Beauty aside, there are many reasons that we chose to raise our family in this area. Destin and 30A have dozens of great communities to be a part of. There is also so much for families to enjoy throughout the area, regardless of where you live.
Of course, most people come for the beaches. Call us biased, but we believe some of the best beaches in the country are along this stretch of the Emerald Coast! Our favorites include Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Watercolor, Alys Beach, and Grayton Beach – each one has something special of its own.
The quaint, idyllic town of Seaside (also the filming location of the movie “The Truman Show”) is home to some really eclectic shops. Our favorites include Sundog Books, Central Square Records and Duckies Shop of Fun. Take a stroll through the picturesque art district known as Ruskin Place. Or, check out Airstream Row – a collection of food trucks offering a wide variety of choices, from ice cream to grilled cheese to barbecue to hot dogs…there are even healthy options! On Saturdays, you can also explore the farmer’s market at the amphitheater (rain or shine!) for some of the best local vendors around!
Rosemary Beach stands out for its pathways and lawns. Most nights, there are games and movies for your family to enjoy outside on the lawns. As you walk around town, there’s so much beautiful architecture to appreciate. And be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with a stop at La Crema Tapas & Chocolate while you’re there.
For the more adventurous families, Watercolor is a great place to spend the day. You can rent a bike and check out the beautiful nature trails and fountains. Make sure to visit The Boathouse at Western Lake to try paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing.
Alys Beach offers a strong sense of paradise, with its palm tree-lined streets and beautiful landscaping. This town is a vacation destination for many professional athletes, musicians, and business moguls. Grab a coffee at Fonville Press, and then stop by Charlie’s Donut Truck – just make sure to be there by 10 a.m. or you’ll miss out! If you happen to be at Alys Beach in the springtime, check out the Digital Graffiti Festival. Artists from all over the world transform the white walls of Alys Beach into a mosaic of colors and shapes. It’s really an incredible sight to see! You can also take a ride along the Timpoochee Trail – a 19-mile paved bike path that runs along all of the famous 30A communities from Alys Beach in the east to Dune Allen in the west.
Funky meets laid-back coastal vibe in the town of Grayton Beach. This beach is encompassed by the well-protected Grayton Beach State Park. Stay at the old-fashioned Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse for an authentic, “old Florida” bed and breakfast experience. Each morning, you can enjoy a hearty Southern breakfast at the cafè. Throughout the town, there is a variety of fun and interesting shops to meander around. Stop by the Red Bar for great food and live music.
Looking for a nice entertainment district? Watersound Beach is known for the Hub 30A where there’s always something fun going on. Whether you are looking for laid-back live music, great local dining, or boutique shopping, the Hub has it all!
All in all, 30A is the perfect spot for your family vacation. There’s so much to see and do on this pristine stretch of coastline. Pure7 would love to help you capture your beach memories. We’re family-owned and operated, and we tailor each portrait session to meet your specific needs. Contact Us to schedule a consultation, and feel free to check out some of our family sessions photographed along 30a!
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