With charming towns along perhaps the most picturesque Florida coast, the vibrant communities and even better beaches that make up 30A are the perfect spot for a family vacation. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your Spring break in 30A Florida with kids!
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My family loved traveling to 30A for spring break, and I’m sure you will too! Amazing beaches, charming architecture and a plethora of things to see and do, this is simply a great idea for spring break.
To start though, if you’re wondering…
What is 30A Florida?
30A is a scenic drive in Walton County, in the panhandle of Florida. It’s just to the east of Destin, and if you follow highway 98 past the end of 30A, you’ll get to Panama City Beach.
30A is a bunch of little communities along the way. Here they are, from west to east:
- Dune Allen
- Santa Rosa & Gulf Place
- Blue Mountain Beach
- Grayton Beach
- Watercolor
- Seaside
- Seagrove
- Watersound
- Seacres & Alys Beach
- Rosemary Beach
- Inlet Beach
Florida spring break ideas – why is 30A so great for families?
30A isn’t just another beach destination; it’s perfect for families looking for a blend of relaxation and excitement!
The area, known for its stunningly clear turquoise waters and soft, sugar-white sand, ideal for days spent building sandcastles or soaking up the sun. The communities along 30A, each unique, are designed with a quaint, village-like atmosphere, making them safe and perfect for families.
You won’t find high-rise hotels or chains here. Instead, the communities will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a European city or even a picture book at times!
Top things to do in 30A with kids
Let’s dive right into this guide on a spring break in 30A Florida with kids with the best activities for the whole family.
1. Go to the beach!
Of course this is the top thing on the list! Even over spring break, it may be nice enough to swim. With the hot Florida sun warming you up, March and April can be warm enough to swim in the Gulf of Mexico.
Building sand castles or lounging on the beach is equally as relaxing, and sure to create memories for your family!
Note: this guide covers the best 30A Florida beaches that you can actually visit. Not all of them are public!
Many of beaches in 30A have private beach access through a condo or resort community. So when you’re booking your 30A accommodations, keep that in mind!
2. Create glass art
One of the most fun things my family did, and a great idea for your 30A Florida spring break with kids is to create glass art at The Shard Shop. Located in Grayton Beach, this fun activity is a perfect souvenir for your kids to create and take home.
Adults get to use real glass fragments, creating completely unique and custom art. Kids get to use glass gems and a variety of accessories, safe for creative children!
Pro tip: be sure to book your session in advance as the studio space fills up!
3. Yard games Grayton Beach
4. Food trucks at seaside
This is one of the best things to do in 30A with the whole family. One of the best lunches of your spring break will happen here, with all the options. From fancy hot dogs to Greek food, burgers, tacos and a whole lot more.
Grab food from different food trucks and grab a spot at a nearby table. Alternatively, there’s a huge amphitheater and grassy space nearby. The palm trees offer excellent shade, too!
5. Rent bikes
Rent bikes and explore the scenic paths that connect the various neighborhoods, a safe and fun way to see the sights. Depending on the ages of your kids, you can meander through the charming communities or the bike path that connects them for a real workout!
6. Ice cream at Blue Mountain Creamery
Can you even go wrong with ice cream over spring break?! My family eats ice cream at almost every destination we visit, and we tried a few spots along 30A Florida. Our very favorite was at Blue Mountain Beach Creamery.
With fun flavors like Oatmeal Cookie, Monkey Moose Tracks, Banana Pudding, Superman and Black Cherry, there’s so many options to choose from – and perfect for spring break with kids!
7. Outdoor games at North Beach Social
One of the best restaurants in 30A for families, North Beach Social has a large outdoor area filled with sand, building toys and yard games. Inside, there’s an area for live music.
Arrive and order at the counter and choose where to sit – indoor or outdoors! My kids were so busy playing I didn’t even get a photo of the outdoor fun they were having!
And bonus, it’s a fun spot to be by the water in the evenings, too.
8. Grayton Beach State Park adventures
Known for its beautiful coastal dune lakes, rare phenomena found in only a few places worldwide. Kayaking and paddleboarding here offer unforgettable experiences with nature.
With walking and biking paths too, the Grayton Beach State Park has gotta be one of the best in the state! It envelops the 30A highway, and is a great way for families to stay active over spring break!
9. Book store at seaside
One of my family’s favorite activities, and a great one for a rainy day even, is visiting the large bookstore in Seaside. Sundog Books is perfect for the whole family, and conveniently located near the amphitheater, restaurants and other shops.
10. Rosemary Beach fountain & candy shop
One of the most quaint spots in all of 30A is Rosemary Beach. Stroll through the cobblestone streets, admire the West Indies style architecture, and browse the boutique shops for unique finds.
But with kids, grab some change for them to toss into the fountain. Then, head a block south and stop in The Sugar Shak for traditional candies, taffy, chocolates and more.
There’s no public beach access in Rosemary Beach, but my family got a Moon Ball and had some fun tossing it back and forth in the public spaces!
What to pack for your spring break in 30A with kids
Ensuring you have the right items can make your trip much smoother. Here’s a handy list:
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen. Traditional sunblocks have bleached the reefs and killed marine life around the world. Be sure to use mineral sunscreen when in Florida, and everywhere else.
- Collapsible cooler. Perfect for traveling, a collapsible cooler gives you drinks on the beach, no matter how remote you are.
- Packing cubes. A set of packing cubes is essential for traveling to 30A. My family uses ours every time we travel, and it’s nice to have a variety of sizes for adults and kids.
- Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste by carrying a reusable water bottle for each person in the family.
- Dry bag. Keep your phone or other electronics dry while you’re on the beach! I have this dry bag in orange.
- Rash guard. Perfect for protecting shoulders and back from the sun. They even make cute rash guards in one-piece suits now, for adults and kids!
30A Florida Spring Break – that’s a wrap!
From the pristine beaches of Grayton Beach to the elegance of Rosemary Beach, tons of family memories will be made with a spring break to 30A!
So book your accommodations, pack your bags and have fun experiencing 30A to the fullest with your family!
Related content you might like:
Ultimate Guide to 30A Florida Beaches: Swoon-worthy Spots You’ll Love
30A Best Restaurants: Ultimate Foodie Guide to 30A Florida
Exactly What to Pack for a Beach Vacation (Say Goodbye to Stress with this Guide)
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