When it comes to scenic and breathtaking getaway destinations, there’s no place that intrigues visitors from near and far quite like the stunning locale known and loved as 30A. This inviting stretch of eye-catching shoreline that graces the northwest coast of Florida is just as well suited to solo travelers looking for off the beaten path adventure as it is to families that are seeking a friendly place to bond, play under the sun and make lifelong memories. Filled with sunshine, fantastic weather, rolling blue waves, and sugar-white sands, 30A makes it easy to settle in and linger longer than you ever planned. While the entirety of 30A is dotted with delightful dining stops, boutique shops to explore, and coastal communities that bring their own flair into the mix, it’s by far the many natural attractions that call to outdoor enthusiasts looking to spend as much time as possible in the fresh air. When you’re headed this way and can’t wait to savor the best of natural sights, be sure to add these exciting 30A attractions to your must-experience list while you’re in town!

Western Lake

Across the expanse of the globe, it’s rare to come across coastal dune lakes, but those that make their way to 30A will find that this area is filled with options to explore these rare natural wonders in abundance! Western Lake is one of the largest the area calls its own and is integrated into the greater Grayton Beach State Park which sprawls over 2,000 acres of land. Stretching all the way to nearby Watercolor, Western Lake feeds a variety of surrounding marshes and wetlands as well, creating a lush and one of a kind landscape worth admiring and exploring.

Point Washington State Forest

Tucked away in the beauty and seclusion of Santa Rosa Beach, Point Washington State Forest is an impressive tribute to how protected natural land can thrive in this area. Accessible off of US-98, the Point Washington State Forest covers 15,131 acres of land and was purchased under the state’s conservation and recreation lands program in 1992. This state forest is managed with a focus on wildlife conservation, timber, and ecological restoration in equal parts. In total, Point Washington State Forest hosts 10 specific ecological communities ranging from wet flatlands and prairie to cypress swamps, sandhills, and basin swamps. Point Washington State Forest is also home to a variety of plants and animals that are listed as endangered including the gopher tortoise, flatwoods salamander, American kestrel, Curtiss sand grass, and white-topped pitcher plant.

Blue Mountain Beach

While there are several stretches of shoreline belonging to communities along 30A that boast their own natural attractions to enjoy and admire, Blue Mountain Beach is truly a one of a kind stop. While it sits at a mere 65 feet above sea level, Blue Mountain Beach enjoys the title as South Walton’s highest point of elevation. Blue Mountain Beach is also home to a collection of natural sand dunes, many of which are covered in blue Lupine flowers that set a rather whimsical tone as they sway in the shoreline breeze. It’s from these flowers that the area earned its name and visitors to Blue Mountain Beach will find they offer up the perfect natural backdrop for photos when you’re visiting.

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

Situated at 7525 W. County Highway near Santa Rosa Beach, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is a pristine natural attraction for outdoor enthusiasts to savor during their one of a kind getaway. Named for its breathtaking quartz dunes that rise out of and around the surrounding water, Topsail Hill hosts the very natural landmarks that are behind the creation of some of the area’s rare coastal dune lakes. These freshwater lakes formed by dunes are accompanied by a rich and diverse lineup of aquatic life and feed nearby pine forests and wetlands alike. The vast and versatile landscape of this protected preserve lends itself to be a haven for some of the area’s endangered animal species like the Choctawhatchee Beach Mouse. It’s also a place where endangered plant species such as Pitcher plants are found to be thriving as well. Within the branches of old-growth longleaf pines and sand pine scrub, migratory and local birds find a place to live, raise young and move along throughout the course of each and every year. The 3 miles of shoreline that call this preserve home also beckon to bird species of many types.

Enjoy the Best of 30A

Whether you’re in the area to make the most of the beautiful natural attractions, take advantage of fun in town, can’t wait to savor the many flavors or a combination of it all—the team at I Love 30A has the vacation rental to keep you close to the fun. Be sure to contact us today to learn more about our variety of property options in the area and to begin turning vacation plans into a Florida-bound reality this year!

