Family Travel

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.

With so many options to soak up the sun, explore the outdoors and taste some of the area’s best dining, no WaterColor Inn stay is the same. We’ve pulled together a five-day itinerary, packed with some of our favorite offerings, to help plan your perfect WaterColor Inn beach getaway.

Day One
Check in to WaterColor Inn at 4 p.m., and settle into your Gulf-front room (get to it and make your friends and family jealous by posting a pic from your balcony). Then, head down to Fish Out of Water for a fresh seafood dinner with a side of the most stunning sunset you’ve ever seen.

Day Two
Treat yourself to room service for breakfast (it’s vacation, after all!). Then, officially start your day with a paddle-boarding class at the WaterColor BoatHouse, or venture out for a paddle on Western Lake. Unwind at one of the three pools at WaterColor Beach Club and treat yourself to poolside service (maybe a refreshing cocktail or two?). Linger longer and stay for a delectable poolside dinner at WaterColor Grill – yes, you’ve earned those calories!

Day Three
Rise with the sun and with a delicious breakfast and a view at Gather Kitchen + Bar (open to WaterColor Inn guests and Watersound Club Lifestyle members). Today’s full itinerary calls for some family-friendly fun at Camp WaterColor – waterslides, a lazy river and poolside lunch, oh my!

Day Four
Take in the sights along Scenic Highway 30A by biking through our neighboring beach communities and exploring dining, shopping and so much more. Park your complimentary bike and spend the afternoon lounging under the warm Northwest Florida sun. In the evening, guests staying at WaterColor Inn can enjoy a nightly happy hour, indoor and outdoor games and casual poolside dinner and drinks at Gather Kitchen + Bar (a private amenity also open to Watersound Club Lifestyle members).

Day Five
It’s time to check out, but just because you’re leaving doesn’t mean you have to leave WaterColor Inn behind. Why not take a little piece of your stay home with you?! Head to the WaterColor® Store, located in the WaterColor Town Center, to find your favorite WaterColor®-branded items and enjoy the Southern coastal lifestyle at home long after your beach vacation is over!

Whether you’re traveling with family, seeking adventure or looking to unwind, it’s possible you’ll need more than just five days to experience it all.  How do you plan to spend your stay at WaterColor Inn?

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To learn more about WaterColor Inn, book your stay and enjoy the latest seasonal specials, visit watercolorresort.com, or follow along on Facebook or Instagram for a daily dose of #watercolorinn inspiration.

So, whether you are looking to lounge, dip your feet, go for a lap or splish-splash about with the kiddos, you’ll have plenty of pools to choose from as a guest of WaterColor Inn. Which will you pick?

Over the past two decades, WaterColor Inn has become a beloved family beach vacation tradition, thanks to its convenient location on 30A, comfortable accommodations, distinguished service and family-friendly resort amenities. In fact, with the addition of seven new Family Suites and a family-friendly pool area in 2022, WaterColor Inn truly is the ultimate family vacation destination in South Walton!

Additionally, with 10 pools, WaterColor Inn boasts the most pool accesses on Scenic Highway 30A – providing families with plenty of options for basking in the Northwest Florida sun, just steps away from the area’s iconic sugar-white-sand beaches.

WaterColor Inn Hotel Pool
The 2,800-sq. ft. zero-entry family pool includes a whirlpool bench with hydro jets, as well as an expanded pool deck provides ample space for families to swim, sunbathe or savor treats from Gather Kitchen + Bar.

WaterColor Beach Club (3 Pools)
The beach club boasts a main pool with expanded seating and lounge areas, a zero-entry pool, and an adults-only infinity pool with lounge seating – all with unobstructed views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Camp WaterColor (3 Pools)
Located within Camp WaterColor, guests have access to three pools, each with a lifeguard on duty: the Butterfly Pool with Monarch Slide, the zero-entry Caterpillar Pool with a children’s area and Skipper Slide, and the zero-entry Lazy Lizard Pool with a lazy river.

Sandhill Frog Pool
A guest favorite, this pool features giant mosaic frog fountains that cascade into the pool on two sides – a popular feature with the kiddos. Centrally located in the Lake District, the pool offers both sunbathing and shaded lounges.

