Set on Florida’s northwest Gulf Coast, 30A’s majestic stretch of pristine coastline and beloved beach communities attract flocks of spring breakers each year, especially families. Here we dish out insider tips on how to do a spring break and summer family vacation 30A right, with toddlers or teens in tow.
Why 30A Works for Families
This 24-mile expanse of paradise honestly feels like it was designed just for families, but without the overly-kitschy Disneyland vibe, and with parents (and their need for a vacation) in mind too. Of course if you’ve traveled with kids before, you know powdery white sands, clear turquoise waters, and long days of sunshine aren’t enough to execute a successful family vacation. Your restless children need space to roam and play safely. They need post-beach activities, kid-friendly restaurants, accessible snacks, rainy-day experiences, bed times…and you need to be able to make it all happen without a pinch.
There’s a reason Forbes recognized 30A as one of the “Best Places to Vacation With Kids” in the U.S. The 30A communities are welcoming, the vibe is both exciting and beachy-calm, and kid-friendly activities abound. Most towns are walkable and bikeable and feel ultra-safe. Beach parking is organized with buses and trams to avoid losing your ever-living mind every morning. And with tons of outdoor dining and kid’s menus, as well as exceptional adult-friendly food and drink (because you’re on vacation too), it’s clear 30A residents are focused on providing comfortable experiences for families. In other words, you’ve chosen the right spot.
Kid-Friendly Activities in 30A
There’s no shortage of kid-friendly activities in 30A. From long days at the beach to making quick pivots on a rainy day, you’ll find something to keep every kiddo in your crew entertained.
Best beaches in 30A
The reality is most beaches in 30A are family-friendly, regardless of whether you’ve got toddlers or teens. The clean white sands, calm waters, well-fitted restrooms/changing areas on various beaches provide smooth sailing for a day on the sand.
For little shallow waders
Families with tinies and toddlers will love Seaside Beach, which has a long stretch of shallow shoreline where kids have tons of room to play safely. Seaside is also easy to access, has lifeguards on duty (an extra set of eyes gives you peace of mind), and there are tons of family-friendly food options within walking distance. has easy paved parking, bathrooms, and lifeguards during peak soon. For a little more space, also boasts gentle waves, shallow, calm waters, and some of the softest sand on the Gulf. It’s less crowded than Seaside, so you’ll have more room to relax and spread out.
For nature loving kiddos
Grayton Beach State Park’s ultra-clean facilities will win any family over. This calm beach with less crowds also has trails to explore if kids need a break from the sun. beach is also home to Western Lake, a picturesque coastal dune lake. is another tucked-away option and is close to the Topsail Hill Preserve State Park.
For surfer dudes and dudettes
While 30A is known for its tranquil waters, the right swells can roll in and become a total surfers playground, a great activity for older kiddos and teens. Grayton Beach is the most reliable spot, where sandbars create small, friendly waves and the occasional big swell. It’s ideal for beginners and experienced surfers and you can book group or private lessons so your kids can get their bearings. Also check out the secret hideaway known as for longboard waves. Insider tip: Check the surf report before heading out. Conditions can change on a dime.
For private settings and stunning backdrops
Alys Beach is a resident or guest-only beach spot. Meaning if you rent here, you’ll avoid the crowds, parking issues, and have a more exclusive family beach experience. The main park in Alys Beach has an ultra-cool playground (an architectural marvel) and the perfect pit stop for getting out the wiggles.
30A Beach Tips for Families:
- Get there early to snag the best spot, especially in peak season.
- Check the surf report, especially if you have small kiddos and want to avoid occasional rough waters.
Beyond the beach
Beyond the sugar-white Gulf sands and languid beach days, family-friendly activities abound in the 30A communities. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike and kayak around the Grayton Beach State Park and make a stop at the (you can snorkel with sea turtles), or head to near Inlet Beach to spot wildlife (Tip: bring binoculars for the best views).