When it’s time to unwind and restore the mind and body in style, many travelers set their sights on sunny and sandy destinations that bring the tropical vibe in abundance. When it comes to places where it’s possible to savor a relaxing moment or enjoy outdoor adventure at its finest, all in weather that’s endless inviting, there’s no better place to vacation than stunning 30A.

This beautiful and inviting destination along the Florida coast is known and loved for its scenery, charming communities, and a long list of options for getting out and exploring whenever the desire strikes. While summer along 30A is fantastic and winter comes with time far from the snow, fall promises to be just as intriguing with fewer crowds to contend with and all of the potential of a summer trip waiting at your fingertips. Here are a few ideas for expanding your fall 30A vacation itinerary:

Savor a Sandy Day at Miramar Beach

It’s likely that a sun-soaked and shoreline experience tops every traveler’s list to 30A when the fall season rolls around and fortunately, this part of Florida has a lot to offer in the way of inviting options. When you’re looking to make the most of a day under the sun with your toes dug into the sand, grab your beach chair and umbrella and head over to fantastic Miramar Beach. This scenic and friendly area of 30A is a great place to enjoy time watching the waves roll in, working on that golden Florida tan, or simply enjoying time building a sandcastle with the kids.

Snorkel Inlet Beach

While above-ground activities are always available when you travel to 30A during the fall, this destination’s year-round reputation for great weather means there’s no reason not to jump in the water and explore as well! If you’re the type of traveler that can’t wait to get into the waves and enjoy encounters with marine animal and plant life, a stop at Inlet Beach is definitely for you during this getaway. Grab your snorkel gear and get ready for an amazing opportunity to view colorful tropical fish, vibrant reefs and perhaps even a sea turtle and dolphin or two! This area enjoys gentle surf, making it a great place for snorkelers of all skill levels to maximize their time in the water and overall experience.

Savor Time Admiring Seaside

If your idea of the perfect getaway begins with visions of picturesque waterfront towns coming to life before your very eyes, a stroll through Seaside can make that dream come true. This charming destination is great for the traveler with a passion for architecture and design who also appreciate natural beauty along the way. Seaside was designed to reflect the appeal of New Urbanism and guests are often thrilled to encounter everything from cobblestone streets and intricate pavilions overlooking the water to homes that are painted pastel and lined with white picket fences. While it’s possible to shop and dine here, many are simply intrigued by taking a stroll and admiring this postcard-worthy destination in detail.

Take to the 30A Bike Trail

There’s no shortage of route options through 30a for the traveler that likes to adventure on two wheels but perhaps the most accessible and well-known is the 30A Bike Trail. This connective route provides a way for cyclists to not only enjoy their surroundings while exercising but to make their way through several of the small communities that make up this area. Whether you’re taking time to unwind and photograph the scenery or can’t wait to indulge in the many differences that define these coastal communities, biking along 30A is sure to inspire and this particular path offers up 19 miles of fun to be enjoyed.

Admire the Wall Art at Grayton Beach

You don’t have to pay admission to get into a museum or gallery when you travel to 30A this fall to make the most of an artistic and creative moment. Those that find themselves in Grayton Beach specifically will be thrilled by the opportunity to admire what’s fondly referred to as the Grayt Wall of Art. Grayton Beach has long been home to artists and musicians and this community-based art wall is the perfect addition to this inspiring setting. Designed by local artists and added to often, the Grayt Wall of Art is an ever-changing design worth taking time to observe!

A Fun Florida Escape

When 30A calls, the team at I Love 30A is here to make sure guests have the accommodations they deserve to elevate their trip from start to finish. When you’re ready to start planning, contact us to learn more about our many rental properties in the area and the additional services we provide. We can’t wait to welcome you to sunny Florida!