The Lodge 30A

When planning your South Walton vacation and exploring 30A lodging options, you may be tempted to book a vacation rental, but we’re here to share why you should choose a limited-service hotel for the ultimate affordable, flexible and hassle-free stay.

The Lodge 30A provides a seamless Seagrove Beach hotel experience without the costs, but with all of the comfortable and convenient perks that vacation rentals just can’t provide. Enjoy the comfort of a studio-style room with a full kitchenette, plus daily housekeeping, no cleaning fees and no long-stay requirements. 

Additionally, the Seagrove Beach hotel offers 24/7 amenities – including a fitness center, business center, market with Starbucks® and outdoor pool – and free parking and Wi-Fi. Walk to some of 30A’s best shops and restaurants, and opt in for Watersound Beach Club® access to enjoy private beaches, pools and beach setups. 

Read on for even more reasons to say “yes!” to The Lodge 30A and “no, thank you!” to a vacation rental.

1. Best Value on 30A—No Surprise Costs!

Get the comfort and convenience of 30A’s most affordable hotel stay with no hidden fees. Unlike vacation rentals that often add cleaning, service and booking fees that drive up the total cost of your stay at the end, The Lodge 30A offers clear, upfront and budget-friendly pricing, as well as seasonal offers year-round.

2. Prime 30A Beach Location with Walkable Access to Greenway Station

Centrally located in Seagrove Beach, The Lodge 30A puts you just steps from boutique shops, dining, bike trails and local coffee — no car (or parking fees) required.

3. Private Beach Access Advantage

Many of the area’s vacation rentals don’t offer direct beach access on 30A, leaving visitors with the hassle of staking out a place on the sand. Guests of The Lodge 30A, however, can opt into access to the members-only Watersound Beach Club® to enjoy a private beach, complimentary beach setups, pools and dining options.

4. Hotel-Style Convenience

The Lodge 30A offers a quick check-in process, fresh towels, a self-service laundry room and a front desk team ready to help — all things you won’t find at a rental property.

5. Flexible Stays (No 7-Night Minimum)

Stay just a night or two at The Lodge 30A — no need to commit to a full week like most vacation homes require. Of course, extended stay and group rate options are always available.

6. Professional Housekeeping Standards

Enjoy the perks of hotel living with the option of daily housekeeping, fresh linens and towels.  Unlike vacation rentals, The Lodge 30A upholds hotel-level cleanliness and consistency throughout your stay.

7. Modern Rooms with Kitchenettes

All rooms at The Lodge 30A include a fully equipped kitchenette with a refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, tableware, and toaster — providing the comfort and convenience of a studio-style room that sleeps up to four guests.

8. Outdoor Pool & 24/7 Guest Amenities

Take a dip in the outdoor pool or enjoy round-the-clock access to the fitness center, business center, and self-service ice machine at The Lodge 30A. Plus, grab Starbucks® coffee, beer, wine or snacks anytime from the 24/7 market on site.

9. Free Parking & Wi-Fi

Park for free and stay connected, with no additional costs or complicated access instructions.

10. Special Group Rates & Extended Stay Discounts

Planning a getaway with family or friends, or staying a while? The Lodge 30A offers special group rates and extended stay discounts—flexible, affordable options you won’t find with most vacation rentals, making it easier to accommodate larger parties without the hassle or high cost of renting a full house.

Three Incredible Designs to Try on 30A’s Beaches

Building sandcastles is one of those timeless beach activities that perfectly captures the spirit of a family getaway. For parents, it’s a chance to unwind and savor the breathtaking beauty of 30A’s beaches, while the kids stay happily engaged, shaping the sand into imaginative creations. Whether you’re already enjoying the sunshine or still planning your trip, this guide is filled with step-by-step ideas and tips to inspire your next beachside creation with the kids.

Where to Dig In

The key to a great sandcastle starts with the right sand, and 30A’s beaches have plenty to offer. With private beach access at four of our properties, guests can enjoy prime spots near the waterline, just a shuttle ride or walk from their room. For those staying elsewhere, YOLO Board & Bike—located across from The Lodge 30A—provides daily rentals, making it easy to explore the coastline and find a spot to dig in.

