Florida’s Highway 30A is located in the panhandle that runs along the Gulf Coast. It travels through small towns like Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Seagrove, Watercolor, Grayton Beach, and Dune Allen. Given its location, 30A is a good destination for a beach trip.
Florida’s 30A, however, boasts other attractions. Consider the following examples:
1. Timpochee Trail
Named after an Indian Chief, the Timpochee Trail is a bike trail that runs parallel to 30A. It is 18.6 miles long with one end at Inlet Beach and the other at Dune Allen. The trail passes through several beach towns so that visitors will have ready access to shops, restaurants, and other attractions, including several state parks.
Several shops along the trail provide rental bikes, and tourists may rent them for a day or a week.
2. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, which is located in Santa Rosa Beach, owes its name to the white dunes that can stand 25 feet high and remind people of ships’ sails. It is also home to a rare coastal ecosystem called freshwater dune lakes that are found in only a few other countries.
In addition to the lakes, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Boast three miles of beaches, plus wetlands and old-growth pine forests. Thirteen endangered species make their home in the park, including pitcher plants and the Choctawhatchee beach mouse. Entry costs $6.00 per vehicle. For more information, call (850) 267-8330.
3. First Friday Art Walk
First Friday Art Walk is a tradition in many of the towns along Highway 30A. As the name suggests, it takes place on the first Friday of every month. The local art galleries stay open later – often until 8:00 p.m. In addition to checking out new artwork, visitors may meet the artists.
Some galleries hold learning studios where people can watch artists at work. Visitors may also enjoy snacks and live entertainment.
4. Boathouse Paddle Club
Located in the town of Watercolor, the Boathouse Paddle Club caters to fans of stand-up paddling (SUP), a new sport that involves standing on a flat, board-like boat and paddling. The Boathouse Paddle Club is the one SUP boat rental shop along Highway 30. It also provides group and private lessons in SUP. The club has a store that sells equipment and souvenirs.
The Boathouse Paddle Club’s founder, Tom Losee, devised an exercise program called RUN/SUP that incorporates running and SUP. The club thus offers classes in RUN/SUP. Both the classes in SUP and RUN/SUP are aimed at a range of skill levels.
The Boathouse Paddle Club is open seven days a week. To learn more, call (850) 419-6188.
5. Pier Park
Even in Florida, the weather does not always cooperate. Pier Park, which is located in Panama City Beach, is a good option for those rainy days. It has over 100 stores, which means there is bound to be something for everybody.
It also boasts a Grand IMAX theater and several entertainment facilities like the Pirates’ Quest Laser Tag and the XD Dark Ride Experience; the latter puts the visitor in a 3D movie scenario. Pier Park has about 30 eateries, ranging from snacks to cafes and restaurants.
Pier Park is also the site of special events like a Seafood Festival scheduled for November 10 this year.