6 Summer Staycation Ideas in Dallas and Surroundings

Beaches, waterfalls, drive-thru safaris and more near Dallas. Discover 6 superb ways to spend a hot summer day in and around DFW!

Discover 6 superb ways to spend a hot summer day in and around DFW.

Beaches, waterfalls, drive-thru safaris and more. These summer adventures near Dallas will surprise you!

Missing that vacation feeling but travelling is not in your plans? Receiving guests this summer? Looking for out of the box staycation ideas in Dallas?

We got your back!

Discover here 6 outstanding places to visit in DFW and surroundings that will transport you elsewhere and give you that summer vibe you have been craving for.

Unbelievable beaches you would expect to find only in the coast. Nature preserves with tall trees, shady trails and swimming areas that will blow your mind. Unique experiences to make everlasting memories.

A fine selection of some of the best things to do in Dallas and surroundings this summer while keeping safe and fresh at the same time.

The best part? All attractions are outdoors (safety first), and in DFW or close enough for a short day trip, so you can spend the most amazing summer day ever and be back home by dinnertime to relax in the comfort of your home.

Peek below and plan your summer staycation!

For summer road travel ideas from Dallas, check our 2020 Summer Special.

Little Elm Beach

Little Elm, TX
0h40 from Downtown Dallas

Looking for a sandy beach really close to Dallas? The Beach at Little Elm Park is your best bet.

In the Dallas suburbs, in Denton County, Little Elm Beach is a great place to spend a summer day and swim on Lake Lewisville.

The area is family-friendly, well -maintained and top-rated by users. Some amenities there include kayak and sup rental, volleyball nets, covered pavilion, and restrooms.

Make sure to pack a picnic – there are no food vendors there. Or combine your visit to the Little Elm Beach with lunch at nearby Hula Hut, a waterfront restaurant with outdoor seat and fun decor.

Burger's Lake

Fort Worth, TX
0h30 from Downtown Dallas

This place is A LOT of fun! Located in Fort Worth, Burger’s Lake is sort of a rustic waterpark in a beautiful natural setting.

The spring fed lake has a beautiful color and is surrounded by small sandy beaches, lounge areas and shady picnic tables. Parents can relax in the water surrounded by the amazing scenery, while kids go wild sliding and jumping in one of the several diving boards, tall slides – including a 20-foot slide – and 25-foot trapeze.

It is an amazing summer staycation destination in DFW, and one to be definitively included in your summer adventures.

Tip: get there early to enjoy it safely, as it tends to get crowded later in the day.

Island View Park

Pottsboro, TX – 1h25 from Downtown Dallas

This is by far my favorite beach in the Dallas surroundings, a true northeast Texas hidden gem. It is the place to go if you are in serious need of a beach fix but paying a trip to the coast is not in your plans.

Island View Park, at the Lake Texoma shores, is home to two outstanding sandy beaches, with an unbelievable scenery and clear water.

One of them more rustic – and more beautiful in my opinion – without any amenities other than a few shady areas under the trees.

Other with covered picnic tables (requires reservation in advance), paddling rentals, restrooms, and a food truck, also beautiful but with a rockier bottom – make sure to bring water shoes.

Choose the one that suits better your style and get your beach fix near Dallas. You will be astounded by this place beauty!

Dinosaur Valley and Fossil Rim

Glen Rose, TX – 1h20 from Downtown Dallas

Other favorites on the list. Now when it comes to Texas State Parks and family-friendly attractions.

Dinosaur Valley State Park is one of my favorite State Parks in the Dallas surroundings ever. It is gorgeous. It offers tons of amazing swimming opportunities – a blue hole, sandy beaches along the Paluxy River shores, shallow river areas with running water for sort of an open-air spa lol. It has a superb trail system. And it is home to real dinosaur footprints!

It is the perfect place to beat the Texas heat and right next door to one of the best safari zoos in Texas, Fossil Rim.

Fossil Rim is another superb summer attraction near Dallas – you can drive through the animals and feed them from the comfort of your air-conditioned car.

Go early in the day to combine both Fossil Rim and Dinosaur Valley in a single trip and have the most perfect summer day ever. And heat-proof and social distancing friendly – beat that!

Tyler State Park and Ham Orchards

Tyler, TX – 1h30 from Downtown Dallas

Tyler State Park is one of the closest places to Dallas to experience the beautiful Piney Woods Region of Texas.

Expect tall trees and tons of shade. If you are not a local, you will find it hard to believe we have this type of landscape in Texas, let alone so close to Dallas!