Dragonfly Pool
The ultimate all-day lounging destination, this beautifully detailed pool in the Crossings II District features an outdoor grilling area in addition to ample sunbathing areas.

Marina Pool
Located in the Park District near the WaterColor LakeHouse and BoatHouse, the Marina Pool has Western Lake as its backdrop, offering serene views and sounds under a canopy of palm trees.

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Pool access available to guests of WaterColor Inn and guests and owners of the WaterColor Community. To learn more about WaterColor Inn’s resort amenities or to book your stay, visit watercolorresort.com.

The WaterColor® community has long been the backdrop for multigenerational family beach vacations to South Walton. Year after year, hundreds of families flock to our coast to relish some days in the sun, reconnect and recreate beloved traditions with loved ones.

With its functional yet intimate accommodations, distinct location on 30A and overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, and variety of comfortable, convenient and just plain fun family-friendly amenities and the area’s premier family-friendly outdoor recreation and dining options in the area, it’s no surprise that WaterColor Inn has remained the go-to resort for these cherished family getaways.

Accommodations with Families in Mind
In 2022, WaterColor Inn unveiled seven Family Suites, conveniently situated on the first floor, just footsteps from the sand.  Available as one-bedroom or two-bedroom accommodations, the Family Suites are designed with WaterColor Inn’s characteristic coastal comfort in mind, making them ideal for larger family getaways. Each elegantly furnished, coastal-inspired suite comes equipped with a kitchenette and wet bar area, including a microwave and mini refrigerator, as well as a personal “Treat Suite,” refreshed with snacks daily and a selection of family board games. Different view options, as well as bunk-bed suites, are also available.

This year, just in time for beach season, the boutique hotel also revealed its 60 reimagined  guestrooms, featuring new flooring, furnishings and décor with a modern coastal design that reflects WaterColor’s classically casual elegance. In addition to upgraded aesthetics, all rooms now feature keyless entry and guest entertainment systems, complete with access to Netflix and a comprehensive guest services directory.

Splish, Splash… Pools for Everyone!
With access to a total of 10 pools, guests of WaterColor Inn have access to the most pools on 30A! WaterColor Beach Club boasts a main pool with expanded seating and lounge areas, a second infinity pool with lounge seating and a third pool with zero-entry – all with unobstructed views of the Gulf. This, in addition to Camp WaterColor, the area’s ideal family recreation destination, which features featuring the main Butterfly Pool with Monarch Slide; the Caterpillar Pool, a zero-entry pool and small children’s area and slide; and the Lazy Lizard Pool, a zero-entry lazy river. Additionally, the hotel’s 2,800-square-foot zero-entry family pool includes an extensive pool deck just footsteps away from the beach and convenient access to the nearby Gather Kitchen + Bar.

But Wait, There’s More!
Guests staying at WaterColor Inn can also enjoy countless recreation options, thanks to the resort’s stunning location within 500 acres of sugar-white sand beach and pine forests alongside Western Lake. From biking and hiking to standup paddle-boarding and kayaking, there are a variety of family-friendly experiences to be enjoyed, all just steps away from the area’s sugar-white-sand beaches. All this, in addition to expertly set-up beachside bonfires (complete with all of the fixings for s’mores), a variety of seasonal events and casual dining options that are sure to please everyone’s palate.

Did You Say Food?
Oh, yes; yes we did. Whether your party is craving fresh seafood with a side of stunning sunset views (Fish Out of Water); fresh, costal-inspired Tex-Mex fare in a rooftop setting (Costa Chica); tasty burgers and shakes (Beach Cow); easy, breezy handheld bites (The Canteen); laid-back Southern favorites (Gather Kitchen + Bar); a transformative all-day menu of fresh, made-to-order items (WaterColor Grill); or even to-go drinks and cocktails (the Tiki Bar), your family won’t go hungry during their WaterColor Inn stay.

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With its bounty of resort amenities and recreational and dining options, WaterColor Inn is the flagship of the WaterColor community – offering an authentic 30A beach experience suited for the whole family.

To learn more about WaterColor Inn or book your family’s next stay, visit the resort online.

