You may have already heard about Seacrest Florida, or you may be a local wondering what to do with the family this summer. But no matter what, it’s worth noting that the 10 best things to do in Seacrest Florida are not all about the beaches.
That’s because Seacrest Florida is home to a variety of attractions that make it one of the most family-friendly destinations in the country. From festivals and concerts to amusement parks and shopping, there’s something for every member of the family.
- How far is Seacrest from Destin?
- How far is Seacrest from Rosemary Beach?
- Is Seacrest Beach private?
- What is considered 30A?
- Dune Allen Beach
- Seagrove Beach
- Blue Mountain Beach
- Grayton Beach
- Seacrest Beach
- Inlet Beach and others
- Which is better Seaside or Rosemary Beach?
- Where Is Seacrest?
How far is it from Seacrest to Destin? Well, it depends on if you’re traveling by air or by car. If you’re driving, it’s a straight shot on Highway 98 in less than 45 minutes. If you’re flying, you’ll drive to the Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport, which is just about 5 miles from Destin.
From there, you’ll hop on a plane for your flight to Panama City (40 minutes) or the Pensacola Regional Airport, which is about two hours away.
Seacrest is a suburb of Rosemary Beach, and it is about 30 miles from the heart of Rosemary Beach itself. We've put together this helpful guide to show you how to get there and what to do once you are there.
With everything from restaurants to shops to nature trails, there is always something for everyone in Seacrest.
Seacrest Beach is a beautiful place, and it is not surprising to find that people want to spend time there. After all, it's not every day that you get to enjoy the pleasures of the beach without having to spend the day fighting for a space on it.
But, unlike other public beaches, Seacrest Beach is not free to use. The reality is that there is no such thing as a free lunch in this world, and the private owners have to make money somehow or they will be unable to keep the beach in its pristine and attractive condition.
30A is a beautiful two road county road in the South of Walton. It has the most beautiful beaches in the world and it is found East of Sandestin down to the coast of Emerald Coast Parkway.
The beaches along this path are known as the 30A beaches and some of them are;
There are variations in choices between Seaside and Rosemary Beaches. Rosemary has great architecture and nice markets. It also has some of the best salads ever seen out of Florida. It has awesome restaurants and an ice cream outlet for kids.
For varieties, there is also an Italian restaurant on Rosemary Beach which helps to give your buds another feel entirely. The restaurants on Rosemary pip Seaside.
Seaside on its part has more Rentals but they come at an exorbitant price in comparison with Rosemary Beach.
The rentals on Seaside Beach are considered 50% less in comparison and the markets sell cheaper and more unique commodities.
What is found on Seaside can be seen in most retail outlets in Florida. Rosemary also has a spa and fitness center and the natural feel there with the greenery is second to none, although the amphitheater at Seaside is really good too.
In the beachside area, Rosemary has more affordable rental options. Rosemary Beach is largely considered a better beach.
If you’re a Seacrest newbie, you might ask yourself, “Where is Seacrest?” The city, situated on the central Gulf coast of Florida, just north of the Tampa suburbs, is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, especially around the holiday season.
It is found in the midst of other great beaches like Camp Creek Lake, Alys Beach, and Rosemary Beach.
The 20 Best Things To Do In Seacrest, Florida
1. Peddlers 30A Bikes
Bikers enjoy the pleasure of the Seacrest beach better. Rentals for bikes are everywhere in this beautiful community. They have rates to choose from, depending on if it's daily or weekly. If you have your own bike, you can schedule your plans to taste and enjoy the adventure it gives you not just on the Seacrest, but on nearby beaches like the Rosemary and Alys Beaches.
When you're tired, you can rest, but it will be best when you enjoy it by spending time on the white sands of the Seacrest beach. Bikes will always come in handy for you on Seacrest beach, regardless of whatever you want to do. Bike rental shops abound but the best so far is the Peddlers 30A which offers kids and adult tandem bikes for exploring the beach. With a bike, why not explore some trails?
