Scenic 30A: Florida’s Hidden Real Estate Gem

Nestled along the Gulf Coast of Florida, Scenic 30A is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, charming communities, and a relaxed lifestyle. This picturesque stretch of coastline, stretching from Seaside to Grayton Beach, has become a highly sought-after destination for both homebuyers and investors.

Pristine Beaches and Natural Beauty

One of the most captivating features of Scenic 30A is its pristine beaches. The sugar-white sands and crystal-clear waters create a perfect setting for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying water sports. The area is also home to numerous state parks and nature preserves, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring the diverse ecosystems of the region.

Unique Communities and Vibrant Culture

Scenic 30A is comprised of several charming communities, each with its own distinct personality. Seaside, known for its colorful architecture and family-friendly atmosphere, is a popular destination for visitors and residents alike. Alys Beach offers a more sophisticated vibe with its modern design and upscale amenities. Grayton Beach, one of the oldest communities on 30A, boasts a laid-back atmosphere and a thriving arts scene.

A Relaxed and Inviting Lifestyle

Scenic 30A offers a relaxed and inviting lifestyle that is perfect for those seeking a slower pace of life. The area’s focus on sustainability and environmental preservation ensures a pristine natural environment for residents and visitors to enjoy. The local culinary scene is thriving, with a variety of restaurants offering fresh seafood, farm-to-table cuisine, and international flavors.

Real Estate Opportunities

The real estate market in Scenic 30A has experienced significant growth in recent years, making it a highly desirable location for homebuyers and investors. The area’s natural beauty, unique communities, and strong rental market make it an attractive option for those looking to purchase a primary residence, a vacation home, or an investment property.

Whether you’re seeking a beachfront home, a charming cottage, or a luxury condo, Scenic 30A offers a diverse range of real estate opportunities to suit your needs and preferences. With its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and relaxed lifestyle, this hidden gem is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after destinations in Florida.

What Makes Grayton Beach Unique in 30A Real Estate

Grayton Beach, nestled along Florida’s Scenic 30A, stands out as one of the oldest and quirkiest communities on this beloved stretch of coastline. While the 30A area is renowned for its beautiful beaches, charming towns, and upscale developments, Grayton Beach brings something a little different to the table. For homebuyers looking for a unique blend of history, charm, and a laid-back lifestyle, this community has become a top choice. Here’s what makes Grayton Beach so special in the 30A real estate market.

1. Rich History and Old-Florida Charm

Founded in the late 19th century, Grayton Beach is one of the original beach communities along the Gulf Coast. Its streets are lined with historic homes, some dating back to the early 1900s, giving the area a nostalgic feel that newer developments can’t replicate. The town’s motto, “Nice Dogs, Strange People,” reflects its quirky, welcoming vibe. Grayton Beach has retained its Old-Florida charm, with an eclectic mix of colorful cottages and locally-owned businesses that make it feel both timeless and contemporary.

2. A Quirky, Laid-Back Vibe

Unlike some of the more polished and master-planned communities along 30A, Grayton Beach is known for its quirky and relaxed atmosphere. It’s a place where flip-flops and beach bikes are the norm, and no one takes life too seriously. The community is filled with artists, musicians, and creative spirits, lending it a bohemian flair. Homebuyers who crave a low-key, artistic environment are drawn to this unpretentious beach town.

3. Unspoiled Natural Beauty

Grayton Beach State Park is one of the area’s crown jewels, offering over 2,000 acres of pristine coastline, dune lakes, and hiking trails. The beach itself is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful in the U.S., with powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. What makes Grayton Beach even more unique is its proximity to Western Lake, one of the rare coastal dune lakes found only in a few places worldwide. Many homes in Grayton Beach offer stunning views of both the Gulf and this serene lake, providing a one-of-a-kind natural setting for homeowners.