On your way there, take a detour and stop by Ham Orchards, in Terrel, to pack your picnic. It is a local fave, open only during summer, famous for its barbecue and homemade peach ice cream.

Head then to Tyler State Park to enjoy it surrounded by nature. Then burn those extra calories hiking the gorgeous and shady trail around the lake. Top off with a splash from the diving platform located in the designated swimming area.

Get back home just in time to watch your favorite movie and recharge for your next summer adventure. Sounds like a fun summer day, doesn’t it?

Turner Falls and Arbuckle Wilderness

Davis, OK – 2h00 from Downtown Dallas

A gorgeous waterfall, a rustic zoo safari and the best fried pies in Oklahoma will give you the impression you have traveled some place far far away – and yet you’ll be only 2 hours away from Dallas.

Turner Falls Park is a popular travel destination in Oklahoma, and home to the tallest waterfall in the state. It offers swimming, hiking and even zip-lining.

It’s right next door to Arbuckle Wilderness, a zoo safari where you can drive your car through the animals and feed them – go early in the morning for the best experience.

Between the two places – which are really only a few minutes apart – you’ll find mouthwatering Arbuckle Mountain Fried Pies. Make sure to stop by and try this local staple, it is goooooood.

Our last – but not least summer staycation idea to enjoy in Dallas and surroundings. Now pic your favorites, hit the road and have (tons of) fun!

Summing Up

In this post we have covered unique ideas on summer day trips from Dallas, ideal for a staycation.

Places far enough from the city for a change or air, and close enough that they do not require a sleep over.

Little Elm Beach, Burger’s Lake, Island View Park, Dinosaur Valley, Fossil Rim, Tyler State Park, Ham Orchards, Turner Falls and Arbuckle Wilderness are our ideas for a perfect summer adventure near Dallas.

I hope you have enjoyed this post (share with friends if you did!) and that you have a blast exploring the most amazing summer destinations in northeast Texas!

What is your favorite place near Dallas to spend an outstanding summer day? Leave a comment below!

Get more trips and leisure ideas right to your inbox. New and unique content released every week!

Heads up: my posts may contain affiliate links.
If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more. But I’ll earn a small commission that will help the Dallas Wanderer to keep the lights on as a free travel and leisure resource for our community.
Thanks 🧡💙🧡

Share on social media or send to a friend:

10 Top Things to do In South Padre Island, Texas

Discover all must-sees and must-dos in South Padre Island, one of the best beach vacation destinations in Texas.

Have the time of your life this summer in one of the most beautiful portions of the Texas Gulf Coast

Ask any Texan about the best beaches to visit in the state and they will not hesitate in pointing out South Padre Island.

South Padre Island is a popular beach travel destination year-round, and especially during the excruciating Texas summer months – ocean breeze, water, and few clothes on are hands down one of the best ways to beat the Texas heat!

And the place lives up to all the hype about it: there you can expect to find white sand beaches, dunes, wildlife, beach vibe and great weather.

But which are the best beaches to hit in South Padre Island? What to do there besides hanging out on the beach? Which are the main local attractions you can’t miss and that will make you experience the best of this amazing portion of the Texas Gulf Coast?

Find here 10 amazing things to do in South Padre Island and hit the road to uncover one of the best beaches to visit in Texas within a reasonable distance from Dallas – 8h30 driving from the city.

If you’re looking for a beach closer to Dallas, check this blog post as well, covering the best beaches to visit in the Port Aransas and Corpus Christi surroundings.

Check our ideas below, make your reservations and embark on an amazing trip through the Texas Coast!

Booking.com

Isla Blanca Park - Beach Access # 16

So, you’re here for the beach, right? And Isla Blanca Park happens to be one of the best places to bury your feet on the sand in the heart of South Padre Island, near hotels, condos, and eateries.

Beach Access # 16, at Isla Blanca Park, is a top-rated beach access in South Padre Island and a safe bet if you’re looking for your perfect spot under the sun without driving any further. Expect a clean beach with soft sand, easily accessible through a beautiful wooden walkaway.

Isla Blanca Park has a small public parking, as well as abounding public street park. Go there early in the morning to watch the sunrise.

Edwin K. Atwood Park

Looking for something more private and scenic? Drive about 7 miles/ 15 minutes east and spend the day at Edwin K. Atwood Park instead.

It’s a scenic beachfront park with several amenities – such as beachfront covered pavilion, picnic tables and restrooms – and 20 miles of undeveloped and drivable beaches.

