When you’re overdue for a well-earned vacation and you’re looking for a place that’s refreshing, fun, and endlessly sunny, it’s hard to top Florida’s 30A. Known and loved for its gorgeous shorelines, blue waves and seemingly endless lineup of activities and attractions to enjoy ranging from shopping and dining to impeccable outdoor adventures, 30A is a place that truly has something for everyone. No matter what time of year you arrive or how long you plan to stay in the name of fun, a great way to take in the beautiful scenery is to make time for a scenic drive. Whether you follow one of the most iconic scenic drives in 30A or make time for something more specific, it just might be the highlight of your journey.
Scenic Drives in 30A
Highway 30A runs along the Gulf of Mexico and hugs the coastline of Northwest Florida’s Walton County. It’s a breathtaking route that, when enjoyed in its entirety, can be a 24-mile drive that promises to inspire! The byway is built on a rich history and hosts a collection of charming coastal communities including Inlet Beach, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Seacrest, WaterSound, Seagrove, Seaside, WaterColor, Grayton Beach, Blue Mountain, Santa Rosa, and Dune Allen too. As you drive the scenic 30A route, you’ll encounter breathtaking sights of all kinds. This area and route are brimming over with sandy beaches, coastal lakes, hills, coastal uplands, wetlands, and marshes alike. Hardwood hammocks and coastal scrub are visible along 30A, and sand pine thrives here as well. If you happen to be driving through in the spring, you’ll be in time for the Gulf Coast lupine to blossom while the fall sees the route covered in golden asters and goldenrod alike. It’s a drive with plenty of places to stop as well so be sure to have a camera on-hand to capture the scenic moments that await.
Stop to Explore Seaside
If you don’t have time to traverse the full route, start with the section between Inlet Beach and Seaside. Once you reach your destination, you’ll have the chance to top off your scenic drive with time strolling through a community dedicated to the aesthetic of New Urbanism. Here, pastel facades, cobblestone streets, and ornate beach pavilions create a space where it’s easy to feel you’ve stepped into another world entirely. Since the community was designed in the early 1980s, it continues to capture the minds and imaginations of visitors and is a popular stop on a scenic drive route.
Book Your Stay Today
No matter when you arrive in 30A, the team at Dune Vacation Rentals has the accommodations you need to top off the journey in luxury and style. Reach out today to learn more and to begin planning! Don’t miss our Halloween rentals in 30A.