As a travel advisor, I am often asked “what is your favorite vacation destination?” It is an impossible question for me to answer, almost like asking me which child is my favorite. Generally, the last place I have visited is my favorite. I am pretty fickle!
However, one place that has been a lifetime favorite destination for our family, is the panhandle of Florida, specifically the area between Destin and Panama City, affectionately referred to by it’s highway name…..30A.
My Dad discovered this area in 1981 after seeing an article in Architectural Digest about a planned town, called Seaside, a New Urbanist community. Seaside was created by visionary Robert Davis, an architect who had inherited 80 acres of land in the then, undeveloped but idyllic Florida panhandle. Intrigued by the concept, my parents planned a trip to Destin. From the moment we turned onto old beach highway, 30A, we were smitten. A few years later and another visit to the area, my parents decided this is where they wanted to spend their winters and eventually retire. They made the dream a reality in 1989, making Seagrove Beach their second home, and enabling us to visit the area multiple times a year ever since. It is the place, that makes us go ahhhhhh….when we arrive.
Since our first visit, the two lane, 26 mile long, 30A has exploded into an area of amazing architecture, incredible planned communities, world class dining and quaint and unique shops. Despite the growth, one thing has remained the same: the stunning and endless beaches.
The pandemic has given my husband, Clint, and me the opportunity to spend 2 two-week “workations” in the area this year. The beauty of the area lends itself to frequent social media posts when we are visiting, and during our last visit, many of our online friends indicated they would be visiting our beloved 30A this spring.
We hope that everyone discovers their happy place on 30A while they are visiting.
To help you along, I wanted to share some of our favorite spots. You may start to see a pattern when it comes to our favorite restaurants….we kind of love seafood!
Seaside is the community that started it all for us. It has exploded into a destination in itself. Every visit to 30A winds up with a lot of time spent at Seaside.
When you are in the area, don’t miss:
Great Southern Restaurant, located in the heart of Seaside, our go to stop for fish tacos, fried oysters and the best shrimp and grits anywhere
Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant and Rooftop Bar is the single best spot to watch the sunset. Whether you are watching from the huge rooftop bar, or the ground level gazebo, you will not be disappointed. The grouper sandwich and Seabreeze cocktail are pretty fabulous too.
Airstream Food Court. This hard to miss area as you drive through Seaside is home to a variety of quick dining options, from shaved ice to amazing bbq and grilled cheese, this area is popular with kids and adults alike.
Sun Dog Books. It doesn’t matter how many books I have lugged along on our trip, I have to visit Sun Dog Books for my beach read. It never disappoints, and just walking in the door makes me smile.
If you are in the area on a Saturday don’t miss the Seaside Farmer’s Market. The vendors offer amazing bakery, stunning produce, fresh meats and a variety of craft foods and beverages.
Rosemary Beach is another planned community on the eastern end of 30A. Considered a Neo Traditional community, Rosemary Beach began in 1995 and like Seaside, has exploded in popularity and amenities.
Cowgirl Kitchen is another must stop for our family (they have a 2nd location in Seagrove Beach). No visit is complete without the corn elote dip served with tortilla chips
Summer Kitchen is a new discovery for Clint and me. We wandered in after watching the sunset from the beach, and discovered an amazing happy hour with 1/2 price beer and wine from 4pm to 6pm…so we stayed…for a while and enjoyed a delicious order of their house made guacamole.
Other Restaurants along the way:
The Perfect Pig in Seagrove Beach is a fabulous little restaurant nestled in a mixed use building with a few retail spaces on the ground floor and condos above. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The potato parmesan grouper, shrimp and grits, and the “pig ” nachos are our favorites.
The Old Florida Fish House is located on one of the coastal dune lakes unique to this area. In addition, you have a beautiful view across the lake to the Gulf. Their outdoor seating area is amazing with areas for larger parties and smaller tables of 2 and 4. Each night, they have live music performed outdoors, weather permitting. The crab cakes, triggerfish and Fish House grouper are our faves.
Grayton Beer Company Brew Pub is the producer of some amazing craft brews. The brew pub has a tap room and dining room as well as a huge outdoor patio. 30A Beach Blonde is my go to Grayton beer. My husband, Clint prefers the hoppier 30A IPA. Their artisan pretzel is amazing…but it might be the Fish Whistle IPA mustard that makes it a must have when we visit. Once we have had our fill of seafood everywhere else, we visit the Brew Pub for an amazing burger and parmesan fries!.
The Red Bar is an original restaurant to the area located in the amazingly charming and beautiful Grayton Beach. The original building burned down in 2019, but with the resilience of the owner, and the support of its many fans the Red Bar was rebuilt in its original location. The Red Bar Jazz Band performs nightly in this eclectic restaurant where the menu changes daily and is presented on a large chalk board. If they have grouper when you visit, GET THE GROUPER! Although the stuffed eggplant, gumbo and crab cakes are pretty life changing as well. The community of Grayton Beach is tiny, and there is limited parking, so I suggest parking in the county parking lot on Hwy 283, just north of 30A. There is a complimentary shuttle to to the Red Bar. I definitely don’t want you to miss out on the Red Bar because you became frustrated trying to find parking. The remote lot is very convenient.
Hurricane Oyster Bar & Grill is located not far from Grayton Beach in a shopping complex on Hwy 283. Super casual, and super delicious. The grilled oysters are one of my new favorite things. The shrimp and grits were also amazing with gouda grits, andouille sausage and a rich tomato base.
Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar and Restaurant is located on the western end of 30A, toward Destin. They are located right across the street from Ed Walline State Park, and whether on the 2nd floor or the outdoor patios, you have amazing views of the gulf. Shunk Gulley offers almost nightly live music and has become a hotspot along 30A.
Stinky’s Fish Camp another seafood restaurant, (I am sure you see the pattern now!) also located on the western side of 30A. This spot features live entertainment, a fun atmosphere, and more delicious seafood. Stinky’s stew is our family’s favorite with tons of seafood and a rich hearty tomato broth.
Seagrove Market is a long time treasure of 30A. It is a small restaurant and market in what used to be the center of sleepy Seagrove. It has evolved over the years, but if you like po’ boys or an amazing burger, this is your spot!
Angelinas Pizzeria & Pasta is the perfect spot for a casual pizza or traditional Italian pasta. Checkered table clothes, casual service, and great pizza make this the best post beach day stop. Be sure to try their special gorgonzola dressing…it might be the only reason I order a salad every time we visit.
You absolutely will not run out of unique restaurants to visit while you are in this area. Hopefully our list of favorites will inspire you to get out and explore this area’s amazing culinary scene.
More info on the area:
Additional communities/sites to explore:
The Elm Grove Traveler 
We are staying in Carillon Beach now and will try out the bike trail and a restaurant or two! We have enjoyed the crab cake sandwich and shrimp po boy at Gratify here.
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