For the utmost adventure, drive on the beach (4-wheel drive recommended) and find your own private slice of paradise.

Sea Turtle Inc. is on your way to Edwin K. Atwood Park and combining them both is an outstanding way to spend your day in South Padre Island (keep reading for more info on that).

South Padre Sand Dunes

Continue driving east on Ocean Boulevard for about 6 miles past Edwin K. Atwood Park and you’ll reach one of the most beautiful – and maybe least visited – areas in South Padre Island.

The South Padre Sand Dunes are a must-visit protected area, with gorgeous dunes and a peaceful beach.

Its entrance marks the end of the road. You’re not allowed to drive on the dunes, so plan to hike them (bring plenty water!) and then set up your tent by the beach to enjoy solitude and stunning views.

the South Padre Sand Dunes are near South Padre Island Adventure Park, where you can experience horseback riding on the beach (more info in the next topics).

Sea Turtle Inc

Sea Turtle Inc. is a conservation center and animal protection organization.

They perform an amazing job rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured sea turtles and they work can be seen firsthand – including the beautiful turtles they care for – at their rehabilitation center.

Visiting the center is an educative and inspiring experience. Witnessing their hatchling releases – currently suspended due to COVID-19 – an unforgettable moment. A must-stop in a summer trip from Dallas to South Padre Island.

South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is right next door and visiting them both together is highly recommended (see next topics).

Horseback Riding on the Beach

Looking for once in lifetime experiences? Try horseback riding on the beach at South Padre Island.

Horseback riding with dunes and the ocean as a backdrop is a hard to beat summer activity, and a sure way to build everlasting memories.

South Padre Island Adventure Park, near the South Padre Island Sand Dunes, is one of the providers offering this type of adventure on the Texas Coast.

Make sure to schedule your horseback riding tour to the end of the day and top off the already amazing experience with a stunning sunset over the dunes.

Dolphin Watching Tour

Dolphins in Texas? You bet! And you can spot them right at the South Padre Island.

There are several operators offering Dolphin Watching tours in the area, at different times of the day.

Fins to Feathers is a great option and operates with small groups. The Original Dolphin Watch offers one of the most popular dolphin tours in South Padre Island.

Dolphin Docks is another interesting alternative. It departs from Port Isabel and you can take advantage of your day trip there to visit the Lighthouse (next topic) to cross both activities off your bucket list in a single day.

Make sure to bring your camera and if possible, schedule the sunset tour, for amazing photo ops.

Lighthouse at Port Isabel

Port Isabel is right across the bridge from South Padre Island and a beautiful place for an afternoon stroll.

Head there to explore Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site, the only lighthouse in the Texas Coast open to the public. If you’re into historic spots and amazing views, you’ll love it.

The idyllic lighthouse offers great photo ops, has an informative visitors’ center telling its history and is surrounded by cute shops and restaurants. Make sure to climb the stairs to the top for amazing views of the bridge connecting the continent to South Padre Island.

Dolphin Docks is only a few steps from there and offers Dolphin Watching tours. Combining both activities can be a great way to spend an afternoon in the South Padre Island surroundings.

**NOTE:
Port Isabel Lighthouse Historic Site is currently closed due to COVID-19 as per Jul 21, 2020.
Check their website before heading there for current status.

South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center

South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is an amazing spot for a leisure nature walk and spot birds, turtles, and alligators!

Learn about nature. Stroll through their amazing suspended wooden boardwalk to breath in the beautiful wetland surroundings. Climb up the tower for stunning views. Feed gators and tortoises.

The South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is right next door from Sea Turtle Inc., so take advantage of your visit to the area to check on both places.

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge is a local gem almost untouched by man.

Things to do in this nature preserve include hiking, cycling, and fishing. The area is known for coyotes, falcons, and ocelots. Alligators, deer, roadrunners, and other birds can also be spotted.

The pavilion offers amazing bay views from the top.

It’s the place to be if you love nature, wildlife, solitude, and photography.

Waterfront Restaurants

A visit to the beach is not complete without enjoying a delicious meal or some drinks overlooking the ocean.

South Padre Island offers a handful selection of waterfront restaurants, both overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and beautiful Laguna Madre.

To watch the sunset over Laguna Madre, head to Lobo Del Mar Cafe, Laguna BOB or Long Board Bar and Grill. For amazing ocean views, Clayton’s Beach Bar and WannaWanna are your best bet.

