Although the Hamptons and ACK are quick and hip summer destinations from NYC, there’s another beachy keen spot you should look into before this summer hits! Nestled between Destin and Panama City, there is a myriad of hip beach enclaves that will knock your socks off allowing you to quickly sink your toes into the pristine white sand. All located on Florida’s scenic 30-A highway, its an easy trip in and totally fun! I can’t tell you how easy the trip is and how fun the place is once you arrive!
Cheap flight? Check! Same travel time as it is to get to Long Island or the gem off of Boston’s finest? Check, check! But what makes this spot so different and fun is that clever real estate developers have painstakingly created little beach town communities along this stretch of highway…all with their own personality and a pastel touch of glam! The most popular being Watercolor, Seaside, Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach. If you are into the rustic beach house scene, Seagrove Beach has simple beach houses to rent.
Growing up, my family made Seaside our “go-to” destination for any Spring or summer breaks. But until a recent bachelorette weekend down there, I had only associated this spot as a family vacay. And boy, was I wrong! I can’t tell you how much fun this place is to come down with your friends, rent a house and enjoy the sunshine together! Its also an amazing romantic getaway!
Some of Florida’s top restaurants are located on this stretch of highway, but since this was a low key casual weekend for our group, we stuck to the lesser expensive haunts. My faves?
Seaside picks {did I mention The Truman Show was filmed here? Hola!}:
Bud & Alleys Restaurant and Rooftop Bar
{Their Sesame-Crusted Rare Yellowfin Tuna was fabulous!}
One morning, my good friend Julia and I decided to take a long walk, catch up on life and check out the very swishy Rosemary Beach down the road {about 8 miles} from Seaside! I loved…
Welcome to Rosemary Beach!
Patchouli’s {you can create your own fragrance!}
But we couldn’t head back to Seaside without having a nibble!
About a mile away from Rosemary Beach, we stumbled upon Alys Beach. This new ultra chic {almost Breakers-like in Palm Beach style…but all white!} beach resort that had an amazing restaurant called George’s on the main road. We went in and had the best time getting to know their staff and devouring their dishes! Mmm…
Sesame Crab and Avocado Salad
Senora Anna’s Fish Tacos
We all stayed in this calming place directly next to Seaside called Watercolor for the bachelorette weekend, and I cannot tell you how fabulous the accommodations were. It was so central and easy to get to anywhere – shopping, restaurants, bars…you name it!
Looking for a new beach desto to get laid up and bronzed for days? The panhandle of Florida is calling your name. Grab a house, grab a car and grab some friends. It’ll be a colorful memory of sun!
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