A local shares her favorite restaurants, hotels, and things to do in Florida’s 30A.
We asked Ragsdale what makes 30A so special.
It’s an eco park.
Credit:Jason Jones Travel Photography/Getty Images
There are no go-karts, bungee jumping, or nightclubs.
When guests book a room at this 75-room property, they get the full WaterSound private club experience.
The Wellness Center has a yoga studio, cycle studio, and cardio equipment overlooking the three pools.
Dune Allen/Courtesy of Walton County Tourism
There are tennis and pickleball courts plus plenty of open, green space.
Access to WaterSounds private beach is also included.
Its no wonder it was voted one of thebest resorts for families in Floridaby T+L readers.
Courtesy of The Pearl Hotel
Best Things to Do
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Hit a state park.
Paddle a coastal dune lake.
Dive the Underwater Museum of Art.
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Visit the beaches.
Take a river tour.
Backwater Tourscan take you on a jungle cruise without leaving South Walton County.
Courtesy of Walton County Tourism
Bob and Linda White started their independent bookstore in a plywood shack with a cigar box and handwritten receipts.
Grab a beach read from the shelf of staff favorites always a good bet.
Restaurants, a butcher shop, and The Lodge 30A make for an immersive experience.
Courtesy of Nanbu Noodle Bar/Walton County Tourism
Yes, c’mon.Nanbuserves Japanese preparations with Southern ingredients and flair.
Black Bear Bread Co.
It started with a black bear rummaging through a garbage can and Phil McDonalds legendary slow-fermented sourdough recipe.
Erika Goldring/Getty Images
Benton can be found hanging out in the original Grayton Beach location often.
I’m a huge fan ofBlack Bear Bread Co.s peppermint tea and long-fermented sourdough, she said.
The menu features gulf-to-table seafood along with Cajun specialties like crawfish pie, boudin bites, and po’boys.
Mariah Tyler/Travel + Leisure
After dinner, pop over toStinkys Bait Shack.
By night, the rustic venue transforms into a venue for live music.
Visit in January to catch the30A Songwriters Festival.
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More than 175 artists perform over a four-day weekend in 30-plus intimate venues, all located along the 30A.
According to Ragsdale, though, May holds the best reason to visit:Digital Graffiti.
Stroll the open-air path of whitewashed walls lit up with digitally curated projection artwork from artists around the world.
Courtesy of Visit South Walton Florida
Alys Beach also hosts my favorite event,Crafted.
A variety of shuttles, taxis, and rental cars are available at each.
Alys Beach
The stark white architecture ofAlys Beachprovides the perfect canvas for the coastal environment surrounding it.
Plenty of parking and access roads make getting around easy.
Grayton Beach
Grayton Beachs shotgun houses and independent businesses embody what has disappeared across most of Florida.
Blue Mountain Beach
Located on the western end of 30A,Blue Mountain Beachhas some sleepy vibes.
New spots likeMimmosandThe Stallshave popped up, but old haunts remain.
According to Ragsdale, anelectric bikeis the way to get around 30A.
(Yolodelivers to you if you cant make it to the shop.)