Secrets sit on the 18.6 miles Timpoochee Trail in Florida. This trail takes you past beaches, parks, and lakes. The trail on the West side of Highway 30A ends on Rosemary Beach. Seacrest position is at Mile 16. Peradventure the trails don’t excite you, there are popular tourist spots like Deer Lake, Deer Lake State Park, Inlet Beach, and many more which are just a few miles away from Seacrest.
2. 30A Tours
At South Walton County, there's one of nature’s best ambiance, the coastal dune lakes. Other than this very part of Florida, dune lakes are not found anywhere else in the world other than New Zealand, Australia, and Madagascar in Africa. The country has 15 named coastal dune lakes and one of them is Camp Creek Lake, located near Seacrest.
The lakes are as shallow as 1.5m or 5feet and have been in existence for more than 10,000 years. With Seacrest’s beautiful weather, the coastal dune lake helps visitors to enjoy some of the finest standup boat paddlings. The lake still waters also make for a brilliant adventure at Seacrest and there are local shops to book a rent.
3. Camp Creek Golf Club
At nearby Panama City, there is world-class golf action at the Camp Creek golf club. Designed by Tom Fazio, the course is just five minutes away from Seacrest. There's a distance of 2.7 kilometers between Seacrest Beach and the course.
It has 18 holes dotted and outlined with marshes and it stands as one of the finest courses in the area. After a game of golf, players enjoy a meal at the clubhouse or they may take a drink or chew on a snack. Staying in the nearby Watercolor Inn also helps access.
4. Deer State Lake Park
Visitors get to explore the natural feel of the Seacrest as they go on exploring. Ecosploring can be used in place of ecotours, to enjoy the beautiful ambiance of the city. While ecotours can be booked for with local operators, there’s also a way to go exploring parks and the reserves in the area.
One of these parks is Deer State Lake Park. The park is very close to a coastal dune lake where paddle boarding is also enjoyed. It features a beach and other areas for swimming and has a boardwalk that gives you mobility around the dunes. It also has many trails for hiking and is also a great view for birdwatching.
5. Point Washington State Forest
Exploring the Point Washington State Forest also makes for a brilliant appeal. It is a form of different eco-adventure. The Point Washington State Park is located in Santa Rosa Beach, a 20-minute, 14.7 miles, and 23.6km drive away from Seacrest. The park has 10 natural communities comprising swamps, Sandhills, wet Flatwoods, and it has an abundance of endangered plant and animal species.
Hiking trails are present and they double as bike trails. Off-road biking is also a popular adventure there with the presence of picnic and bathroom facilities. The park is also part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.
6. Peddler’s Pavilion - Eat and Shop Like A Local
A stream of close local shops and food outlets that offer a very local feel to their services is at the Peddler’s Pavilion. The food shops are owned and operated by locals while the novelty shops offer locally made and crafted products.
Bicycles and water sports gear are also up for rent in this area with a dining area for live music, especially on weekends.
7. Art Pieces at the Blue Giraffe
At this location, there are otherworldly, masterstrokes art pieces at the gallery in Florida. Here, you’ll see creatively-woven coastal-themed jewelry, books, all made by the finest talents amongst the locals.
There are also beautiful hand-made picture frames and fine paintings that please the eye. The Blue Giraffe also has art classes taught by some of the best experts on the field, with different techniques to arts taught there.
8. Walton Dunes Beach
Leisure time at Walton Dunes Beach is appealing. With sparkling seawater and wildlife sightings, there are wonderful views for visitors. Enjoy the gorgeous feel of the warm, white sands against your skin. It is very accessible and locals love to visit the beach.
A family visitation will be beautiful with kids as it promises amazing family time. It has an awesome sunset and offers a tranquil environment.
9. Wonders of the Gulf Lake Public Beach
Easily accessible to the public, it is a magnificent place to visit for locals and tourists. The presence of clear waters and a relaxing dip will make for a beautiful family time. When you visit, hold your favorite swimwear.
While there are no spaces for cars to park, there are spaces for bikes, so travel with family offers that. It is a beautiful beach and has a shower available for convenience.
