BIGGEST Mistakes To Avoid in 30A Florida (Rosemary Beach, Seaside, Alys Beach!)

[@KR-ie5rg]

Excellent presentations on every video. Fantastic information and photography!! ❤

[@FollowMeAway]

Thanks so much!!

[@DrJohn493]

After spending many weeks during the summers at Grayton Beach from the mid '70s to the late '90s,, Mistakes #2 & #4 are mainly why we abandoned this area in favor of the Port St. Joe, Cape San Blas and St. George Island areas of the Florida panhandle. Kinda like what we use to remember of "old Florida" before these beaches got too exclusive...and expensive. Like Yogi Berra once said, "nobody goes there anymore, it got too crowded." But the cold water springs are enjoyable to escape the beach crowds.

[@FollowMeAway]

Thanks for sharing!

[@TravelMomoirs]

So packed full of useful information! Thank you!!

[@FollowMeAway]

Thank you!

[@lindamalysyore7864]

These tips will be super helpful while I’m planning a trip to 30a. 👍

[@FollowMeAway]

Glad it was helpful!

[@capsuleclosetstylist]

Take me to that sunshine!!

[@FollowMeAway]

Let’s gooooo

[@vimalafaith]

This is so helpful! Thanks ❤

[@FollowMeAway]

Thank you!!!

[@Nikita-qw3qi]

thank you for all the information!

[@RachaelMartin]

Great video and awesome tips! 😄

[@FollowMeAway]

Thank you!!!

[@nikkix3993]

Thanks so much! This video is super duper informative. I plan to go in Autumn with my adult daughter, her friend, and hopefully, my sister. My plans are for Rosemary + Alys Beaches, and probably some PCB. I already knew that I'll utilize a bike rental shop; however, I appreciate your advice regarding the 30A FB pages /groups, AirBnB, & VRBO, the private beach restrictions, parking, crowds & street congestion. 🤗 Blessings to you!

[@FollowMeAway]

Thank you for this kind comments!!!! I hope you have a fun trip!

[@aectla]

I would like to know which fb groups to follow as well . Thank you!

[@danamarie8718]

COMMENTS FROM A LOCAL: 30A is not a highway. It is only two lanes (one on each direction) in most areas. It is only about 25 miles long, but in many instances it could take over an hour to get from one end to the other because cars are sharing the road with bikes and golf carts. Fort Walton is a city in Okaloosa County. 30A is in Walton County. Fort Walton is actually 40-50 miles from the east end of 30A (Rosemary Beach area). To get from Fort Walton to 30A you have to go through Destin. She is correct about the horrendous traffic getting through Destin to the 30A area. Do not make the mistake of going to, or booking in, Fort Walton (unless of course that is where you want to stay). Just don’t confuse Fort Walton Beach with 30A. To my knowledge there is no shuttle to Grayton Beach State Park. There is a shuttle to Grayton Beach (area by The Red Bar) but that is not the state park. I could be wrong about this, though, so please call the state park and ask if you are going to rely on a shuttle to get there. You might also ask them about the restrooms. As of a few weeks ago they were closed for renovations. The beach at Grayton Beach State Park is beautiful. As she mentioned, many public beach areas are quite small and have very limited parking. Also note that many do not have restrooms. She mentioned bonfires. Make sure you have a permit. Also make sure you know the rules regarding where you can set up chairs on which beach and are aware of tent size/shade structure requirements. There is a map on the Walton County website showing the location of which beaches are private and which are public. One thing she did not mention is cost. Nothing is inexpensive here. It is a year round tourist destination, and prices reflect that. She said the county is siding with owners of beach front property. That isn’t actually true. It is a very complicated situation, but basically, years ago when 30A was still a fairly desolate area the county sold beach front land, which they probably should not have done. Then about 10 years ago they enacted an ordinance stating the public could use that private property. Owners of beachfront property objected and the ordinance was repealed. Then the county sued the beachfront owners. The county lost the lawsuit. The county used an argument of customary use, which for the most part means that property had been used by the public without objection by the property owners. That argument resulted in many private property owners making sure their objections are known, by putting up signs, cones or even fences. The result is that many areas are quite unsightly. For locals this is a hot topic and conversations can get ugly (just an FYI). 30A is a beautiful area. But as this video mentions, please manage your expectations. The area is growing rapidly. Traffic is horrible, there is almost always some sort of construction going on, and public beaches are crowded.

[@maryw152]

Great info! BTW, many of the restaurants, like Citizen, don't take reservations (maybe they do for large parties) so the best tip is to arrive around 5pm and put your name of the list. I WISH many of these restaurants took reservations.

[@FollowMeAway]

Omg you are SO RIGHT!!! Some of the 30A fb groups talk about this!!! I def should have mentioned that some don’t take reservations and this is important!!

