a Scenic Highway. One such longtime and loyal visitor is Robert Reynolds, author of the book Simply Seagrove, published by Emerald Waters Press. Robert’s family stumbled across the little beach town of Seagrove around 1960. […]

The 30A Company’s line of recycled apparel is designed to decrease human impact on the environment, while celebrating the unique aspects of small-town beach life found along Florida’s gulf coast. 30A shirts are made from recycled plastic bottles that could otherwise end up in our oceans. Every 30A recycled shirt saves about eight plastic bottles from landfills. And they’re […]

It’s no secret that the beach is our favorite playground. It’s fun. Relaxing. Beautiful. But there’s more to the gulf than meets the sky. Studies are proving that spending time in the water is also good for our mental mojo, offering therapeutic benefits to help those fighting depression. To help others take advantage of this […]

Social media allows for us to find, to connect, and to engage with brands and people who share our same interests and passions. When we came across Roswell, Georgia-based artist Brynn Casey on Instagram and her gorgeous paintings of the beaches of 30A, we just had to know more. Her first 30A collection was a […]

Whether you want to learn how to cook grouper or you already know, but need that extra flavor kick for your recipe, Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar gives us a demo that is sure to rock your taste buds. Ingredients: • House seasoning • Blackening spice • Yellow Edge Grouper • Chablis • Summer Succotash • […]

South Walton Artist of the Year and Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) Board President, Allison Wickey has been on a long road to find her stride as an artist. And just in case you’re wondering, she believes that her journey has just begun. Wickey is one of seven artists whose work is represented in the Underwater […]

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida announced the launch of 30Arealestate.com, the ultimate real estate search engine showcasing properties from Miramar Beach to Inlet Beach, Florida. The website and coordinating real estate sales team is a collaboration between Berkshire Hathaway Beach Properties of Florida and The 30A Company, the leading beach lifestyle brand. The […]

If you’re a frequenter of delicious craft beer makers, Idyll Hounds Brewery and Grayton Beer Company, you’ve probably noticed there’s a new kid on the block. South Walton welcomes its newest player in craft libations, Distillery 98. Just minutes away from the beach, the team recently broke ground on a state-of-the-art, 8,100-square-foot micro-distillery off of […]

Live entertainment can be found each night for visitors and locals who want to experience 30A’s thriving night life. Outdoor concerts, regional headliners, impromptu celebrity jam sessions, and laid back nights listening to our world-class local talent, the 30A music scene is as bright as the white sands on its shores.

While not as closely clustered as shops in some of the other planned communities, the fun, funky and fiercely independent retailers of Grayton Beach are certainly worth exploring. North of Scenic Highway 30-A, there are the colorful Shops of Grayton, where you can find multiple talented artists including Andy Saczynski Studio Gallery, Allison Craft Designs, the Studio Gallery, […]

The last time someone walked into a restaurant and ordered a dozen bivalve mollusks was, well…never. But talk to me of a dozen fresh oysters and oh, boy, you’ve hit on one of the most popular restaurant items on 30A. They are high in calcium, iron and protein and known for grossing out young children […]

Unlike his fellow contributing artists to the Underwater Museum of Art (UMA) project, Marek Anthony never spent summers or vacation time in South Walton and does not reside here. His roots stretch internationally across the pond. An anything-but-happenstance conversation among colleagues led him to investigate the Cultural Arts Alliance’s call for artists. Anthony crafts contemporary custom […]

Our coastal beach-town is brimming with emerald waters, sugary white sands and an endless summer, making it a popular holiday destination year-round. The area is dotted with some of the most picturesque hotels and resorts that offer both luxury and comfort. However, this wealth of options can become an overwhelming experience even for the most discerning traveler. Here are […]

Established in 1983, Shipwreck Island Water Park is located in Panama City Beach, Florida. Spread over a twenty-acre landscaped area, the park offers several fun options including Ocean Motion Wave Pool, The Lazy River, White Knuckle River, Tree Top Drop, The Pirate’s Plunge Racing Slide and many more. One of the highlights of the park is The Great Shipwreck. Shaped like […]

