So, you’re wondering whether Destin or 30A is better, huh?
Well, that’s a toughie!
It’s like trying to choose between ice cream flavors – both are delicious, but they’ve got their own unique flavors!
Destin is like the vibrant city cousin who loves partying and has all the cool stuff to do.
It’s got those fantastic white-sand beaches, sparkling emerald waters, and tons of fun water activities like jet skiing and parasailing.
If you’re into lively nightlife, great restaurants, and a bustling atmosphere, Destin’s got you covered.
On the other hand, 30A is like the chill beach town cousin.
It’s all about laid-back vibes, and it’s not as crowded as Destin.
The beaches are gorgeous too, but they have a more relaxed feel to them.
You can take long walks along the shore, enjoy the peaceful sunsets, and just let yourself unwind.
It’s perfect for those seeking a slower pace and some quality R&R.
Now, which one’s better really depends on what you’re looking for in a vacation.
Do you crave non-stop excitement and a party atmosphere?
Destin might be your jam!
But if you’re more into serenity and enjoying the simple pleasures of beach life, 30A could be your ideal spot.
So, ask yourself – are you in the mood for a wild rollercoaster ride or a gentle swing in a hammock by the sea?
What is Better, Destin or 30A 🌴?
30A and Destin are located on the Emerald Coast of Florida and are attractive destinations known for their white sand beaches, emerald waters, and ample fishing opportunities.
From adventurous pirate cruises to kid-friendly water parks and delectable seafood dishes, this area caters to travelers of all ages.
30A is ideal for families with children who like to build sand castles and spend hours walking barefoot along the beach, and Destin will be a better option for those who prefer active nightlife to beach life.
Destin | 30A | |
What is it? | Destin is an American city on the Gulf of Mexico. Its highlight is the incomparable white sandy beaches with emerald green, clear water. Destin was originally a small fishing village. Now it is a popular tourist destination. According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Destin hosts more than 80 percent of the 4.5 million visitors to the Emerald Coast every year. | The “Emerald Coast” is a group of peaceful, picturesque Florida beach communities tucked between the more populated districts of Panama City and Destin along County Road 30A. In this region lie the seaside towns of Rosemary Seaside, Seaside, Aly’s, and Santa Rosa Beach. |
For whom? | Destin is ideal for its beaches, has a fairly vibrant nightlife, and places a lot of emphasis on outdoor pursuits like boating and golfing. | In 30A, there aren’t many tourist traps, large hotels, or enormous condos. As an alternative, you’ll discover a considerably more relaxed attitude toward beach life, with more families than college students and local businesses with cult-like followings than chains. |
Location | Destin is located on the Gulf of Mexico, on the Emerald Coast of Florida. | The 30A moniker refers to a real road in South Walton County (County Road 30A), which runs for about 20 miles along the coast of the Florida Panhandle. Between Destin and Panama City, it’s roughly in the middle of the road.
Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) in Panama City is the closest airport, located 35 miles from Seaside along the 30A. It is a compact, convenient airport that is simple to enter and exit. |
| Beaches | Gorgeous white-sand beaches and emerald waters | Beautiful beaches with a serene feel |
| Activities | Thrilling water sports and activities | Perfect for leisurely strolls and relaxation |
| Nightlife | Abundance of restaurants, bars, and entertainment | Quieter evenings with cozy beachside spots |
| Crowd | Can get crowded, especially during peak seasons | Less crowded and more peaceful |
| Atmosphere | High-energy, fun, and party-like | Tranquil, peaceful, and closer to nature |
| Accommodations | Numerous options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels | Charming beachfront rentals and boutique inns |
| Shopping | Excellent shopping opportunities | Quaint boutiques and local markets |
| Sunsets | Stunning sunset views over the water | Breathtaking sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico |
Top Beaches in Destin Vs. 30A
| Where | Rate | Highlights | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crystal Beach | Destin | 9.2 | White sand, crystal-clear waters, great for families. Thrilling water activities like jet skiing and parasailing. Lively bars & seafood joints nearby. |
| Miramar Beach | Destin | 8.7 | Beautiful white sand and clear waters. Family-friendly with paddleboarding and banana boat rides. Beachfront restaurants & bars to unwind. |
| Henderson Beach | Destin | 8.9 | Kid-friendly beach with white sand. Swimming, picnicking, and beach sports. Relaxed cafes & beachfront grills for a laid-back vibe. |
| Grayton Beach | 30A | 9.8 | Stunning white sand and crystal-clear waters. Perfect for all ages, offering kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. Charming beachside cafes & local eateries. |
| Seaside Beach | 30A | 9.5 | Immaculate white sand, dreamlike waters. Great for families, with beach volleyball, biking, and beachcombing. Cozy beachfront cafes & food trucks to explore. |
| Rosemary Beach | 30A | 9.0 | Gorgeous and inviting waters, great for kids. Snorkeling, yacht tours, and beach yoga for relaxation. Upscale dining & trendy bars for a luxurious experience. |
| Santa Rosa Beach | 30A | 8.5 | Pristine white sand beach, ideal for a laid-back day. Beachcombing, snorkeling, and beach bonfires. Beachfront bars & local seafood joints. |
| Alys Beach | 30A | 9.3 | Stunning beach with turquoise waters. Perfect for relaxation and beach photography. Trendy cafes & boutiques for shopping. |
| Inlet Beach | 30A | 8.6 | Uncrowded beach with sugary sand. Great for swimming and picnics. Charming beachfront picnic spots & nearby eateries. |
| Gulf Islands Nat’l Seashore | Destin | 9.7 | Nature lover’s paradise with pristine beaches and wildlife. Snorkeling, birdwatching, and guided tours. Camping & nature trails available. |
| Navarre Beach | Destin | 9.1 | Beautiful beach with calm waters. Popular for shell hunting and family picnics. Beachfront restaurants & cozy cafes to chill out. |
Is 30A Near Destin?
Yes,
Between Destin and Panama City Beach in South Walton County, there is a region known as 30A.
It is referred to as the “Hamptons of the South” since it draws famous people and the affluent.
Due to its location along the picturesque Highway 30A, it was given the moniker “30A.”.
This county route runs along the Gulf Coast of Florida.
Is 30A Nicer than Destin?
30 A is definitely for those who are in love with nature.
25,000 acres of state woods that are under protection, as well as coastal dune lakes, may be found in the communities along Highway 30A.
You’ll encounter coastal dune lakes, a phenomenon that only happens in a few places on earth.
You may discover everything along Highway 30A, from golf courses to museums of underwater art to vineyards and amusement parks.
We all understand that enjoying food, beverages, and shopping can rank among the highlights of any trip.
In South Walton County, there are countless distinctive, independent eateries and bars serving up extraordinary food and beverages, regardless of your preferences.
Why is 30A in Florida so Popular?
30A is so popular for its unique combination of idyllic white sand beaches, the Gulf of Mexico’s azure waters, coastal woods, coastal dune lakes, state parks, festivals, and events that draw tourists from all over the country.
30A is unlike anywhere else in the world.
As well as its distinct Southern flair, of course.
The Gulf’s beauty and the value of the local environment cannot be overstated.
On 30A, the beach is everywhere because life is simply better there.
30A is popular for :
Architecture
Sparkling white stucco homes, angular tiled rooftops and narrow streetscapes defy easy classification of style…
Art Community
Along Scenic 30-A, there is a thriving arts scene that features a “Artist of the Year” program to promote the creations of local artists.
Along with a variety of vintage and artisan shops, there are also several art studios.
Miles of Biking and Hiking Trails
Hikers and bikers can enjoy nature with over 200 miles of South Walton trails nearby while visiting 30A.
There is even the 19-mile paved running route.