The Simple Tower Castle

An excellent choice for beginners, this classic sandcastle design combines simplicity with charm. It’s an ideal, fun project for families with young children.

Materials Needed: A bucket, shovel and carving tools (like a plastic knife).

Instructions:

1. Gather Materials: Keep your tools close and ready for action.
2. Pick Your Spot: Look for compact, moist sand near the waterline for a strong foundation.
3. Lay the Groundwork: Fill your bucket with damp sand, pack it tightly, and invert it to form the base.
4. Add Towers: Repeat the bucket-flipping process to create towers around the base.
5. Form Walls: Connect the towers with smooth walls, packing the sand firmly with your hands or tools.
6. Detail the Fortress: Carve bridges or, windows and doors to bring your castle to life.

The Drip Palace

For a whimsical twist, the Drip Palace lets you defy gravity and create something truly magical. The organic shapes and intricate details are as fun to make as they are to admire.

Materials Needed: Sand and water

Instructions:

1. Create the Perfect Mixture: Combine sand and water to make a slurry with a thick, mud-like consistency.
2. Build the Base: Form a sturdy base using damp sand.
3. Drip Away: Scoop up the sand slurry with your hand and let it drip over the base, creating spires and flowing shapes.
4. Layer the Magic: Continue dripping and layering, allowing the sand to set slightly between applications.
5. Add the Finishing Touches: Smooth rough edges and refine details to complete your palace. 

Pro Tip: If you stay at Camp Creek Inn or WaterColor Inn, be sure to stop by the Treat Suite—available on each floor—for a complimentary snack or a refreshing drink before heading to the beach!

The Grand Fortress

For aspiring master builders, this ambitious project features multiple towers, connecting walls, and grand archways. The result? A sandcastle fit for royalty.

Materials Needed: Multiple buckets (including bottomless buckets for variety), a shovel and carving tools

Instructions:

1. Gather Materials: Assemble your tools and prepare for a rewarding challenge.
2. Build the Foundation: Start with a large, compact mound of sand as your base.
3. Form Towers: Use buckets to shape towers, tightly packing the sand before lifting them away. For added height and drama, use bottomless buckets to create unique shapes.
4. Construct the Walls: Stack and pack damp sand to build sturdy walls connecting the towers.
5. Carve Archways: Carefully carve graceful archways into the walls using carving tools.
6. Add Royal Details: Finish your castle with windows, turrets, stairs and other decorative touches. 

Pro Tip: Did you forget your sunscreen or need extra towels? The WaterColor Store and WaterSound Store are stocked with everything you need for an uninterrupted day at the beach.  

Let’s say it: holiday gift-planning can be stressful, especially when left to the last-minute. We’re here to make holiday shopping both seamless and special for you with this list of 30A essentials. Each is reflective of our 30A lifestyle and also meant to highlight one of our most favorite things: gathering with loved ones.

We have a feeling these are surely to delight everyone on your list. What other 30A gifts would you add to yours?

Destination-Inspired Goodies
Sure, you’ll find plenty of WaterColor-branded essentials at the WaterColor Store, complete with perfectly curated winter essentials like sweatshirts and hoodies a but you’ll also find a variety of holiday-themed goodies, too, including custom-painted ornaments and Christmas-themed WaterColor-branded tees. All this in addition to the store’s expertly curated selection of active wear, locally crafted jewelry and even the ideal drinkware for keeping your winter beverages warm.

Shopping for the little ones on your list? Head to WaterColor Kids at 6 WaterColor Blvd. The newly opened specialty children’s clothing outfitter features baby accessories, children’s clothing from brands like Pepita & Me, Miki Miette, Appaman and more, children’s jewelry by Carrie Rhea, fashion backpacks, toys and a wide selection of beach essentials and WaterColor-branded novelty items, of course! Nearby, at the WaterColor Package Store, you’ll find a small selection of specialty gift items, such as locally beloved “Theo the Stuffed Turtle,” proceeds from which go towards protect sea turtles in Northwest Florida.

