So many people dream of the ultimate beach vacation complete with sun, sand, and lasting memories. Not all beaches, however, are created equal! Florida’s Gulf Coast is an excellent place to look if you’re seeking a refined, unspoiled beach experience this season. There are several distinct beach communities located along scenic 30A, but we’ve listed our three favorites to narrow it down for you. Here are some of the best 30A beaches from the perspective of a local!
Before packing your bags for this gorgeous part of sunny Florida, be sure to create an itinerary for your trip! Especially if you’re traveling with a large group, planning the perfect getaway can be overwhelming. Luckily, it doesn’t have to be! YFAB’s 30A Vacation Guide lists all of our favorite restaurants, shops, annual events, and hidden gems. Get a copy today so you can spend less time planning and more time experiencing!
Choose the Best 30A Beach for You
The 30A region is divided into several unique beach communities, and it can be confusing at first to know where to find the best 30A beaches. Santa Rosa Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, and Crystal Beach in Destin are our top three beaches, but there are so many other fun things to discover when in town. For more information about what you can see and do when visiting, consult our favorite things to do in 30A!
Santa Rosa Beach
Located on the south shore of 30A, Santa Rosa Beach is a truly ideal place to stay when on vacation. This beach town is close to everything 30A has to offer, yet still provides unmatched views of the pristine Gulf of Mexico. Technically, the community of Santa Rosa Beach encompasses a large part of South Walton. This includes areas like Seaside (where the popular film The Truman Show was filmed), WaterColor, and Grayton Beach State Park. Biking past magnificent sand dunes is a favorite pastime here, as is paddleboarding the sparkling waters of the Gulf.
Our Santa Rosa Beach condos are located in San Remo, a luxury condo complex that’s right on the water. This quiet, gated community offers premium amenities like a large pool, hot tub, gym, and outdoor grilling area that’s ideal for families. Choose from spacious two- and three-bedroom condos with private decks or patios and see what it’s like to experience the beauty and tranquility of 30A beaches!
Blue Mountain Beach
Often touted as the highest point in the Gulf of Mexico (at an elevation of 64 feet), Blue Mountain Beach may not represent a proper mountain. However, it does feature enormous sand dunes, beautiful blue lupine blooms, and, of course, a stunning coastline! This neighborhood consists mostly of private residences and a few artsy shops and galleries like Justin Gaffrey’s Art Gallery.
Our Blue Mountain Beach condos in the Adagio complex are all just steps away from the gorgeous shoreline! In addition, some condos feature poolside views of cascading water features. These luxurious accommodations feature an 8,000-square foot pool, large hot tub, and gym. Adagio offers a beach chair service, too, so you’ll never be without the gear you and your group need to enjoy a picturesque Blue Mountain Beach escape!
Crystal Beach
Crystal Beach is one of the best 30A beach communities because of its charming cottages, pastel color palette, and proximity to urban Destin. As one of the most desirable vacation destinations in the Florida Panhandle, Crystal Beach offers plenty of scenic views, shops, and restaurants. Another draw of Crystal Beach is Destin Commons, an outdoor lifestyle center that features an array of boutiques, live music, a movie theater, and family-friendly events throughout the year. Kids love Crystal Beach, too — there’s even a water park where they can play all day!
If this little slice of heaven sounds right for you, check out our Crystal Beach vacation rentals! Located in Villa Coyaba, our luxury condos are perfectly suited for large families or those traveling with a friend group. These mostly four-bedroom properties are just steps away from a private beach with white sands! They feature patios and private balconies overlooking the emerald waters of the Gulf.
Make Your Beachfront Condo Experience Even More Special
Whether you choose a Santa Rosa, Blue Mountain, or Crystal Beach rental, you’ll have an unforgettable coastal getaway! Now that you’ve chosen your perfect home-away-from-home, know that you have a Friend at the Beach. Our concierge service and attentive staff ensure that every guest’s expectations are exceeded. Whether you need a crib for the littlest member of the family or a set of bikes for your beachside adventure, we can help you make the most of your experience!
Ready to see the best 30A beaches for yourself? Check our availability today and start planning!