4. A Mix of Historic and Modern Homes

Real estate in Grayton Beach offers a little something for everyone. You’ll find historic beach cottages that have been lovingly restored, maintaining their original charm, as well as newer, custom-built homes that blend seamlessly into the town’s laid-back aesthetic. Properties range from cozy beach bungalows to luxurious waterfront homes, each with its own distinct character. Whether you’re looking for a primary residence or a vacation home, Grayton Beach offers a variety of options for homebuyers who want something different.

5. A Tight-Knit, Artistic Community

Grayton Beach is not just a place to live—it’s a community. The small, friendly population and tight-knit feel give it a strong sense of belonging. Residents often gather at the famous Red Bar, a local institution known for its live music and eclectic décor. The town’s artsy vibe is showcased in its local galleries and the handmade crafts that line the streets during festivals. For buyers who value community connections and a creative environment, Grayton Beach is a perfect fit.

6. A Strong Rental Market

While Grayton Beach may have a more laid-back vibe, it’s still highly desirable for those looking to invest in vacation rentals. The combination of its natural beauty, quirky character, and close proximity to 30A’s other popular destinations makes it a hot spot for tourists. Homes here often fetch premium rental rates, especially during peak vacation seasons, making it a smart investment for those looking to generate income from their property.

Final Thoughts

Grayton Beach’s unique combination of history, natural beauty, and a relaxed, artistic atmosphere makes it stand out in the 30A real estate market. Whether you’re drawn to its quirky charm or its pristine beaches, Grayton Beach offers a lifestyle unlike any other along Scenic 30A. If you’re a homebuyer looking for something a little different—a community with soul, character, and a welcoming spirit—Grayton Beach just might be the perfect place for you.

The Best Places to Watch the Sunset Along Scenic 30A

Scenic 30A is famous for its stunning Gulf Coast sunsets, where vibrant colors light up the sky and reflect off the water, creating a picture-perfect end to any day. For homeowners and visitors alike, finding the best spots to take in these breathtaking views is a must. Whether you’re looking to invest in a beachfront property or simply enjoy a peaceful evening on the sand, here are the top places to catch the sunset along 30A.

1. Grayton Beach
Grayton Beach offers a mix of natural beauty and laid-back charm, making it one of the best spots for sunset lovers. The wide-open stretch of sand and lack of high-rises provide unobstructed views, while the nearby dune lakes add a unique element to the scenery. Homes in Grayton Beach often feature spacious balconies and outdoor living spaces, perfect for evening cocktails as the sun dips below the horizon.

2. WaterColor
WaterColor’s beautifully designed homes are often equipped with outdoor terraces that offer panoramic views of both the Gulf and the serene waters of Western Lake. This community’s seamless blend of nature and luxury makes it an ideal spot for homeowners who want to soak in the sunset while relaxing in style. The WaterColor Beach Club offers beachfront dining, where you can enjoy a sunset dinner by the sea.

3. Seaside
Seaside’s charming, iconic beach pavilions are some of the most photographed spots along 30A, and for good reason. These structures frame the sunset beautifully, whether you’re watching from the beach or from a nearby porch. Homes in Seaside are known for their classic, colorful exteriors, with many offering rooftop decks that provide unbeatable sunset views.

4. Alys Beach
For those looking for a luxurious experience, Alys Beach provides one of the most sophisticated settings to enjoy the sunset. The white, Mediterranean-inspired architecture contrasts beautifully with the warm colors of the evening sky. Many homes here are designed with privacy in mind, boasting rooftop terraces and courtyards where you can watch the sun set in peace.

5. Blue Mountain Beach
If you prefer a more relaxed vibe, Blue Mountain Beach is known for its peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty. The elevated sand dunes provide a unique vantage point, making it easy to enjoy sweeping views of the Gulf. Homes here often come with large decks that overlook the water, giving you a front-row seat to 30A’s stunning sunsets.

