Connecting 15 beach communities in southern Walton County is a scenic stretch of road called 30A. For locals, it's more than a road, it's a way of life. Running parallel to the Gulf of Mexico, the 30A passes picturesque beachside huts, rare coastal dune lakes, and ocean water that glows like an emerald jewel. There is so much to do and so many great 30A restaurants that you will find yourself wanting to vacation here again and again just to have the chance to experience it all.
Located on the corner of Hwy 83 and 30A in Blue Mountain Beach, this local ice cream shop makes its frozen yogurt on-site every day with real, powder-free yogurt. They also offer delicious green tea smoothies and sweet, velvety ice cream. Just one block from 30A, you'll find that of all the 30th restaurants, this is the ideal spot for Sunday brunch, which includes mimosas and music while you sit on Adirondack chairs in your Backyard of Love. The old Florida kitsch decor and vegan menu will make you feel like you've stumbled upon a delicious Earth Day party.
Fortunately, this is one of the restaurants of the 30s that does not live up to its name. If you feel like eating oysters, you'll be pleased to discover that they offer them in 10 different ways. They are also known for serving crayfish, including hot crayfish tamales, crayfish hushpuppies, crayfish cake and creamy crayfish etouffée with fried green tomatoes. The rustic cabin-like atmosphere feels very cozy and the floor-to-ceiling windows offer great views of one of Dune Allen's rare coastal dune lakes.
Watching the sunset at the rooftop bar Bud %26 Alleys has become a tradition for Seaside's oldest restaurant. Since 1986, locals have been gathering to guess the exact time when it will be set. The waiter rings a bell when the golden orb finally sinks into the sea, and if you guessed the time correctly, you take a drink to the house. Fried red fish in tempura with spicy Thai sauce and sweet soy sauce, at The Vue on 30A in Santa Rosa Beach.
After a hot day in the sun, if you feel like taking the sand off your feet and relaxing with a cold beer or an icy margarita, this is the best option of the 30th restaurants. Swell your teeth with their authentic Mexican-style tacos or, if you're really hungry, try one of their giant burritos. Swimsuits and flip-flops are welcome, the Taco Bar is perfect for a quick and casual meal. This classic old-school pizzeria has been around for 20 years and still makes its own dough and sauce every day.
Their open kitchen is a great form of family entertainment where you can watch them throw pizzas into the air. Its menu includes traditional pizzas, calzones, garlic knots and oven-baked subs. Popular local restaurateurs George and Ann Hartley strike again with this Mexican restaurant located in Seacrest Beach, FL on Scenic 30-A. Located in Seagrove Beach, Pop Stop is a gourmet artisan popsicle shop offering all-natural, artisanal and fresh-frozen treats made locally in Santa Rosa Beach, FL.
Located in Alys Beach, FL, right next to the amphitheater, the Piper's food truck serves lunch and snacks, as well as Pop Stop popsicles for those hot summer days.