10. Seacrest Drive Public Beach
An amazing time at the Seacrest Drive Public Beach is surreal. This scenic beach is on Highway 30A and is a tranquil environment. As you walk down to the dune walkover, there’s an abundance of white sands and people having fun.
You should come with your sunscreen when you visit as it’s an inviting place to view the sunset. Have an amazing time at Seacrest Drive Public Beach and put your happy moments in a journal.
Top 5 Things to Do in Seacrest Beach With Kids
A visit to Seacrest Beach is a beautiful adventure and there are many things you can have kids do when they are there. These are the top 5 things;
1. Go Kayaking
To have easy access to the gulf waters and coastal lakes that abound on the Seacrest, get some kayaks. Head out on a beautiful family adventure with the kids.
Kayaks can be gotten at Jungle Beach Service in Santa Rosa Beach and they’ll travel down to wherever you are to help you set up before getting on the waters.
2. Ride Bikes on Peddler’s Pavilion
Peddler’s Pavilion is a popular spot in Seacrest Community where residents and locals have a fun time on the Seacrest Beach. They gather to shop, and drink coffee, eat pastries, and do lots more.
People ride bikes on the pavilion and you haven’t had a perfect time there if you don’t rent a bike at 30A Bike Rentals and then take the one-mile scenic route to the pavilion.
3. Take A Surfing Lesson
Learn how to surf with the kids as they catch new waves. You can sign up for a family surfing lesson at 30A Adventures. There are daily surf camps for kids at Rosemary Beach while the entire family can be up for hourly lessons.
The lessons cover all the basics so you will be a surfing expert on good time after you hit the waves.
4. Go Paddleboarding
Paddle boarding is a beautiful water sport and it’s what families should do. Sign up for a group lesson or rent a few boards from Yolo Board + Beach in Miramar Beach.
You can have fun the whole day exploring the waters as a family and if you don’t enjoy standing, you can go on your knees as it offers more stability for paddling.
5. Jet Skiing At Alys Beach
If you want to have a time with your veins running faster than ever and adrenaline-pumping heavier, you will have a jet skiing experience at Alys Beach. Take a short 2-mile trip into Alys Beach and rent some Jet Skiis from AAA Jet Ski Rentals.
You can tour and hit the waves with your children as you also sign up for a family two-hour guided lesson. A jet skiing guide is given to you by the handlers while the family also goes through an orientation. During the other hour, everyone can go and have fun jet skiing.
5 Free Things to Do on 30A - 30A
The 30A is one of the best scenes in the whole of Florida and there are things to enjoy there for free. We’ve compiled the best 5 things you can do without a dime at the 30A and they are;
1. Free Outdoor Concerts
Music is the food of the soul. And at Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Seaside Beach, and Gulf Place, Fred concerts are hosted on their green lawns.
Baytown Wharf also throws a party every Wednesday night with loads of fireworks and free concerts during the summer months.
2. Walk, Run or Bike on The Timpoochee Trail
The Timpoochee Trail extends through the entire length of Highway 30A and passes through so many small beach towns. It offers a view that’s hard to see inside a car.
Coastal dune lakes and iconic images of tall trees are also present along the Eastern shore of the Western Lake.
3. Off-Roading Through Point Washington State Forest
If you have a vehicle that can resist its adversities, most preferably four-wheeled, you’ll enjoy off-Roading at the Washington State Forest. The 15,400-acre State Forest is cross-crossed and it has trails open to the public for exploring.
You can make a stop in the Forest Service office at 5865 E. U.S. Hwy. 98 in Santa Rosa Beach for suggested trails or map your own using resources from their company.
4. Sunset Happy shout on the Beach
The beautiful imagery of the sunset sparks excitement and you can whip up your own favorite cocktails and dance to good music.
Grab a selection of the best beer in a plastic thermos and head to the beach to see as the sun sinks into the Gulf of Mexico.
5. Hiking
Hiking trails through the Point Washington State Forest runs through 10 ecological communities that have found South Walton as home.
There’s a Longleaf Pine Trail that meets up at the Eastern Trail and it offers 3, 4, and 7-mile loops. Note that some of the trailheads may seek donations for the maintenance of the state Forest as they take you hiking.
