30A has become an iconic beach community and beckons the likes of beach enthusiasts, families, athletes, and romantics from all across the world. Quickly a must-experience drive destination and flight destination from sister states to across North America and beyond, the Emerald Coast has been discovered.
While 30A encompasses 19 miles of beautiful beaches along those beaches are pockets of beach communities, exclusive in architecture and energy, the all over feel of each community is unique to itself. Allowing visitors and locals to choose what fits best with their beach lifestyle, whether it be luxurious gulf front amenities or relaxed old beach styles where time means nothing and the day revolves around the rising and setting of the sun.
One of the most treasured communities along the 30A corridor is Grayton Beach! If you’ve never experienced Grayton Beach where you find “Nice dogs, Strange people” allow us to be the 1st to suggest the Top 3 Things You Must Experience While in Grayton Beach!
Paddle Board on Western Lake
Discover snow white sandy beaches for miles and nestled between rolling dunes and gorgeous gulf waters a natural rarity – a dune lake. Paddle with the whole family or treat yourself to the quiet and tranquil experience of gliding atop the smooth lake as the sun begins to warm the expansive naturalscape beyond. Treasure memories made as you watch you own adventure unfold and explore the great outdoors of Northwest Florida as you travel from the sand to the lake and from the lake to the gulf. Exploring all along the way, new adventures with old Florida charm.
Dine at the Red Bar
Locals and visitors eagerly anticipate the reopening of a fundamental Grayton Beach experience – The Red Bar. A fire devastated the original beach side bar and restaurant in 2019 and recently announced that the “new” Red Bar that we all know and love will open their doors in July of 2020! If you don’t know what you’re missing let us elaborate on our favorite way to play, at the Red Bar…Sunday Brunch, with bottomless mimosas, live music, kids on the dance floor, and a limited menu (because when everything is this good fewer options are better).
Let’s Go Ride a Bike
Look mom, no hands! Just kidding, we suggest hands and a helmet, sunscreen for sure, and a camera because you’re certain to see super awesome sights along the way. Travel from Grayton to WaterColor for boutique shopping, happy hour at the Wine Bar, and beautiful pathways throughout the more than 500 acres of rural naturalscape. Travel west to Blue Mountain Beach for the best ice cream in town, healthy alternatives or a massage at For the Health Of It, or a quick spin to the highest point along 30A, Highpoint Plaza.
Stay, Plan, or Play in Grayton Beach and surrounding beach communities with Dune! Book Direct at (855) 813-3783.
Best Way to Spend the Day in WaterColor, Florida
So, you’ve made the biggest decision to date (at least regarding your vacation planning), you reserved your destination vacation in WaterColor, Florida along the beautiful Gulf Coast. Congrats!
The most beautiful luxury vacation home on 30A awaits your arrival. Ready to accommodate your family and friends for a week-long stay at one of the most iconic coastal communities in the southeast with complementary bikes and a fully stocked gourmet kitchen, private pool, and just a short distance from the beach. Your friends have given you a quick list of their Top 5 Things to Do in WaterColor, Florida but maybe you’d like to check out the scene and create your own list of must-do’s in what is sure to be your new favorite beach getaway.
We love WaterColor, Florida as much as you! Even as a local we get excited about the perfect day in one of our most desirable communities and we’re thrilled to share our take on the ideal way to spend the day in WaterColor, Florida!
Rated time and again as the #1 Family Friendly Resort in North America by accredited travel authorities, we appreciate the cohesion of natural outdoor pleasures coupled with world renowned dining experiences all set on a backdrop of rural naturalscape to the north and open and unobstructed white sandy beaches to the south.
A gorgeous menagerie of chic coastal boutiques tucked under shade trees afront sidewalks and charming side streets running the distance of the beach frontage.
Good Morning, Sugar
Waking up without an alarm, what a sweet concept. Who’s got the bacon? Don’t fret. The newest addition to the WaterColor Crossings, a local favorite and 30A hot spot – The Perfect Pig opening up at a leisurely 8 AM and offering some of the most indulgent southern coastal comforts 7 days a week. If we had to choose (but don’t make us choose) we’d order the House Made Quiche, every time!