By Lindsey Rogers White sand and crystal-clear water aren’t all South Walton has to offer. In fact, all the other activities — fishing, horseback riding, hiking, bike riding — are what make this area so special and attractive to people of all kinds. One of the most popular activities among visitors and locals alike is […]

Hailed by Time magazine as perhaps “the most astounding design achievement of its era,” Seaside is credited with founding a global town-planning movement known as New Urbanism. Founded by Robert and Daryl Davis in 1981, Seaside’s innovative small town design was carefully planned. With its nine unique beach pavilions, cobblestone streets, quaint cottages, white picket […]

The Underwater Museum of Art is the first of its kind in North America and is located approximately 0.7 miles off the shore of Grayton Beach and is 60 feet deep. The Underwater Museum of Art (UMA) is a part of the Cultural Arts Alliance’s Art in Public Spaces Program and enhances South Walton Artificial Reef […]

In 2001, Justin Gaffrey was ready to rinse his schedule of furniture design and culinary arts. Instead, he was anxious to work hands-on and creatively in an effort to do what would make him happy and bring joy to others. A local restaurant owner and head chef, he sold his business “Caffe Sublime” in Gulf […]

The waters of South Walton bring something to our area every day. Quite literally, tides move in and out, fishermen source seafood, and visitors flock here to create vacation memories. But for one beach local, David Vaughan, the pull of South Walton’s coast revealed serendipity – manifesting a career calling, a new family, and a […]

With so many gorgeous views and an impressive selection of delicious beers, cocktails and wines, it’s hard not to say “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere” here in South Walton. Whether you’re looking for a view of the gulf, rolling dunes or a beautiful lake, there are so many places in the area that allow you to […]

Ken Johnson and Andi Zack-Johnson came to 30A for the summer. At the end of October, Ken looked at his wife and said, “We’re not leaving, are we?” That was in 2016. The Johnsons – also known as musical duo Huck & Lilly – have found themselves at home in the Florida sun ever since. […]

“It was like the circus coming to town.”  So describes the day that Hollywood came to Seaside, Florida and filming began on The Truman Show, the movie that arguably put the 30A town on the proverbial map. We mark the 20th Anniversary of the 1998 premiere of The Truman Show by speaking with a few of […]

The St. Joe Company and developer Minto Communities plan to jointly develop a community branded Latitude Margaritaville Watersound, an active adult, age-restricted residential community concept created by Margaritaville Enterprises. Latitude Margaritaville will be located in Bay County near Panama City Beach and the scenic 30A corridor. The community is projected to open in early 2020. […]

“My mom and dad ate here with their parents in the 1970s.”  “Our family has been visiting 30A since before I was even born.” These are comments regularly overheard around town, and they always bring a smile and lead to another great story adding to the shared history of Scenic 30A. We thought we’d give […]

South Walton is well known for its beaches and coastal dune lakes; however, salt water isn’t the only liquid we’re good for. Scenic 30-A is also home to an extremely creative slough of mixologists. Here is a list of 12 of our favorites: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Martini, Fish Out of Water. A favorite of loyal […]

It’s been twenty years since Peter Weir’s film The Truman Show was released in theaters. Shortly after the film’s 1998 release, the beach community of Seaside, Florida was no longer a secret gem on Florida’s Gulf Coast. As the primary location of filming for the Jim Carrey blockbuster, Seaside quickly became a worldwide MUST SEE […]

Lindsay Havlicek Bell always dreamed of living at the beach. So a couple of years ago, she took a chance and followed her dream. She donated her belongings, bid farewell to the snow and cold of upstate New York and moved to the beach. A post shared by lindsay havlicek bell (@lindsayhavlicekbell) on Mar 28, […]

Whether you’re in a $1 million RV with flat-screen TVs and granite kitchen counter tops, or a 2-person pup-tent with a gas lantern and mosquito net, South Walton is truly a camper’s paradise. Routinely voted one of the best campgrounds in America, the Gregory E. Moore RV Resort at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park has gorgeous shaded lots, full […]

