Travel Guide: 30A

30A had not been on my bucket list until my kids convinced me it would be fun. I was surprised how much I loved 30A! Beware, I've been told that the crowds, waits and lines have been worse than ever before. Even though, it is somewhat crowded, there are so many things to do off the beaten path. We chose Watercolor for the biking trails, access to the lake and to meet up with other friends staying in that part of 30A. I think next time I would like to try Rosemary, as it is biking only, no golf carts, and has beautiful Dutch architecture. If I go back for a girls trip, I definitely want to stay in Alys Beach, because the Grecian white buildings are stunning!! Weather was fabulous all week!

Because it's Cancer Survivor Day we made sure to be protected with SPF. I was super consistent with my body and skincare regimens. Plus, I got a Notox, Spray Tan and wax before my trip! Learn how to Jump Start Your Summer Slim Down and Summer's Perfectly Light Weight Skincare Routine!

Check out our Travel Checklist for musts to bring! Here's all of the products I brought with me:

Don't forget arrival packages/goodie bags for you and your friends (my treat of course): Check out my go-to's!

Sheet Masks, Mini Crystal Roller, Travel Soap Bars, SPF

Here are some of my top picks:

Stay

The Pearl

Water Color Eats

Bud and Alleys for sundowner (then run to beach and get best lighting dusk photos). Always a good scene!
Great Southern Cafe- they get all of their produce locally!
Shrimp Shack (you would like if you like seafood, go in and order at counter, sit down and they bring it to you. Super quick and easy!)
Pizza Bar (sit down, more restaurant style, could do for lunch or dinner. Great with your kids! Owned by Bud and Alley's).
Taco bar (Also by Bud and Alley's. Great margs and it's quick & easy!).

ROSEMARY EATS

Pescado - loved this dinner the MOST. They have an awesome rooftop with amazing views!
Cowgirl kitchen - if you like dirty food, this ones for you
La Crema Tapas - lunch or dinner, super yum
Edwards Fine Foods and Wine - does lunch Wed-Sun until 3. Fine dining with a casual atmosphere!
Paradis - dinner and cocktails, lot's of fresh seafood
The Pearl Hotel - love the rooftop bar!

Great southern cafe in Watercolor, FL

Photographed by: @NicoleMurphy424242

GLUTEN FREE EATS

OTHER EATS

Cafe Thirty A - Seagrove Beach, great service!
George’s - Alys Beach, a staple
Caliza - Alys Beach, leave the kids at home and head here!
The Red Bar - Such a classic in Grayton Beach. There's a DJ Thursday-Saturday and Live Music throughout the week.
Love pizza?! Pizza By The Sea at Watercolor Crossings is great! Order early because it takes a while to deliver or pick up.
The Citizen at Alys Beach - A coastal tavern serving creative local fare

ACTIVITIES

Sit by Watercolor Beach pool. Don’t forget to bring the key cards they give you-- you can’t get in without them!!

@cc.boome luxury parties (website here) for an afternoon fete with friends- she's awesome!
SUP or Kayak on the Watercolor lake- super fun!
Rosemary/ Alys shopping all day
Club Cabana Man - a MUST if you want to sit on the beach
Fishing Charter out of Grayton
Charcuterie for cocktail hour
TRX Class at the Watercolor Boat House
Farmer’s market Saturdays
Bonfire
Golf in Sandestin, you can get a day pass
Wanna darty?! Grab a pontoon boat and cruise out to Crab Island
The Bay on Wednesday's for live music

Switch2pure founder Estela Cockrell

RENTALS

Sanders Beach Rentals
VRBO
Capt Larry at Dead Fish Charters (he drops his big boat right out of Grayton)
360 Blue Rentals
For house hunting and home sales with Nicole Murphy and James Watts

STORES

Ophelia (1 location in the back of seaside square and 1 location in Seagrove. Love for swimsuits!)
Mercantile (Seaside square)
Cabana (Seaside square, beach side)
Old Florida Outfitters (for boys, in Watercolor)
Patchouli’s (Rosemary)
Alys Beach store (30a)
Disco (cute clothes)
Willow (curated really well! Located in Seaside)
Willow + Mercer (located in Rosemary)
Faherty (Ayls Beach)

PRO TIPS

**BE SURE TO LOCK YOUR BIKES IN THE GARAGE TO A RACK OR ELSE THE WATERCOLOR PATROL PEOPLE “TOW” THEM AND YOU HAVE TO PAY TO GET THEM BACK**
Use Instacart for delivery
No Ubers! Rent a car or bike everywhere!
Book your golf cart, bikes, electric cars as soon as you get your rental. Don't wait!
BREAKFAST-- Cook at home every morning, I recommend getting a big grocery haul at Publix! There is also a coffee shop in the square called Amavida. Really good coffee!!
Use Turo for car rental