Your Guide to the Best 30A Communities

If you’re craving a sunny Florida vacation but don’t feel like dealing with the congested streets of Miami or the never ending theme park lines of Orlando, your best option is 30A and its distinct communities.

An intentionally-curated string of small beachside communities located off Scenic Route 30A (between Panama City and Destin), 30A allows you to explore the beauty of coastal Florida at your own pace. Each 30A community has its own feel and unique culture, though all of them have a few things in common: gorgeous beaches, great food, proximity to untouched nature, and delightful downtown shopping.

The 100 Collection™ is proud to partner with ELP Luxury Vacations, a curated selection of well-appointed vacation houses sprinkled throughout the 30A communities.

Think: great locations, private luxury pools, effortless beach access, updated kitchens, and plenty of space for family and friends to reconnect. Because ELP’s 30A rentals sleep between 14 and 35 people, they are ideal for planning group trips, bachelor/ette parties, destination weddings, and family reunions.

If you haven’t had the chance to visit the 30A communities before, here’s a detailed breakdown of what makes each one special:

1. Rosemary Beach

Aerial view of beachfront condos and houses with staircases leading down a sandy dune to a bright white beach, where a few people are sitting near the shoreline under a clear blue sky.

Photo Credit: @bridgerbow

If nothing makes you and your loved ones happier than an iced latte and a sunny stroll around town, you’re going to love Rosemary Beach.

Located on the eastern end of 30A, Rosemary Beach is approximately 4 miles from the heart of Seaside (often considered downtown 30A) and features public beach access with lifeguarded areas during peak season.

Known for its distinct architecture, thoughtful urban planning, and intentional walkability, Rosemary Beach is a perfect fit for anyone who would rather lace up their sneakers than hop in a car.

Best Dining in Rosemary Beach:

Top Things to Do in Rosemary Beach:

2. Inlet Beach

Dramatic sunset over a quiet beach with soft waves, colorful clouds painted in orange, pink, and blue, and beachfront houses lining the distant shoreline.

Photo Credit: @edgutentag

If your previous Florida experiences have led you into crowded environments (perhaps congested beaches or certain wildly popular theme parks), you deserve a chance to stretch out a little more.

Enter Inlet Beach: secluded, intimate, and gloriously uncrowded. Positioned at the far eastern end of 30A near the intersection with Highway 98, Inlet Beach sits about 6 miles from Seaside and offers excellent public beach access with ample free parking.

The best part? You can connect with natural oceanside beauty without having to go totally off-grid because Inlet Beach has a cozy downtown with plenty of restaurants and boutique options for dinners out and daytime shopping.

Best Dining in Inlet Beach:

Top Things to Do in Inlet Beach:

3. Dune Allen

Crystal-clear turquoise water gently washing onto soft white sand under a bright blue sky with wisps of clouds on the horizon.

Photo Credit: @soakupthefloridasun

Dune Allen is home to multiple coastal dune lakes, which are only found in a few places in the world. Located at the western end of 30A, Dune Allen is approximately 10 miles from Seaside and features the Dune Allen Regional Beach Access with lifeguards, restrooms, and handicap accessibility.

In other words, it’s an absolute dream for anyone who has a passion for nature and loves exploring rare, visually striking landscapes.

And you’ll be close to 4 state parks for pretty much any outdoor activity you can imagine.

Best Dining Near Dune Allen:

Top Things to Do Near Dune Allen:

4. Seacrest Beach

White sandy beach with rows of teal lounge chairs and umbrellas, groups of people enjoying the sun and sea, and turquoise waves sparkling under a bright sky with scattered clouds.

Photo Credit: @360_blue

Like the other 30A communities, Seacrest Beach offers plenty to do (or not do, if you’d rather sunbathe on the beach with an iced sweet tea and a good book). Centrally located along 30A, Seacrest Beach is just 2 miles west of Seaside and offers convenient public beach access through nearby Deer Lake State Park.

You can expect a lively downtown arts and culture scene paired with plenty of outdoor activity options. This makes it a perfect spot for families or friend groups that have mixed interests because there’s something for everyone.

Best Dining Near Seacrest Beach:

Top Things to Do Near Seacrest Beach:

5. Seagrove Beach

Golden sunset clouds glow dramatically over the ocean, reflecting on the rippling waves, while the white sandy beach stretches forward with footprints and tire tracks.

Photo Credit: @seagrovebeachflorida

Seagrove Beach is beautiful, and it’s also a great place to bring kids and teens.

In addition to frolicking on the beach, your family can learn more about marine life and ecosystems through activities like snorkeling and dolphin cruises.

Located in the heart of 30A, Seagrove Beach sits adjacent to Seaside and offers multiple public beach access points with seasonal lifeguards. As one of the original 30A communities, Seagrove Beach has a bustling downtown, while still providing connection to the outdoors.

Like the rest of the 30A communities, there’s an abundance of preserved natural beauty for you to explore.

Best Dining in Seagrove Beach:

Top Things to Do Near Seagrove Beach:

6. Grayton Beach

Aerial view of a coastal neighborhood with white-roofed houses, palm trees, and cars parked along the streets, leading out to a wide sandy beach and calm turquoise ocean waters at sunset.

Photo Credit: @graytonbeach

Situated about 3 miles west of Seaside, Grayton Beach offers excellent public beach access through Grayton Beach State Park, which consistently ranks among America's best beaches.

In addition to being close to Grayton Beach State Park, the historic community of Grayton Beach is known for its eclectic, laid-back downtown area and excellent dining options.

For example, The Red Bar is a classic, famous-for-a-reason Grayton Beach spot that hosts live music every night and serves up fantastic Southern food (shrimp, crawfish, grits, inventive pasta dishes, and more).

Best Dining in Grayton Beach:

Top Things to Do Near Grayton Beach:

7. WaterColor

A resort-style pool surrounded by lounge chairs and white umbrellas, with palm trees and a wooden boardwalk leading to the white-sand beach and turquoise ocean in the background.

Photo Credit: @watercolorinn

Close to Point Washington State Forest, WaterColor is an ideal 30A community for anyone who loves hiking through lush, green surroundings. Located approximately 5 miles east of Seaside, WaterColor provides public beach access and is known as one of 30A's most upscale yet family-oriented communities.

Like Grayton Beach, it’s close to Western Lake– one of the largest dune lakes– so you can fish, kayak, and explore a rare ecosystem.

Plus, from live music to bike tours, there’s always something to do in WaterColor’s fun and creative downtown area.

Best Dining in WaterColor:

Top Things to Do Near WaterColor:

Which 30A community do you think will be the best fit for YOUR family?

It can be hard to choose, but luckily, your options are open. Since the communities are so close to each other, you can start by choosing the best 30A beachside vacation rental for your family.

Then, plan day trips or outdoor excursions to other 30A communities so you won’t miss out on any of the fun, culture, and nature each one has to offer.

Curious about The 100 Collection’s other destinations? Check out our full list of curated, quality-first vacation rentals here: I’m ready to explore