The 30A area is super bike-friendly, with 19 miles of smoothly paved paths along the beach. Rent bikes in any of the town centers (Seaside, WaterColor, and Grayton Beach have some of the largest selections of outfitters) and pick them up in the morning or have them delivered right to your porch. Bike along the highway, pulling over into different neighborhoods to explore or to stop for lunch breaks. Little ones can enjoy the ride too— along with bikes with training wheels and tiny helmets, rental shops often offer trailers or child seats you can easily strap on your bike.
The Gulf Place Town Center in Santa Rosa Beach is another great spot where kids can run freely and cool off in the splash-ready fountain.
For nighttime entertainment, The Big Chill (formerly called The Hub) in Watersound hosts nightly outdoor movies—along with lawn games and weekend live music— with ample space to sprawl out. For an easy dinner, grab a nearby burger or ice cream cone at .
And if Mother Nature ruins your outdoor plans? 30A is host to tons of indoor activities to keep kids of all ages entertained and engaged. Check out these rain-day family-friendly ideas:
- Attend storytime at Rosemary Beach’s Hidden Lantern Books.
For updated information on local family-friendly activities, shows, and concerts, check out the 30A event calendar.
Where to Stay in 30A
Rosemary Beach
Rosemary Beach, with its cobblestone streets and supreme walkability, gives off a total dreamy European village feel. And while it’s one of the more upscale communities in 30A, it’s still very approachable and totally kid-friendly. Rosemary Beach is also a golf-cart free area, meaning you won’t have to worry about your kids getting pummeled by careless resort goers. Take leisurely bike rides through town and stop at the many ample green spaces, Sunday morning farmer’s market for provisions, or snag a table at some truly memorable (and kid-welcoming!) restaurants.
Insider tip: Be on the look out for outdoor movie nights hosted in the town square, with accompanying kid-friendly theater performances.
WaterColor
Resort style but with a refined, southern flare, WaterColor is another top family-friendly place to stay in 30A. Here, pastel hued homes and pristine landscaping provide a calming backdrop for a week at the beach. WaterColor is also very walkable and bikeable— you can even walk or bike to Seaside for more activities, but head home when the crowds come in. And neighboring Western Lake’s natural elements provide the ideal balance of outdoor adventure and beach bumming.
Insider tip: Rent kayaks or standup paddleboards at Western Lake.
Alys Beach
Known as the swankiest community along 30A, this is where you’ll find the largest spread of luxury rentals. Alys Beach has a stylish, sophisticated, Mediterranean feel, but it’s still very kid-friendly. Bike through town to marvel at the dreamy white-washed homes, and enjoy an extra dose of tranquility away from the crowds. Alys Beach is a great break from some of the busier 30A communities, with lots of green space for kids to play and unwind, like the Alys Beach Playground. And with resident-only beach access, a vacation rental here means you don’t have to worry about rising early to get a spot on the sand.
Insider tip: While the kids play at Alys Beach Playground, grab breakfast or healthy lunches to-go at Raw & Juicy right next door.
Grayton Beach
For those looking for an authentic laid back Florida vibe, Grayton Beach is your answer. The natural beauty of both the coast and Western Lake, plus a thriving arts scene, creates a sort of bohemian culture that makes families of all ages feel totally at home. Here you’ll have immediate access to kayaking, fishing, and snorkeling, as well as award-winning restaurants and of course, pristine beaches.
Insider tip: 30A Blaze organizes beach bonfires complete with chairs, tiki torches and roasting sticks for oceanside s’mores.
Where to Eat with Kids in 30A
There’s no denying that mealtime can be a hassle on a family vacation. Finding a spot to fit everyone is a challenge, let alone a kid-friendly environment with food everyone will actually eat. Getting everyone out the door and ready for an early 5pm dinner, especially after a day at the beach, can also be tough. And then of course vacation budgets (or timelines for that matter) don’t always permit three meals out a day. Luckily, 30A is host to a massive range of family-friendly eateries and snack bars, whether you want something on the go for the beach or are looking to sit down for some family time.
Cowgirl Kitchen: Right on Main St. in Rosemary Beach, this fun casual spot serves breakfast/brunch, lunch, and dinner, with tons of options for kids. And their gourmet shop in town also serves great picnic provisions and goods like take-home casseroles or artisan cheeses. At their Blue Mountain location, the kitchen pumps out an excellent spread of grab and go meals you can take right to the beach, including easy handheld breakfast goodies.