Toasting Essentials
Stock up on unique liquors, fine wines and local craft beers at the WaterColor Package Store – perfect for gifting and toasting – at the WaterColor Package Store. The shop’s curated collection includes Fish Out of Water favorites like Duckhorn Decoy Flavored Seltzers, Grayton Beer Company Beers, Heathen Wines and Casa Dragones Joven Tequila, as well as WaterColor-inspired barware and specialty gifts. Looking to gift something really special? You’ll also find rare items like E.H. Taylor Rye, Eagle Rare and even Louis XIII de Remy Martin Cognac Grande Champagne.

Coffee for Life (Kind of)

Give the coffee enthusiast(s) in your life the gift that keeps on flowing with a year-long membership to Scratch Biscuit Kitchen’s “Mug Club.” In addition to major bragging rights, they’ll get their own personal Mug Club YETI, which gets them $1 unlimited coffee with every visit. For good measure, add in a Scratch gift card to complement their fresh cup of Joe with some house-made biscuits. Cheers to that!

Time Well Spent
There’s simply no better gift than that of experiences, and thanks to a variety of gift cards available through our St. Joe Collection, we’ve got everyone on your list covered! Gift the foodies in your life a special dinner at Havana Beach Bar & Grill or Fish Out of Water. Pamper the busy and tired mom with a coastal-inspired treatment at Spa Pearl. Give the ultimate beach experience with gift cards to WaterColor Inn, The Pearl Hotel, WaterSound Inn and, our newest properties, The Lodge 30A and Camp Creek Inn (just remember to work yourself into the vacation, too!).

The Gift of the Outdoors

Send the outdoor lovers in your life on an adventure with gift cards from the BoatHouse Paddle Club at the WaterColor BoatHouse. Gift them a kayaking or standup paddleboard rental for the day or pick from an array of classes on the water, which include everything from a run-and-SUP workout to SUP yoga. They’ll be thrilled with the thoughtful gift and be one step closer to crushing those New Year’s resolutions.

Searching for a home away from home in the heart of 30A? Look no further than The Lodge 30A! Seagrove Beach’s newest select-service hotel offers comfort and convenience with coastal style (and without any of the frill or hassle), so whether you’re here for a short weekend away or looking to settle in for a bit longer, you’ll find yourself right at home.

The Lodge 30A provides an approachable and affordable lodging experience that feels equal parts laidback and inviting, thanks to an abundance of comfort and convenience, including essential kitchen appliances and the latest technology in every guest room, complimentary WiFi, daily housekeeping service (upon request) and complimentary self-parking.  A fitness center, outdoor pool, boardroom and business center also have you covered – whether you’re here to play, work or both!

With self-service laundry and spacious rooms (king or double queen suites and adjoining rooms are available), The Lodge 30A is an ideal destination for an extended stay. In fact, guests who book seven or more nights can enjoy up to 25% OFF standard rates, thanks to the hotel’s Extended Stay Offer. Guests can enjoy plenty of savings year-round, thanks to special offers offering 30A’s best rates!

The hotel’s lush natural surroundings are also part of The Lodge 30A guest experience, thanks to close proximity to both the area’s beaches and South Walton’s renowned hiking and biking trails. Guests also receive discounted pricing on rentals at nearby YOLO Board & Bike and access to premier resort experiences.

Additionally, nestled within Greenway Station, The Lodge 30A is within footsteps from a variety of the area’s trendiest shops and restaurants, making it easy to soak up the very best of 30A within reach.

So, whether you’re looking to get away for a weekend, a mid-week escape or an extended-home-away-from-home experience, you’ll find comfort, convenience and cost-savings at The Lodge 30A.

Ready to book your stay today? Head to thelodge30a.com to see current offers, explore accommodations and discover all that the hotel has to offer.

Along our little sliver of coastal paradise, the fall and winter months seem to be colored with perfectly romantic hues. From colorful sunsets and cooler weather to fewer crowds that make for a more intimate experience, the result is an idyllic backdrop for a getaway with your favorite person.

Whether you’re escaping for a weekend or longer, we’ve compiled some of our favorite romantic experiences that’ll surely have you cozying up to a warm stay this season.