 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re on the hunt for your dream home or just visiting for a beach getaway, these locations along Scenic 30A offer some of the most beautiful sunset views in Florida. With a variety of home styles and settings, there’s something for everyone who wants to experience the magic of 30A’s evening sky.

 

South Walton Farmer’s Markets are a Great Place to get Local Delights

 

Two of the best local farmer’s markets in South Walton and along 30A, are the Grand Boulevard and Rosemary Beach markets.

The local market at Grand Boulevard is every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm.

And the market at Rosemary Beach is every Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm.

One of the best vendors at both markets is Vanilla Beach Baking. Mallory Meinen, the barker extraordinaire behind Vanilla Bean, whips up homemade cookies, schones, and much more every week. Two of her baked goodies that are favorites for locals and visitors are her Oatmeal Molasses cookie sandwiches stuffed with decadent homemade frosting. These tasty treats are not for the faint of heart. They are dense and delicious, and they are sure to fill you up.  Her Great Noni’s Cinnamon Rolls are a family recipe passed down over the generations, and they are covered with iced frosting and take two hands to eat. You’ll likely need a nap after devouring one.

 

16th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival

 

It’s time to break out the barrels and try new suds and beers! The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin will host the 16th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Fest on October 11th and 12th, 2024. American specialty beers from across the country will be available for participants to sample and enjoy.

The main event on Saturday, October 12th will showcase over 200 domestic and international craft beers for sampling. Brewery representatives will be present at the event, allowing attendees to learn about the various styles of lagers and ales. Live music will also be presented at the festival.

Buy tickets here!

For more information on real estate, call Christina Meinen at 850.974.9704 or Andy Meinen at 850.419.4777.  Andy and Christina are Realtors, who specialize in listing and selling real estate along 30A, Destin and Sandestin, as well as Seacrest Beach, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, WaterColor and WaterSound.

New Release in Alys Beach coming May 16

I N T R O D U C I N G  T H E  AUGUST CONDOMINIUMS

But for those who will live here, there are other reasons this building is singular and attractive. The building is on a small block and surrounded on all sides by streets. There are no common property lines between The August and adjacent buildings, and so there are no buildings close by to diminish views or privacy. Owing to the shape of the building, most every residence is a corner unit with two street exposures and an extraordinary amount of exterior walls, bringing in lots of daylight. It is hard to take the measure of this buildings because everything is a little over scaled. Windows that don’t seem that tall from the street turn out to be nearly floor to ceiling and in many rooms, almost fill an outside wall. And once you are inside, there will be little sense of adjacent residences, but there will be every sense of the bigger setting.

Scott Merrill

Founder Merrill Pastor and Colgan Architects

Before this building was known as the August, it was known informally as the Flatiron, a reference to it’s unusual but memorable shape defined by its placement between converging streets. Many cities have sites between converging streets like Alys Beach’s South Somerset Street and Castle Harbor, or Castle Harbor and Sea Garden, and many have buildings known as Flatirons for their similar shapes. The most famous Flatiron building is the one in New York, between Fifth Avenue and Broadway, at Madison Park—similar in length to The August, though narrower. These buildings are almost always thought of fondly or proudly. Like those, The August may be first known and recognized for it’s shape. The August is located in a little precinct near the Beach Club and the Gulf front plaza. There is no other modern neighborhood like this in Florida: an urban setting near an extraordinary beach further distinguished by the unusual views where streets come to the Gulf from the back of the town. The building’s most memorable aspects may be its narrow ends with large round porches, but the convex Juan Bermudez Crescent that faces the rest of the town produces aspects just as nice and just as memorable. Somerset Street, starting on the north side of Alys Beach near the pine woods, is or will be one of the most beautiful streets in Florida. South Somerset descends from 30A and then rises again at the plaza to provide a great path to the water.

Harvest Wine & Food Festival

Harvest Wine & Food Festival is hosted in WaterColor each October with four days of epicurean excellence that is sure to delight both wine and culinary enthusiasts alike.