By Jordan Morgan There is nothing better than discovering a secluded beach, largely untouched by the worries of the world. If you’re traveling through Walton County and crave such an experience, the spot to seek is Inlet Beach. Inlet Beach is South Walton’s eastern-most village, near where Highway 98 and Scenic Highway 30-A intersect. Inlet […]

For those who prefer a little more action in their daily diet (instead of just beach bummin’ it all day), our coast offers plenty of activities that will get the adrenaline pumping. Here’s our list of the Top 5 activities for all you South Walton thrill-seekers. Kiteboarding Kiteboarding combines aspects of wake boarding, windsurfing, surfing, paragliding and gymnastics into […]

Many people are familiar with Alys Beach’s iconic white-walled homes, but there’s much more to this Gulf-front community than just a pretty face. Here are seven little known facts about one of 30A’s most beautiful and inspiring beach towns: 1. The husband-and-wife team who designed Alys Beach were the town’s first residents. When they moved into their […]

South Walton, Florida is clearly known for its stunningly beautiful beaches. The emerald water lapping against sugary white sand creates a perfect vision of paradise. But, let’s admit it: Some folks just don’t like all that sand. (Oh, the irony.) And sometimes parents need a more controlled environment for their young ones. Sometimes you simply […]

By: Mitch Jaugstetter Golf carts. They’re increasingly a part of our daily life in South Walton. From vacationing tourists to second homeowners to long-time locals, more and more people turn to these convenient and environmentally-friendly modes of transport for short excursions. And while electric vehicles are much better for the environment, they can also pose […]

Travel just a few hours east of Scenic Highway 30-A, and you’ll stumble upon a magical spot hidden deep in the forest with clear, refreshingly chilly water, lots of wildlife and some interesting Hollywood history. Wakulla Springs is one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world, and it’s nestled right here in […]

During the off-season, it’s not too difficult to secure a secluded spot to call your own on almost any local beach. But during Spring Break and the sweltering summer months, out-of-town guests are here in full-force, making some locals feel a tad bit claustrophobic. If you find yourself needing to get away from it all, here are a few places you’ll almost always have […]

If you’re planning to spend time out on the beach this year, please don’t leave anything behind! In accordance with Walton County’s Leave No Trace clean beaches ordinance, all personal items left on the beach in South Walton one hour after sunset will be removed before one hour after sunrise. One major change this year is […]

For our Valentine’s Day edition of The 30A Show, we brought in one of the best couples we know — George and Ann Hartley, owners of the most historical restaurant in South Walton, Seagrove Village Market Cafe. The Hartleys give blind date tips, relocation advice and play a special “Match Game” contest. They also give an update on […]

LOUIS PETIT SR. — patriarch of the wildly successful Red Bar, 331 Cafe and Louis Louis restaurants — chats with 30A Radio about his signature style, which has become a colorful cornerstone of the 30A community. Petit’s restaurants are famous for their simple menus and eclectic ambiance, and he’s an obsessive yard sale junkie, amassing an extensive collection of objects that adorn his restaurants from floor […]

David Rauschkolb is the co-founder of the famous Bud & Alley’s restaurant group in the heart of Seaside, Florida. Bud & Alley’s is routinely cited as one of the best beach bars in the nation, if not the entire world. 30A Radio recently sat down with Dave to talk about his early days as a restaurateur, when there were […]

Located on Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A, Alys Beach is one of the most beautiful new beach resort communities in the world. For more information, visit Alys Beach’s official website. Check out this video: Check out these photos:

This article appears in the inaugural issue of 30A’s Beach Happy Magazine. Look for Beach Happy magazine at Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Publix, Kroger and other major outlets nationwide, as well as in high-traffic locations along the Gulf Coast. Subscribe now to get print issues delivered to your home or enjoy the free digital edition. By Martin Liptrot It’s no secret […]

