30A from Sundial

30A is one of the most photographed stretches of coastline in the US, and it starts 10 minutes west of Sundial. This is the day-trip routing we send guests on when they want to feel like they’re somewhere different without committing to a second hotel.

The order matters

30A runs east-to-west along the Gulf, 24 miles total. From Sundial you enter at the east end. We recommend stopping eastbound to westbound in this order, hitting the four or five towns that matter, and turning back when you’re done.

9 minutes by car start here

Inlet Beach

30A’s easternmost town, less polished than the western towns, more locally-feeling. Park at 30Avenue for shopping and food. The Inlet Beach regional access has a real parking lot and bathrooms. Walk the beach east toward Camp Helen.

For current restaurant + shopping picks, see the welcome book or text Reanna.

10 minutes by car picture stop

Rosemary Beach

The first of the 30A “named towns.” Dutch-Caribbean architecture, cobblestone streets, the green where families do farmers markets. Park free at the public lot, walk to the green, get coffee at the local spot Reanna recommends. Do not skip this stop.

Eat: the local sunset spots Reanna recommends. Walk: the green and the boardwalks down to the beach.

12 minutes by car photography

Alys Beach

The all-white town. Almost surreal looking. Limited public parking, find the regional access on the south side. Walk the alleys, photograph the white walls and turquoise pools. Drink at one of the spots in town.

Note: Alys is the most “private feeling” of the 30A towns. Be respectful, lots of homes here.

Mid-30A classic

Seaside

The original 30A town. Picket fences. The Truman Show was filmed here. for sunset dinner, This is your “you must do this once” stop.

Mid-30A low key

WaterColor and Grayton Beach

Just west of Seaside. WaterColor is the resort-residential development, beautiful trails, the rare combo of beach + lake. Grayton Beach next door is the scruffy one. Painted houses.

The day-trip script

9 AM: Leave Sundial. Coffee on the way.

9:30 AM: Rosemary Beach. Walk the green, coffee at the local coffee spot, take pictures.

11 AM: Beach walk at Alys or Seacrest. Pick one based on what feels right.

12:30 PM: Lunch in Seaside. Airstream tacos, or Bud and Alleys upstairs.

2 PM: Grayton Beach State Park if you want a real beach walk, then drift back east.

5 PM: Stop in Rosemary or Inlet Beach for a sunset cocktail.

7 PM: Back at Sundial. Pool. Sleep.

Parking warnings

30A is patrolled aggressively. Use the regional public access lots: Inlet Beach, Watersound, Seacrest, Seagrove, Seaside. Do not park on the side of 30A itself. Do not park in any neighborhood lot marked “residents only.” Daily lots run $15/day (or $5/hour) March-October, dropping to $5/day November-February for non-residents. Parking in the wrong spot can cost much more plus tow risk if you park where you should not.

Sundial is the better base

Plenty of people stay on 30A and never leave. That works, but the 30A nightly rates are 2x what we charge and the towns get crowded. Use Sundial as the quiet home base, drive to 30A for the day. You get the best of both.