Looking for a last-minute gift for the special dad, dads or dad figures in your life? If you’ve come to WaterColor Inn, you’ve come to the right place! That’s because 30A’s beloved family-friendly resort offers a variety of unique gift options that are sure to delight every type of dad – whether he’s stylish, adventurous, epicurious or a mix of all of the above.

Below, our roundup of the ultimate WaterColor-inspired gift guide for dad. All items are available at, you guessed it, WaterColor Inn. So, what are you waiting for? Get to crossing these off your list and start shopping!

Better yet? Take advantage of The WaterColor Store’s 20% OFF storewide sale taking place Father’s Day weekend, June 14-16, 2024!

Coastal-Inspired Fashion
Classic fashion never goes out of style, and South Walton’s iconic coastal style is as timeless as it gets. Give dad the best in elevated yet approachable beach-inspired fashion with a gift from The WaterColor Store. From matching father-son polos by Peter Millar to resort-casual shirts by Rhythm and a wide assortment of WaterColor-branded merchandise, including Yeti ramblers, you’ll find just the right gift for your very fashionable dad. Visit and shop The WaterColor Store online or in person at 20 Goldenrod Circle in the WaterColor Town Center.

Specialty Bar Items
Give dad the ultimate bar-away-from-the-bar experience! At the FOOW Package Store you’ll find an impressive, well-curated selection of rare bottles of Blanton’s, E.H. Taylor Straight Rye, Eagle Rare, Louis XIII de Remy Martin Grande Champagne Cognac and more (based on availability), as well as Heathen wines and Grayton Beer Co. beers. Specialty items, including FOOW- and WaterColor-inspired barware and one-of-a-kind t-shirts and hats are also available, making it easy to pull together a truly unique gift for every dad in your life.

Delicious Dining
Kick off your Father’s Day festivities at Fish Out of Water with Pancakes with Pops on Sunday, June 16, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and enjoy complimentary coffee, all-you-can-eat pancakes and quality time with dad.

Fun Adventures on the Water
Give dad the gift of adventure with an excursion on the water! The BoatHouse Paddle Club at the WaterColor BoatHouse offers canoe and kayak rentals, SUP lessons and even kayaking adventure tours around Western Lake. Which will you choose for dad? Give the knowledgeable team at BoatHouse Paddle Club a call at (850) 419-6188 to explore your options and book your experience, or visit them in person to browse their wide retail offerings, including activewear by some of dad’s favorite fitness brands. Gift cards are also available!

Relaxing Resort Experiences
Comfort, relaxation and private resort perks? We’ll answer for dad: “Yes, please!” Gift dad a future stay at WaterColor Inn, where he can enjoy the very best of South Walton all in one convenient spot. Whether he wants to lay by one of the pools at WaterColor Beach Club, soak up the sun on the hotel’s private stretch of beach, order room service or do a little bit of at all, he may need more than a one-night stay. And of course, the whole family is invited too! Make it a family affair by taking advantage of WaterColor Inn’s family-friendly room amenities, as well as access to Camp WaterColor – a favorite among kids and parents alike.

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To learn more about WaterColor Inn’s amenities to book your family’s next stay, visit the resort online.

Craving a delicious daytime delight? Look no further than Scratch Biscuit Kitchen in the WaterColor Town Center! Served up in true Southern style, Scratch’s beloved delicacies – including the restaurant’s signature fluffy and buttery square-shaped biscuits – are freshly prepared daily.

Whether you treat yourself to one, three or a full dozen, personalize your biscuit(s) with a variety of house-made jams, jellies and gravies. And, of course, as one would expect from a Southern scratch kitchen, the coffee is always flowing, with daily selections of Scratch’s own signature blend. In fact, die-hard coffee enthusiasts can join Scratch’s “Mug Club” to receive their own branded mug and unlimited $1 coffee!

Craving something a bit heartier? Take advantage of Scratch’s daily Lunchbox Special, available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It includes the Special of the Day with your choice of side, dessert and beverage. How’s that for hospitable?

You may also choose from a variety of handhelds like the signature Chicken Biscuit or pick from one of the Southern Plates & Bowls, including a make-your-own Grub Bowl option and a delectable N’awlins Shrimp & Grits that’ll have you coming back for more. Those wanting to keep things on the lighter side will also find plenty to choose from on the Good for Ya! menu, which includes favorites like a Smoked Salmon & Avocado Toast and a Granola & Yogurt Boat. There are plentiful homecooked-style sides, small bites and delectable sweet treats, too (the scrumptious French Toast Sticks are among guests’ favorites!).

