30A, FL

30A is Scenic County Road 30A, a two-lane road that runs along the Gulf in southern Walton County and the string of beach neighborhoods along it. People go for the quiet beaches, walkable town centers, coastal dune lakes and an 18-mile paved bike path that makes it easy to leave the car parked.

Where is 30A?

30A loops south off US 98 between Destin and Panama City Beach, all of it in Walton County and on Central time. From west to east it passes Dune Allen, Gulf Place, Blue Mountain Beach, Grayton Beach, WaterColor, Seaside, Seagrove, WaterSound, Seacrest, Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach and Inlet Beach. Northwest Florida Beaches International (ECP) is about 30 minutes from the east end, and Destin-Fort Walton Beach (VPS) is roughly 45 minutes to an hour from the west end, longer in summer traffic. Most of 30A carries a Santa Rosa Beach mailing address.

Things to do on 30A

Start with the state parks. Grayton Beach State Park has a beach, tall dunes and Western Lake for paddling. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park protects dunes and two coastal dune lakes, and Deer Lake State Park east of Seagrove has an undeveloped beach and lake. These lakes, which sometimes open to the Gulf, are found in only a few places on earth. Point Washington State Forest has hiking and biking loops near Eastern Lake.

The Timpoochee Trail runs about 18 miles beside 30A from Dune Allen to Inlet Beach, and biking between town centers is the easiest way to see the coast. Seaside, Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach are planned communities known for their architecture and walkable squares.

Beach access and parking on 30A

Plan your beach day around the Walton County regional beach accesses, which have parking and restrooms: Ed Walline near Gulf Place, Blue Mountain, Dune Allen, Fort Panic, Gulfview Heights, Santa Clara and Inlet Beach. Much of the shoreline in front of private homes is private, so look for marked public accesses. Lots fill early on summer weekends; arrive before 10 a.m. or bike in.