For the Adventurous Couple

Outdoor-loving couples may opt to take advantage of the myriad of outdoor recreational activities available in Northwest Florida, such as paddle-boarding, biking, kayaking, hiking or simply a beach bonfire – complete with s’mores. Guests staying at The Lodge 30A, a prime destination for couples retreats, can also enjoy the best of 30A’s iconic beach communities and picturesque trails with the YOLO Pedal & Explore Package, which includes two bike rentals from YOLO Board & Bike.

For the Classic Romantics

Located in one of the most romantic towns in America (the charming coastal community of Rosemary Beach®) and as the only full-service, adult-oriented hotel in South Walton, The Pearl Hotel provides the perfect setting for luxurious couples retreats. And because the hotel offers everything from beach and heated pool access to fine dining and plentiful shopping – you can truly have it all in one stay!

An early morning coffee on your private balcony (overlooking the Gulf or the town below) is sure to get you ready for a romantic day ahead. You’ll definitely want to book a relaxing couple’s massage in the couple’s suite at Spa Pearl, then spend the rest of the day lounging or enjoying a cocktail poolside by one of the firepits on the Havana Beach Rooftop. Dining options abound, so whether you’d like to dine in-room or at the hotel’s AAA Four Diamond restaurant, your experience will be equally elegant and delectable.

For the Active Resort Enthusiasts

For couples who love an active getaway, Camp Creek® Inn offers the perfect mix of luxury and recreation along the scenic Highway 30A.  This boutique hotel provides exclusive access to the championship-level Camp Creek® Golf Course and Shark’s Tooth Golf Course, with a new links-style course debuting in spring 2025. For those who prefer other activities, the Wellness Center has top-tier tennis and pickleball courts with private lessons available. 

After an active day, retreat to the Pine Suite for the ultimate in comfort and relaxation. With its private bedroom featuring a luxurious King-size bed, spacious bathroom stocked with L’Occitane toiletries, and serene private balcony, you’ll have the perfect setting to unwind together and plan your next day’s adventures.

For the Beach-Loving Type

For the ultimate coastal retreat, look no further than WaterColor Inn. From the David Rockwell-designed beachfront accommodations, which bring the outdoors mere steps from the door, to the pair of Adirondack chairs on each private balcony (situated at precise sunset-level), you’ll have your own romantic seaside oasis. Even the shower comes with its own stunning Gulf view!

Located within one of the most iconic communities on 30A, you’ll find plenty of romance to soak up. Take a cozy walk (or bike ride) along Western Lake or enjoy a picnic for two at Cerulean – just be sure to get back before sunset! Pair a stunning Gulf sunset view with fresh coastal cuisine at WaterColor Inn’s beloved Fish Out of Water restaurant. And of course, room service is always available – champagne and chocolate strawberries for dessert, anyone?

No matter how you dream of spending time together, your perfect romantic escape awaits along 30A. Visit our stay page to compare properties and start planning. 

A vacation spent along Florida’s famous Scenic Highway 30A is truly an escape – the area is blessed with beautiful white sand beaches, idyllic beach towns and an abundance of preserved natural areas, with walking and biking paths (not to mention a Scenic America-designated National Scenic Byway) connecting them all. What visitors and locals love most about this stretch of coast is the opportunity to unplug and unwind, and what makes it such an ideal vacation destination is the ease of doing just that!

While the majority of rentals in the area are houses, townhouses and condos, for those who’d truly like to take a break and let front desk personnel and professional hospitality staff onsite ensure a successful stay, the St. Joe Company  offers five unique inns and hotels to choose from. Each offers its own advantages in terms of location and amenities, but all provide an elevated hospitality experience that makes your stay a true vacation.

Camp Creek Inn^SM  (New!)
684 Fazio Dr. | Watersound

Perfect for the golf enthusiast, the Camp Creek Inn is a 75-room boutique hotel that offers guests a private club “Member for a Stay” experience, including access to private Watersound Club® amenities including onsite health, wellness, and recreational facilities, Watersound Beach Club®amenities, and Shark’s Tooth and Camp Creek golf courses. The ground floor serves as a clubhouse featuring a high-end golf outfitter shop and two dining venues, ANR and 1936, while the guest rooms are located on the second and third floors. Nestled between the Camp Creek® Golf Course and the 11,000-square-foot wellness center, the inn offers rooms with views overlooking the golf course, making it the perfect place to stay when your mind is on the green. Having access to the incredible Watersound Club amenities, the inn is ideal for a wellness retreat geared towards anyone looking to relax and recharge while enjoying a taste of the Watersound Club Membership experience.

