I come here every year. Two reasons for that. 1: It's expensive and that weaves out the trash. 2: You can't go/lounge on this beach without being a guest. This place is always clean and always gets my respect. read more

Seaside Beach - Beaches Near Me - Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

I tried to describe Seaside to a friend as a place that was once in my childhood an obscure and quaint little magical beach town that now employs a wide array of rules, fees, and gates to preserve the illusion that is still an obscure and quaint little magical beach town as the whole 30A gets more and more popular. Being back for the first time in almost two decades you really do feel what has changed -- the loud traffic and crowds on the 30A, the bad price/quality ratio at a lot of the beach joints, the fact that you have to have a special electronic wristband to walk in to the Tupelo Beach Pavillion . . . On the other hand, the sand is still that magical white, with smooth enticing entry into the Gulf. And as my son and I rode a pair of tricycles through the streets a few blocks further inland, and it was so quiet that all we could hear was the breeze, I almost felt the magic again. read more

Private beaches are a blight upon this nation. The entire area feels like a retirement community and like it's only reluctantly open to the public. read more

This place is your typical beach. If you are looking to bake in the sun on a nice clean beach, look no further. I would have given this place five stars but there are a lot of spaces reserved by hotels/resorts that will not allow you to lounge with your own items if you are not a guest. It was disheartening for me to see how many hotels/resorts reserved space on the beach that was highly under utilized. I get the logic. It is just sad to see how there is a charge for even the gift given to us by our Creator. In any event, this beach has nearby restaurants and food trucks to enjoy if you decide you want to beat the heat. read more

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I've traveled all over the world and no beach compares to the one right here in Seaside, Florida. The sand is soft, no rocks or sharp shells and the water is stunningly green and blue. It's a must! read more

Seaside Beach - Beaches Near Me - Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

This is a seriously beautiful beach with, as one would expect with a tourist driven community, plenty of places to eat and/or do some shopping. Of course, as with many beach communities, prices in both shopping and restaurants can be inflated, but it is what it is. If you enjoyed the movie "The Truman Show" starring Jim Carey and thought Seahaven seemed like a pretty amazing place, well, the movie was shot in Seaside. Pretty cool. This is definitely a place worth visiting. read more

Cute "uppety" beach town with loads of "Instagram worthy" shops and eateries. Everyone should come here at least once to see/experience. Though I might recommend off season. Definitely unique place and fun little spots to try and visit at least once. Most of the places we've dined in or stopped in for drinks have been good. Personally, this our 2nd time to be here (Seagrove and Seaside) and it's definitely doubled in crowds ( no doubt due to post Covid ). We anticipated this and came anyway. If you like the non stop 24/7 hustle and bustle this area is for you. The beaches are packed before 8am and you will sit in all kinds of traffic anytime you get in your golf cart or car. Best to just walk as most places are 1-2 miles from houses and rentals. Lots n lots of people biking walking jogging on sidewalks which is our thing but with sooo many people it's very stressful. No ocean views either unless you go through one of the public beach access points then you can catch the ocean. Speaking of ocean. We've been coming to the Florida panhandle since 2007 with our kids and the beaches have always been turquoise or clear. The water quality here is not pretty. It's brackish. We had lots of algae every day since Saturday it's now Wed. I know Mother Nature can't be helped, but it definitely adds to the experience. And when you're used to seeing tranquil turquoise waters each year when you come it's hard to not notice this. Hoping to get out of this area for a day and head towards Miramar or Dune Allen. Maybe be nicer beaches. One thing that gets old real quick is that this whole area is run by teenagers and especially at night. We have 3 of our own teens here with us and this is paradise for them. Parents basically stay back at their rental house, condo or restaurants and let the teenagers run the streets of 30-A strip (literally) from about sunset to 11pm. Age group is 13-18 and all blasting the latest rap crap (n*words and p* words) blaring from their bike speakers...and they love screaming and hollering at you as they whiz by on golf carts. Cuz you know their teenagers it's what they do. We tried eating on a cozy patio at Mi Casitas last night. Great food btw but had to endure the nonstop screaming teens, traffic, and obnoxious music. Depends on what you're looking for but this is not for us. Id rather have gone to Dune Allen or Blue Mountain or even back to Navarre. *Pros: Cute beach town Great shopping and eateries Great for families with teenagers Near other beach towns like Seacrest Seagrove Grayton Most everything closes by 9/10pm *Cons: It's waaaayyyy too over crowded here 100% overrun by teens especially at night. Lines and loud everywhere you go Beaches are packed 4 layers deep and many of the beaches are private and lots of sections are "blocked off" with signs saying reserved for the beachfront condos and properties only. Bottom line it was all fun at first despite the heavy crowds but after day 3 of a week long trip, the traffic gets old really quick and you're left wishing you had booked elsewhere. Next time we we will not be staying anywhere near here. read more

