A long weekend on 30A sounds dreamy in theory. And it genuinely is — but only if you know where to go. We've been coming here since before we owned a home here, and there's a version of 30A most visitors never find because they're stuck on a restaurant waitlist at 7pm or driving past the best coffee shop without knowing it. This is our version. Real favorites, honest tips, and a pace that actually feels like a vacation.
Start the Morning Right
Before you even think about the beach, coffee. We ride bikes to Raw & Juicy at Alys Beach most mornings — it's connected to the playground, so if you have kids, they can run while you actually sit and drink your latte. They open at 8am and do breakfast, smoothies, and lunch. It's plant-forward, so if you're a meat eater you'll want to plan accordingly, but there are filling options and the vibe is worth it.
On slower mornings, Fonville Press right next to the Alys Beach amphitheater is another one we love. Third Cup in Rosemary Beach opens at 6am if you're up early. Black Bear Bread Co. is worth the slightly longer drive to Seaside or Grayton Beach — it's one of our all-time favorites and the parking situation at the Grayton location is much more forgiving.
Getting to the Beach
The house sits in Seacrest West — the old, quiet part of Seacrest — and it's a 5 to 7 minute walk to beach access. You head straight to the end of the neighborhood, cross 30A, and the boardwalk takes you right down to the emerald water. It's not the strip. It's peaceful, and on a weekday morning you can have a wide stretch of it to yourself.
We always say bring more sunscreen than you think you need. The Gulf water is clearer and shallower than most beaches people are used to, and you'll stay out longer than planned.
Add a Day Trip to Crab Island
If you have a few days, Crab Island in Destin is worth it — especially for families or a group. It's not actually an island. It's a submerged sandbar just north of the Destin Bridge in Choctawhatchee Bay, and it's one of the most uniquely fun things you can do on the Gulf Coast. The water stays between one and four feet deep, which makes it perfect for kids and adults alike.
You need a boat to get there — you can rent a pontoon (most hold up to 12 people) or book a guided tour. Destin is about 30 to 40 minutes from the house. We recommend going on a weekday morning and arriving around an hour before high tide for the clearest water. Bring your own food and drinks in non-glass containers — alcohol is BYOB since vendors stopped serving it on the water. The floating food vendors are active roughly April through October. It's one of those places that looks unreal in photos, and it actually lives up to it.
Afternoons and Evenings
The Big Chill (formerly The Hub) is our go-to for a casual family afternoon. It's an open outdoor space with food and drink vendors, shops, and nightly entertainment — our kids love the DJ Dance Party nights. It's genuinely hard to find a spot like this on the coast where everyone in your group is happy at the same time.
For dinner, we go early. Especially in peak season, the waits get long and most restaurants don't take reservations. Our list: The Citizen at Alys Beach is excellent and worth dressing up a little. Georges at Alys is consistently good — we go for lunch and dinner. Old Florida Fish House is great for families because the kids can play games while you wait for a table and get ice cream after. Cuvee 30A for something a little more intimate and wine-forward.
If you want a wine stop without making a whole evening of it, Waterhouse Provisions & Bottleshop on 30A is close to the house and well-stocked. Coastside Craft Beer and Wine in Seagrove is another solid option.
Explore the Neighborhoods
One thing that surprises people about 30A is how different each neighborhood feels. Alys Beach is architectural and all-white — more of a stroll than a beach day. Rosemary Beach is walkable with great shops and the Third Cup coffee shop. Seaside is busy and iconic and worth seeing once, especially with the food trucks and the beach pavilion. None of them are far from each other, and biking between them along the trail is genuinely one of the best parts of a trip here.
The house has four bikes plus a Burley trailer for little ones. Bike codes are 0218. Lock them when you're not using them — and if you need extras, Salt Air 30A rents bikes and has a promo code (CaughtByAWave) for 10% off and a free basket.
The Part Most People Miss
Seacrest West is quieter than the neighborhoods that get the most attention. The backyard at Caught By A Wave 30A has a heated pool, fire pit, and porches on multiple levels — and honestly, some of the best nights happen right there. Pick up groceries at the Publix on US 98 (2.5 miles away), grill something, open a bottle of wine, and sit outside. That's a 30A trip done right.
Stayed at Caught By A Wave 30A and want to share a recommendation? We'd love to hear it — reach out at info@caughtbyawave30a.com or tag us @CaughtByAWave30A.