Summing Up

South Padre Island, 8h30 driving from Dallas, is an amazing beach destination in Texas and a sure way to get your deserved beach fix without leaving the state.

One of the best beaches to visit driving from Dallas, South Padre Island is home to amazing white sand beaches, nature preserves, dolphins, turtles and more.

In this post you discovered the 10 top things to do on a trip to South Padre Island, including the best beaches to visit, top local attractions and a handful of waterfront restaurants to include in your itinerary.

Read it through, select your favorite attractions and make your reservations to enjoy the best the Texas Gulf Coast has to offer.

Have you been to South Padre Island? Do you know of any other local attractions that should be included in a travel itinerary to South Padre Island? Leave a comment below!

Booking.com

Get more trips and leisure ideas right to your inbox. New and unique content released every week!

Share on social media or send to a friend:

10 Best Things to Do in the Alabama Gulf Shores and Orange Beach

Your essential mini guide with the best beaches, restaurants and attractions in the Alabama Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and surroundings.

Your essential mini guide for a superb summer road trip from Dallas to the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Best beaches, restaurants, and attractions in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and surroundings.

Alabama is a popular beach destination among Dallasites, with some people even claiming they prefer it over the Florida Gulf Coast as a summer road travel destination from Dallas.

I recently had the pleasure to go there and finally understood why all the hype about it.

The Alabama Gulf Shores/ Orange Beach is indeed an amazing beach area to visit from Dallas. Not too far from the city – a roughly 9h30 drive – and with an absolutely outstanding beach vibe.

As in any place in the world, whether you will love your trip to the Alabama beaches or not will depend a lot on your itinerary and stops along the way.

So, check below the 10 most incredible beaches, restaurants, activities, and places to visit on the Alabama Gulf Coast and plan the perfect summer vacation there.

Trust me: follow the suggestions you find here, and you’ll have a tough time not loving your summer vacation in the Alabama Gulf Shores and Orange Beach areas!

Looking for more options on beaches to visit from Dallas? Click here to discover the best beaches on the Texas and Florida Gulf Coast.

Ready to hit the road? Make your reservations and check on the following 10 recommendations to start planning your summer escape.

Booking.com

Best Beaches in the Alabama Gulf Shores/ Orange Beach Area

I’ve loved loved loved the Alabama Gulf Coast beaches.

Well, not all of them, of course.

But knowing where to go, you can spend the day burying your feet in white sands at uncrowded beaches with crystal-clear water.

Beaches that you certainly wouldn’t expect to find within a driving distance from Dallas.

Here I share the beaches I liked the most in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and surroundings.

The ones I will certainly be visiting again when I return to the Alabama Gulf Coast (something I’m planning to do soon!):

Gulf State Park

Gulf State Park is an outstanding natural area.

There you’ll find amazing campgrounds, beautiful trails, and one of the best beaches in the Gulf Shores.

Head to the Gulf State Park Pier area to enjoy an amazing day by the beach.

The perks there are great facilities (public parking, showers, clean bathrooms, and concessions), beautiful views, and nature surroundings – I prefer that over Orange beach and its tall hotel buildings.

Walk the pier (USD 3.00 pp) for amazing sunset views.

If you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins playing in the ocean.

West Beach

West Beach is another amazing beach area, considered by many to be Alabama’s best beach. A 6-mile beach stretch, quieter and more residential than the other beaches on the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Offering beachfront rentals, a laid-back vibe, and an absolutely gorgeous landscape, it is the place to be if you’re not much into Orange Beach’s touristic vibe.

Don’t take me wrong: Orange Beach is great, with beautiful white sand and crystal-clear water. But I prefer to run away from more crowded areas. And West Beach proved to be way more my style.

Fort Morgan

Historic sightseeing and vast undeveloped beaches make Fort Morgan an amazing place to spend the day in the Alabama Gulf Shores.

Pack a picnic and head to Fort Morgan State Historic Site. Take a self-guided tour through the over two-centuries-old Civil War fort and breath in the amazing views.

Then head to the virtually private beach and enjoy your picnic, nature, and solitude overlooking the ocean.

On your way back to Orange Beach, stop by The V illage Creamery, a top-rated local ice cream shop.

Perdido Key State Park

Ok, technically not in the Alabama Gulf Coast. But pretty close to it – 15 minutes away – and totally worth the drive.

Perdido Key State Park is in Florida, only a few miles away from the Alabama border and a simply stunning area to enjoy a day by the beach. The beach is jaw-dropping, and it has amenities such as parking, showers, and restrooms.