[@EmeraldCoastChefs]

Correct, not even for large groups. In fact many restaurants will want to split large groups among multiple tables, but there are quite a few private chefs that are a great option for those looking for a great dining experience with reservations.

[@sarahlovesyewww]

Can you tell me the exact place you stayed in with dune? I am planning a trip with my family and we want that exact view! Beautiful!

[@FollowMeAway]

Yes!!! It was called Second Sandbar! They have multiple waterfront properties though!! So most of them would probably have a similar view if this one isn’t available!

[@SarahWright-e6h]

Did it come with a golf cart? Thank you!

[@sarahlovesyewww]

Which address unit did you stay in? I am loving that view from the dining area.

[@jaimeemerimee9847]

Great info!!

[@FollowMeAway]

Thank you!

[@deboraarrant6941]

Helpful video, thanks so much.

[@FollowMeAway]

Glad it was helpful!

[@aaronnicholas5477]

Nice video! Do you have a video or can you tell me what camera gear you use? Thanks!

[@FollowMeAway]

This is literally all iPhone and dji osmo

[@b.vonschnauser207]

Very helpful and informative!

[@FollowMeAway]

Thank you!!

[@mssmiles0503]

Avoid all of 30A and your life instantly becomes better. -Walton County Resident

[@terrymp1091]

Biggest thing to avoid on 30a is all of it. It’s an overpriced and overcrowded tourist trap.

[@Nikita-qw3qi]

What kind of microphone are you using please?

[@seckler17]

To add one more, Fall break in early October is now a thing too, really increases traffic and crowds. We have owned a place in Miramar beach for many years, do your research the area has grown so much over the past 30 years.

[@FollowMeAway]

Great tip!!!

[@Lvebug]

Honest question. The only reason I’m asking is because a couple weeks ago for Memorial Day weekend we went to Big Cedar Lodge in Branson Missouri. My husband is white (blond hair) I’m Hispanic. He wasn’t with me. My daughter (who looks more like me) and I were waiting at the stop for the resort trolley. When the guy pulled up he let like 5 people on and wouldn’t let me and my daughter on. Very sad, I didn’t make a big deal because I didn’t want my daughter thinking anything of it. She said “ huh wonder why he didn’t let us on” So my question is will I have problems like this in Seaside? We were planning to rent a condo on the beach in August. I had never experienced something like this. We even moved from up north down south and I always felt welcomed. I just don’t want to feel uncomfortable. Thank you.

[@FollowMeAway]

I cant speak for your exact situation as we are a white woman Black man team here. Felt fine in Seaside but the vibes were def there on the drive in through the northern panhandle

[@sevinstorey4365]

Both of you are lying. I’m bi-racial, from a white family and you can tell I’m bi-racial and I live in Alabama and I have never once in my 54 years on this earth EVER felt uncomfortable in any situation anywhere. People actually go out of there way to talk to me and be nice to me to the point it gets on my nerves bc I’m a private person and not openly friendly. Why anyone would feel the need to keep this BS going on in 2024 America is above my pay grade. Black people are intelligent, we are smart, we are kind, we know how to use the internet, we don’t need white people to feel sorry for us ever. Hispanic people are the same. So I’d really love to see the video of the Hispanic woman being denied access to a trolley in modern America because that’s a lawsuit, and since there are cameras everywhere, hire a lawyer, get the footage, and sue the city. You’re welcome, send me my 10% for advising you on how to live.

[@abbottmd]

overall, they are pretty snobby along 30A and it is part of the reason people go there. For more diversity and to pay less than half the price, check out Okaloosa Island. People who don't like the diversity on the island are primarily the ones who seek out 30A. just honest info the way I see it, your mileage might vary

[@Eaglejake]

You can't do anything about individuals. "Wouldn't let me and my daughter on"? What does that mean? We own property along 30A....wife is Hispanic.....NEVER an issue.

[@championwon]

That whole Branson, MO area and north Arkansas is VERY racist. My husband and I drove up through there and were shocked. Open billboards about it. Avoid it! No, the 30A area is not like that.

[@stopthehate6843]

There is no Fort Walton county in Florida. 30A is in Walton county.

[@FollowMeAway]

Oh my gosh I’m SO SORRY def a slip of the tongue you are 100% correct!!!!

[@Kenzzzz528]

There is😂 if u look on the map it says fort Walton

[@GreyontheBeach]

@@Kenzzzz528she said Fort Walton County, which there no such thing. You are referring to Fort Walton, Fl., which is a city. Words matter.

[@Kenzzzz528]

@@GreyontheBeach oh mb

[@dhexcavating1558]

Definitely vortex springs

[@FollowMeAway]

I love it!!