The 2023 event will be hosted October 19-22 and feature wine dinners, our famous Grand Tasting, a cocktail brunch, and much more. Rated as one of the premier wine and food festivals in the Southeast, Harvest provides patrons the opportunity to sip and savor some of the world’s finest wine and culinary selections.

Tickets to the 7th Annual Harvest Wine & Food Festival are on sale now HERE.

 

For more information on real estate, call Christina Meinen at 850.974.9704 or Andy Meinen at 850.419.4777.  Andy and Christina are Realtors, who specialize in listing and selling real estate along 30A, Destin and Sandestin, as well as Seacrest Beach, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, WaterColor and WaterSound.

New Customary Use Rules Approved in Walton County

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) — Changes are coming to Walton County beaches.  A settlement has been reached between the county and private beach owners regarding customary use.

The end result is keeping a majority of the beach private.

“We’ve settled some. We are still under litigation with a few and other than that we really don’t have any comment,” said Danny Glidewell, Walton County Board chairman.

Walton County has 26 miles of beachfront property and only 8 miles of that is owned by the county or the state for the general public. Now in the settlement posted below, a transitory lane the public can use on private property.

The transitory zone is 20 feet from the wet sand towards the homes.  The zone can be used for walking, jogging or running, swimming and surfing, or sunbathing, as long as you don’t use umbrellas or tents.

Private property owners have permission to kick people out of the transitory zone if there is more than one person every 5 feet of beach, as well as if they are disturbing any beachgoers at their discretion.

Many residents at the July 27 meeting spoke out on the county reaching a settlement.

“It’s sad, it’s just sad to see what you have allowed to happen to our county,” said Shari Clark, Seagrove resident.

“Did we give up too soon? Have we arrived at this settlement without doing everything we possibly can?” asked Jenny Dargavell, Walton County resident.

Chairman Glidewell said the public will see updates regarding the new customary use rules from the tourism development council.

“The TDC is going to be putting out a public information packet soon and they’re the ones who will be coordinating the response,” said Glidewell.

 

 

 

For more information, call Christina Meinen at 850.974.9704 or Andy Meinen at 850.419.4777.  Andy and Christina are Realtors, who specialize in listing and selling real estate along 30A, Destin and Sandestin, as well as Seacrest Beach, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, WaterColor and WaterSound.

How a Once Unpaved Stretch of Highway Became One of Florida’s Hottest Rental Markets

 

Nicknamed the ‘Hamptons of the South,’ beach communities along Scenic Highway 30A have seen explosive growth in recent years, as vacation properties fetch six figures

 

 

And for all your real estate needs, call Christina Meinen at 850.974.9704 or Andy Meinen at 850.419.4777.  Andy and Christina are Realtors, who specialize in listing and selling real estate along 30A, Destin and Sandestin, as well as Seacrest Beach, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, WaterColor and WaterSound.

Pirates are about to take over the Emerald Coast

Every year, Fort Walton Beach hosts the Annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival, where Captain Billy Bowlegs and his Honor Guard raid Beach Landing in search of entertainment. The mayor and police are responsible for preventing chaos and arresting the pirate before he incites the crowd with food, fireworks, and loud music. Unfortunately, their attempts to stop Billy Bowlegs always fail, as the pirate’s crew and the locals’ love for fair food overwhelm them. The government is always disappointed as the festival begins with Billy Bowlegs and his Krew taking over the city.

Don’t miss the 67th annual Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival happening from May 19 to 22. Join the Torchlight Parade on May 22 at 7 p.m. along Eglin Parkway from First Street to Hughes Avenue.

And for all your real estate needs, call Christina Meinen at 850.974.9704 or Andy Meinen at 850.419.4777.  Andy and Christina are Realtors, who specialize in listing and selling real estate along 30A, Destin and Sandestin, as well as Seacrest Beach, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, WaterColor and WaterSound.