Less than 5 minutes driving from there, on your way back to Orange Beach, you’ll find Flora-Bama. A laid-back waterfront oyster-bar and live music lounge between the state lines, perfect to finish the day watching the sunset.

Best Waterfront Restaurants in the Alabama Gulf Coast

If you’re looking for an unbiased review of the absolute best restaurants to try in the Alabama Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, you’ve stumbled on the right page.

These were the places that did the best job wowing me during my visit, and that I highly recommend you trying not only for the food but especially for the uniqueness and amazing beach vibe of each one of them.

Here are the must-try restaurants in the Alabama Gulf Coast:

The Gulf

If you go to the Alabama Gulf Shores and don’t stop to have a meal by The Gulf, you’ll be missing out.

The Gulf’s vibe is pretty amazing, with tables, lounge chairs, and palapas on the sand overlooking the ocean.

Gulf Shores is an over-the-counter-style restaurant and entertainment complex featuring a pub and a cute store with amazing and unique branded items and souvenirs. Grab your food, choose one of the lounge seats and soak in the vibe and ocean breeze.

This is the place that made me fall in love with Orange Beach and realize I was somewhere really, really special. I won’t say more, lol.

Fisher's at Orange Beach Marina

Picture yourself in a boat taking a Dolphin Tour. You cruise the ocean watching dolphins playing around you with the sunset as a background.

Then you come down the clouds – or disembark – and drive exactly one minute to reach one of the most beautiful restaurants in town, Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina.

There you take a stroll through a gorgeous marina and shop high-end branded souvenirs while you wait for your table. When the hostess calls your group, you’re guided to a comfy table in a unique chic-coastal setting and have the best meal of your trip.

Nothing more to add. Just try it.

Lulu's

Lulu’s Gulf Shores is a super cool waterfront restaurant and entertainment complex. A must-visit in the Alabama Gulf Coast, especially – but not only – if you have kids in tow.

It’s more touristic than the other two restaurants mentioned here, but still highly recommended.

The restaurant area is large and overlooks a beautiful canal. Kids can have fun at the sandy playground, amusement park, and arcades.

You can buy cool souvenirs in their branded store. I did buy a pack of local beers with honey as a gift, and they were so good I ended up drinking all of them myself – not at once, lol.

Lulu’s is not far from the Gulf State Park, and combining both can be an amazing way to spend a day at the Alabama Gulf Shores.

Best Fun Activities in Orange Beach and Surroundings

Come for the beach, stay for the fun. The Alabama Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area offers amazing entertainment options.

Dolphins? Yep. Alligators? They got it. First-class entertainment? You bet!

Here are some superb add-ons to spice up your trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast and build everlasting summer memories:

Sunset Dolphin Cruise

Yep, you can see dolphins in Orange Beach.

More specifically, you can take a boat ride and be followed by them, what I don’t know about you but to me sounds pretty incredible.

I took the Dolphin Tour with Southern Rose Dolphin Cruises and had a great experience.

They promise you dolphins, and they work hard to deliver the promise – we took a long time to find dolphins, but the crew persevered, and when we did find them, oh boy, it was AMAZING.

What I did – and recommend – was to take the sunset tour.

It allowed me to enjoy the day by the beach, watch the most amazing sunset ever from the boat surrounded by dolphins (!!!) and top off with dinner at Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina, right next door.

The Wharf

If you need a break from the beach and want to feel a little more urban, head to The Wharf, a high-end shopping and entertainment center.

With over 60 stores and restaurants, and an iconic Ferris Wheel – the largest in the southeast – The Wharf is Orange’s Beach official entertainment district and a great place for an evening stroll after spending the day on the beach.

You can also take a boat tour from there – the Wharf is home to a large marina – and engage in fun activities such as zip-lining and mini-golf.

Alligator Alley

Not for the faint of heart, this top-rated attraction is surely unique. If you’re looking for an exotic experience, make sure to include Alligator Alley in your itinerary.

It is a family-friendly attraction and a great place to experience the outdoors and interact with reptiles and other animals – they also have snakes, turtles, and other creatures there.

Stroll through the raised boardwalk over a beautiful swamp for wildlife viewing in their habitat. Feed the alligators. It’s an unforgettable experience and one that keeps people in awe and coming back.

Summing Up

Superb white sand beaches. Outstanding waterfront restaurants. Dolphins. Swamps. The Alabama Gulf Coast has it all and more and is an amazing summer vacation destination from Dallas.