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Seaside is kinda the epicenter of 30A. There's a beautiful beach, shopping, nice restaurants (like Great Southern), food trailers, and lots of people. And I think they would like to be thought of as avant-garde (new and unusual or experimental ideas, especially in the arts, or the people introducing them), but it's really not avant-garde at all. There is nothing avant-garde here, just lots of high school and college kids driving mommy's nice car and trying to act all cool. And if you said "avant-garde" to one of them, they might ask if it's cool and which food trailer sells it. Everyone should experience Seaside once, dudes, but it's too busy if you are beaching to chill. -Grayton is more beach hippy chill -Rosemary Beach is more sophisticated with a European feel -Watercolor is more urbane -Seagrove Beach is more 50s -Santa Rosa Beach is more relaxed and real - "There is no place like the beach... where the land meets the sea and the sea meats the sky." ~Umair Siddiqui read more

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Seaside has a lot of nostalgia for me. I lived by Seaside in a beach condo. Before living there, it was an ideal place to buy some drinks and lounge on the beach during the evening. Today, it is crowded more than ever. Parking is difficult to secure at the end of August. It is still a beautiful place. I had a brief stop here to find some postcards. I found some in the bookstore. Not the ideal postcards. I plan to explore this place more in winter. read more

Beautiful beach and lots of places to eat and shop around. The sand and water is so beautiful here. Enjoyed coming here with some great people and to tried new things. This place is very pack though and very limited parking. Some places are overprice like a beach hat is $40. This is one of those tourist places that you can visit and check out yourself. read more

Seaside Beach - A view of the clear beach - Beaches Near Me - Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Absolutely stunning area! Lots to do, clean beaches, people are super friendly and everyone is so happy! How could you not want to stay here forever!!! read more

Seaside Beach - Looking out from a hidden gem! - Beaches Near Me - Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Really fun beach day at Seaside Beach. The beach is beautiful - white, soft sand, blue water. You can rent chairs and umbrellas. Such a relaxing afternoon spent at the beach. Also, compared to many of the other 30A beaches, I love how many restaurants and bars there are close to the beach. I got a little thirsty, so I got up from my rented chair under my rented umbrella and walked over to a place that makes coconuts filled with prosecco and then walked back and enjoyed my beverage with my toes in the sand. Perfect! read more

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The town leadership should be embarrassed. Not a family friendly town. The outward appearance is certainly impressive but all of the rules and prices and pretentiousness of business owners is gross. For example our large group spent nearly $700 for 12 drinks and 6 appetizer then left and at the next stop we were denied and mocked for needing to use the restroom. This town should feel lucky but instead they act entitled... it won't last 10 more years. Stay away....Blahhh!!! read more

Seaside Beach - Beaches Near Me - Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

This place is a nightmare for parking and I'm pretty sure they can't even enforce their paid parking. It's an unincorporated township open to the public and Walton county doesn't even back their tickets, I've called and they just say "we don't have anything to do with it". It's just a scam to make people do what they want and to collect money from their patrons and prey upon their ignorance and threaten your credit score by sending it to collections if you don't pay. They're a bunch of uppity goons that live in a fantasy land. They've opened their property up to the public and now want to print out "tickets". Next they'll just start printing their own money and claim that it's legal tender, too read more

It's lovely, but I paid $5/hr to park, $8 for a bowl of fruit, and then they wanted more money to see the actual seaside. I've been coming here for 10+ years, and they may have finally gotten too big for their britches. read more

Maybe we went to the wrong area, but it was $17 to park and then they wanted $35 a day per person for a beach access.