This article appears in the inaugural issue of 30A’s Beach Happy Magazine. Look for Beach Happy magazine at Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Publix, Kroger and other major outlets nationwide, as well as in high-traffic locations along the Gulf Coast. Subscribe now to get print issues delivered to your home or enjoy the free digital edition. 5 Questions With Chef Ben Robinson […]

Living life along a beach is like nothing else you’ll experience. It’s a laid-back lifestyle, but with plenty of local flavor to keep it unique and exciting. Numerous studies have shown how seaside living can help your health, coming with its own set of benefits. The Sunsets Can Wipe Away Anxiety Renowned for amazing sunsets, […]

This article appears in the inaugural issue of 30A’s Beach Happy Magazine. Look for Beach Happy magazine at Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Publix, Kroger and other major outlets nationwide, as well as in high-traffic locations along the Gulf Coast. Subscribe now to get print issues delivered to your home or enjoy the free digital edition. Coastal Casual (Without The Kitsch) – 5 […]

By Kristy Gustafson Legend has it that cornhole originated somewhere in the Midwest, with places like Cincinnati and Kentucky laying claim to inventing the ever-popular game. Some even credit a fourteenth-century cabinet maker, who is said to have created the game after watching children toss rocks into a nearby groundhog’s hole and deciding to put […]

By Jessica Roberts We all know the standard items for a beach day – chair, cooler, beach bag, sunscreen, etc. But, what about some more off-the-wall options? Check out our list for unusual, but helpful, beach gadgets you didn’t know you needed. NOTE: As an official Amazon Associate, 30A can earn a small referral fee […]

This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. You’re in your favorite suit, the hot sun is beaming down and you feel the soft sand between your toes as you approach the water’s edge. You dive under the first crashing wave and an instant sense of calm washes over you. But wait. Before dipping your […]

By Jessica Roberts You’re ready to make your first trip to 30A. You’ve seen photos and videos of the beautiful beaches and you’re drawn to the laid back, coastal atmosphere. But, what are the must-see and the must-dos along 30A… beyond enjoying the beaches of South Walton? Here’s a first-timer’s checklist for some of the […]

Whether you’ve spent days relaxing or playing upon the beaches of 30A, or simply gazed at our powdery white sands and clear emerald waters from afar, you’ve probably asked yourself the same thing – hundreds of thousands of others have asked about these beautiful Gulf Coast waters; why is that water so emerald-colored? And, you […]

30A’s Mike Ragsdale offers 2020 graduates some timely advice on how to “level-up” in the game of life: COVID-19 Commencement Speech by Mike Ragsdale of 30A 30A’s Mike Ragsdale shares some advice for 2020 graduates. Posted by 30A on Tuesday, 5 May 2020 KEEP READING

In the aquatic world, there are a lot of stunning-looking creatures, like the mandarinfish, the rainbow parrot fish, and the clownfish. If those are the Cinderellas of the sea, there are plenty of ugly stepsisters to choose from. But none have a reputation for being quite as ugly as the blobfish. Its appearance is hard […]

The Florida coast is teeming with all kinds of wonderfully tasty fish you can enjoy in endless ways both at home and in restaurants. Sustainable fishing has become more and more important as certain fish grow in popularity. Fishery managers are more vigilant than ever to protect these important species and ecosystems. Whether you want […]

If you’ve ever come across a mysterious Blue Button creature, you might have wondered what they are and how they function. They are found on the beaches of 30A fairly regularly and people are always very puzzled by them.  Here are seven facts about the Porpita Porpita, more commonly known as the Blue Button Jellyfish. […]

You’ve most likely seen a whelk even if you don’t recognize the name. These pretty spiral shells provide the portable home for the large marine snails of the Buccinidae family. But how much do you actually know about whelks? Four species of whelks can be found in Florida waters. The most common is called the […]

Locally, our beach flag system uses a purple flag to warn visitors of marine life in the water. This is usually to announce jellyfish. Needless to say, jellyfish are very common in the waters off Florida’s coasts but especially in the Gulf of Mexico. Just like other animals, there are hundreds of different species of […]