You discovered 10 amazing things to do in the Alabama Gulf Shores and Orange Beach areas in this post. Including 4 top beaches, 3 must-try restaurants, and 3 must-visit attractions.

Add these places to your itinerary, and you will certainly love your trip to the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Best things to do in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores

For the best beaches and a perfect day by the ocean, head to Gulf State Park, West Beach, Fort Morgan, and Perdido Key State Park.

For unforgettable dining experiences, try The Gulf, Fisher’s at Orange Beach Marina, and Lulu’s.

For summer fun at its finest, a Dolphin Cruise, The Wharf, and Alligator Alley are your best bet!

Ready to hit the road?

Make your reservations, pack your suitcase, and bookmark this page to make sure you don’t miss out on the best the Alabama Gulf Coast has to offer. Enjoy!

Have you been to the Alabama Gulf Shores and Orange Beach? What are your favorite things to do there? Share in the comments below.

Booking.com

Get more trips and leisure ideas right to your inbox. New and unique content released every week!

Share on social media or send to a friend:

Florida 30A Travel Guide

Discover the 5 best beaches to visit on Florida 30A and the top things to do in each one of them!

Your ultimate guide to highway 30A in Florida, the most jaw-dropping and exclusive portion of the Emerald Coast.

Let’s cut to the chase: Florida Emerald Coast is home to some the most incredible beaches in the whole United States. And it’s within a reasonable driving distance from Dallas.

So yes, you can spend your next vacations on Caribbean-style white sugar-sand emerald water beaches without even hoping on a plane – or leaving the US.

This is what I did last Spring Break. I headed to a portion of Florida’s Emerald Coast known as Florida 30A, in South Walton. And oh boy, this place beat all my expectations! I want to go back really bad, like NOW lol.

Here I share with you my top findings there, so you can plan your own adventure without missing out on the absolute best things that the Florida Gulf Coast has to offer.

FLORIDA 30A ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE

Where is Florida Emerald Coast? And What is Florida 30A?
What is there to do in Florida 30A?
Where to stay in Florida 30A?
5 Best Beaches to Visit on Florida 30A (and the best things to do in each one of them!)

Where is Florida's Emerald Coast? And what is Florida 30A?

Florida’s Emerald Coast comprises about 100 miles of Gulf Coast beaches from Pensacola to Panama City, along five counties: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, and Bay.

Florida 30A is a 24-mile portion of Florida’s Emerald Coast in south Walton county, between Sandestin and Panama Beach, roughly 11 hours driving from Dallas.

Its name derives from Country Road 30A, a winding and narrow highway connecting 12 beachfront communities: Dunne Allen, Gulf Place, Blue Mountain Beach, Grayton Beach, Watercolor, Seaside, Seagrove, Watersound, Allys Beach, Seacrest, Rosemary Beach, and Inlet Beach.

What is there to do in Florida 30A?

Florida 30A is home to stunning white sand beaches, rare coastal dune lakes and two gorgeous state parks – Grayton Beach State Park and Deer Lake State Park. Each one of its 12 charming and upscale beachfront communities has a unique style and offer its own entertainment options.

This is a place to unwind, to soak into nature and beach vibe at its best. Spending the day by the beach, paddling the gorgeous dune lakes, hiking, indulging in excellent eateries, pubs and breweries and riding your bike throughout the beach communities are some of the must-dos there.

Most of the 30A beach communities offer public beach accesses – some well-signaled, others trickier to find. And some beach accesses are private, requiring a gate code to enter.

Discover in this article the public beach access locations, the best things to do in each of the top Florida 30A beaches and other valuable insider tips.

Where to stay in Florida 30A?

Each Florida 30A beachfront community has its own vibe. Choosing one to stay really depends on what you’re looking for.

For party goers, consider Seaside. If you’re looking for exclusivity, Rosemary Beach and Watercolor are amazing options. If you prefer a more authentic and laid-back vibe, head to Grayton Beach.

Florida 30A is a very sought-after beach destination, especially during summer, so make reservations in advance to assure the best prices.

There are tons of hotel and rental options in the area, for all budgets and needs. Search for the best deals here:

Booking.com

No matter where you decide to stay, make sure to explore the other beach communities – it’s the combination of all of them that make Florida 30A such a unique place. Grab your bike or your car, use the recommendations below as a starter guide and go find your favorite spots!

5 Best Beaches to Visit on Florida 30A

(and the best things to do in each one of them!)

