30 Fun Things to Do on 30A With Kids

Planning a family vacation on 30A? There is plenty to do beyond spending all day at the beach. You can paddle a coastal dune lake, bike through the little beach towns, listen to live music, play a game of Spikeball, eat your way through Seaside's Airstream Row—or simply find a good spot to watch the sunset.

I've lived and worked here long enough to have plenty of favorites, so this is a mix of classic 30A experiences and the places and activities I would actually recommend to a family visiting with kids.

Beach & Water

1. Build a sandcastle

Let the kids get creative. And if your family really wants to take sandcastle building to another level, there are even lessons available for families who want to learn some of the tricks.

Before you leave, though, please knock down your sandcastle, smooth everything out and fill in any holes. Holes and structures left on the beach can be dangerous for people and marine life, and South Walton asks visitors to help keep the beach clean, dark and flat during sea turtle nesting season.

2. Spend the day at Grayton Beach and Western Lake

Grayton Beach is one of my favorite places for families with younger kids. The dune lake gives kids a place to play in calmer water away from the Gulf, and parents can actually sit back and relax while they play.

When you're finished at the beach, head to The Red Bar for dinner. It's a fun place with a lively atmosphere and music. If you'd rather try another restaurant from the same family, Louis Louis is a similar option in Santa Rosa Beach with fewer waits.

3. Paddle or kayak a coastal dune lake

Walton County is home to 15 coastal dune lakes, a rare natural feature found in only a few places around the world. Several can be explored by kayak or paddleboard, and it is a completely different experience from being out on the Gulf.

4. Try Glow Paddle

For something really different, try a nighttime paddle with kayaks lit from underneath with LED lights. This would be especially fun for older kids and teenagers.

5. Swim and play in the Gulf

Sometimes the best plan is no plan. Let the kids splash, jump waves, swim, and wear themselves out.

Just check the beach flags before getting in the water. South Walton uses a color-coded flag system to let you know about surf and current conditions, and double red flags mean the water is closed. You can text SAFETY to 31279 for current Gulf conditions and flag updates. Check current beach conditions and safety information on Visit South Walton →

6. Try skimboarding

This is a fun one for older kids and teenagers who want a little more action than swimming.

7. Get out on the water

Take a dolphin-watching excursion, rent a pontoon boat or make a day of it with a private boat or yacht. Getting out on the water gives you a completely different perspective of the coast.

For a larger family or multigenerational group, a private boat outing can be a memorable splurge.

8. Have a beach bonfire and roast s'mores

A beach bonfire can be one of the best evenings of a 30A vacation. Bonfires require permits, and beach access availability can be limited during busy times, so it's worth planning ahead. And don't forget the s'mores! (30A Boujee Bonfires) 

9. Don't miss sunset on the beach

Bring a beach chair or blanket and settle in for sunset. You can even bring a cocktail to enjoy while you watch the sun go down. Just remember that glass containers aren't allowed on the beach, so leave the wine glass at the rental.

Games, Bikes & Getting Around

10. Play some beach games

Bocce ball is common around 30A, and older kids and young adults often play Ladder Toss or Spikeball. Or bring a ball or frisbee and make up your own games, too.

11. Bike around 30A

Biking is a big part of the 30A experience. With small children, you may want them riding with you or in a setup where you can keep a close eye on them. Older kids may be ready for their own bikes, but they still need to pay attention.

Traffic can get surprisingly busy during peak summer, so don't assume an older child who can ride a bike at home is automatically ready to ride independently here.

12. Rent a golf cart

A golf cart can be a fun way to get around and makes even a quick trip for ice cream feel like part of the vacation.

Just be sure everyone follows the local laws and safety requirements. Golf carts are fun, but people can get hurt when they're not used responsibly.

Music, Shopping & Exploring

13. Catch a show or some live music

There is often something happening around 30A. There are outdoor concerts with live music and family-friendly shows. Check the current schedule while you're here, because events vary by season and location.

14. Explore Seaside's Airstream Row

The vintage Airstreams in Seaside are part of what makes the town so fun to visit.

Everyone can choose what they want, then take it over to the green. Bring a ball and a picnic blanket and let the kids play while you relax.

I love The Meltdown on 30A because I LOVE cheese. In fact, I wanted to open a cheese shop when I was a kid, so it probably isn't surprising that the grilled cheese is my favorite. My husband would tell you not to skip Barefoot BBQ, and Mr. Gyro Hero is another good option.

Seaside's Airstream Row has been serving up casual food from its retro trailers for years. (Seaside)

15. Browse Sundog Books and Central Square Records

Book lovers should stop at Sundog Books in Seaside, then head upstairs to Central Square Records. It is especially fun for older kids, teenagers and anyone who loves books or music.

16. Explore the different 30A communities

One of my favorite things about 30A is that the little communities all have their own personalities.

