Summer is just around the corner and it’s time to start planning your trip! 30A and the rest Walton County, Florida have always been popular destinations for Central Texans. With a flight lasting just under two hours and the destination being in the Central Time Zone, it’s easier than ever for Austinites to escape to Florida!
Top Things to Do in Walton County, Florida
On our last trip we spent most of our time in the southern half of the county known as South Walton. This beautiful area consists of 26 miles of sugar-white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and 16 renowned beach neighborhoods (including Alys Beach, Rosemary Beach, Seaside and Miramar Beach). Here you will find everything we saw, did and most importantly ate.
Where to eat and drink in Walton County
No matter what part of the area you are in, there are plenty of options for eating and drinking. We tried a few places around the county. This is where we went.
Distillery 98 in Santa Rosa Beach
Distillery 98 is one of the few craft distilleries in Florida. Their Florida Panhandle Corn Vodka is filtered through a unique Florida oyster shell filter.
The Citizen in Alys Beach
Inspired by coastal cuisines around the world, The citizen is a seaside tavern in Alys Beach. We tried the fresh oysters, the whipped feta and the ricotta gnocchi and all three were perfect!
Café Nola
The Café Nola in DeFuniak Springs offers the flavors, sights and smells of the Caribbean and New Orleans. Reminiscent of Rick’s Café in Casablanca, the restaurant offers an extensive selection of custom drinks and an adjacent Bourbon Street Lounge.
Old Florida Fish House
Just steps from The Lodge 30A, Old Florida Fish House is a family-run restaurant with an extensive menu with a coastal vibe. Be sure to make a reservation as this place is full. It’s also a great place to hang out after dinner. Dueling pianos rocked the bar from 8pm until closing time both nights we were there.
The perfect pig
The hotel is located in the Seagrove Beach neighborhood. The perfect pig is super sweet and delicious too. The eclectic menu is filled with upscale Southern comfort food.
The Red Bar
The Red Bar is the place to eat, drink and be merry while taking in the eclectic decor. They also host great live music. We recommend going there for brunch. Since parking is limited, take the free tram to Grayton Beach. And be sure to check out the street art while you’re there!
Where to stay
The Lodge 30A
Located in Seagrove Beach, The Lodge 30A is brand new. The boutique hotel is located between the Gulf of Mexico and Point Washington State Forest. This means that there are all kinds of hiking and cycling trails nearby. Of course, no hotel is complete without restaurants and shops nearby, and they exist. You’ll also find bike and water sports rentals on-site, as well as hotel amenities that include a fitness center and outdoor pool.
Things to do in Walton County
Of course, if you’re there in the summer, you’ll spend most of your time on the beach. However, if you’re looking for a break from swimming and sunbathing, here are some options.
Visit DeFuniak Springs
A hidden gem of North Walton County is historic DeFuniak Springs. Classic Victorian-era buildings still stand around Lake DeFuniak, an almost perfectly circular 40-acre lake at the center of the DeFuniak Springs Historic District. It is one of the two almost perfectly round, circular spring lakes in the world.
The DeFuniak Springs Library is a must-see. Opened in 1887, it is the oldest continuously operating library in the state. The library includes many books from their original collection as well as a signed copy of To Kill A Mockingbird.
Rent a board or bike
Check out a YOLO Rental space to add a little adventure to your experience. Whether you like paddling, pedaling or pouring, YOLO has what you need. We rented a 30A Electric Cruiser and it was so much fun.
Bonfire at Sunset Beach and dinner at Inlet Beach
30A Blaze Beach Campfire is a veteran-owned small business founded with the desire to provide you with quality beach service. No matter whether your party is large or small, you will receive first-class service. The evening included dinner, drinks, s’mores and the most beautiful sunset. The best part? We didn’t have to carry anything to the beach. Just show up and let 30A Blaze do it all!
Walk along the sea
The 1998 comedy-drama film, The Truman Showwas filmed in a unique setting – Seaside, a master-planned community in the Florida Panhandle. This picturesque town provides a stunning backdrop for many scenes, with its white sandy beaches and lush greenery surrounding a mix of colorful shops and houses.
Find an event
We were lucky enough to be there when we visited in the spring South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival But South Walton communities host events year-round. From fishing tournaments and other activities to fun runs, Christmas markets, theater and music productions, you never know what special event will take place during your visit.
The post The Best Things To Do And See In South Walton Florida appeared first on Spill the Daily Sparkz.