1. Grayton Beach

Florida 30A beaches are all stunning. But Grayton Beach somehow manages to be even more breathtaking than its gorgeous neighbors, with the magnificent white sand dunes and natural pool formed by Western Lake.

Grayton Beach is my favorite Florida 30A beach from far and one not to be missed. If you need to pick only a single beach to visit on your Florida 30A road trip, choose this one.

Unlikely some of its 30A peers, Grayton Beach has a large public beach access:

The landscape there is absolutely startling. Right when you arrive, you’re greeted with a stunning view of dunes and a small natural pool formed where Western Lake coastal dune lake meets the ocean.

It’s the perfect place for kids to play in the shallow waters or to launch your kayak or SUP and paddle along the coastal dune lake, surrounded by sugar-white sand dunes.

I used my own inflatable kayak for this adventure, which I love taking along with me as it fits perfectly in my trunk and is inexpensive compared to recurring rental costs. But you might be able to find places to rent one around doing some research.

Grayton Beach has a laid-back vibe and is home to Grayton Beer Brewpub, an awesome place to sample beers and have dinner after a perfect day by the beach.

Browse here the best deals in Grayton Beach and make reservations in this hidden slice of paradise:

Booking.com

2. Seaside

Seaside is the most famous and popular Florida 30A beachfront community, thanks to The Truman Show movie, starring Jim Carey. Seaside was used as a filming location to bring to life the fictitious town of ‘Seaheaven”, featured in the movie.

Yep, the place exists in real life. And it’s totally gorgeous, with its distinctive architecture and immaculate streets. You can visit Jim Carey’s character house (31 Natchez Street) and other places that appear in the movie there.

Some of Seaside highlights and best things to do, other than enjoying the gorgeous beach itself, include exploring the Town Square boutiques and eateries, grabbing a bite in one of the several food trucks daily parked there and having brunch or lunch at waterfront Bud & Alleys.

There is a large public beach access in Seaside right across the street from the food trucks, by Bud & Alley’s, the Coleman Beach Pavilion – check the map below. It is the place to be if you’re looking for buzz, especially during high season.

Otherwise, Van Ness Butler Jr beach access, between Seaside and Watercolor, is only a 5-minute walk from there, and usually less crowded (see “Watercolor” for map).

Seaside is your best bet at Florida 30A if you’re looking for fun and a lively atmosphere.

Find the best hotel and rental deals in Seaside/ Seagrove here:

Booking.com

3. Rosemary Beach & Inlet Beach

Rosemary Beach is a gorgeous Florida 30A beachfront community, with an exclusive and unique vibe. It is home to an extra charming Main Street and a cozy town square – The Village of South Walton.

Rosemary Beach’s Main Street is the perfect place for a leisure walk.

It has a distinctive architecture, resembling a European village, and is filled with lovely boutiques, good restaurants, and eateries – La Crema Tapas & Chocolate and Edwards Fine Food & Wine are some of the recommended places to try.

The Village of South Walton town square features food stands, a fire pit and bike rentals to explore the area.

Head there early in the morning to try mouthwatering Charlies Donuts, which lives up to the hype – I’m not a donuts person and I loved it. Or go at the end of the day and grab a bite in one of the trucks to be enjoyed on the lounge chairs surrounding the firepit (with live music in the background if you’re lucky).

Rosemary Beach does not have a public beach access – they are all gated and require an access code, provided to residents and hotel/ rental guests.

Closest public beach accesses are in neighboring and stunning Inlet Beach.

One of them only a short 10-minute walk from Rosemary’s Beach Main Street (see map below). If you’re driving though, head to Inlet Beach public beach access at the intersection of S Orange St with W Park Pl Ave, which has a lot of public free parking available and is absolutely gorgeous.

If you want to enjoy it all, including the exclusive beach, consider staying at Rosemary Beach.

Browse here for the best lodging options there:

Booking.com

4. Dune Allen Beach & Blue Mountain Beach

In the west end of Florida 30A scenic road lie two beautiful residential beach communities: Dune Allen and Blue Mountain, featuring dune lakes and gorgeous (usually uncrowded) beaches.

But here the highlights are two well-known Florida 30A eateries: Stinky’s Fish Camp and Blue Mountain Beach Creamery.

Stinky’s Fish Camp is one of the best seafood restaurants along Florida 30A Country Road. Fresh homemade food is served in a cozy setting overlooking beautiful Allen Lake, one of the area’s rare coastal dune lakes. Stinky’s Fish Camp is right across the street from one of Dune Allen’s public beach accesses, perfect for a leisure walk after indulging in delicious fresh oysters.

