This Florida Destination Has Rare Dune Lakes, Quartz Crystal-sand Beaches, and the First Permanent Underwater Sculpture Garden in the U.S.

A local shares her favorite restaurants, hotels, and things to do in Florida's 30A.

The first time I glimpsed the 26-mile stretch of beach on 30A — almost 30 years ago — I thought I had been transported to some undiscovered island paradise. The stark white sand and crystal-clear emerald waters coupled with forests, rivers, and bays teeming with wildlife convinced me to make my home here. This gorgeous region — unlike anywhere else in Florida — has grown into an area with a vibrant arts and culture scene, four state parks, and Timpoochee Trail, the bike path that hugs 18 miles of 30A coastline and lures visitors from all over.

Mike Ragsdale, founder of The 30A Company, dreamed of living at the beach, and in 2005, he and his family moved to 30A. Except it wasn't known as 30A yet — back then, most people called it Destin, even though that’s a county away. Ragsdale said, “Even though the road was there, it was just this strand connecting all these pearls of communities.”

We asked Ragsdale what makes 30A so special. He said, “I've traveled to 60 countries, and been to beaches in all corners of the globe, but anyone who's been to the beaches along [the Emerald Coast] knows it's impossible to find a better one — different but not better. It's an eco park. There are no go-karts, bungee jumping, or nightclubs. The attractions are the coastal dune lakes, the bay, the gulf, the forest, and the bike paths.”

Susan Benton, artist and food writer, told Travel + Leisure she's lived in the area for more than 25 years. When asked what drew her to 30A, she said, “I loved the tight-knit community, and even though we've grown so much through the years, we still have that close sense of community.”

[Editor's Note: Recent shark attack incidents have been reported in the area. Be sure to consult local news sources before heading out.]

30A, Florida

• Visit the coastal dune lakes, a rare ecological wonder only found in one other state in the Western Hemisphere.

• After a day on the quartz-filled sand, hit Stinky’s Fish Camp for a frozen daiquiri and a pile of oysters.

• Dive the Underwater Museum of Art to see large sculptures transformed into artificial reefs for a diverse array of marine life.

• Stay at Camp Creek Inn, where you can enjoy all the amenities of WaterSound’s private club with their “members for a stay” program.

• Explore one of the state parks for miles of beaches, thousands of acres of hiking and biking trails, and various species of endangered wildlife.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Hotel Effie

Voted as one of the best resorts in Florida by T+L readers, this 250-room luxury hotel features a rooftop bar for taking in the fiery sunsets and a full-service spa with 10 treatment rooms and the only coed relaxation lounge on the Gulf Coast. On the lobby level, Ovide, Hotel Effie’s signature restaurant has a stunning wall-to-wall ceiling mural that looks like a Southern garden in bloom. Just 10 minutes off 30A, this property is surrounded by award-winning golf courses, plenty of tennis and pickleball courts, and 2,400 acres of trails to explore.

Camp Creek Inn

Surrounded by the award-winning Camp Creek golf course, Camp Creek Inn offers a unique “members for a stay” program. When guests book a room at this 75-room property, they get the full WaterSound private club experience. The Wellness Center has a yoga studio, cycle studio, and cardio equipment overlooking the three pools. There are tennis and pickleball courts plus plenty of open, green space. Access to WaterSound’s private beach is also included.

The Pearl

This 55-room, West Indies-style boutique hotel was voted one of the best resorts in Florida by T+L readers. Many rooms have private balconies and all come with a complimentary mini-fridge stocked with bottled water, sodas, and juices, as well as complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas on The Pearl's dedicated stretch of beach. Spaces are filled with local artwork and the poolside spa has treatments utilizing the healing powers of the pearl gemstone.

WaterColor Inn

Surrounded by 1,400 feet of beach, a coastal dune lake, and dense pine forest, WaterColor Inn provides a quiet refuge from the rush of everyday life. The 60 Gulf-facing rooms, plus seven kitchen-equipped family suites, join six restaurants, multiple pool areas (including a 2,800-square-foot zero-entry family pool), and access to complimentary bikes and kayaks. It’s no wonder it was voted one of the best resorts for families in Florida by T+L readers.

The Court

The Court exudes charm with its eight sophisticated bungalows, Serena & Lily furnishings, wallpaper bursting with palm fronds, and coastal decor. Private decks are equipped with locally made teak hanging beds plus lounge chairs for soaking up the property's chic sanctuary vibe. Guests also get access to bikes for exploring 30A, but arguably the best part of staying here is designated parking spots, a highly sought-after commodity in this neighborhood.

Best Things to Do

Hit a state park.

