In a destination as appealing as 30A, deciding where to stay can feel like the hardest part of planning your trip. Each community along this scenic highway has its own character, and a short drive or walk in either direction delivers an entirely different experience. Here’s a look at what each one offers and where to stay, from WaterColor® to Inlet Beach.
WaterColor®
Named for the soft hues of its coastal landscape, WaterColor® is home to the westernmost of our 30A hotels and just 30 minutes from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP).
WaterColor Inn makes an ideal base for exploring and relaxing. Wander to food trucks in the nearby Seaside community, linger over fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants, and browse boutique shops tucked beneath shaded awnings. When it’s time to unwind, the inn offers bikes and paddleboards to borrow, a lazy river and waterslides for cooling off, and a private beach club with multiple pools and expanded seating on upper and lower decks.
Seaside®
Seaside® is one of those places that lives up to its picture-perfect expectations. With pastel cottages, white picket fences, and an iconic post office immortalized by The Truman Show in 1998, it’s a must-visit on the way to Seagrove Beach.
Seagrove Beach
Tucked between Seaside and Watersound® communities, Seagrove Beach is 30A as the locals know it. Here, 1950s beach cottages sit alongside newer homes, the best restaurants are family-owned, and life moves at a slower pace than in the surrounding communities. Visitors are drawn to the relaxed atmosphere, the easy access to some of the region’s best walking and biking trails, and hotel prices that tend to be lower than in neighboring 30A towns.
The Lodge 30A fits right in, with a convenient location next to the shops and restaurants at Greenway Station and public beach access at Deer Lake State Park just a short drive or bike ride away. Guestrooms feature full kitchenettes for those who like to cook on vacation, and unlike most 30A hotels, your furry companion is welcome to join you.
Watersound Beach®
The Watersound Beach® community is built around what makes this stretch of coast so rare. Set within 1,400 acres of preserved dunes, coastal lakes, and pine forest, it’s among the most private enclaves on the Emerald Coast, and only 30 minutes from the area’s main airport.
Watersound Inn stands out as a unique choice for travelers, especially those looking to book an extended stay. Every suite is designed for space and ease, with a full kitchen, in-suite laundry, and a private balcony overlooking the community. Guests also enjoy access to a private beach club, featuring zero-entry pools, shaded cabanas, and complimentary beach setups along a mile of pristine shoreline. With two bikes per suite and access to wellness amenities like tennis and championship golf, it’s easy to settle in—and hard to imagine leaving.
Seacrest Beach®
Less than a mile from Watersound Inn, Seacrest Beach® is ideal for a laid-back afternoon of browsing local shops and grabbing a bite at The Hub, a communal dining hall packed with different restaurants and vendors.
Alys Beach®
The bright white architecture of neighboring Alys Beach® is impossible to miss. Here, al fresco cafés, and an open-air amphitheatre invite you to take a leisurely detour before continuing east to Rosemary Beach.
Rosemary Beach®
Drive 20 minutes from WaterColor Inn, and you’ll arrive at Rosemary Beach® community, where the atmosphere feels more like a storybook village than a typical Florida getaway. Gas-lit lamps flicker along cobblestone streets, courtyard gardens spill over with greenery, and winding staircases lead to rooftop bars overlooking sugar-white sands and emerald waves.
About 40 minutes from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), this corner of 30A rewards those who like to take their time, and The Pearl Hotel was made exactly for this kind of unhurried indulgence. A private beach offers guests complimentary setups, and an adults-only pool is just steps from luxurious spa services. Like WaterColor Inn, bikes and paddleboards are included at the 30A hotel, allowing guests to explore the coastline at whatever pace the day demands.
Inlet Beach
For travelers seeking equal parts relaxation and activity, Inlet Beach delivers. Located along the eastern stretch of Scenic Highway 30A, the community pairs a laid-back coastal feel with abundant recreation.
Set among pine trees and championship fairways, Camp Creek Inn offers an inviting retreat with club-style amenities available to every guest. Just 30 minutes from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, the property provides easy access to four golf courses, tennis and pickleball courts, sporting clays, and a full wellness center, along with resort-style pools, a waterslide, and a lazy river. When it’s time for the beach, a guest shuttle delivers visitors to a private Gulf-front club, complete with loungers, umbrellas, and food and drink service steps from the sand.
Each community offers its own way to experience the Emerald Coast. Browse places to stay to book a trip that matches your interests.
Details included in this story were accurate at time of publication but are subject to change based on seasonal schedules, amenity and/or operational updates. For the most current information, please visit the respective property’s website.