Blue Mountain Beach Creamery features homemade ice creams and it’s within a short driving distance from the restaurant. It’s one of the most traditional ice cream shops in the area. Head there late in the afternoon, grab your cone and walk a few minutes down the street to enjoy it by the beach watching the most beautiful sunset at Blue Mountain Beach.

5. Watercolor

Watercolor is a small and exclusive Florida 30A beachfront community featuring amazing outdoors, including beautiful and immaculate parks and gardens, and one of 30A largest and most scenic coastal dune lakes.

The beach access is private there, but Watercolor is right by Van Ness Butler Jr public beach access (a short 5-minute leisure walk from the parks and boutiques):

How to spend a perfect day in Watercolor?

Enjoy the beach. Take a leisure walk through beautiful and immaculate Cerulean Park. Rent a bike at Watercolor Bike Barn and explore Marina Park bike trails. Rent a kayak or SUP at the BoatHouse and paddle stunning Western Lake, one of the largest coastal dune lakes along 30A.

Top off with shopping at the local boutiques and dinner paired with a glass of wine at the Wine Bar.

Summing Up

Florida Emerald Coast beaches are absolutely stunning, and the 30A portion of it a must-visit summer destination in the United States.

If you are looking for the best beaches to visit from Dallas, look no further and use this post to guide you through the most amazing beach vacation driving from Texas.

The roughly 11-hour driven is well-worth the jaw-dropping white sand beaches waiting for you at the end of the rainbow 🌈.

In this post we covered all of the best neighborhoods and beaches to explore during your visit to this exclusive portion of Walton County, Florida – aka South Walton – as well as the best things to do and must-try activities in these amazing destinations.

Grayton Beach, Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Inlet Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Dune Allen Beach and Watercolor are all highlighted here, for different reasons, and together make the most superb beach escape from Dallas.

Now make your plans and hit the road to enjoy the finest beaches along Florida’s Gulf Coast!

Browse here the best deals and make reservations in advance to assure the best prices:

Booking.com

Have you ever been to Florida 30A? Do you know of any gem there not mentioned here that is worth adding to the travel itinerary?

Share your wisdom in the comments below and help our travel community to travel more and better! 🧡

Get more trips and leisure ideas right to your inbox. New and unique content released every week!

Share on social media or send to a friend:

Discover 6 superb ways to spend a hot summer day in and around DFW.

Little Elm Beach

Burger's Lake

Island View Park

Dinosaur Valley and Fossil Rim

Tyler State Park and Ham Orchards

Turner Falls and Arbuckle Wilderness

Summing Up

Get more trips and leisure ideas right to your inbox. New and unique content released every week!

Discover all must-sees and must-dos in South Padre Island, one of the best beach vacation destinations in Texas.

Isla Blanca Park - Beach Access # 16

Edwin K. Atwood Park

South Padre Sand Dunes

Sea Turtle Inc

Horseback Riding on the Beach

Dolphin Watching Tour

Lighthouse at Port Isabel

South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge

Waterfront Restaurants

Summing Up

Get more trips and leisure ideas right to your inbox. New and unique content released every week!

Your essential mini guide for a superb summer road trip from Dallas to the Alabama Gulf Coast.

Best Beaches in the Alabama Gulf Shores/ Orange Beach Area

Gulf State Park

West Beach

Fort Morgan

Perdido Key State Park

Best Waterfront Restaurants in the Alabama Gulf Coast

The Gulf

Fisher's at Orange Beach Marina

Lulu's

Best Fun Activities in Orange Beach and Surroundings

Sunset Dolphin Cruise

The Wharf

Alligator Alley

Summing Up

Best things to do in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores

Ready to hit the road?

Get more trips and leisure ideas right to your inbox. New and unique content released every week!

Discover the 5 best beaches to visit on Florida 30A and the top things to do in each one of them!

Where is Florida's Emerald Coast? And what is Florida 30A?

What is there to do in Florida 30A?

Where to stay in Florida 30A?

5 Best Beaches to Visit on Florida 30A

(and the best things to do in each one of them!)

1. Grayton Beach

2. Seaside

3. Rosemary Beach & Inlet Beach

4. Dune Allen Beach & Blue Mountain Beach

5. Watercolor

Summing Up

Get more trips and leisure ideas right to your inbox. New and unique content released every week!

Follow us for daily travel & leisure ideas in Texas and surroundings!