Explore Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Grayton Beach, WaterColor, Seagrove and Seacrest. Wander around, browse the shops, find a favorite coffee or ice cream stop and see which one becomes your favorite.

17. Let younger kids play at the Alys Beach playground

If you have little ones, the Alys Beach playground is worth a stop. Let them run and play while you grab coffee or breakfast nearby at Raw & Juicy.

It's an easy stop rather than a whole-day outing, which can be exactly what you need with younger kids.

18. Visit a Farmers Market

The Rosemary Beach Farmers Market is a good place to pick up fresh food and local products. If Mano's is there, make sure to stop by. I especially love his labneh, baba ghanoush and hummus.

Seaside and Seacrest have good markets too. 

Check the current schedule before you go, since dates and vendors can change.

Food & Treats

19. Have breakfast or brunch somewhere you love

Some of my favorites for breakfast or brunch include Black Bear, Fonville Press, Crackings, The Perfect Pig, Pescado, and The Donut Hole.

20. Have lunch or dinner with a great view

For a bay view, try The Bay, Farm & Fire or North Beach Social.

For a Gulf view, head upstairs at Bud & Alley's in Seaside. The Vue on 30A is another good option.

21. Have lunch or dinner at North Beach Social

This is one of my favorite places to take kids. You order at the window, then head outside toward the bay and choose a table.

There is a great area for kids to play while you eat, so the adults can actually sit down and enjoy a meal and a cocktail. They often have music in the evenings, too. I especially like it when the weather isn't too hot.

22. Try some of the local treats

A 30A vacation deserves an afternoon treat.

Some of my favorites are Blue Mountain Beach Creamery, Frost Bites in Seaside, Sugar Shack in Rosemary Beach, and Nigel's Frozen Bananas, which has multiple locations.

23. Spend some time at The Big Chill

The Big Chill is a good option when the kids need somewhere to move around while the adults eat and hang out. I wouldn't choose it for the food, but the atmosphere works well for families. They often have DJs and show sports on the big screen.

24. Save some time for grown-up dinner

Some restaurants are better suited to older kids or younger kids who are especially good in restaurants. Café Thirty-A would be one of my choices for that kind of dinner.

For a date night, Ambrosia or La Crema would be on my list. Sometimes the best vacation plan is leaving the kids with someone else for a couple of hours.

A Few Things That Make Vacation Easier

25. Rent your beach chairs and umbrella

You don't necessarily need to pack all of your beach gear. Renting chairs and an umbrella can make beach days much easier, especially when you're traveling with kids.

26. Need beach toys or an easy lunch? Stop at Publix

If you forgot beach toys or don't want to pack them, Publix usually has a decent selection of beach supplies.

And if you're looking for an easy, affordable lunch or dinner, Publix subs are one of the few budget-friendly options around 30A. Pick them up before heading to the beach or take them back to your rental.

27. Have a private chef come to your rental

For a special evening, have a chef come to you instead of taking everyone out. This can be especially nice for larger families or multigenerational groups who would rather relax at the rental than get everyone dressed and out the door.

28. Have a rainy-day plan

Don't let a rainy afternoon ruin your vacation. I've already put together a separate guide with ideas for rainy-day activities for families near 30A, so you can have a few ideas ready when the weather changes.

Read my rainy-day guide for families near 30A →

And if you're staying for a longer trip and want to venture farther out, Destin is an easy drive west and Panama City Beach is east along Highway 98. Both offer additional family attractions and activities.

29. Pick up a 30A sweatshirt or T-shirt

If you want a souvenir from your trip, Seaside and Rosemary Beach are good places to find a 30A sweatshirt, T-shirt or something else to take home with you.

30. Make your family photos part of the vacation

And if you really want to take home something that will last, have your family photographed while you're here.

I do things a little differently. Instead of asking everyone to spend the session lined up, smiling at the camera and posing the entire time, I photograph you doing what you already do together. Playing in the waves, building sandcastles, exploring the beach or just hanging out. You do the vacation. I document it, beautifully. This is the heart of documentary family photography

We might build sandcastles, play in the waves, explore the beach or just hang out together. Wondering where your session could take place? I've also put together a guide to 30A photography locations, including permits and fees.

I'll get a few photos of everyone looking at the camera, but most of the time I'm photographing the connections, personalities and little moments that happen when you're simply enjoying time together. See some of the families I've photographed on 30A.

The goal isn't just to take family pictures at the beach. It's to document your vacation and what this particular stage of your family felt like.

See how my 30A family photography sessions work

One More Thing Before You Come

Watch The Truman Show.

Much of the movie was filmed in Seaside, and it can be fun to recognize some of the places while you're walking around town. It isn't necessarily a movie I'd choose specifically for younger kids, but older kids and adults may enjoy the connection.

And don't try to do everything.

Pick a few things your family will love, leave some room for a slow morning or an unexpected stop, and enjoy being together.

That's what vacation is for.