Every ocean is deep and mysterious in its own way. But compared to the Mariana Trench, some parts of the ocean look like the shallow end of a pool. The Mariana Trench (sometimes called Marianas Trench), found in the western Pacific Ocean, is the deepest part located in any ocean. It’s a 1,580-mile crescent-shaped section […]

By Shannon Serpette Do you need a beach fix right now? If you don’t have the time or the money to head there yourself, you can still get one, thanks to the magic of technology. Live beach cams are set up throughout the world, giving you the views that you’re craving. If you have a […]

Tervis, the drinkware innovation company that created the first double-walled insulated tumbler, recently created another “first”: the first recycled cup made of post-industrial material in collaboration with The 30A Company. “We are committed to innovation and to helping resolve the current crisis with single-use plastic,” said Tervis president Rogan Donelly. “We’re proud to partner with […]

By Shannon Serpette Want to let go of everything that’s bothering or stressing you? It can help to get back to the basics by ditching your clothes and feeling the warm sun on every inch of your skin. If you want to sunbathe in your birthday suit, though, you’ll need a place where you won’t […]

The inky ocean darkness is hiding a rather enchanting secret, something marine biologist and National Geographic explorer David Gruber discovered purely by accident when an eel let the cat out of the bag in the Caribbean. While taking photos of biofluorescent coral on a 2011 dive off of Little Cayman Island, a neon green eel’s […]

There may be plenty of fish in the sea, but a faithful few choose long-term love over playing the reef. While monogamy in fish is rare, here are five marine locals coupling up in the Gulf of Mexico. 1. Seahorse  These tiny twosomes dance to the beat of their own drum. Greeting each other with […]

There’s an eight-armed wonder canoodling in the sea. Ironically called the Larger Pacific Striped Octopus, its tennis ball size is small, but the creature is large in life. This lover calls the shallow murky waters off the coast of Nicaragua and Panama home. It was initially dismissed by scientists because its described antics were so […]

By Susan Vallee Do you feel like taking a break from the beach and heading out for a hike? Within South Walton are 200 miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through state forest, state parks and border 30A. Your efforts will be rewarded with serene views of coastal dune lakes, the Gulf of […]

Partly due to a fabric shortage after World War II, it was a French engineer named Louis Réard who introduced the modern bikini on July 5, 1946. The name came from the Bikini Atoll in the Marshall Islands where post-war testing on the atomic bomb was taking place. He hired skywriters to fly over French Riviera beaches announcing it as “smaller […]

All sea animals are unique in their own way, but once in a while, you stumble across a creature that is so strange it almost seems made up. The humphead wrasse is one of those fish, and you may not have ever heard of it. Besides its hilarious name, Let’s take a look at what […]

Fishermen have leaned out from shallow skiffs, reaching into the brackish waters of the Apalachicola Bay with long, scissor-shaped tongs to scoop up oysters for at least the last 175 years. Apalachicola, a lovely, romantic little fishing village with towering oaks and Victorian-era homes, has cemented itself into the culinary history of the state by […]

It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s live interpretive art. Underwater, that is. Dubbed the shapeshifter of the sea, it changes form before your very eyes. This shifty jellyfish transforms from something resembling a hip lava lamp lighting up the deep – to an eerie Halloween ghost haunting the murky depths – to a thin […]

In the mood for a movie featuring waves and a lifestyle so carefree it makes you want to pack up your bags and live in a beach shack? We’ve got you covered with the ten best surfer movies. 1. BLUE CRUSH This 2002 movie was Kate Bosworth’s breakout role. The plot may be predictable, but […]

By Janellen Green If it’s picture-perfect white sand and crystal-clear water you desire, come to the 30A area in South Walton. We have beautiful weather along the Emerald Coast throughout the year. 30A ushers visitors into gorgeous beaches and pretty communities with promises of spectacular fun and lasting memories. January Our coldest month. In coastal […]

So, you’ve been dreaming of moving to South Walton for years, and now you’re finally getting to take that plunge. It’s an exciting time, but packing up your life — boxes, moving trucks — and finding a new home can be daunting, even when you’re making a dream move to the beach. We sat down […]

