Top Neighborhoods of 30A

Blue Mountain Beach

Blue Mountain Beach sits at the highest point (65 ft) along the Gulf of Mexico, and though it’s more of a “hill” than a mountain, locals embrace the name. This area is truly a hidden gem on 30A, known for its quiet streets, friendly locals, and relaxed vibe. It’s ideal for travelers who want to avoid crowds but still be close to everything. Highland Parks, a popular neighborhood within Blue Mountain, features a stunning resort-style pool and lookout tower with panoramic Gulf views! Check out Blue Suede Shores, one of our homes in the area!

The main public beach access is located at the end of Blue Mountain Road and has convenient amenities including restrooms, outdoor showers, a bike rack, and a small parking lot. And after a day at the beach, head to Blue Mountain Creamery for homemade ice cream or grab some tacos and live music at Red Fish Taco!

Nature lovers will be drawn to the area's unique coastal dune lakes— Little Redfish Lake, Big Redfish Lake, and nearby Draper Lake— perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, or simply taking in the stunning views! The paved Timpoochee Trail also runs right through the heart of Blue Mountain Beach, offering 19 miles of scenic biking and walking access that connects from Dune Allen to Seacrest!

Just inland, the beautiful 15,000-acre Point Washington State Forest lies right at Blue Mountain’s doorstep. With over ten miles of nature trails to explore, guests can hike through diverse ecosystems, from towering pine groves and blooming wildflower fields to quiet cypress swamps full of wildlife.

Browse All Blue Mountain Beach Rentals
 

---

Grayton Beach

Grayton Beach is the original and one of the most iconic communities along 30A— known for its motto “Nice Dogs, Strange People” and its wonderfully quirky personality. Here, you'll find historic beach cottages mixed with charming new homes, all surrounded by towering oaks and beautiful dunes.

Grayton Beach State Park is a major attraction, offering hiking trails, campgrounds, rare coastal dune lakes, a variety of water activities along Western Lake, and a preserved quiet beach with powdery-soft sand. The park also provides public restrooms, showers, and ample parking.

For quicker beach access, the Grayton Dunes public beach access is ADA accessible and has freshwater showers, though limited public parking.
One of Grayton’s most unique features is that it’s the only place in the region where you can legally drive a 4-wheel drive vehicle onto the beach (with the right permits, of course)!

Must-visit spots in Grayton Beach include The Red Bar (a local legend), Chiringo for casual eats, and AJ’s for some lovely live music! 

Browse All Grayton Beach Rentals
 

---

Seacrest

Nestled in between Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach is the quaint, darling town of Seacrest.  Seacrest feels refreshingly laid-back while still offering easy access to some of 30A’s most popular dining, shopping, and entertainment.

While much of the beach access here is private and accessed via a tram service, there is one public option nearby at Winston Lane, just a short bike ride away. However, there are no restrooms or parking available at any of the access points. 

At the heart of Seacrest is a 12,000 square-foot Lagoon pool, one of the largest private pools in the state of Florida! Complimenting the pool area is a poolside café, as well as a grassy amphitheater for year-round entertainment, including concerts, festivals, and daytime activities like Bocce or Frisbee. 
Peddlers Pavilion is the community hub, with bike rentals, boutique shops, an outdoor pub, and live music. Seacrest also connects directly to the Timpoochee Trail, the 19-mile paved bike path that stretches the full length of 30A!

One important note for visitors using LSVs (low-speed vehicles): While they are allowed on Scenic Highway 30A, they are strictly prohibited on the neighborhood streets within Seacrest, and nearby Rosemary Beach, and Alys Beach. This means you can cruise up and down 30A, but must park and walk or bike once going inside these communities. It’s part of what helps maintain the safe, walkable vibe that makes these areas so special.

Browse All Seacrest Rentals
 

---

Seagrove

Known for its shady oak canopies, winding roads, and a mix of cozy cottages and upscale beach homes, Seagrove has long been one of the most beloved communities along the coast. It’s centrally located, just east of Seaside, making it perfect for guests who want easy access to everything 30A has to offer while still enjoying the peaceful, nature-filled charm of an old Florida beach town.

The Seagrove community offers more public beach access points than all other 30A neighborhoods, so no matter where you stay you’re sure to have access close by!
 

Including:

Foodies will feel right at home in Seagrove with so many great restaurants! Dining at Café Thirty-A is a must, with a variety of fresh seafood, steaks, an extensive wine/cocktail menu, and scrumptious desserts on the ever-changing menu! For casual coastal bites, Seagrove Village Market Café has been serving up shrimp po-boys and famous grouper sandwiches since 1949. Other standouts include The Perfect Pig for Southern comfort, Surfing Deer for an upscale beachfront vibe, and Old Florida Fish House for sushi and live music by the lake!

Once you’ve spent a day in Seagrove, you’ll understand why so many guests return year after year!

