What to Do and See Along Florida's Emerald Coast

See Florida's Scenic Highway 30-A by Bike

Feb 26, 2009

South Walton County's Scenic Highway 30-A is one of the best places to begin exploring Florida's Gulf Coast, especially in the spring when the weather is still cool.

a>The bike path stretches 20 miles along the scenic highway and makes for a pleasant and easy way for a visitor to begin to know the area. Starting at the east end of the path, bikers can ride through the villages of Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Seagrove Beach, Seaside, and Watercolor, exploring the villages along the way and viewing the emerald-green waters of this part of the Gulf Coast, also known as Florida's Emerald Coast.

Continuing east to west, bikers can skirt past Grayton Beach, one of the oldest villages in Florida. Pedaling on through Blue Mountain Beach, Gulf Place, and Dune Allen Beach, the biker can continue on for several miles to the end of the scenic highway where it intersects Highway 98. Bikers can look for some of these things as they ride.

Natural Attractions

Wildflowers, including the native yellow coreopsis, the ever-present orange and yellow gaillardia, wild rosemary with its tiny purplish flowers, and of course the Southern Magnolia with its giant white flowers and distinct sweet aroma.

The rare coastal dune lakes that are found in only a few places in the world. When the lakes are full, they push a path through the sand to reach the Gulf of Mexico where they trade their brackish contents for the saltwater of the Gulf.

Grayton Beach State Park is one of the best parks in the state. A newcomer shouldn't miss the nature trail that meanders through several different ecosystems. The park offers camping, picnicking, biking, swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, fishing, and canoeing.

Bikers should look for wildlife along the path, especially early in the morning and late in the day. A turtle may lumber across the bike path. Raccoons, opossums, deer, and foxes have been seen in the area. Mullet may jump in the lakes, and it’s just possible that an alligator will keep its eye on the bikers as they ride past its home in the brackish water water of a lake.

Eating, Shopping, Entertainment

Bikers can enjoy a meal from one of the many eateries in the area. One can choose from a wide variety of restaurants that offer anything from casual to gourmet fare.

A family might decide to pack a picnic lunch (or breakfast or dinner) and take it to the beach to eat while they enjoy the sugar-white sand and the emerald-green water. Some visitors decide to take a swim from one of the beaches and stay to watch the magnificent sunset over the water.

The local newspapers and magazines offer information on entertainment venues. A good plan is to visit one or more of the villages along 30-A to enjoy a concert, play, art exhibit, or another of the many planned activities.

Shopping opportunities abound along the bike trail. Visitors can browse through the many shops and galleries selling clothing, jewelry, food, books, furniture, gifts, shoes, and many other items. The area is home to many artists and art galleries.

Highway 30-A in Walton County

Whether one has a day, two days or more, Highway 30-A is a starting point for exploring South Walton County in Florida’s Panhandle. While there is much to explore along the scenic road, there is much more to see and do in South Walton County. A bike ride along Highway 30-A is a good place to begin to get to know the area, including its natural attractions, its quaint villages, and its entertainment, art, and shopping.

The copyright of the article What to Do and See Along Florida's Emerald Coast in Bicycle Touring Routes is owned by DeLene Sholes. Permission to republish What to Do and See Along Florida's Emerald Coast in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.