It would have been a beautiful beach destination for us, if it wasn't for all the beaches being plagued with seaweed along the whole stretch of the Emerald Coast that we visited, which was from Miramar to Seaside. The breeze was nice enough that we didn't have to spend time in the water to cool off, but the water quality is unquestionably a big part of a beach experience. I hope when we return, it will be clear and beautiful as I remember it. The public parking is limited to about 20 spaces, so it's not too crowded, as the 'private' beach has a sign to basically tell you to not enter. read more

So beautiful! My last experience at Seaside was 20 years ago and oh my, how it's changed! So many charming shops and restaurants now, but the beach is still snowy white with soft powdery sand the clearest warm water. To me, this area was more beautiful and relaxing than our uber-pricey trip to St. John. Fall here is ideal as crowds are down, rates are lower, yet it is still summer-like weather. Can't wait to return to 30A next year! read more

Beautiful white sandy beaches, pretty calm gulf waters and a laid back chill vibe...SIGN ME UP. My dear friend owns a house out here and I will definitely be returning soon for some rest and relaxation! read more

Seaside Beach - Beaches Near Me - Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

My favorite beach getaway. When I lived in Santa Rosa Beach I heard about the scenic route known as 30A. With it only being 15 min from my apartment I drove down for a sunset one day. I decided to come back during the day so I could really sight see. I came back on a Saturday morning and walked around. They have a farmer's market on Saturday mornings so I visited each vendor's tent. All of their businesses are right there in the town square. Which includes, restaurants and miscellaneous shops. The beach access right there always attracts the people there. read more

Seaside Beach - cloudy day but, Seaside nonetheless. - Beaches Near Me - Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Place have a lot of food stands, small stores, but the place is heavily congested, parking is limited, watch for the no parking signs or parking permit only... you will be towed. Looking for a relaxing day, didn't work too well for me... if you want some refreshments, BYOB, the beach stands are freaking expensive, small cup of pina colada is a whooping 15$ .....place is beautiful though, but I'm not sure about visiting the place again read more

The water is clear emerald colored nice beautiful ever I have seen I seen Attorney today that I could almost reach out and touch the Sands are super white and everyone is so nice this is definitely going to be a repeat event read more

I've been coming to Seaside since 2000 and I fell in love with the town and the beach. Each street in seaside has a unique pavilion with stairs leading down to a private beach. In the past few years, Seaside has gotten really serious about this, with guests and homeowners issued bracelets and security stationed at each pavilion. 30A as a whole has gotten crazy popular since 2000! The private access seemed to be more of an honor system thing back then, but I can see why they are doing it, as homeowners and guests pay a pretty penny to be in Seaside proper and it makes for a private and relaxed beach experience. Note you can access Seaside beach from public access ways on either side of town, just not via the pavilions. Seaside is very conservation-minded. The dunes are planted with sea oats to prevent erosion, and the beaches are super clean and well maintained. And of course, there is the sugar white sand that the gulf shore is famous for! Normally, the water is very clear and calm. One of my favorite things about staying in Seaside is that you can go up and read on your pavilion out of the sun if you've had enough, but you are still overlooking the water and hearing the waves lap the shoreline. All in all, if you have the extra cash to stay in Seaside proper, it really is a unique experience. But if not, stroll the shore and take in each beach pavilion and enjoy the pristine gulf sand. It's a magical place and the beach itself belongs to all of us! read more

Beautiful, calming, and relaxing. Make it a point to stop here! I did notice that the sand here, while soft and powdery, is slightly darker than the sand at nearby Miramar and Destin beaches. read more

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Best coastal spot in the USA! Visit in the off season for a more quiet atmosphere. The area is so beautiful and quite possibly the most lovely in all the states. The gulf coast is a place you don't wanna miss read more

Seaside Beach - Beaches Near Me - Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

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If you are looking for a dystopian Handmade Tales beach vacation please take your family to Seaside. Seaside has built a whole beachside community w beachside shops and restaurants dependent on easy access to the beach but yet has enlisted a company to keep the same paying customers off the public beach. They have literally put up wire fences and have 4 security guards with walkie talkies blaring to threaten you to stay out. Seaside powers that be, you are stupid for biting the hand that pays you. read more

Gorgeous white sand surrounds the beautiful emerald coast. One of Americas prettiest beaches. Lots of public access points to venture down to the beach. Lots of food trucks and quaint restaurants in walking distance to the beach. Bonus is that you can pass by and take a picture of the house where the Truman show Movie was filmed. read more

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I'm not sure Yelp has a large enough space for me to write all of the things I love about Seaside Beach! From the water in the ocean to the markets on the street, I absolutely LOVE everything about this place. The people are very friendly and classy, as are the shops. Much of the food, especially in the common area is food trucks. They have a HUGE amphitheater in the center of the marketplace which hosts movies on Friday nights in the summer. All you have to do is bring yourself, your family, a blanket or chairs, and a cooler with snacks and such and sit under the stars while viewing a family-friendly movie--for FREE! The beach itself is absolutely beautiful. The sand is so white and the water is usually crystal clear. During peak season, it can get a bit crowded, but I have never been when there are just so many people that I didn't have enough personal space. Sunsets are the BEST here, which makes family beach photos absolutely stunning! If you're ever in the area, stop by and take a look around. You will not be disappointed! read more

