The Road Between Destin And Panama City Florida

If there was ever a time to avoid the interstate and chose a scenic highway, then that time would be choosing Highway 30A, the road between Destin and Panama City Florida. Along this scenic highway, you will discover quaint coastal towns paralleled by white sandy beaches and clear emerald green water.

It is 56 miles of delightful small town Florida that is sure to please all of your fun-loving beachy crew.

***DESTIN

Starting at Destin, Crystal Beach is a beautiful stretch of coastal property with the softest whitest sand and the most sparkling green water you will ever see. While we were there, we asked a local security guard if the water was always this clear and emerald green and his reply was, “yep, I have lived here all my life and it never changes”.

You really can’t take your eyes off the clear beautiful water. It certainly gives the blue of the Caribbean a run for it’s money.

FIND THE PERFECT SPACE FOR YOUR RV VACATION: Destin has great RV locations to park and to sit your chairs out for awhile.

Make sure you visit some of my most favorite coastal restaurants located in Destin, one of which is Capt Daves on the Gulf! Some of the best seafood plates ever are offered at this ocean front beachy restaurant. Don’t miss out on their slaw, it is a masterpiece. You won’t be disappointed.

Pompano Joe’s Seafood House is the restaurant most trafficked by the locals and once you enter this quirky beach side snack shack, you will know why. Specializing in seafood, Pompano Joe’s has been featured in The Travel Channel and sits at the top of the list as best places to eat.

BOOKING.COM HWY 30-A FLORIDA

There are many easy public access beaches in Destin along Crystal Beach with ample room for setting up for a beach day. Once experiencing all Destin has to offer, you will hit the highway and head east toward WaterColor.

***WATERCOLOR

Watercolor via brian_esquire

Destin is definitely the best seaside town to begin your road trip however, as you mosey along the gulf on Hwy 30, you will encounter the completely charming and unique town of Watercolor. Yes, that’s its’ real name and, when you arrive there, you will see why.

via brian_esquire

The town of WaterColor is the perfect picture of coastal cozy and relaxation. Walking around and enjoying the pastel painted homes with gigantic Southern wrap around porches is a treat. You also have boutique shops, outdoor cafes and an awesome bike trail that winds through forest and along coastal lakes.

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***SEASIDE

Seaside via UGArdener

Find Your Perfect Beach House Through VRBO

Head on along the coast from WaterColor for about 7 minutes and you’ll run right into Seaside Florida. Seaside’s architecture oozes a quaint beach town vibe and it was here that “The Truman Show” with Jim Carrey was filmed.

I strongly advise taking a nice stroll under the heavy shade of mature trees back into the neighborhoods of Seaside. Each building has its own color and unique style that is actually captivating while strolling the cozy brick covered lanes.

The town center hosts shops, artists and festivals with the overall vibe being comfortable, easy going and who really cares what time it is.

Seaside via hehaden

***ROSEMARY BEACH

Town of Rosemary via Robert Nebel A

So I am going to be honest, I love Rosemary Beach. Walking down those streets lined with European style buildings and the coast sparkling ahead, I felt as if I were on “Pirates Of The Caribbean”.

Once in Rosemary, you have traveled about 32 miles from Destin. Rosemary is unlike any other town you will experience along the coast of Florida. Perched atop a huge cliff, Rosemary has a commanding view of the Gulf and offers super clean beaches, creative boutique shopping and unique stays.

Be sure to go to CRABBY STEVE’S for the best sandwich of your life. The beach dive is open dining overlooking the beach and believe me, Steve wasn’t crabby at all. Crabby Steve’s is going to be one of your very few budget friendly places to eat as Rosemary Beach is gorgeous but very expensive.

Please do walk the streets of the town. The architecture, the overall cleanliness, the landscaping…take it all in. Everyone is very nice and helpful, a great place for someone going at it solo or with family. After enjoying the beach and the community, watch the sunset go down at Edward’s Fine Food & Wine and, this is very important, have a dessert. Best Ever.

CLICK IMAGES FOR STAYS IN BEAUTIFUL ROSEMARY BEACH

THE PEARL BOOKING.COM ROSEMARY

GULF VIEW BENOIT CARRIAGE HOUSE AT ROSEMARY BEACH

***PANAMA CITY

BOOKING.COM AVAILABILITIES IN PANAMA CITY FLORIDA

We end the journey with the hopping beach town of Panama City. Panama City Beach is 27 miles long of white sand and clear water and everything to do in between.

For a great family beach time and somewhat of an escape from heavy crowds along Panama City Beach, I recommend St. Andrews State Park.

This is a beautiful 200 acre natural reserve with biking, nature watching, beach and water activities plus a visitor center and concessions. We thoroughly enjoyed our beach day here and actually wanted more of this beautiful location.

On a scale of 1 to 4, I would give St. Andrews a 4.5. This is a very family friendly area and young people find this park popular as well. Hang out with the friends you make amongst true Floridian natural landscaping. There’s typically plenty of parking too. It is great here for someone travelling alone. Spend time and enjoy how Florida once looked.

via Phil’s1stPix

Shell hunting here is pretty decent too. It’s not like Sanibel however, it does have pretty shells to gather which makes for a fun time hunting. I had a real Moana moment when the most perfect unblemished shell rolled right to my toe as I was standing in the water.