And much like grandma’s kitchen, the name of the game at Scratch is comfort and convenience. Step right up to the counter! Whether you choose to dine in or place your order to-go at the restaurant’s convenient pickup window, you’ll experience family-friendly service. There’s also plentiful seating to accommodate parties of all sizes.  

Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty pre-beach breakfast, some by-the-beach snacks, a post-pool lunch, an afternoon sweet treat or your second coffee of the day, Scratch has all of your family’s cravings covered!

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Scratch Biscuit Kitchen is located in the WaterColor Town Center and is open 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. daily (closed on Tuesdays), featuring live music on Wednesdays during the summer months. Counter, indoor and outdoor seating is available; online ordering and carryout are also available (carryout window opens at 6:30 a.m.). For more information, visit scratchbk.com or call (850) 231-6550.

Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast offers a beach experience unlike any other – and not just because of the area’s emerald-green waters and sugar-white sand. Beaches along Scenic Highway 30A have both beauty and charm, and it’s this combination that has made the place we call home a beloved vacation destination. In fact, for many travelers, 30A itself has become an annual tradition.

So, in the spirit of such tradition, we’ve rounded up our favorite, classic beach experiences. We hope they’ll soon become part of your traditions, too!

Take in a Sunset
We might be biased, but there is simply nothing more stunning than a Gulf Coast sunset – and certainly not more beautiful than catching it while on 30A. Toast to it on a rooftop with a drink in hand at the Havana Beach Rooftop, or have the cotton-candy skies be the backdrop to a fresh seafood dinner at Fish Out of Water. Gather your family for an unforgettable barefoot photo-op Gulf-side just before the sun sets, or schedule a private kayaking class around Western Lake just in time to see the sun set over the dunes.

Build a Sandcastle
Sometimes simple pleasures really are the most joyful. Whether you’re crafting a family masterpiece, simply tracing your fingers on the beach’s sugar-fine sand, or booking professional instruction from some of the area’s most acclaimed sand sculptors, you won’t regret spending time just playing in (and with) the sand.

Nosh on Fresh Seafood
We think Gulf Coast seafood is the best seafood (and you will, too!). Our coast’s bounty is plentiful and unlike any other in the world, which is why you’ll find only the freshest, most seasonal seafood featured in our restaurants’ inventive creations – from the Taste of the Sea Tower at Fish Out of Water (pictured above) and the Hot Grouper Bites at Havana Beach Bar & Grill, to Panhandle Fish Sandwich (with Gulf Mahi) at Costa Chica and Gulf Shrimp Ceviche at WaterColor Grill. All we’re really saying is, save room for lots of seafood!

Huddle by a Beach Bonfire
Sand, stars and s’mores – need we say more? Wind down a beach day with an expertly set-up beachside bonfire, complete with all of the fixin’s for s’mores. WaterColor Inn offers beach bonfire packages for two hours of bonfire fun for up to 30 guests. Book a spot in time for sunset, and choose to add on food, beverages and even games for a truly memorable sendoff to a beach day.

Go Crab “Hunting”
Right after the sun sets on the Gulf Coast, ghost crabs (named for their pale appearance) come out in the dozens to look for small prey on the sand. That’s when visitors and locals alike love to go out beach, flashlights in hand, to look for them – quite an interesting and fascinating sight! While it’s called “hunting,” you won’t want to harm these little guys. Searching for them is part of the fun.

Bike Along 30A
One of the best ways to explore South Walton is to biking along 30A, weaving your way in and out of the 16  distinct beach neighborhoods that dot the area. Each coastal community is just as charming as it is distinct, so you’ll have plenty to see and enjoy at each stop – from the West Indies-inspired town of Rosemary Beach® and the nostalgic, family-friendly feel of WaterColor®, to the more secluded, scenic style of WaterSound®. Staying at WaterColor Inn, The Pearl Hotel or Watersound Inn? All three properties offer complimentary bike rentals to their guests!