Ride off Your Breakfast
Considering how close you are to all of the amenities in WaterColor we suggest an early afternoon bike ride through the 499-acre community to absorb the incredible architecture placed thoughtfully around hiking and biking trails for those looking to create their own adventures with bridges and lakes guiding you on to discover the local natural habitats of Northwest Florida. Stop for a water break at The Boathouse Paddle Club and test your skills on a stand-up paddle board, canoe, or kayak. What fun! You won’t soon forget the exhilarating experience of paddling along Western Lake, a unique coastal dune lake, and watching from the water as the life on land continues to buzz.
Fun in the Sun!
Nothing compares, a day at the beach just can’t be beat! Grab your surf boards and beach towels and settle in, we know you’ll be here for a while. Reserve a beach chair setup for the most enjoyable day, with access to shade by way of your umbrella and a standard set of 2 chairs you can get comfortable watching the kids jump the waves as they lap the shore or simply recline and relax.
Sunset on the Veranda
End the day with the best view of the sunset in WaterColor! Pick a table on the veranda and order your favorite libation. Cheers to a day of experiences that won’t soon be forgotten. Sandy shoes on the deck and half empty sunscreen bottles. You’ve quite an appetite after a day of Florida fun all within the charming community of WaterColor. Our day would be complete with Sweet Tea Chicken and Carolina Pimento Cheese complementing Gulf Oysters in the raw. Indulge in “WaterColor Casual” at FOOW formerly Fish Out of Water and watch the sun lower into the gulf, spreading like fire across the horizon and then disappearing into the night.
Green Dragonfly | View from the WaterColor Nature Trail
Green Dragonfly | View of Western Lake
Escape to the pristine lake front community of WaterColor, Florida. Nestled along beautiful Scenic Highway 30a, with Gulf Front fine dining, emerald colored waters, convenient beach accesses, and plentiful outdoor activities to include hiking, biking, and water sports.
The Green Dragon Fly is a beautifully appointed luxury vacation home centrally located along 30a. Each room has been delightfully decorated with beach luxury living in mind. Three stories, wrap around porches, and a carriage house, this vacation home offers ample space for large parties or privacy for two or more families enjoying their summer vacation together and breathtaking views of Western Lake and the WaterColor Community.
Enjoy the WaterColor Coastal Farmer’s Market every Thursday & Sunday just a short walk from this luxury vacation rental home in WaterColor, Florida. Discover and enjoy the WaterColor Merchants, including fine apparel, children’s boutiques, fashion forward shops, wine retail and bar, fine dining, and outdoor activities.
Walk to the Gulf for a day at the beach from this incredibly decorated lake front vacation home. The Green Dragonfly sleeps 12 with 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, large enough to accommodate a wedding party or the perfect size for a fun filled vacation for the families traveling together. Enjoy water views of Western lake, one of the rare dune lakes, found in only 3 other places in the world.
Happen to love the North West Florida outdoors? Surround yourself with state forests, dune lakes, the Gulf of Mexico, and the world’s most beautiful beaches in the desirable WaterColor community!
You will absolutely love this warm and welcoming, four bedroom three and a half bath, WaterColor vacation property. Located in WaterColor’s popular Camp District, we guarantee that you and your family will have an unforgettable vacation experience when you stay at Family Thyme, 1295 Western Lake.
Walking up this home’s shady drive you will be invited by a large porch that leads into a beautiful hard wood floored living area. With a large TV, this living area is the perfect place to curl up with your family and enjoy a movie after a long day at the beach. The adjoining large gourmet kitchen is fully stocked with all the luxuries of a gourmet kitchen needed to make all your favorite meals and entertain your guests. This home even includes a gas and a charcoal grill so you can grill up some delicious treats on a warm summer night.
Up the stairs you will find that large windows fill the rooms with gorgeous natural sunlight. The master bedroom is a spacious retreat with a king sized bed, TV, walk in closet, screened in shady porch and a large master bath including a jacuzzi tub surrounded by large windows, double sinks, and a walk in shower with three shower heads. This home also has an additional three bedrooms and two baths, sleeping up to ten guests, so there is room for the whole family and even some friends. Don’t miss out on your much needed Family Thyme in WaterColor, Florida!
1295 Western Lake is the perfect vacation home for you and your family, contact Dune Real Estate Company for reservations today.
Green Dragonfly, 57 Blackwater Street is a gorgeous 5 bedroom Watercolor home located on the unique Western Lake right next to Marina Park. This prime location is just a few steps away from the boathouse pool and just a quick stroll away from the beach. (more…)