10 Iconic Experiences in Seaside, FL

By The Backseat View

Seaside is iconic, world-famous, and my favorite 20-year tradition. Every list of the top beach towns in America has Seaside on it. Award-winning restaurants, powder white sand, and turquoise water surround the pastel cottages by the sea. Seaside gives your family an entire town to bike and secret footpaths to explore, setting it apart from bike-lane-only, busy beach towns. Let’s slow down, walk to dinner, and enjoy a simple, beautiful vacation.

Let’s Plan

• Seaside is located on 30A between Destin and Panama City for airport arrivals.
• Cars are necessary to arrive at your house, then use bikes or a golf cart.
• The best times to visit for lower crowds are April, May, September, and October.

• To rent a home for the week, use 360 Blue, Home Owners Collection (Cottage Rental Agency), or VRBO.
• My Budget Weekend on 30A discusses weekend options.
• The Court is Seaside’s version of eight luxury motel rooms or bungalows, centrally located with two-night minimum stays. The $400-$500 per night is worth the money.

• Weekly groceries are bought at the Publix a few streets over in Watercolor.
• If you visit for the day, you can pay $20 to park on Smolian Circle or walk from the WaterColor public parking.

The 10 Iconic Experiences in Seaside.

1. THE BEACH

• Beach chair and umbrella rentals are required at Cabana man for reservations, which run $100/day for two people.
• The only public beach access is Coleman Pavilion by Bud & Alleys. To enter the beach, you must have a $100 chair rental reservation from Cabana Man.
• At Publix, you can pick up cheap body boards for the kids to surf the ocean, floats, sand toys, and goggles.
• Be aware that bringing personal beach chairs or a tent is NOT ALLOWED.

• There are nine architecturally unique beach pavilions at the end of each street, gated for guests. Photos with the pavilions are a requirement.

• Beach Bonfire and s’mores reservations at Lightmeup30a.com. Who doesn’t love a little extra magic at sunset? The bonfire supply drop starts at $300.
• Luxury picnics on the beach with Fresco Picnic Company create the best photos. I have seen a few families host picnics, and they are extravagant.
• Bring your flashlights to see the crabs that come out at night.

2. Biking the Town

• Bikes are easily rented in town at the Seaside Transit Authority Bike Rentals.
• Bike rentals run an average of $30 a day or $70 for the week.
• Make bike reservations at least 48 hours before expected delivery.
• No driving is the beauty of Seaside.
• Always bike in the beautiful neighboring town of WaterColor.
• Stroll the streets or bike to absorb the atmosphere of the town.

3. The Great Southern Cafe

• The Great Southern is in the heart of Seaside. It offers Southern cooking with local produce, fresh seafood, and steak.
• I would highly recommend that you have reservations.
• I’m not leaving 30A without The Great Southern Shrimp & Grits, and the guys love their steak and mashed potatoes.

4. Frost Bites

• Retro Airstream Row is iconic, and Frost Bites was the first.
• After Frost Bites lost their lease in the town square, they opened Airstream Row.
• Shark-flavored shaved ice (blue with gummy sharks) is always a hit.
• Florida is HOT, so there are three other places for a cool treat.

• Dawson’s Yogurt and Fudgeworks on the town square offer the most tempting treats. It has been here since the town’s beginning and has a dedicated following.

• It’s Heavenly Shortcakes & Ice Cream provides all the traditional ice cream flavors and gelato.
• Try Nigel’s Bananas for a delicious treat behind the town square.

5. Bud & Alley’s

• Bud & Alley’s beachfront restaurant is as iconic as Seaside.
• It was the first restaurant to open in Seaside and stays booked.
• Special date nights are celebrated with reservations downstairs.
• Upstairs is a casual bar with the best sunset views in town.
• This is the most expensive place to eat.

Affordable food options:

• Taco Bar, The Shrimp Shack, Chicken Shack, Barefoot Barbecue, Wild Bill’s Beach Dogs, Crepes du Soleil, Mr. Gyro Hero, The Meltdown on 30A.
• Pickle’s for a Burger and Shake
• Black Bear Bread Co. for cinnamon rolls and Parisian-style cafe options.