We know you — you’re a sand-loving, water surfin’, can’t-get-enough-of-the-sunshine beach junkie, and you take your beach time very seriously. Whether you’re checking the weather for the minute-by-minute forecast or keeping an eye out on the wave report of the day, you don’t mess around when it comes to your coastline time. We’ve laid out […]

As humans, we’ve been conditioned to think that dolphins and sharks are arch enemies. In our mind’s eye dolphins are the peaceful protagonists and sharks are evil man-eaters. These stereotypes are largely thanks to movies, news stories, and even Polynesian legends that are still told today. So, Whose Reputation is Earned? Neither sharks nor dolphins […]

by Jordan Morgan There are few things more exhilarating than spotting a dolphin gliding through the waves as you relax on the shoreline. It gets even better when you’re out paddling or boating along with whole a pod of them. These curious sea critters are vibrant and full of life, and you’ll likely see at […]

Think of a beach and you probably picture a big expanse of golden sand lapped by gentle aquamarine waves, tipped with delicate white froth. And while that’s exactly what some beaches look like, there are plenty more interesting and unusual examples out there. You don’t have to venture far to discover a whole new world of […]

Over 130,000 marine animals are strangled by plastics in our oceans each year. But straws and plastic 6-pack rings aren’t the biggest problem. Discarded fishing gear, known as “ghost gear,” is now the leading cause of plastic in our oceans, and marine life is suffering greatly because of the mounting ghost gear problem. According to […]

The name sea cucumber may conjure up a mental image of a cute little vegetable floating around in the ocean, but don’t let the name fool you – they aren’t plants. And it’s not likely anybody would ever accuse these creatures of being adorable either. Let’s look at some facts about this interesting sea creature. […]

Like any savvy sea-loving tourist, the North Atlanta Right Whale is one of the oceans’ most rare and endangered beauties. It travels great distances to visit our warm, emerald waters and has been spotted off the coast of Panama City Beach, just to our east! Here are 10 BIG facts to get you acquainted with […]

Nothing can kill the end-of-day beach energy faster than being forced to deal with dinner. We all know the story…it’s been a perfect day at the beach, but now the sun is sinking lower in the sky and you know dinner looms. Dinner time doesn’t have to be a buzzkill. Using these quick recipes for […]

By Lindsey Rogers Getting up early is not everyone’s cup of tea. But, if you want to get the most out of the warmer months at the beach, there are more than a few reasons to roll out of bed a little earlier. Take our word for it, it’s worth every minute. Here are eight of our favorite […]

In medical terms, there are three types of pain – pain, excruciating pain and a jellyfish sting. Okay, so it’s not all that bad. It’s more about the surprise factor: One minute you’re frolicking in the sea without a care in the world, and the next minute, you get zapped by a creature that you […]

Tornadoes and waterspouts have a lot of similarities and essentially are both a tower of powerfully rotating wind. The primary difference is that waterspouts occur over a body of water whereas tornadoes tend to happen over dry land. Waterspouts are a type of tornado that is usually less powerful and less destructive due to the […]

As beach cocktails go, this one certainly sounds as good as a lazy day spent listening to the waves, especially when you can’t be there. While there seem to be endless ways to make this drink, Bud and Alley’s Pizza Bar has created their own spin. And boy, it is delicious! Bud and Alley’s shared […]

We call this incredible planet home but we only borrow it. We delight in her vast oceans, her breathtaking mountains, but we leave behind unwanted trash. We encourage recycling and global awareness but change is hard. Environmentalists are curbing plastic pollution by achieving reduction in plastic bags and bottles, eating utensils, and drinking straws. The […]

It’s not often you hear about an animal that would make a great white shark look like a wimp, but the megalodon did. This predator THAT ruled the oceans is long extinct so there’s no reason to worry – it died off more than two million years ago. Even though it is long gone, it still […]

