Crazy as it is, I lived in Florida for 16 years – from Tampa to Tallahassee to Fort Lauderdale – and never heard the words ’30A’! For those of you who DO KNOW about the little Florida slice of heaven that is 30A, know I was clearly missing out. In short, I’ve been home only a few days, but can’t wait to plan my next girls trip to 30A.
WHERE IS 30A
So, you may be asking yourself – what exactly is 30A?? It’s a small stretch of beach, located west of Panama City. This area includes popular destinations like Rosemary Beach, Watercolor, Seaside + Alys Beach to name a few. My sweet friend Jessica, who lives on 30A, kept talking up her hometown {don’t we all?? haha}, even going as far to say her two favorite places in America were 30A + Charleston! With that statement in mind I was like ‘ok, well then I really need to check out this place for myself’. Lucky for me, she put together an amazing girls trip to 30A with some wonderful blogger gals {yours truly included}, to experience the area firsthand! It’s taken me a bit longer then I’d like to put all this together {thank you for your patience}, but I’m thrilled to share with you some trip highlights + recommendations!
Alys Beach | the cutest residential development I ever did see! It’s seriously stunning. Paved walkways, modern architecture, manicured bushes/trees, quaint courtyards, iron gates, community fir pits…am I painting a good picture here? Basically, if I didn’t live in Charleston {a place I LOVE}, I would want to live on Alys Beach.
myself + Jessica of Happily Hughes in our matching Kingdom + State palm print suits c/o | top + bottom
See full post of this 30A boho beach inspired look.
Live Well 30A hooked up our beach house prior to our arrival – fully stocked with food + drinks! So convenient, am I right?! Usually the first stop when I arrive at a vacation rental is the grocery story. Therefore, it was nice for that to be taken care of and be able to just relax + hit the sand.
The group after Sunday brunch at Sunset Bay Café
RESTAURANTS
Beachside Shrimp Boil | Put on by the team of Live Well 30A! I swear, they really do do it all. The weather wasn’t perfect for us that night {a little windy for the bonfire} BUT the actual shrimp boil was incredible – and that’s coming from a girl that doesn’t really love shrimp! The meal came complete with all the corn, potatoes, homemade mac + cheese, along with fresh guac + chips – all the things! If you’re visiting 30A I can’t recommend this enough!! The Bonfire is their most popular service, and truly won’t disappoint. They also do beach weddings, rehearsal dinners, family reunions, etc.
The Hub 30A | Such a fun, outdoor dining concept! It reminded me of a food truck park, but way cooler + a little more up-scale. There’s a variety of restaurants that share a common ‘dining’ area in the center . Which is full of nice picnic tables, live music, rocking chairs, even an outdoor projection screen/viewing area for sports + movies for kids. Although I don’t have kids myself, this would be the perfect spot to bring the whole fam!
The Donut Hole | Gahhhh I just loved this place. It’s like a Crackle Barrel meets Dunkin Donuts meets Beir Garden…sort of. Haha. They’re surviving up traditional diner-food, along with daily baked donuts {ALL flavors!} + outdoor games/activities {think cornhole, ping pong, etc}. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. In other words, it’s a MUST visit during your trip.
Chiringo | Such a cute + fun spot for lunch! Loved the colorful decor, fresh cocktails + fabulous food selection {the red beet hummus was right up my ally}. We dined upstairs on the open air patio – pure perfection as we sipped + ate the afternoon away.
Chef Holbrook | This was such a fun treat, coordinated by Live Well 30A! Chef Holbrook of Signature Catering 30A came over to the beach house one morning and whipped up an incredibly gourmet-style breakfast. Most importantly, complete with fresh watermelon juice cocktails!
45 Central | Located in Seaside Square {centrally located on 30A}, one of the best tapas places I’ve ever been to! Furthermore, the staff spoiled up with about 8 courses + wine pairings. The area was great for pictures and just strolling around as well.
Live Well 30A is your one-stop-shop for all your rental needs on 30A. Whether you’re planning a family reunion, bachelorette weekend or girls trip to 30A, they’ll take great care of you. Providing you with easy access to everything from bikes + beach chairs to golf carts + baby equipment. It goes without saying, beach chairs are a must when hanging out on the beaches of 30A. Therefore, the guys at Live Well did a great job getting us all set up for a day in the sun.
sweet gifts in our goodie bags from Kingdom + State {top + bottom} + KAYU Tote
Sunset sips with my fellow Seminoles Jamie of 30A Street Style + Jennifer of Belle de Couture
Our fabulous hostess with the mostess – love this lady!
Finding your 30A rental home only requires one website visit – Rent30A.com has all of the best 30A rentals! They also have representatives who live on 30A that you can chat live with or email. They do a great job advising you about properties that suit your needs, recommend restaurants + give you any other info you need for your trip.
GIRLS TRIP TO 30A ATTENDEES
Lastly, HUGE thanks to Live Well 30A, Jessica + all the amazing businesses and restaurants that hosted us during this girls trip to 30A! In short, I had the best time with these gals + can’t wait to plan my next girls trip to 30A.
Jessica | Lipstick Heels and a Baby
Amanda | The Miller Affect
Lynlee | Gal About Town
Dede | Dress Up Buttercup
Jamie | 30A Street Style
Jennifer | Belle de Couture
Jessica | Happily Hughes
Don’t forget to use code ‘LIVEWELLKRISTIN’ for 10% off ANYTHING – airport shuttle, house rentals, bike rentals, beach chair rentals, etc.
photos by your’s truly, Jacqueline Ward Images + Alissa Aryn Photograph