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park has three miles of quiet beaches and more than 15 miles of hiking trails that cover old-growth pine forests, coastal dunes, wetlands, and more. Deer Lake State Park is home to a one-mile boardwalk with easy beach access. Ragsdale and Benton consider Eden Gardens State Park a hidden gem. Point Washington State Forest, meanwhile, has 15,000 acres with endangered plants and wildlife. It also includes sections of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Ragsdale and Benton tout Grayton Beach State Park, too, noting there’s fishing, paddling, and cabins if you want to stay overnight to soak up the wildlife.

Paddle a coastal dune lake.

Madagascar, New Zealand, and Australia have these rare ecological wonders, but outside of Oregon and South Walton, they aren't found anywhere else in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors have access to 15 coastal dune lakes in the area of 30A, where they can kayak, paddleboard, or fish in shallow waters that provide a transition between freshwater and saltwater.

Dive the Underwater Museum of Art.

The first permanent underwater sculpture garden in the U.S. rests right off the shores of Grayton Beach, 58 feet down. New art pieces are added to the Underwater Museum of Art each year, building an ecological wonderland for smaller species of fish and the big ones follow.

Visit the beaches.

Twenty-six miles of white-sand beaches stretch the length of 30A, with plenty of access points, chair and umbrella rental kiosks, and — if you're lucky — a mobile ice cream cart. The sand, composed of nearly 100 percent quartz crystal, does not heat up and creates a squeaking sound when walking on it.

Related: The 20 Best Beaches in Florida — From Romantic Islands to Family-friendly Spots, according to Travel + Leisure.

Take a river tour.

Backwater Tours can take you on a jungle cruise without leaving South Walton County. The three-hour sojourn winds through natural springs and waterways adjacent to 30A while captain Andy Coleman regales passengers with his tall tales. Ragsdale said, “It is like going on an excursion in Costa Rica — there are ospreys, bald eagles, alligators, blue herons, and wild boars. Just two miles north of all of this beach activity lies a [haven] of diverse wildlife and natural beauty.”

Best Shopping

Sundog Books

Opened in 1985, Sundog Books was one of the early Seaside shops. Bob and Linda White started their independent bookstore in a plywood shack with a cigar box and handwritten receipts. Almost 20 years later, they are still known for their robust collection of titles and knowledgeable staff who happily suggest books. Grab a beach read from the shelf of staff favorites — always a good bet. Just upstairs is Central Square Records, a classic music and vinyl shop where enthusiasts can find new and used records, band T-shirts, and plenty of memorabilia.

Shops of Grayton

Though there are many art galleries and studios along 30A, the most concentrated collection is the adorable cottages in Grayton Beach. Browse for a meaningful souvenir — a piece of local art. Modus is chock-full of photography and fine art from Chandler Williams, known for his 30A landscapes. Andy Saczynski’s art gallery explodes with color and texture — the walls are covered with folk art-inspired pieces crafted from found objects and recycled musical instruments. The Shard Shop offers an opportunity to make your own piece of glass and resin art. The Studio Gallery features works from established, emerging, and award-winning Southeastern artists. You can find wearable art, works to hang, and edible pieces amid the Shops at Grayton.

The Zoo Gallery

The Zoo Gallery, located just across the street from The Red Bar in downtown Grayton Beach, has curated eclectic artists and makers from around the world since 1979. If you find yourself waiting for a table next door (or even if you’re not), browse their collection of painted furniture, local jewelry, and thought-provoking artwork. Plus, they just renovated upstairs, so you can now book a stay at The Zoo Gallery, just steps from the sand.

Greenway Station

This brand-new collection of shops and eateries sits right on 30A. Greenway Station’s open-air shopping area has everything from Coast Hippie T-shirts and Southern Tide lifestyle products to summer dresses at Free People and Jonah Allen’s gallery, where his fine art photography featuring the 30A coastline adorns every wall. Restaurants, a butcher shop, and The Lodge 30A make for an immersive experience.

Best Restaurants

Nanbu

A noodle bar at the beach? Yes, please. Nanbu serves Japanese preparations with Southern ingredients and flair. Open for lunch Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m., this restaurant doles out bento boxes, ramen, sushi, and more. Don’t miss the Nanbu Noodle Bowl filled with Kurobuta pork, collards, and corn — the deep broth tastes like it has been simmered for days.

Black Bear Bread Co.

It started with a black bear rummaging through a garbage can and Phil McDonald’s legendary slow-fermented sourdough recipe. Benton can be found hanging out in the original Grayton Beach location often. “I'm a huge fan of Black Bear Bread Co.’s peppermint tea and long-fermented sourdough,” she said. Each shop offers a slightly different menu, but expect croissants, muffins, cookies, cakes, tarts, and a selection of bread.