Our oceans are facing many challenges. The good news is, more and more organizations, groups, and movements are springing up to combat them. Erin Politz is the Vice President of The SeaChange Agency, a nonprofit organization on a mission to improve oceanic ecosystems. We spoke to Erin about the agency’s fantastic projects, and about what […]

With a wife and busy family of 3 children, Lane McDanal found time in between naps, husband and father duty, and his full-time career as a local pharmacist to write a children’s book that is both entertaining and educational. Shelly the Sea Turtle aims to help children learn about keeping the beach area and water […]

Dolphins are hard not to love – they’re smart, friendly, fun to watch as they frolic in the waters, and simply adorable since it looks like they’re always smiling. Dolphins are also fascinating mammals, and here are some facts about them that make them even more interesting. 1. There Are Dozens of Species Almost 40 […]

When you daydream about the beautiful wide-open expanse that is the Gulf of Mexico, the last thing you probably want disrupting that tranquil vision a shark. But the reality is, the ocean (and our Gulf) is the shark’s home. You should expect to see one there just as you’d expect to see other cars driving […]

“A strange ole bird, the pelican…His beak holds more than his belly-can.”* This limerick was recanted at least a million times when I was a child. I kid you not. There were a lot of Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus Occidentalis) where I grew up along the Georgia coast, and my parents would never miss an opportunity […]

By: Mitch Jaugstetter There’s nothing like having sand between your toes, the breeze in your hair and a view of the ocean. However, you can make some preparations to ensure your beach time will be a relaxing time as well. You’ve got to find a way to keep the kids under control, yourself cool and […]

Stretching some 30 miles from end-to-end and spanning 4 to 6 miles across at any given point, Choctawhatchee Bay is home to an abundance of redfish, speckled trout, shrimp, oysters, gulf menhaden, blue crab, flounder, striped mullet, white mullet, and of course, the ever-delightful dolphins. Choctawhatchee Bay’s also home to endangered species, including the giant gulf […]

Although horseshoe crabs are big enough to make you pause when you encounter one as they come onto the shore to mate, they are still much smaller than many other ocean creatures. How much they contribute to the world, however, is much bigger than their size would indicate. Let’s look at all the things these […]

This planet’s gracious seas, which cover over 70% of the planet, have been giving and giving some more, while we humans have tried on every color of the rainbow–except green. Producing over half the world’s oxygen, the ocean helps to regulate climate and weather patterns, not to mention being home to millions of species and […]

Husband, father and drone specialist, Seth Willingham shows off his magnificent drone skills above the water on his fascinating, captivating Instagram account. Based in California, he uses a bird’s eye view to capture beaches, marine life and even people from some of the most magnificent places in the world. His photos encompass the world’s oceans with a […]

“Red Sky at Night, Sailor’s Delight. Red Sky in the Morning, Sailor’s Warning.” Have you ever heard this old nautical adage and wondered if there’s any real science behind it? Or is it just an old wives’ tale carried over from eras gone by? Well, we had the same question. So we did a little […]

One of the best things about being at the beach is the food, don’t you think? Freshly steamed mussels served with a squeeze of zesty lemon, amazing loaded burgers grilled over an open flame during a beach barbecue and delicious tuna steaks delicately seared on the outside and sprinkled with sesame seeds are some of […]

The Mojito is a traditional Cuban drink known for being very refreshing which is why it makes such a great beach drink. The Great Southern Café in Seaside, Florida, makes different variations of mojitos including strawberry, peach, mango, cherry, coconut, watermelon and pineapple guava. You should try them all before choosing your favorite.  (We don’t […]

7 Surprising Facts About Seashells Seashells have long fascinated beachgoers for their beauty and variety, and most people at one point or another have held a shell up to their ear to see if they could hear the ocean. Primarily made of calcium carbonate, there are 50,000 varieties of mollusk shells and a story to […]

Fun fact: Florida is known as the lightning capital of the country! The state has more lightning strikes than anywhere else in the U.S. While lightning is nature’s greatest show, we must exercise lightning safety at home as well as at the beach. Here are some things to know about Mother Nature’s stupendous electric show: […]