The Lodge 30A (New!)
4271 E. County  Hwy 30A | Seagrove Beach

Inspired by the beauty of its natural surroundings and with an idyllic location in the heart of Seagrove Beach and along the Point Washington State Forest , The Lodge 30A is an ideal destination for exploring nearby state parks, coastal dune lakes and beaches. The select-service boutique hotel offers guests all of the essentials – including kitchenettes in every room, a fitness center and an outdoor pool – without any of the fuss, including the most affordable rates on 30A! Additionally, situated within Greenway Station, the hotel is just steps from some of the area’s trendiest and newest shops and restaurants.

The Pearl Hotel
63 Main St. | Rosemary Beach

The Pearl Hotel’s commitment to excellence and luxury is reflected in an intimate setting where patrons are offered respite and calm alongside breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico and the town of Rosemary Beach. Visitors can unwind at the hotel’s Spa Pearl, where they’ll enjoy signature body treatments and massages delivered at four private poolside treatment rooms.

For a spectacular culinary experience, claim a table at Havana Beach Bar & Grill, the hotel’s AAA Four-Diamond restaurant. The chef-driven, seasonal menu is a fusion of Gulf Coast and Caribbean cuisine and can be enjoyed in the colorful, Cuban-inspired dining room, on the veranda, in the lounge, or on the rooftop. The ultimate getaway for couples looking for luxury, the Pearl also offers amenities including a private beach with complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas, valet parking, a welcome reception with a complimentary beverage, use of bicycles, signature bath amenities, an adults-only outdoor pool with towels and food service, as well as snacks and a departure gift.

WaterColor Inn® & Resort
34 Goldenrod Circle | WaterColor

Families love WaterColor Inn & Resort, where 10 pools, multiple dining options, beachfront rooms and newly created family suites offer everything one could want to keep the entire group happy and occupied. WaterColor Inn is a AAA Four-Diamond hotel whose amenities leave little room to wonder why it has won so many awards. Dining options include casual coastal cuisine at Fish Out of Water® and WaterColor Grill, burgers and shakes at the Beach Cow® counter-service restaurant, a twist on Baha-Mexican fare at Costa Chica, snacks and camp-inspired faves at The Canteen, and an elevated international take on bar food served inside or poolside at Gather Kitchen + Bar. Guests enjoy access to WaterColor Beach Club and its amenities, including three pools, as well as Camp WaterColor, which boasts two pools with slides in addition to a lazy river, playground and basketball court. Other perks include complimentary house-made biscotti and assorted fruits upon arrival; complimentary adult bicycle rental; access to the cardio fitness room; guest floor treat suites including complimentary sodas, ice cream, coffee, snacks and more; a beach bag for use during your stay; housekeeping services offered twice a day (including a nightly evening service with freshly baked treats); and a departure gift.

WaterSound^SM Inn
6652 E. County Hwy 30A | Watersound Beach

Ideal for enjoying a private family escape, aWatersound Inn vacation offers a home-away-from-home experience with the luxury of resort. Located in the famed Gatehouse building overlooking the WaterSound Beach community, the inn boasts a contemporary Nantucket-style design and decor with 11 condo-sized suites offering comfortable furnishings, private balconies, laundry, and a full kitchen. With picturesque views from the second and third floors, the inn also extends guests access to the Watersound Beach Club amenities and its 7,000-square-foot, zero-entry pool, dining venues, al fresco bar, beach access and complimentary beach setup. Watersound Inn guests also enjoy access to the WaterSound Beach fitness center, and private Watersound Club^SM golf courses, including Camp Creek® and Shark’s Tooth golf courses.

Groups looking to host a small gathering or meeting in South Walton need to look no further than The Lodge 30A, a limited-service boutique hotel in the heart of Seagrove Beach. The Lodge offers all the essentials needed for business meetings, workshops, corporate events or even family reunions and intimate celebrations.

