The Five Most Popular Beach Towns on 30A

The Beaches of the Emerald Coast, known familiarly as 30A, include many beach communities of various styles, from ultra-luxury gated communities, to planned spaces, to towns with bohemian flare. Of course, all of them feature the sun-bleached white sand beaches and beautiful coastline that keep people coming back to the beaches of South Walton. Here is a list of five of the most popular and sought after beach communities along 30A, each boasting a unique kind of lifestyle that locals and new people to the area love to immerse themselves in as part of their own.

Started in the early 1980’s as a master planned community, Seaside has evolved into an incredibly popular beach destination along 30A. Known for its pastel cottage style homes and town center, there is no shortage of activity in Seaside and you can even leave your car behind for the week! The town center features eclectic shops and restaurants that are always bustling. A fun bohemian-style open air market features all kinds of beach wear in pop-up shops, reflecting Seaside’s open nature. One of Seaside’s featured attractions that adds to the flair of this fun beachside town is the collection of Airstream food trucks with delicious food options for everyone to enjoy. Extending on both sides of 30A, there is a rooftop eatery for gazing out over the pristine white beach and azure water or taking in a spectacular sunset. Seaside’s development was ahead of its time, and has now become the standard for planned communities along the Emerald Coast, with beautiful beach properties and a lively town all in one area for convenient luxury beach living. 

Another master-planned community located next to Seaside is WaterColor. Based on Southern-style architecture with large wrap-around porches, WaterColor is a popular beach destination for families due to the large, accommodating properties and the abundance of activities in the town. Chock-full of amenities including swimming pools, fitness-center, tennis courts, parks, gardens, as well as shops and restaurants, your lifestyle needs will be more than satisfied at this thriving beach community. For the ultimate luxury, experience the only four diamond hotel in Northwest Florida, the WaterColor Inn. It is a 60-room beachfront resort voted the #1 Family Friendly Resort in North America by Travel + Leisure Magazine in 2006.

Designed in 1995, Rosemary Beach is a master-planned community with a European feel and was named one of “America’s Most Romantic Small Towns” by CNN. The architectural style features neutral colors and plenty of wrought iron balconies, as well as brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets that evoke the West Indies. The properties reflect this similar style, while nestled among the natural Florida greenery. Full of cute shops, restaurants, cafes, green spaces and a luxury hotel, there is always a level of vibrancy about the Rosemary Beach town. Spanning both sides of 30A, it is easy to walk between the beach and the town, and bicycle travel is prevalent. Equally welcoming to couples, families, or just “the girls”, Rosemary Beach will not disappoint.

One of 30A’s newer and most luxurious communities is Alys Beach. Reminiscent of Bermuda or Santorini, Greece, the architecture here features brilliant white, minimalist buildings, which is a truly unique style that sets this community apart from the rest of 30A. Multiple pools plus a few curated shops and restaurants draw luxury lovers to Alys Beach and its popularity is growing by the day. In addition to its beautiful beaches there are neighborhood parks, a 21-acre nature preserve, tennis courts and an amphitheater. If you are looking to indulge yourself with a town that exudes luxury living, Alys Beach is surely the right destination for you. 

WaterSound Beach is a gated beachfront community featuring natural dunes and winding wooden boardwalks and bridges that connect the homes, cottages and condominiums within the property and lead out to the beaches. Over a mile of private beach ensures that the sugar-white sand is never crowded, allowing for peaceful enjoyment of the ocean. The architecture here is reminiscent of New England, with shake shingles and gambrel roofs, which adds a unique and attractive twist to high-end Florida beach properties. The addition of The Hub, full of casual beach eateries and shopping plus entertainment, all within walking distance gives WaterSound Beach a level of activity that nicely compliments the serenity of this exquisite beach community.