6. Sundog Books

• Open the door to the smell of traditional books.
• Books are packed floor to ceiling, and we LOVE this store.
• There are book options for everyone, especially the kids.
• The staircase in the back leads to Central Square Records.

7. Modica Market

• The Modica Market is the only grocery store in Seaside.
• The family-owned and operated market has specialized in gourmet food for over 30 years.
• With huge welcomes and friendly faces, EVERYONE stops in.
• Breakfast stars are the chicken biscuit or chocolate croissant.
• I love the fresh-squeezed lemonade and banana pudding.
• They always cook delicious treats, so grab a sandwich or dinner.

8. Ruskin Place

• Everyone shops in the town square but did you shop in Ruskin Place?
• Ruskin Place is the calm behind the busy town square.
• Art galleries and boutiques are hiding under the shady oak trees.
• After grabbing an ice cream, we will eat it on a bench in complete peace, enjoying nature.
• It’s a magical little place that leads to the Chapel.
• The Chapel has a bell tower and is the definition of grand and elegant.

9. Farmer’s Market

• Every Saturday and Tuesday, from March through September, Seaside hosts an open-air market.
• Experience the local culture with produce, meats, cheese, and baked goods.
• Everyone arrives at 9 am, with the market running until 1 pm.

10. Let’s Play

• The Amphitheater and grassy lawn are the town center, where movie nights, Stories by the Sea, the Children’s Theatre, and concerts are held.
• Be sure to check the town calendar for events.
• The playground in the back of the community has a grassy field for football or baseball.
• The volleyball courts, tennis courts, and family pool are also here.
• Camp Seaside is for kids 5-12 with half and full-day camps with crafts and activities.

Explore 30A

• The Red Bar in Grayton Beach is worth the 3-minute drive or 15-minute bike ride. The red light atmosphere is unique, fun, delicious, and affordable. I won’t leave 30A without a visit to the best restaurant on 30A.

• Seagrove Village Market is a 60-year lunch tradition of fried food and 13-minute walk.
• The Surfing Deer in Seagrove for fine dining.
• Horse Rides with Western Pleasure Riding Stable.
• Paddleboarding is very popular on the Western Lake in Watercolor.

Grayton Beach

• Chiringo, Grayton Seafood, and AJ’s in Grayton Beach for casual dining.
• 30A Sea Life Discovery Center in Grayton Beach offers snorkeling with sea turtles, kayaking, and scavenger hunts.
• Dive 30A can take you snorkeling to the reefs or diving ($250) to the Underwater Museum of Art’s sculpture gardens.
• Fish from the beach or book a charter with Trigger Happy Fishing, Captain Phil’s, Santa Rosa Charters, or Grayton Girl Fishing Charters.

Take advantage of the magic of laid-back Grayton Beach.

• Grayton is my second favorite town on 30A, and the Grayton Beach Guide offers the best travel advice.

• Explore the best restaurants and activities in the 30A’s 16 Beach Towns guide.

• A budget weekend in 30A helps you add that extra vacation and explore 30A.

Destin

• A couple of activities are worth the 30-minute drive and fighting the crowds.
• Children love Buccaneer Pirate Cruise, so book in advance. It entertains for 1.5 hours and will probably be their favorite part of the trip.
• The Destin Travel Guide has all the touristy things, from putt-putt to go-karts, Silver Sands Premium outlet shopping, and feeding alligators at Fudpuckers.

The Best of Destin Travel Guide unlocks less crowded beaches, the best places to watch fireworks, and all the attractions.

Panama City FL

The Inside’s Guide to Panama City, Florida, provides Zoo World, dolphin shows, day trips, and the best restaurant options.

The best part of Seaside is that there is no itinerary to follow.

You wander the streets on your bike to discover hidden parks, playgrounds, and footpaths.

Thank you for reading my 10 Iconic Experiences in Seaside. The Seaside Travel guide ensures you make the most of your vacation.

Come experience the Seaside magic!

Seaside is timeless and the best of 30A.