This place is beautiful!! Each time I come here it's just breathe taking. Even when it was cold I was still frolicking along the sand and water with my little side kick having a blast. I don't know how crazy it gets now that spring break is here but during the off season its worth the 1 1/2 hrs drive from fort walton beach to check out. I love the area. It's literally something out of a post card and the fact that I get to hang here when I want... AWESOME! Someone literally pinch me. I can't believe I get to hang here. read more

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Very clean and well maintained beach. The town and shops are absolutely adorable! Great food trucks, nice little restaurant and incredibly clean beaches. We will be back for sure! read more

Wow. It's like Disney's Celebration property but on the beach and with less Disney restrictions. It feels like an authentic beachside community with lots of shops and plenty of places to eat. Great on foot or by bicycle. read more

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Love this place and food is good. Here tonight and they are charging my wife $1 for a straw. Are you freaking kidding me. I'm 57 years old and drank in some of the nicest bars in the US, and never been charged for a straw. Amazing to me that an "owner" can justify such selfish stupidity. WOW!! read more

Lovely beach. Blue water... white sand. Tons of rentals on the beach. Great shopping and restaurant area. People were very friendly and pricing was reasonable. read more

My wife an I have always the beach front dining of Bud & Alleys for almost 25 years. Always great food and good service year after year. However, once we got back to our car we had a $60 parking ticket. Not a single sign around where we parked said parking was prohibited. It's my opinion that the current Seaside parking policy will destroy the seaside business environment and will certainly reduces the likelihood of us ever returning to dine or shop. $60 was more than our meal. If you are staying in Seaside it's obvious your not welcome because their inadequate parking and current parking policy is a good indicator your not welcome. read more

Place is AMAZING. It's perfect for any family looking for a gorgeous beach and cute community outside of staying at a hotel. Skip Destin High rises and come rent a house or Condo down in Seaside or Watercolor read more

Seaside Beach - Beaches Near Me - Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

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Amazing beach. Stock up on food and liqour at the Walmart on 98. :-) Bring your own lawn chair and umbrella. Never miss the sunset or the sunrise :-) read more

Seaside Beach - taken at one of the pavilions - Beaches Near Me - Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Been a fan for 20 years, but was pissed by new-racket of a parking scheme at main location. We paid $5 for one hour parking at site, which is fair, via an online app. We overshot by about 5 minutes and bought another one online for an additional hour. That was fair. However, we got back to car and found a $50 additional charge. We were then told if we didn't give our credit card number now that we would be charged $250 additional dollars. No signs anywhere told us the rate would increase 10x or such for a new plan that was put into place three days before. Plus the online notifications did not reach us and there was zero warning of punitive charges . The manager was dismissive and shifty and said he had no control, but admitted no signs existed and that the website for the app was not working and that their credit card machine was broken for a plan they implemented just 3 days ago. He said to fix it for us, to make it right, he would have to do for everyone and walked away. He also inadvertently showed us a list of at least 20 others that were abused in the same manner (they are going to get charged via this foul-scheme). I get charging for parking or trying to deter parking, but this treatment will make us go elsewhere. Plus you are using teens to enforce the policy way over-zealously. Couple that with the ridiculous new beach-access policy and we are done with Seaside. We will reaching out to various legal sites and consumer to dissuade future beach-goers. I expected more from a trusted vacation location, but I guess the greed has reached new levels. Goodbye-Seaside. read more

Seaside use to be so fun and now it's ruined. There's a 2% tax on the food that they say nothing about and I spent the whole entire morning being pointed up and down the beach by "security" guards who were telling us we could not stop in certain areas after they would not let us through the tower that used to be public. Very disappointing read more

Took a day trip here from the Destin area while on Labor Day vacation. I was suprised as the beach was not totally packed with people. quaint little town with cute shops. The budwiser od Destin was replaced with organic cold pressed juice stores. The vibe is allot different. Not bad, as I thoroughly enjoyed it. Just a bit "yuppie." I would love to get a beach house there for a week as the location is great and everything is very centrally located within walking or a short drive distance. read more

I love this beach and the surrounding towns. Great place for the family.