our first trip to 30A: the beach town that completely won me over
Clear ocean water, late-night golf cart rides, the best seafood I've had in a while, and so many sweet memories with my favorite people. Here's everything I loved about our first trip to 30A—and why I already can't wait to go back.
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A Much-Needed getaway to 30A
There's something about leaving your everyday routine behind that instantly makes life feel a little lighter.
This summer, my husband and I packed our bags and headed to 30A, Florida, along with my parents, my brother, and my sister-in-love. We stayed near Miramar Beach, and since it was all of our first times exploring this area, we spent the week doing exactly what I love most on vacation—wandering into cute little shops, trying local restaurants, soaking up every beach day, and staying out just a little too late because nobody wanted the trip to end.
I had heard people rave about 30A for years, but now I completely understand why. It has this slower, charming coastal feel that's different from a lot of Florida beach towns. Everywhere you turn there's another boutique, another restaurant you want to try, or another street that looks like it belongs in a Pinterest board.
It quickly became one of those places that feels peaceful while still having plenty to do.
Evenings at Baytowne Wharf Became Our Favorite Tradition
If I had to recommend one place to every first-time visitor, it would easily be Baytowne Wharf.
Almost every evening, we found ourselves ending up there.
It felt like there was always something happening—live music, people walking around with ice cream, families playing games, little shops tucked into every corner, and restaurants everywhere you looked. It has such a fun atmosphere without ever feeling overwhelming.
One of my favorite parts was simply wandering.
We didn't always have a plan. We'd pop into a boutique, sit by the water for a while, people-watch, or grab dessert before heading back to the condo. Those slower evenings ended up being some of my favorite memories from the trip.
And yes...the ice cream there is absolutely worth waiting in line for.
The Restaurants That Completely Stole the Show
One of the best parts of traveling is finding restaurants you immediately wish existed back home.
Our favorite seafood dinner of the week was definitely Poppy's.
The food was delicious, but honestly, the view made the entire experience unforgettable.
Watching the sunset from the pier while eating fresh seafood is one of those moments you don't really appreciate until you're sitting there. Everything slowed down for a little while, and it felt like exactly what a beach vacation should.
If you're planning a trip, I would absolutely recommend timing your reservation around sunset.
It's worth it.
Now let's talk about the restaurant I genuinely haven't stopped thinking about... Pazzo Italiano.
This was easily one of my favorite meals of the entire vacation.
The atmosphere felt cozy without being too formal, the staff was incredibly kind, and every little detail made the experience feel special. The bread served with olive oil? Dangerously good. I think our table could've happily eaten basket after basket before our entrées even arrived.
They also had some of the best mocktails I've had in a long time, which made dinner feel extra fun without needing anything fancy. It's one of those restaurants I'd go back to immediately if I were in the area again.
Kilwins Deserves Its Own Section
Because honestly... It deserves one.
If you've ever walked past a Kilwins, you already know the smell alone is enough to pull you inside. We stopped in for dessert, and while the fudge absolutely lived up to the hype, my personal favorite was the ice cream. Creamy, rich, and exactly what you want after spending the day in the Florida heat. It's one of those vacation treats that somehow just tastes even better because you're on vacation.
No regrets.
The Beach: Beautiful, Busy & Full of Things to Do
The beaches around Miramar Beach are absolutely stunning.
The water was crystal clear—almost Caribbean-looking on some days—and one of the first things I noticed was how clean it was. There was little to no seaweed in the water during our trip, which made swimming even more enjoyable. The soft white sand and bright turquoise water honestly looked like something straight out of a postcard.
We visited in late July and early August, which is definitely one of the busiest times of the year. Even though we had access to a private beach through our resort, it was still surprisingly packed most days. If you're someone who prefers a quieter beach experience, I'd probably recommend visiting during the shoulder season or exploring some of the other beaches along 30A next time.
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One thing I absolutely loved was that there was never a shortage of things to do. If relaxing under an umbrella isn't your style, there are so many water activities to choose from. We saw people jet skiing, paddle boarding, parasailing, and kayaking all day long. We decided to try the banana boat ride, and it ended up being one of the highlights of our entire trip. It was so much fun, and we were laughing the whole time. If you're visiting with family or friends, I definitely recommend adding it to your itinerary—it made for one of our favorite memories of the week.
Another thing I loved was how convenient everything was. Right along the beach were little stands selling fresh açaí bowls, iced coffee, coconuts, fresh fruit, smoothies, frozen drinks, and all kinds of beach snacks. There was something so fun about grabbing an iced coffee after a morning at the beach or cooling off with fresh fruit before heading back to our chairs. It really added to that laid-back, coastal vacation feeling that makes you never want to leave.
Even with the summer crowds, I completely understand why people fall in love with this area. Between the clear water, endless activities, and beachside food stands, every day felt like the perfect mix of relaxing and adventuring. It's the kind of place where you can spend the entire day by the water and still feel like there was more left to experience.
Our Favorite Way to Explore: The Golf Cart
One thing I didn't realize I'd love so much? Driving around in the golf cart that came with our condo. It made getting around feel so much more fun than simply hopping in the car every time we wanted to go somewhere.
We'd cruise to dinner, drive over to explore, or just ride around looking at all the beautiful neighborhoods and beach houses. One night, we got completely caught in one of those classic Florida downpours. Instead of ruining the evening, it honestly became one of the funniest memories from the trip. We were soaked, laughing the entire way back, and trying to convince ourselves it was all part of the adventure.
Looking back, it's those unexpected moments that usually end up being the ones you remember most.
Would I Go Back? Without Question.
This trip reminded me that sometimes the best vacations aren't about checking every tourist attraction off a list. They're about slow mornings, sunset dinners, spontaneous dessert stops, late-night golf cart rides, and spending uninterrupted time with the people you love most. ♡
30A completely exceeded my expectations. Between the beautiful beaches, amazing restaurants, charming little towns, and laid-back atmosphere, it's easy to understand why so many people return year after year. Next time, I'd love to explore even more of the different beach communities, try a few new restaurants, and maybe visit during a slightly less crowded season to experience another side of the area.
Until then, I'll be dreaming about the clear water, the bread and olive oil at Pazzo Italiano, late-night walks through Baytowne Wharf, and ice cream that was absolutely worth standing in line for.
If you've been considering a trip to 30A, let this be your sign. I have a feeling it won't be your last visit either.
