If you’re heading to 30A with your family, you’re in for a treat. Trey grew up going to 30A in the 90s and introduced me to the area when we were dating. We now go back multiple times a year and absolutely love it! This scenic stretch of the Florida coast is filled with charming beach towns, beautiful white-sand beaches with crystal clear water, and tons of things to do that both kids and parents will love. Here is the ultimate family-friendly guide to 30A, from food to fun and everything in between.
Favorite Restaurants
Florida Fish House (Seagrove Beach)
A beautiful local gem with fresh seafood, live music, and views of Eastern Lake. There’s often a grassy area for kids to run around after you enjoy your dinner. This is the “nice dinner” that we take the kids to! I like to dress them up a bit because there’s great spots for photo ops all around the property (be prepared to valet park).
Food Trucks on 30A (Seaside)
Gourmet grilled cheese, BBQ, hotdogs, all from a vintage Airstream..what more could you want?! My kids both love the frozen lemonade at Frost Bites. This is our favorite casual night out, everyone can grab what they want from various food trucks and the kids can run around on the Seaside green afterwards. Try to coordinate on the same nights they have free concerts on the green!
The Hub (Watersound Beach)
This is my favorite spot if you have a big crowd or are meeting up with other families because, similar to the food trucks described above, there’s multiple food spots all together so there’s something for everyone in your group. From Mexican, burgers, seafood, BBQ, to ice cream, there’s plenty of options for even the pickiest eaters.
Bud & Alley’s (Seaside)
In the heart of Seaside and an incredible view of the ocean (try to sit upstairs!) This would work for a family dinner or a date night for crab cakes and cocktails!
O-Ku (Alys Beach)
Okay I know this is a family friendly post, but if you’re bringing all the kids all week long that means you deserve to get a babysitter and have a date night! This is some of the best sushi I’ve ever had and the atmosphere is so dreamy.
Favorite Activities
Beach Days at Grayton Beach State Park
A more natural, peaceful beach experience with bathrooms, picnic areas, and easy access. Great for shell-hunting and less crowded than the main beaches.
Shopping in Seaside
Don’t miss Duckies for fun toys and gifts for kids. Parents can sneak into Sundog Books or one of the cute boutiques nearby. Don’t forget your Seaside merch!
Playground at Alys Beach
A beautifully designed playground tucked between palm trees. It’s shady, clean, and a great stop to let the kids burn some energy, you can grab a snack at Raw & Juicy while the kids play.
The Hub (Watersound Beach)
If your kids love to dance you HAVE to look up which nights the DJ will be there (they usually do it 2-3 times a week). They play millennial throwbacks like Britney and Backstreet Boys and all the kids have a huge dance party. It’s seriously SO fun, we do this every time.
Rosemary Beach Farmers Market
This is a great spot for browsing with the family, picking up some local treats while being outside. They have the market every Sunday.
Biking the Timpoochee Trail
We haven’t done this with our kids yet, but when they’re a little older I want to rent bikes with kid seats and ride from town to town. Seaside, WaterColor, and Alys Beach are all super bikeable and fun to explore.
Perfect Morning Spots
Raw & Juicy (Alys Beach)
This spot is perfect for families. You can grab a smoothie or breakfast bowl while your kids play on the shaded playground just steps away.
Prema Organic Café (Seagrove)
Quiet and tucked away, this is where we go for a calm, healthy start. Their acai bowls and cold-pressed juices are energizing and kid-friendly.
Black Bear Bread Co. (Grayton Beach & Seaside)
If you’re craving a pastry and great coffee, this is your spot. We’ll often grab a box of goodies and take them to the beach.
The Great Southern
Honestly this is great for dinner or brunch but we tend to go more often in the mornings. They have indoor and outdoor seating and the best Bloody Mary you’ve ever had!
Rainy Day Fun
The Hub (Watersound)
They host family movie nights, live music, and outdoor events—even in a drizzle. Tons of food options and open space to roam.
Seaside Repertory Theatre
Check the schedule ahead of time for kid-friendly performances or storytelling events. It’s a fun way to break up beach days.
Rock Paper Scissors (Rosemary Beach)
A charming shop filled with puzzles, books, crafts, and toys. It’s the perfect stop for a rainy morning or a special souvenir.
Whether you’re biking between beach towns, grabbing smoothies after sunrise, or dancing to live music while the sun sets, 30A is full of memory-making moments. With a little planning and a lot of sunscreen, your family will fall in love with it just like ours did! For my tips on how to make family trips with kids a little smoother, check out THIS POST.
Thanks so much for reading! Xo – Lo
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