Stinky’s Fish Camp

With views of one of the rare coastal dune lakes on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, Stinky’s Fish Camp provides an idyllic setting for some Cajun food inspired by chef and owner Jim Richard’s Lafayette, Louisiana, roots. The menu features “gulf-to-table” seafood along with Cajun specialties like crawfish pie, boudin bites, and po'boys. After dinner, pop over to Stinky’s Bait Shack. By day, it sells fishing tackle, bait, cold beer, wine, liquor, and frozen daiquiris to take to the beach. By night, the rustic venue transforms into a venue for live music.

Surfing Deer

The story of Seagrove Beach founder Cube McGee's exploits with his pet deer, Bambi, inspired the name for this hot spot, which is open Monday through Saturday for dinner only. Ragsdale loves to bring guests to Surfing Deer because it “...offers a juxtaposition of casual and upscale in the heart of Seagrove.”

Borago

This classic Italian trattoria is easy to miss in Grayton Beach, but not easily forgotten once you’ve tasted their bolognese sauce. A longtime staple of the 30A dining scene, Borago's menu features Italian staples like arancini, house-made focaccia, and a variety of pasta dishes like penne with hot Italian sausage — my personal favorite.

Best Time to Visit

Ragsdale and Benton let us in on their favorite can’t-miss events. Visit in January to catch the 30A Songwriters Festival. More than 175 artists perform over a four-day weekend in 30-plus intimate venues, all located along the 30A. In April, the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival pours out the fun during a four-day extravaganza with winemakers, distillers, and mixologists alongside bites by South Walton’s best chefs.

According to Ragsdale, though, May holds the best reason to visit: Digital Graffiti. Stroll the open-air path of whitewashed walls lit up with digitally curated projection artwork from artists around the world. Alys Beach also hosts my favorite event, Crafted. The four-day festival in November celebrates small-batch producers and local makers through a series of hands-on workshops, spirited seminars, makers markets, and signature events.

How to Get There

Located between Panama City Beach and Destin, 30A has two major airports. Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is smaller and sits approximately one hour to the west, while Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is located 28 minutes to the east. A variety of shuttles, taxis, and rental cars are available at each.

If 30A is your weekend getaway, both ends empty out onto Highway 98, which spans most of the length of Florida and runs parallel to Interstate 10, a complete cross-country highway.

Towns to Visit

Rosemary Beach

The cobblestone streets, meandering paths, and European-style architecture of Rosemary Beach offer plenty of inspiration for a family getaway or romantic weekend. There's lots of shopping at boutiques, bookstores, and design studios, and the expansive green space pops with public art installations and a lively restaurant scene.

Alys Beach

The stark white architecture of Alys Beach provides the perfect canvas for the coastal environment surrounding it. Plenty of parking and access roads make getting around easy. High-end design and apparel boutiques abut buzzy coffee shops and bottle stores. The amphitheater hosts a range of musical and theater performances, and an 1800-foot-long trail winds through the 20-acre preserve in the northern part of town.

Seaside

Every Saturday, the longest-running farmers market on 30A sets up in Seaside and the Airstream trailers serve everything from barbecue to green smoothies. I had my wedding reception at Great Southern Cafe right after they opened and the shrimp and grits still hit the spot. Newcomer Daytrader Tiki Bar & Restaurant serves a splash of escapism, but it's two of the original merchants that hold Benton’s heart. Modica Market still makes her favorite shrimp salad and she always makes a stop at Bud & Alley’s for an order of their legendary smoked tuna dip and a cocktail to toast the sunset when the bartender rings the bell.

Grayton Beach

Grayton Beach’s shotgun houses and independent businesses embody what has disappeared across most of Florida. The rustic interior at Grayton Seafood Co. features vintage fishing poles hanging from the ceiling, and according to Benton, “the best blue crab claws in the area.” Emerald Coast Storytellers makes their home here, too. And as Benton pointed out, a Sunday (or any day, in my opinion) wouldn't be the same without a visit to The Red Bar.

Blue Mountain Beach

Located on the western end of 30A, Blue Mountain Beach has some sleepy vibes. New spots like Mimmo’s and The Stalls have popped up, but old haunts remain. For example, Redd still serenades the crowd at Redd's Fueling Station and Blue Mountain Bakery still bakes cinnamon rolls to rival anywhere in the world (Tip: Order a dozen ahead as they usually sell out by 9 a.m.)

Related: This Florida Destination Has 26 Miles of Idyllic Coastline, according to Travel + Leisure.

How to Get Around

A rental car offers flexibility to explore beyond the scenic byway, but if you plan to stick to one of the neighborhoods, it’s much easier to rent a bike or golf cart. Walton County Tourism provides trams that service downtown Grayton Beach daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., while the town of Seaside has a shuttle out of the same Grayton Beach parking area every day during season.

According to Ragsdale, an electric bike is the way to get around 30A. (Yolo delivers to you if you can’t make it to the shop.) He added, “The network of bicycle and hiking trails connects you to nature in a way that brings back the joy of being on a bike as a kid.”

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.