Pizza by the Sea: Don't knock this 30A chain until you try it. With multiple locations in the area, their pizzas are reasonably priced and a hit with kids and adults. And if parents want something different, they also offer soups, salads, and sammies.
Pickles: For kid favorites like fries, shakes, and the best burgers on 30A, Pickle’s beachside burger shack at Seaside is the place. And their hand-crafted cocktails at Pickles Sandbar out back are just what the adults ordered— all of which is easily transported to the beach. They also serve breakfast daily.
Food trucks at Seaside: For ultimate family dining where everyone can choose exactly where they want to eat, head to Seaside’s food truck alley. Airstream restaurants serve up fancy grilled cheeses, gourmet hot dogs, crepes, and more.
Old Florida Fish House: This is a fun change of scenery. Housed on Eastern Lake, this family-owned traditional Florida eatery has tons of outdoor space for families, as well as great views.
George’s: For a little vacation splurge, George’s is an award-winning staple in Alys Beach. The outdoor viewing deck is the perfect place for the kiddos to run around while you wait for a table (they don’t take reservations), and everyone will enjoy their fresh seafood, meat, and organic produce offerings— because sometimes you need a veg or too on vacation.
Charlie’s Delights: For the greatest donuts of your kiddo’s (and your) life, head to Charlie’s Delights in Alys Beach. What started as a donut truck is now a mecca for sweet treats like pistachio muffins, chocolate fudge, milk shakes, and hand-held cups of beach-ready donut holes. They also serve great cold brews. Breakfast on the beach has never tasted better.
Blue Mountain Creamery: There’s a reason the lines are long at Blue Mountain Creamery. But even with kiddos in tow, this cheerful shop with tons of outdoor space is simply a fun hang for all. Kids love their award-winning chocolate ice cream, soft serve, and big spread of sprinkle donuts.
Insider Tips
The Best Gear
When it comes to renting beach gear, your best bet is the closest spot to your rental or daily destination, so you don’t have to haul around chairs and umbrellas. Just make sure you book in advance— spring break can get busy. Or check with your vacation rental host to see what they have in stock. But when it comes to baby gear, 30A Tots & Travel has literally everything you could imagine, from basics like car seats and pack n’ plays to beach tents, wagons, and even spikeball sets for teenagers.
Where to Get Groceries
Publix Super Markets have the best grocery selection on 30A. Watercolor is home to a big Publix, where you can stock up on essentials like beach snacks and breakfast foods. Modica Market in Seaside is a beloved smalltown grocery store and deli— scenes from The Truman Show were actually filmed here. You can also shop farmer's markets in Seaside (Saturdays) and Rosemary Beach (Sundays) for the best organic produce and local breads. And if you’re looking to ditch the car entirely, grocery delivery services like Instacart are available in each town.
Spring weather in 30A
Rain in the spring isn’t common in 30A, with spring showers clocking in at about 102mm/month on average. Temps are warm and sunny during the day and delightfully cool at night, so bring a light jacket for after dinner beach strolls or movie nights.
Avoiding Crowds
There’s no secret that spring break is one of the busiest seasons on 30A. So book vacation rentals early to secure your spot, and consider making reservations or hitting early dinner times to secure restaurant tables. When it comes to busy beach parking, Grayton Beach offers easy parking solutions with daily tram service, and Seaside’s free shuttle takes visitors from the lot off Hwy 331 South to Central Square. Read up on these public beach access points along 30A that offer dedicated parking. Otherwise, get to the beaches as early as possible for a good spot, or book a rental in a quieter area like Alys or Rosemary Beach.
Dream Itineraries
For families with babies and toddlers
- Breakfast for everyone at home
- Pack up for the beach
For families with elementary school kids
- Pack up and get everyone out the door
- Pick up bike rentals
For families with teens
- Walk into town for coffee and farmer’s market provisions while the kids sleep in
- Enjoy a languid late brunch out