The hotel’s 300-square-foot Boardroom can accommodate up to 14 people and is equipped with Smart TV and video conferencing, and complimentary Wi-Fi is available in all guest rooms, suites and common areas. Audiovisual rental and full-service catering services are also available upon request.

Additionally, a 24-hour business center offers complimentary printing and express mail services, and the hotel’s on-site market is open 24/7 ensures guests’ immediate needs are met, including Starbucks coffee. Other hotel amenities include a fitness center, outdoor pool, self-service laundry facility, complimentary parking and bottled water at registration. All guestrooms include a kitchenette and desk area.

In addition to featuring all of the necessities for a memorable gathering, The Lodge’s convenient location, nestled between sugar-white beaches and lush pines footsteps from Greenway Station, allows groups to enjoy the very best of 30A, including hiking, dining, shopping and plenty of relaxing, too!

Exclusive group rates – the lowest on 30A! – are available to all meeting guests staying at the hotel, and flexible room blocks of 10 or more rooms can be coordinated to best meet your group’s needs.

Ready to book your next small group event at The Lodge30A? Submit a request for proposal here to learn more about hosting your gathering at South Walton’s premier select-service hotel. We look forward to welcoming you!

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Explore The Lodge30A, including accommodations and seasonal offers at thelodge30a.com.

The Lodge 30A may be the latest boutique hotel to arrive to 30A, but its roots run as deep as those of the longleaf pines in the 15,000-acre Point Washington State Forest, which adjoins the property. In addition to its location, the hotel thoughtfully borrows inspiration from the area’s beautiful surroundings, with natural materials and colors helping to bring some of South Walton’s outdoors inside. But certainly, guests of The Lodge 30A will find plentiful ways to enjoy the outdoors outside!

A trailhead for exploring Point Washington is conveniently located just footsteps from the hotel, at the gravel parking area adjacent to Greenway Station (the name is inspired by the name of the Longleaf Greenway Trail system that traverses the preserved forests along 30A). The 30A Trail, or Cassine Trail, offers a variety of terrain and showcases Northwest Florida’s diverse ecosystems in an easy and shady walk. The flat half-mile trail can be enjoyed year-round (leashed pets are also welcomed), but is most colorful in the spring and fall months due to the variety of wildflowers it hosts. This beloved spot also offers a magnificent view of one of South Walton’s rare coastal dune lakes. Part of the Eastern Lake Trail, the 30A Trail is a connector to other legs of the trail system.

Guests of The Lodge can also enjoy the hotel’s complimentary bicycles on the forest trails or along the paved Timpoochee Trail, which also crosses several coastal dune lakes. Running the 18.5 mile length of 30A, the Timpoocheee Trail also connects the Point Washington State Forest with three additional state parks (Deer Lake State Park, Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park).

Within the stunningly lush state forest, visitors can follow trails through varied landscapes, including longleaf pine forests (one of the most ecologically diverse ecosystems in the world) sandhill, titi swamps, wet prairie and cypress swamps. Several species of threatened and endangered plants and animals can also be found in the forest, including the American kestrel, gopher tortoise, flatwoods salamander, white-topped pitcher plant, and the world’s largest population of Curtiss sand grass.

Notably, the Point Washington State Forest is a stop on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, making it a great place to spot the myrtle warbler, prothonotary warbler, red-headed woodpecker, mourning dove and common ground dove and many other species of birds. Additionally, Point Washington State Forest is home to white-tailed deer, Florida black bears, wild boar, raccoons, rabbits, duck, quail, turkeys, gopher tortoises, herons, egrets, cranes and alligators. Point Washington State Forest is open to the public for recreational use, including hiking and biking. As with all of our area’s natural attractions, it’s imperative that visitors be good stewards of these unique and invaluable surroundings. Learn about the Florida Forest Service’s guidelines and become familiar with the rules before visiting here.

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Inspired by the beauty of these natural coastal surroundings, The Lodge 30A provides guests with a sense of place. Ready to book your nature-inspired getaway? Visit TheLodge30A.com to see current offers and explore accommodations.