Coastal Dune Lakes
The largest grouping of dune lakes in the world is found along 30A, a 26-mile stretch of Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast with a string of 15 dune lakes that are intermittently connected to the Gulf.
In reality , the coastal dune lakes are extremely rare, a unique geographical feature occurring in only a handful of places in the world–Madagascar, Australia, New Zealand!
What Celebrities Live on 30A?
30A, that magical stretch along the Florida Panhandle, has been a haven for many celebrities.
First up, we’ve got Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, the power couple of country music.
They’ve got their own piece of paradise right on 30A.
Can you picture it?
Singing along with Tim on the beach, sounds like a dream!
And hey, keep your eyes peeled, ’cause you might spot Tom Hanks strolling along the shoreline.
That’s right, Forrest Gump himself!
It’s like being in a movie, but it’s real life.
But wait, there’s more!
The queen of daytime TV, Oprah Winfrey, also has a beautiful home in this charming area.
You never know, you might end up in a deep conversation with Oprah herself!
Oh, and did I mention Bubba Watson, the golf champ?
Yep, he’s a 30A regular too!
You might get a chance to catch him teeing off at one of the nearby golf courses.
Now, let’s add some more stars to the mix!
Matthew McConaughey, the laid-back Texan actor, has also been known to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of 30A.
Imagine hanging out with him, having a chill conversation over a bonfire on the beach.
And keep your eyes open for Emeril Lagasse, the famous chef with his TV cooking shows.
Who knows, you might get a taste of his culinary magic at a local restaurant!
Last but not least, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel have been spotted enjoying the sun and surf on 30A.
It’s like a mini Hollywood by the sea!
Now let’s recap, here are a few celebrities that (if lucky) you could spot there:
- Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys Owner
- Britney Spears
- Tom Cruise
- Katie Holmes
- John Travolta
- Courtney Cox
- Matthew McConaughey
- Chef Emeril Lagasse
- Luke Bryan
- Sheryl Crow
- Garth Brooks
- Jessica Simpson
- Tim McGraw
What is the Cutest Town on 30A?
Rosemary Beach
It is definitely Rosemary Beach.
It’s not surprising that Rosemary Beach has grown to be one of 30A’s most sought-after neighborhoods.
This friendly neighborhood is defined by gorgeous residences, accessible walkways, and lovely boardwalks.
Additionally, keep an eye out for family-friendly activities in Rosemary Beach.
Watercolor
The 30A neighborhood is noted for its luxurious beach houses, gorgeous boardwalks, and spectacular natural surroundings.
Along with hiking, biking, and beachgoing, Watercolor also has a tennis club, restaurants, and stores.
Seacrest Beach
Explore this coastal town on foot to find interesting stores, neighborhood favorites, and a wide range of “ecosploring” activities.
What is the Best Time of Year in 30A?
Based on the tourism score, the best time of year to visit 30 A for a warm-weather holiday is early April to mid-May and early October to early November.
The hot season lasts 4.1 months, from May 26 to September 30, with a maximum average daily temperature of over 82.4° F.
The hottest month of the year in Destin is July, with average highs of 83° F and lows of 77 °F.
Does 30A go Through Destin?
Yes,
The route with the same name, County Route 30A, runs across South Walton County and is where the beach communities are located.
It is situated in the middle of a 20-mile stretch of Florida’s coastline that runs between Destin and Panama City.
Why is the Water Brown on 30A?
It is because of Tannic water…
When grass, pine needles, leaves, and other organic materials fall into the river, tannic water is the result.
The substance degrades over time, giving the water a tea-stained appearance.
The water can be brown also because of Sargassum.
According to the Ocean Conservancy, these brown algae are called Sargassum.
This type of macroalgae floats in large masses.
In water, Sargassum is considered harmless to humans.
Sargassum usually appears in the spring, and their “season” lasts until about August.
I was shocked when I learned that this algae, despite having an extremely unpleasant odor, actually helps many migrating sea creatures such as turtles, crabs and fish by providing them with a habitat.