Browse All Seagrove Rentals
 

---

Seaside

Charming, iconic, and instantly recognizable, Seaside is the heart of 30A, and for good reason. With its pastel-colored cottages, white picket fences, and lovely walkable town center, Seaside feels like it was designed for making memories!

Guests staying in Seaside enjoy having everything just a short walk or bike ride away. The town’s central amphitheater is a hub of activity year-round, hosting farmers markets, live music, movie nights, and seasonal festivals. Around it, you'll find a mix of local boutiques, art galleries, and plenty of places to eat— including a variety of delicious airstream food trucks! There are also public restrooms located near the amphitheater and shopping district. While parking is limited, the entire town is walkable and LSV/bike-friendly!

Seaside’s beach access points are privately maintained for homeowners and rental guests, but when you book a vacation home you gain access to one of the beautifully designed entryways, each one marked by an architecturally unique pavilion. The nine beach pavilions are not only functional but iconic landmarks, offering shaded boardwalks, benches, and breathtaking views of the Gulf. For visitors without a rental in Seaside, limited public beach access is available through the Coleman Pavilion, but it is advised to make a reservation here ahead of time.

The diverse collection of shops and restaurants, coupled with year-round events and festivals, makes Seaside the focal point for the entire 30A area.

Browse All Seaside Rentals
 

---

WaterColor

Nestled between Seaside and Grayton Beach, the community of WaterColor offers a seamless blend of luxury, convenience, adventure, and abundant natural beauty. Known for its upscale accommodations, WaterColor is one of the most coveted destinations along Scenic 30A!
.
Exclusively for WaterColor homeowners and rental guests, the community’s private amenities provide the ultimate resort-style experience. The centerpiece of the community is the WaterColor Beach Club, offering exclusive access to one of the area’s most beautiful beaches. Guests can enjoy beach chair rentals, towel service, and three beautiful pools: a huge main pool and lounge area, an 'adults only' pool, additional pool deck with even more lounge seating, and a third pool area with zero-entry (perfect for even the littlest kids)! There’s also the popular sunset bar, Costa Chica, which is the ultimate spot to relax with snacks or a cocktail.  All of these amenities have beautiful views of the Gulf!

Just over the WaterColor bridge is Camp WaterColor, a fun-filled amenity designed with families in mind. Here, you can enjoy three pools- its main butterfly pool with monarch slide for older kids, the caterpillar pool (zero-entry) with children's area with a skipper slide for littler kids, and the lazy lizard pool (zero-entry) which is a lazy river! Lifeguards are on duty at all three pools for added peace of mind. There’s also a basketball court, a playground, and a spacious play field for kids to run, play, and explore. When hunger hits, head to The Canteen Restaurant & Bar, a laid-back spot offering snacks, handheld bites, drinks, and even ice cream sandwiches from Deep South Freeze—perfect after a day in the sun. Guests will also have access to four additional pools thoughtfully placed throughout the WaterColor community.

For outdoor enthusiasts, The WaterColor Boathouse, set along scenic Western Lake is a must! Guests can rent kayaks, canoes, or stand-up paddleboards, take fitness/yoga classes, go fishing, and more along this rare coastal dune lake!

The adventure continues throughout WaterColor with miles of biking and hiking trails that wind through forests, lakefront paths, and picturesque parks. Guests will also have access to community tennis and pickleball courts, offering even more ways to stay active and have fun.

After a day of adventure, unwind in WaterColor’s Town Center, offering a unique shopping experience with a variety of stylish shops featuring coastal-inspired apparel, unique gifts, and art galleries. Also, you don’t want to miss the local events, such as outdoor movie nights, live music, and seasonal festivities!

Browse All WaterColor Rentals
 

---

Watersound

The gated community of Watersound is defined by its pristine dunes, winding wooden boardwalks, and tranquil beach atmosphere.

Most beach access here is private for residents and guests, though public beach access is available at Deer Lake State Park, located just west of Watersound. This serene and less-crowded beach offers a half-mile stretch of sugar-white sand and is accessible via a boardwalk that winds through the park's unique dune ecosystem! The park also provides picnic facilities, restrooms, and parking for ultimate convenience.

Beyond the beach, Watersound offers a variety of available community amenities that make it a perfect place for both relaxation and adventure. Guests can enjoy miles of boardwalk, putting green access, bocci ball courts, and several community pools, including the Dunesider Pool with outdoor grills, shaded lounge areas, and private cabanas.

For those who like to stay active, Watersound offers plentiful bike trails, walking paths, and access to a private fitness center. The surrounding parks and natural spaces make the perfect background for adventure and relaxation.

Just a short LSV or bike ride away is The Big Chill 30A, a popular spot for dining, shopping, live music, and a variety of special events! Golfers will also love the area, with three top-notch golf courses nearby, including Camp Creek, Shark’s Tooth, and Origins Golf Course!

Browse All Watersound Rentals