Beach season is almost upon us, which means longer days spent on Northwest Florida’s beautiful shores and enjoying the Gulf’s turquoise waters. It also means respecting our natural surroundings and local rules for your safety, the safety of others and the safety of area wildlife.

Whether you’re staying at WaterColor Inn, The Pearl Hotel, The Lodge 30A, Camp Creek Inn or WaterSound Inn, your beach experience deserves to be an unforgettable one. To help make your escape to the beach a safe one, our friends at the South Walton County TDC have put together a treasure trove of resources, which we’re sharing with you here!

Pay Attention to Beach Flags

Knowing whether you should go in or stay out is as easy as knowing your colors, thanks to our local beach flag warnings. Double red flags flying? The water is closed to the public, and water activity is prohibited (in fact Entering the Gulf during double red flag conditions can result in fines and criminal charges). A red flag means high hazard due to high surf and/or strong currents, whereas a yellow flag implies a medium hazard, with moderate surf and/or currents. When a green flag is flying, hazard is low, but you should still exercise caution. Is a purple flag in the mix? Watch out for man o’ wars, jellyfish and stingrays nearby.

Be Mindful of Rip Currents

Rip currents are common in the Gulf of Mexico and can be extremely dangerous, so it’s important to pay attention to the beach flags and know the surf conditions before entering the water. If you see someone caught in a rip currently, notify a lifeguard right away and call 911. If possible, throw them a flotation device and don’t lose sight of them. Do not enter the water under any circumstance, as you will also get caught in the strong current. If you unexpectedly find yourself in a rip current, stay calm and float with the current until it dissipates; do not try swimming against it. If possible, swim parallel to shore and back in until help can get to you.

Know the Rules of the Beach

Safety comes first, and so does the protection of our natural environment and local wildlife. That means leaving no trace! Littering and glass containers are not permitted, and any items left on the beach overnight will be discarded unless otherwise permitted. Vehicles, dogs and bonfires all require permits. Take a lasting look, but taking sand, water or vegetation from our beaches is strictly prohibited. Also, please stay off the dunes, and be sure to follow local ordinances during Sea Turtle Season (late spring through early summer).

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Time at the beach should be fun, relaxing and memorable for all of the right reasons. Learn more about local beach rules and ordinances from our friends at the South Walton County TDC. For Gulf conditions and flag updates, text “SAFETY” to 31279. Stay aware, courteous and safe out there!

Guests of The Lodge 30A truly have the best of 30A right at their fingertips – or footsteps, that is! Situated within the newly developed Greenway Station, the hotel is within close proximity to some of the area’s trendiest and newest shops and restaurants.

Centrally located in the heart of Seagrove Beach on 30A, the beautifully designed Greenway Station provides a coastal-chic getaway within one convenient and strollable location. Visitors can shop, savor or stay, thanks to dozens of merchants that offer a sampling of South Walton’s style, flavors and hospitality.

Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at a variety of restaurants and bistros; stock up on unique wines and specialty culinary products; or treat your sweet tooth at a local creamery and candy kitchen. Shop from local brands like Coast Hippie or nationally renowned ones like Free People; buy meaningful, one-of-a-kind gifts and housewares; or wind down at a local coffee spot.

And of course, it wouldn’t be a 30A experience without the outdoors. With the Point Washington State Forest trailhead situated within Greenway Station, you’ll be on South Walton’s renowned hiking and biking trails in no time! Whether you’re a beach lover looking to soak up the sun or an outdoor enthusiast seeking adventure, you’ll find it all within reach.

Guests of The Lodge can explore South Walton’s iconic beach communities and picturesque trails by taking up one of the area’s favorite pastimes with the YOLO Pedal & Explore Package, which includes two bike rentals from YOLO Board & Bike, which was the first local company to offer paddleboard rentals and has been offering bike and board experiences to locals and visitors alike since 2007.

Learn more about Greenway Station’s thoughtfully curated offerings here – and be sure to make time to immerse yourself in this one-of-a-kind experience when you visit.

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Ready to book your Seagrove Beach getaway? Visit TheLodge30A.com to see current offers, explore accommodations and discover all that the boutique hotel has to offer.