Santa Rosa Beach and the beach communities along 30A are still a well-kept secret to most people outside the south. The nostalgic part of me kinda wants it to stay that way for as long as possible. I shudder at the thought of a day when 30A becomes overrun with hordes of tourists. But, the ever-accommodating side of me wants to share the local activities you don’t want to miss when you come to Santa Rosa Beach for the first time. I’ve listed some of my favorite tips here:
Bike riding on 30A – This is one of my favorite outdoor activities, aside from going to the beach. It’s an easy ride to make with the kids and the path is accessible directly in front of the complex at Casa Belleview. We don’t get to do much bike riding at home. So when we’re on vacation, it’s nice to ditch the car and take our bikes. We’ve ridden for miles without complaint to take in the sights and grab a bite to eat. With everyone on their own bike, it’s a wonderful way to create memories and foster a sense of independence with the kids.
Stand up Paddle Board at Grayton Beach – Full disclosure: I’m a SUP (stand up paddle) board newbie. Don’t look this way if you’re looking for tips on proper foot placement or how to do fancy yoga poses on your board. You won’t find any of that around these parts. Here’s what I can tell you, this is a fun activity worth a try. It looks much easier than it is, but it’s a fun workout for your arms and your core. I got the hang of it towards the end of the summer. I can’t wait to get out there again. Plus, I’m a firm believer of the YOLO philosophy. YOLO = You Only Live Once. YOLO is the company that manufactures most of the SUP boards you see around 30A.
Visit Seaside – Picturesque in every way, Seaside is always worth the trip. Some of the best dining options on 30A can be found in this little stretch of 30A, only 10 minutes away from Casa Belleview. The kids will love it here because there’s a ton to see and do. The kids have done everything from take magic lessons to watch outdoor movies here. It’s a pretty special place. The permanently parked Airstreams offer some tasty food truck options. Fun fact: The Truman show, the movie starring Jim Carey was filmed in Seaside.
