From where it departs and connects with US 98, Highway 30-A is comprised of 18.5-miles, plus 9.4 miles of connector roads—83 and 283—from the Gulf of Mexico to US 98, and 395 from the Gulf of Mexico to the Choctawhatchee Bay. “Taking the scenic route” by car, bicycle, or on foot, you’ll journey past four state parks, 27 miles of greenway trails, 11 rare coastal dune lakes, 11 beach communities. And you’ll behold miles of stunningly beautiful beaches. Route 30-A is a tourist attraction of major proportions. It is an exciting and eclectic mix of hot Caribbean colors and soft pastels, with architecture to match each beach community’s aesthetic, whether it be Old Florida’s traditional 2-3 story homes, or the cottages of Seaside with white picket fences and pedestrian pathways to New Urbanism, or its miles of greenway trails connecting state parks, preserves and residential areas.

30-A’s shimmering sugar-fine sands combined with shades of turquoise-blue and emerald-green waters are breathtakingly beautiful, sun up or sun down.

One of Highway 30-A’s most beautiful features are the 11 coastal dune lakes, known by kayaking and canoeing enthusiasts for their beauty and tranquility. Dune lakes are formed by the wind and found almost exclusively along the Gulf Coast. Classified as “critically imperiled” because of their extreme rarity, dune lakes are biologically diverse–salt water combined with fresh water—an important source of fresh water to migrating birds and other beach organisms—and any alteration to their drainage is a threat. Conservationists say the dune lake system’s intrinsic value is “incalculable.”

Please contact Randy or Karen Holder for any additional information about Scenic 30-A.

A Tour of Seaside Florida

Photos from the beaches of Scenic Highway 30A in Northwest Florida