Most people don’t think about heading to the beaches of the Florida Panhandle at this time of year, but the South Walton area between Destin and Panama City isn’t just for spring break and summer vacation anymore. Sixteen beach communities line this stretch of the coast, most along the two-lane Scenic Highway 30A corridor.
30A, as its called, has become a year-round destination with a vibrant arts and culinary scene and plenty of natural treasures beyond the beach. The water may be too cold for swimming, but the beachcombing and sunsets are sublime — in winter, the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico, unlike in summer, when it sets over land — so you can still get your beach on and enjoy a seaside vacation a few hours from home in the dead of winter.
Natural treasures
Much of the land here is protected and undeveloped, including expansive tracts of longleaf pine in Point Washington State Forest, pristine stretches of beach and the coastal dune lakes sandwiched between the beach and the forest. Coastal dune lakes exist in only a few places on earth and South Walton is one of them. These rare lakes that occasionally cut through the beach to connect with the surf contain a brackish mix of fresh and salt water.
This makes for a unique ecosystem that is best explored in colder months by kayak or atop a stand-up paddle board. Point Washington State Forest contains 10 miles of biking and hiking trails and YOLO Board has stand-up paddle boards for rent from the WaterColor dock on Western Lake. The best places to fully experience nature are at one of the four state parks in South Walton — Topsail Hill Preserve, Grayton Beach, Deer Lake and Eden Gardens. The first three parks contain coastal dune lakes, wide dune fields and long strands of white quartz sand.
New Urbanism
The concept of New Urbanism was born in the early 1980s and the master-planned community of Seaside helped to birth it. Smart, sustainable growth and walkable, pedestrian-friendly streets are at the heart of New Urbanism and Seaside is widely recognized as a pioneer in the movement. If you’ve seen the hit 1998 film “The Truman Show,” Seaside was its primary filming location, depicting a picture postcard-perfect yesteryear world by the sea.
Following in Seaside’s footsteps are the nearby communities of Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach and WaterColor, among others, each with its own distinct architectural style, all connected by 30A and the adjacent bike/pedestrian pathway.
Arts and culture
Many cultural events take place in the so-called offseason in South Walton. The Cultural Arts Alliance puts on the 30A Songwriters Festival and the Valentine Tour of Homes each winter, as well as art exhibits at the Bayou Arts Center. At Seaside, Ruskin Park is an artists’ colony filled with galleries and resident workshops, and there’s a repertory theater across the plaza. Gulf Place is home to another artists’ colony. The 30A Wine Festival takes place in early March at Alys Beach. And most any night of the week, even in winter, you’ll find a thriving and supportive live music scene in local clubs and restaurants featuring bands and solo acts performing original music ranging from jazz and rock to folk and bluegrass.
Culinary delights
Instead of the fast food joints, corporate chains and greasy spoons that populate the beach resort areas to the east and west, South Walton has an array of locally owned and award-winning eateries. From the fine dining found at renowned establishments such as Fish Out of Water in Watercolor to the seafood shack ambiance that is the Red Bar in Grayton Beach, you won’t lack for dining options while here, as most places now stay open all year long.
The food truck phenomena hasn’t passed South Walton by, either. In fact, there were food trucks in South Walton long before the trend hit big cities like Atlanta. Head to Airsteam Row in Seaside and you’ll find a line of trailers right next to 30-A that have been dishing out grub like barbecue and sorbet for years.
If you go
South Walton is a five-hour drive from Atlanta via I-85 South and U.S. 331 South.
Stay
The Pearl. The newest noteworthy hotel in South Walton, the Pearl provides luxurious accommodations in the heart of Rosemary Beach just steps away from the beach, dining and shopping. Rates start at $279. 63 Main St. Rosemary Beach. 850-502-5663; www.thepearlrb.com.
Hibiscus Coffee and Guesthouse. A taste of old-school Florida in Grayton Beach. It's a few blocks from the beach, but you'll be staying in one of the hippest, low-key and more affordable spots along this stretch of coast, where locals and tourists come for brunch, coffee and live music in the cafe. Room rates start at $110. 85 Defuniak St., Grayton Beach. 850-231-2733; www.hibiscusflorida.com.
Eat
Bud and Alley's. This quintessential beachside restaurant and bar was one of the culinary pioneers along 30A. Opening in 1986, it's still a don't-miss spot for first-timers and long-timers. There's a rooftop bar for catching the sunset, a fine dining restaurant downstairs, as well as an adjacent taco stand and pizza joint for more casual fare. Dinner entrees in the restaurant start in the $20 range. 2236 East County Road 30A, Seaside. 850-231-5900; www.budandalleys.com.
Louis Louis. The sister restaurant to the legendary Red Bar in Grayton Beach, Louis Louis isn't on the beach but it's well worth the short drive from 30A for its hearty Southern/Creole-style fare and funky environs. This is where the locals go. No menus here; your server holds up a chalkboard with the day's selections. They also don't take credit cards; cash or check only (out-of-town checks accepted). The chalkboard menu is constantly changing but dinner entrees usually start at around $15 to $17. 35 Musset Bayou Road, Santa Rosa Beach. 850-267-1500; www.louislouis.net.
Visitor info
Visit South Walton Visitor Center. 25777 U.S. Hwy 331, Santa Rosa Beach (at the intersection of U.S. 331 and U.S. 98). 800-822-6877; www.visitsouthwalton.com.
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