The Beaches of South Walton are reminiscent of being on the islands, without the bother and outlay of
leaving the mainland.
Scenic-30A accommodates 12 unique South Walton communities, each with its own
distinctive character. For instance, Rosemary Beach is suggestive of the West Indies, while Alys Beach
is indicative of the white-washed buildings found in Bermuda, and Seaside is based on the traditional
cracker-style cottages of the past with deep roof overhangs and wide porches. Many of the communities were
founded on the principles of New Urbanism and traditional neighborhood development.
Not only do the communities replicate the architecture of the islands, but the award-winning,
Blue Wave certified, beaches offer bright, powder-white sand and clone the crystal-clear waters of the
Caribbean.
An added premium are the Coastal Dune Lakes. Scenic-30A is strewn with 15 of these fresh water
lakes (so rare they are only found in Walton County and remote parts of Africa and Australia).
To find the finest beaches in the world, intrepid Americans might head to Saint Tropez on the French Riviera or perhaps Australia's famed Gold Coast. But the ultimate sun-drenched powder-sand fantasy lies not on some distant shore, but on the coast of Northwest Florida.
Coastal Living (May 2008)
The Florida Panhandle Beaches made
Frommer’s Top Destination list for 2010:
“ .. you'll also find old-school Florida towns with funky shops, tiny hotels, pristine beaches,
and the perfect cottage to rent.”
Scenic-30A runs approximately 18-miles and is made up of the following distinctive communities, from West to East ...
Dune Allen
Home to Stallworth Lake, which derives historical importance from a housing district of 30-cabins
once located on the northeast corner called "The Quarters" and was home to the
Bullard-Stallworth Turpentine Mill workers during the late 1800's.
Mostly residential with easy access to Sandestin.
Santa Rosa Beach
Santa Rosa's name resulted from the 1800's Santa Rosa Plantation located on Hogtown Bayou,
north of 98. Ed Walline was one of the primary county constables and there is a beach-side
park a little east of the Santa Rosa Beach & Golf Club named after this big-hearted man.
The pedestrian-friendly community of Gulf Place sits at the intersection of 393 and 30A and provides shops,
restaurants and cafes, as well as an amphitheatre regularly offering outdoor concerts.
Also, don't miss The Artists at Gulf Place.
Blue Mountain Beach
The Blue Lupine is native to the U.S. and would grow in masses along the tops of the soaring dunes,
as a result the area became known as Blue Mountain by the early seafarers. The area is
now made up of residential communities, resorts and a variety of shops and terrific dining.
Grayton Beach
Established in 1890 and named after Army Major, Charles T.Gray, who built a home here in 1885.
This is a charming beach town with older homes and tapered, tree-lined streets.
The beachfront was designated one of the best beaches in the United States in a University of
Maryland geological study. Grayton Beach is home to the famous Red
Bar, which serves terrific bar meals amongst a hodgepodge of well embellished surroundings.
Watercolor
Sits adjacent to Western Lake and is one of the newer arrivals to Scenic-30A.
This manicured community consists of an attractively landscaped Town Center with shops,
a tennis center, Cerulean Park, Beach Club, restaurants and the Gulf-front WaterColor Inn.
Seaside
2006 marked the 25th Anniversary of Seaside. It is a planned community with brick lined streets and
everything within walking distance. The town square is a mix of restaurants, shops and services,
including bike rentals and an amphitheater. There are also croquet lawns, art galleries and a chapel.
Prodigious beach pavilions dot the shoreline and act as gateways to the Gulf,
just perfect for watching the sunset.
Paramount Pictures filmed "The Truman Show" (Jim Carrey) in Seaside during the winter of 1996.
Seagrove Beach
Adjacent to Seaside, and well worth exploring by bicycle .. just meander your way through the tree-lined
back streets of "Old Seagrove". It truly is an appealing community with old
and new sea cottages as well as terrific family and fine-dining, unique stores and markets.
Water Sound
Advantageously sandwiched in-between serene Deer Lake State Park and stunning Camp Creek Lake,
the St. Joe development team has aspired to keep WaterSound in accord with these two treasures. Pedestrian
bridges and footpaths lead to the Gulf and protect the precious dunes and wetland areas.
Seacrest Beach
Principally made up of beach homes and condominiums. When riding from Seagrove to Seacrest you will
pass by Eastern Lake, Deer Lake and Camp Creek Lake, all natural and rare coastal dune lakes.
Camp Creek Lake is one of the
outstanding features of Seacrest Beach and there is also an excellent golf course by the same name.
Alys Beach
With it's striking white-washed buildings and white rooftops,
Alys Beach makes for a dramatic contrast when driving or biking along Scenic-30A.
The Caribbean influenced buildings encompass
courtyard homes and family compounds all set between tranquil, landscaped lanes.
Rosemary Beach
As with Seaside, Rosemary Beach is a pedestrian-centered community. The Caribbean inspired homes,
many with intimate courtyards, are an easy 5-minute walk to the
Town Center, parks, swimming pools, tennis courts, shops and restaurants.
Inlet Beach
At the far east end of Scenic 30A and extends along Hwy. 98.
The name is derived from Phillips Inlet, which divides Walton and Bay counties.
This is one of the older beach communities and is dotted with both weathered beach-front
homes and a wave of newer cottages.
There are ample beach access paths and public-parking.