The place I feel most at peace and look forward to every single year

Growing up, my parents, brother and I went to Destin every summer and stayed in Sandestin. It has become a special place in my heart. As we grew older and family expanded, we started moving further and further east towards 30a. Eventually we began renting houses close or on the beach. It is truly such a relaxing and beautiful destination. Here are all of my tips and recommendations!

All About 30A

From Travel to beach towns, restaurants and more.

GETTING THERE

Until Isaac and I had kids, we always drove. On occasion we would stop in New Orleans for the night on the way there and then finish the drive the second day. Once we had Cooper, my mom and I would fly while my husband, dad and brother drove with all of the luggage. We had Collins and then flew JSX a few times (which was amazing). But JSX no longer has flights from Houston to Destin. What has worked for us the past few years is my mom, dad, and I fly with the kids. Isaac and my brother drive with all of the luggage. We rent a second SUV at the airport with car seats. That way we have two cars with car seats to get around while we are there.

WHERE TO STAY

As I mentioned previously, we used to always stay at Sandestin in Destin proper; specifically, the Westwinds tower (condos). Now we rent. We have rented through VRBO, but have discovered it is often less expensive to rent through the local property management companies such as 360 Blue, 30a Escapes, Stay at 30a, etc. We like renting in Seagrove Beach. We find it to be the least crowded and there are still many destinations to get to via golf cart. Seagrove is in between Seaside and Alys Beach. Rosemary Beach is the furthest East.

COFFEE | Where to go and my favorites to drink

  • Beachy Bean (Seagrove Beach) | Onyx Latte (cinnamon, vanilla and honey), Vanilla Bean Matcha
  • Amavida (Seaside and Rosemary Beach) | Sea Oat Latte, Vanilla Matcha
  • Fonville Press (Alys Beach) | Pencil Sharpener Latte, Morning Delight Matcha
  • 3rd Cup (Rosemary Beach) | Tiramisu Latte, Dulce de Leche Matcha
  • Turbo Coffee (Seagrove Beach) | Green Eye Matcha

SMOOTHIES

  • Real and Raw (Santa Rosa Beach) | Dragon Fruit Dream, Mango Colada, Aloha
  • Prema Organic Cafe (Santa Rosa Beach) | Berry Love
  • Raw and Juicy (Aly Beach) | Antioxidant

Restaurants

  • Old Florida Fish Houst (Seagrove Beach) | Fish House Smoked Tuna Dip, Chopped Caesar Salad, Coastside Crab Cake, Miami Heat Sushi Roll, Backdown Roll
  • Citizen (Alys Beach) | Seafood Tower, Whipped Feta, Chopped Roquefort Wedge Salad, Summer Pesto Pasta, Wild Sea Scallops
  • Ambrosia 30a (Watersound) | Angel Eggs, Prime Steak Rolls, Wagyu Bread, Oysters, Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail, Lobster Bisque, Taste of 30a, Florida Red Snapper, Crab Stuffed Flounder
  • George’s 30a (Alys Beach) | Lobster Quesadilla, Spicy Watermelon Burrata Salad, George’s Famous Shrimp, Spicy Salt and Pepper Shrimp, Jumbo Lump Crab Cake
  • Mimmo’s (Santa Rosa Beach) | Meatballs and Sausage, Burrata Caprese, Tuna Salad, Manicotti, Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Linguine Frutti Di Mare, Raviolo All’Aragosta
  • La Crema (Rosemary Beach) | Ceviche, Malaga Shrimp, Main Street Shrimp, Fish Tacos, Steak Empanadas, Blue Crab Rangoons
  • Gallion’s (Rosemary Beach) | Fried Deviled Eggs, Smoked Fish Dip, Ahi Tuna Tacos, Roasted Gulf Grouper, Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli
  • Cafe Thirty-A (Seagrove Beach) | Honey Whipped Ricotta, She Crab Soup, Butter Lettuce Salad, Maine Lobster in Paradise, Cajun Shrimp and Grits

ICE CREAM

  • Pecan Jack’s (Seagrove Beach)
  • Kahve and Cream
  • Kilwin’s

Babysitters, Photography, and In Home Dining/Meal Delivery

  • We have used 30a Babysitters the past three years and they are absolutely amazing!
  • Every year we take photos with Tabitha Corinne Photography
  • Seagrove Beach Catering and Swiftly Catered

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