The cat’s out of the bag when it comes to the Florida panhandle’s once-quiet stretch of turquoise-water, white-sand beaches collectively known as 30A . The 24-mile stretch of scenic highway is home to more than a dozen oceanfront communities, all overlooking the Gulf of Mexico but each offering a personality and vibe all their own. While Seaside gets national attention for its cheery, Mayberry-esque downtown and Alys is known for its elegance and striking white architecture, one of our favorite spots offers a decidedly simpler appeal. Seagrove, tucked between Seaside and Watersound, exemplifies everything you imagine small town beach life to be. Bike shady tree-lined paths or spend the day chasing waves in the sun. Either way, a fresh seafood dinner awaits when the sun goes down. You won’t find any major hotels or high-rise condominiums in Seagrove, but waterfront home rentals are available in droves to host your sunny vacation. Here are the best things to do in Seagrove, Florida.

Things To Do In Seagrove, Florida

Hit The Beach

Beach access points are plentiful in Seagrove, as it seems the entire community beckons you to the coast. Cross over one of many wooden boardwalks (and maybe even pass through a whimsical, vine-covered arch) to enter an entirely new dimension marked by salty air, sea breezes, and the most spectacular water color you can find anywhere in the world. For amenities like restrooms, a handicap accessible walkover, ample parking, and a lifeguard on duty, consider the Santa Clara Regional beach access.

Try A Watersport

If you’re eager to plunge into the iconic blue-green, crystal-clear expanse, enlist the help of Yellowfin Ocean Sports, who can set you up with anything your water-loving heart desires. Kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals are just a call or visit to the flagship store away. Anglers can rent surf fishing equipment or even sign up to join a 3-hour charter led by a Yellowfin guide.

Visit Deer Lake State Park

The oceanfront is the main draw in Seagrove, but don’t leave without seeing another of its gorgeous natural attractions—a sparkling coastal dune lake. The ecosystem is rare across the globe, but much easier to find along the Gulf Coast . Head to Deer Lake State Park to enjoy an afternoon among Southern magnolias, woody goldenrods, golden asters, and scrub oaks. You might also spot Gulf coast lupine, pitcher plants, and spoonflowers. From the extra-long boardwalk leading to the beach, you’ll have gorgeous views of the dune ecosystem and ocean.

Ride the Timpoochee Trail

There’s no better way to explore Seagrove and its surrounding communities than on two wheels. Many home rentals include cruisers, so you can pedal the streets in style. If yours doesn’t (or you need a few extra to outfit your entire crew), local shops like Butterfly Bike & Kayak and Bay Baits Seagrove can help you out. Once you secure your ride, set out on the Timpoochee Trail, an 18-mile mostly flat trail that parallels Scenic Highway 30A and connects its towns.

Shop at Seagrove Plaza

No beach vacation is complete without securing a couple souvenirs to take home. The obvious place to find your perfect treasure, from pastel-colored T-shirts to insulated travel cups, is the 30A Store . The brand behind the iconic turquoise-and-yellow 30A sun logo has a flagship location in the Seagrove Plaza that’s perfect for perusing. Other retailers in the mini shopping center include home goods store The Green Owl and clothing store Liz Fashions.

Where To Eat In Seagrove, Florida

Start With Breakfast At The Perfect Pig

If you’re looking for a leisurely morning, we recommend leaving your rental home’s kitchen dormant and heading to The Perfect Pig instead. The cozy all-day café serves a killer breakfast that’s guaranteed to have you feeling full and satisfied until your requisite late-afternoon beach sandwich . Order the veggie-packed Seagrove Hash, a Gourmet Grit Bowl, or a classed-up version of peanut butter-banana sandwich that’s made with brioche French toast stuffed with peanut butter and bananas and topped with warm cane syrup.

Grab Lunch At Seagrove Village Market Café

There are decades of history behind the lunch service at Seagrove Village Market Café, a local institution that’s been “serving deep-fried love since 1949”. Open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., with lunch specials on weekdays until 2:30 p.m., this is a reliable spot for excellent Southern and coastal fare, from fish tacos and seafood baskets to po’boys and salads. Don’t leave without trying their famous jalapeno pimento dip and homemade key lime pie.

Dine Alfresco At Old Florida Fish House

The views of the sun setting over Eastern Lake from Old Florida Fish House’s expansive outdoor dining room are simply unparallelled. Kick off your vacation or say goodbye to a wonderful trip in style by making dinner reservations at Old Florida Fish House. The setting is gorgeous, and the menu of fresh seafood dishes and coastal cuisine pair perfectly. Start with flash-fried Gulf crab claws, then choose between bronzed redfish served with Creole crawfish cream or the famous Grouper Fish House, pan-seared grouper with sauteed shrimp and butter-poached jumbo lump crab meat. Not visiting for dinner? The establishment also hosts a coffee shop, two retails stores, and a gelato shop.

Enjoy Early-Bird Dining At Café Thirty-A

For such a small community, Seagrove is blessed with lots of great fine dining restaurants, so it’s easy to fill every night of your vacation with excellent culinary experiences. If you want to visit all the hot spots while remaining budget-conscious, consider an early dinner at Café Thirty-A. The contemporary casual fine-dining restaurant offers buy one, get one half off entrees every day from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Make an early reservation and enjoy the same exciting menu of elegant entrees for a fraction of the price.

Have A Nice Dinner At Surfing Deer

This white-tablecloth restaurant pays homage to Seagrove Beach’s founding by a m an named Cube McGee. The restaurant’s unlikely moniker references McGee’s pet deer Bambi, who locals often spotted splashing around in the surf alongside McGee. Inside the sleek, coastal cool restaurant dine on a varied and ever-changing menu that draws on global flavors for creative dishes like Thai Skillet Salmon and Pesto Pappardelle.