The Perfect 7 Day Florida Panhandle Trip - Part 2: The Emerald Coast
Our Florida Panhandle trip continues on to the Emerald Coast. It is amazing how different this coast is from the Forgotten Coast. Once we hit Panama City Beach, it was like we entered back into civilization. There were stores on every corner plus Chick fil A, Starbucks, Fresh Market…It was very exciting! But as exciting as that was to see, the best was yet to come.
The Beach at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
We absolutely love the Emerald Coast. We were here four years earlier and stayed on the beach in WaterSound. This time we brought our Airstream, Roamin’ Holiday, and since we knew the area well, we had lots of idea of what to do and where to go. I’m so excited to share with you our itinerary as well as our top things to do and places to eat.
After Panama City Beach we continued on Route 98 to Inlet Beach where we turned onto 30A, which now lines the coastline. Unlike the Forgotten Coast where you see the Gulf as you drive along the coastline, the Emerald Coast showcases tiny little beach towns every few blocks and each one has their own unique personality. It’s hard to have a favorite for they are all so different and very lovely.
We had reservations in Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, just south of Destin, Florida. Instead of driving straight there quickly on 98, we decided to take the scenic route of 30A. With our airstream in tow, we drove through each of the little beach towns as a preview to all the fun we would have in this area. We were amazed how much more popular this area has become in four years. Cars and people were everywhere and there has been so much new construction. Maybe there was a little too much growth as we missed the simple sweetness of its former days. But overall, this place is a fabulous destination and must be on your bucket list.
The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary
Rosemary was the first community we came upon. It was created in the 1995 to have a New Orleans French Quarter design to its township. It has a beautiful hotel called The Pearl which features a huge green space leading up to the beach where kids can play and dogs can romp. The downtown area consists of a square with 30A cutting right through the middle. There is a beautiful green space in the center of the square with lush trees and the aroma of rosemary from the landscape. It was the perfect place to walk Selah and Sebi. Along the perimeter of the squares are fabulous restaurants and cute little gift shops. All of them welcomed Selah and Sebi and gave them lots of treats to eat. One of the cutest buildings is the US Post Office. During Christmas Rosemary is covered in Christmas lights and is a great place for a photo op. We had so much fun walking around, shopping and meeting people - everyone stopped to pet Sebi and Selah and were super friendly.
Rosemary
An architectual feature marking the entrance to Alys.
Then there is Alys! For the next couple blocks, you drive pass the most beautiful white structured homes and you feel like you have arrived in Santorini. The architecture is stunning. If I had all the money in the world, I would have a home here. The homeowners have a new beach clubhouse with every amenity available and it would be a beachgoers dream. We had fun checking out all the design elements to the exterior of the homes, shopping in the cute boutiques and eating lunch at George’s. Alys also has a huge green space for events and a fun playground for the kids. In addition, Charlie’s donuts has a food truck in Alys. Waking up early and getting a yummy donut at Charlie’s should also be on the bucket list!!!
Lee with Selah and Sebi in Alys
Next we passed through Seacrest, WaterSound and Seagrove which are vacation communities. We stayed in a beautiful two story townhouse near the beach in WaterSound the last time we were here. It was very serene and quiet.
One of my favorite places to eat in Seaside, Florida.
Then there is Seaside, The third unique community. Seaside has a charming coastal design with pastel colored beach houses and white picket fences. It was the featured location of the movie, the Truman Show with Jim Carrey. The center of the town is in the shape of an arc with 30A running across the bottom and lined with a row of airstreams each serving different treats from crepes, grilled cheese sandwiches to hot dogs, shakes and gyros. The arc consists of cute little gift shops, galleries and cafes with a fun green space in the center with the Seaside Amphitheater providing lots of lively entertainment. A short walk from the city center is a cute little white chapel, the perfect location for a small wedding. Our son reserved it for his wedding but it ended up being too small for the final headcount. It still holds a special place in our hearts.
The Chapel at Seaside
Next you will pass through WaterColor and Grayton Beach. Watercolor encompasses a huge resort and vacation community. The Watercolor Inn is their luxury beachfront hotel and there are lots of places to eat as well as beach shops in the area. Grayton is loved for being rustic and authentic. It doe not seem as commercialized and created, but you can find a standalone Lululemon nestled amongst the trees along the road if you look closely. It also features a very popular state park, which we would love to stay at in the future.
Roamin’ Holiday all situated at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
A few more miles west, 30A ends at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa where we set up camp during our stay. It was only $40 a night and we felt like we were at Disney’s Fort Wilderness. Our airstream was a few steps away from a cute coffee shop, the swimming pool, the shuffleboard area and the tram to the beach. The beach was probably the most beautiful beach I have ever stepped foot on. It’s protected by the state from being trampled on and has the most gorgeous clean white quartz sand and crystal clear sea.
Sandestin is right around the corner from Topsail. There was a Publix for grocery shopping as well as an outdoor mall with Pottery Barm, Lilly Pulitzer and Anthropology to name just a few stores. Selah and Sebi were welcome in each one and of course given a treat. No wonder they did not eat their dinner the entire trip. They were holding out for the good stuff. Also in Sandestin is a fun place called the Village of Baytown Wharf. It feels like a carnival with lots of fun rides/activities for the kids but is clean with cute gift shops, great bar and grills, candy shops and an ice skating ring in the winter. We had a blast walking around seeing all the action and grabbing a bite.
Selah and Seb in Rosemary
All the food on the Emerald Coast is extremely expensive. But it is some of the best food you will ever eat. Plan on eating a lot of local seafood. Below are some of our favorite spots: George’s At Alys Beach, The Shrimp Shack at Seaside, Airstream Row food trucks at Seaside, Bud and Alley’s Pizza at Seaside, The Taco Bar at Seaside, Charlie’s Donut Truck in Alys, Pescado Seafood Grill and Rooftop Bar in Rosemary, La Crema Tapas & Chocolate in Rosemary, The Big Chill/The Hub Grill in Seagrove.
Selah and Sebi in Alys.
Besides spending time on the beautiful Emerald Coast beaches, here are our favorite things to do: Walk the entire towns of Rosemary, Alys and Seaside, taking in each of their unique styles and architecture. Enjoy their cafes, shops and beaches; Visit the Chapel at Seaside, as well as the Post Office; Enjoy the Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin - ride the merry go round, ice skate in the winter and enjoy the nightlife and restaurants.
If you have an RV, stay at either Topsail or Grayton State Parks. They are both excellent. My favorite hotels are Hotel Effie in Sandestin and The Pearl in Rosemary. If you are staying longer than a night, I’d rent a beach house directly on Seaside Beach or anywhere in Alys if you can afford it! If you are on a tighter budget, Grayton Beach would be a wonderful place to stay.
The Emerald Coast is truly a gem and you will cherish it as much as we do. Hope you enjoyed our brief tour of the Florida Panhandle. Our vlog of our trip should be up soon. We would love to hear what is your favorite Florida Panhandle vacation spot. Please comment below.