Inspired by Northwest Florida’s natural coastal surroundings, The Lodge 30A is the area’s newest boutique hotel, combining comfort and convenience with contemporary coastal style for a laidback and luxurious lodging experience.
Located in the heart of Seagrove Beach, and nestled between the sugar-white beaches and lush pines, The Lodge’s convenient location allows guests to enjoy the very best of 30A, including access to hiking and biking trails within the Point Washington State Forest. The trailhead is conveniently located just footsteps from the hotel at Greenway Station (the name is inspired by the name of the Longleaf Greenway Trail system that traverses the preserved forests along 30A).
Beginning this fall, 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.
In addition to bike and board rentals, YOLO Board & Bike also designs and manufactures their own bikes with the beach life in mind – with beautiful aesthetics, no-rust frames ideal for the salt air, comfy seats, upright ride and wide three-inch tires for a smoother ride.
To help make the most of your biking experience, we sat down with YOLO Board & Bike’s Founder and CEO, Jeff Archer, to get his take on what makes pedaling along 30A’s natural wonders the very best way to enjoy your Gulf Coast stay.
What makes The Lodge 30A’s location prime for experiencing 30A by bike? Taking a bike ride down 30A to experience all the beach communities is a must, and Seagrove is the perfect location to bike to Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach to the east and Seaside and Grayton Beach to the west.
Guests of The Lodge also have access to the state forest trail, located right behind Greenway Station and can also bike along the paved Timpoochee Trail that runs the 18.5 mile length of 30A and 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) and crosses a handful of the area’s rare coastal dune lakes – another one of our area’s must-see natural wonders.
What do you think surprises visitors most about the outdoors on 30A? No one realizes that the state forest trails offer a beautiful, peaceful alternative to the beach. You might see deer, rabbits, eagles and much more. The abundance of sea life in the Gulf is such a special experience. Seeing dolphins and sea turtles is always a highlight! Paddling in the coastal dune lakes or the Gulf of Mexico is also a favorite way to make memories here.
What can guests expect from having access to your offerings with the YOLO Pedal & Explore Package? We are so happy to partner with The Lodge to provide the highest level of customer service just as they do. All guests need to do is walk right over to our store, located right in front of the hotel, and we can outfit them in minutes. In addition to the two bike rentals included in the package, guests of The Lodge also receive 15% off additional bike, paddleboard and electric bike rentals.
Tell us how visitors can learn more about YOLO’s “While You’re Here” and “Adventures” app. Simply search “Yolo Adventures” in the app store and download! Our guide provides invaluable area information, including beach and trail access points, dining and shopping recommendations and details on YOLO’s rentals and adventure tours.
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Ready to book your adventure? Visit TheLodge30A.com to see current offers, explore accommodations and discover all that the hotel has to offer.
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.