[@rumplestilsquat7942]

Heads up 30A isnt the name of the town. 30A is the road all of the towns are on. Its ON 30A

[@FollowMeAway]

Exsctly as the cover photo says 🥰

[@NGD1953]

Did you mention that 30A is NOT any place to go if you have any LIMITED MOBILITY issues? I learned this the hard way! I was invited to go here along with my children and grandchildren for a week. You will be pretty much stuck inside if you can’t walk long distances, ride a bike or drive a cart!!! This should be emphasized more before you! I’m not in a wheel chair, but I do have arthritis and medical issues that many older people have. Thankfully, my children had much compassion for me, and did get me to places and for dinner each evening, etc. It was a struggle though! They did spend so much time driving me and dropping me out as close to restaurants as possible. They weren’t allowed to park anywhere close to the places we went. This was the first time in all my years of going to Florida for a beach trip that I NEVER even got a small glimpse of the beach! Even knowing it was just over the way behind all the tall buildings and structures barricading even the view!!! I say never again to 30A for a beach trip! I’ll be in a condo on the beach at Orange Beach from now on!!!

[@FollowMeAway]

Thank you so much for mentioning this very valuable piece of information. I hope that it helps others.!

[@carlose.moreyramd7846]

I live on 30A. I would add that that the water is sometimes closed. Not the beach, but the water. Know your flags. Double red means the water is closed. Purple means dangerous marine life. Shark attacks and drowning deaths from rip currents do occur in 30A/Panama City Beach area. Know how to spot a rip current and what to do if you are caught in one.

[@FollowMeAway]

YES YES YES!

[@patricesc82]

When is the low season since you said most of the year is high season? With the way these northern people moving into Florida and causing crazy traffic, I just stay home.

[@FollowMeAway]

For example the first week of May before schools are out is much lower than spring break or summer. Winter it is quite cold but very few tourists

[@patricesc82]

@@FollowMeAway Thank you for replying back😊

[@FollowMeAway]

Of course!

[@georgescott4505]

Not avoiding 30A is a mistake.

[@tajx4811]

30A sucks! My friends spent $14,000 for a week in Watercolor and were harassed all week… Where to park, where they could walk on the beach etc… Never again…

[@abbottmd]

I am sorry you had that experience. My okaloosa island beachfront condo has been renting for

[@freeangie11]

No beach accessibility, no parking.....😂😅😮...

[@dmdm9198]

mistake 9 not bringing your own food in an ice chest to cook in rental. It will save you a lot of headaches especially if you have kids

[@FollowMeAway]

I fully agree I cooked a lot!!

[@lichlord9838]

I'm just saying, I've lived in the Panhandle for over 40 years, and this woman's videos are the first time I've EVER heard anyone refer to "30a" as an area.

[@FollowMeAway]

What would you call it? I’m looking to learn!

[@sevinstorey4365]

It’s a gen z thing. You know how they always have to make things exclusive to only the ultra white ultra rich “kar-trash-ians” . Yea it’s still just a highway number to the rest of us.

[@sevinstorey4365]

Gen z thing kar-trash-Ian’s and all of that

[@carlose.moreyramd7846]

@@FollowMeAway30A. You’re right.

[@championwon]

The whole area was better 25 years ago when it was quiet, not crowded or carnival like. All the food trucks ruined it.

[@JohnCash001]

You are so pretty : )

[@sevinstorey4365]

What she left out was, this is a place for people who survive on $100,000 a year salary but want to pretend for a week they are millionaires. It’s going to cost you $6-7 thousand dollars for just one week to stay here. Is it a nice place? Probably. Is it worth 10% of your yearly earnings? That’s up to you. Just know that this is the same person who believes racism still exists in this area.

[@FollowMeAway]

Racism still exists everywhere…….

[@robertholmesiii4165]

It is better to remain silent at the risk of being thought a fool, than to talk and remove all doubt. We all know that you are a fool.

[@abbottmd]

yes you can get 2BR/2BA beachfront condo for a third of that over on okaloosa island, water and beach look exactly the same, but the crowd is not as white which must be why some folks are willing to pay so much more just to stay a few miles further down the beach

[@Eaglejake]

@@FollowMeAway You can't do anything about individual racism. Yes, it is everywhere, but have never observed a trend along 30A.

[@roymcalister1878]

@@abbottmdHahaha, went to South Beach one time and we were the only 4 white people there. Did I care? No, went to the beach and played.

[@LV4EVR]

This vs. That ... VERSUS, not verse. _steps off grammar soapbox_

[@FollowMeAway]

Ok

[@jrwales666]

Not the ocean…gulf of Mexico

[@chrissymilian1201]

This 😊😊😊

[@nextfriiday]

Seaside is fake. It actually does look like a movie set. The only good thing there are the mom and pop food trucks and the bike trail headed from town.

[@sniffy45]

This appears to be the ultimate karen zone, and the one and only Biden supporter hang out in Florida hahaha will avoid at all cost.. Thank you so much!

[@Eaglejake]

"ultimate karen zone"......I will have to plagiarize that. Just FYI.