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Nestled along the stunning coastline of the Florida Panhandle lies the famous stretch of highway known as 30A. Renowned for its pristine white sandy beaches, emerald waters, and charming beach towns, 30A is a top travel destination. While searching for 30A hotels and vacation rentals can feel overwhelming for first-time visitors, it doesn’t need to be!
Hi, I’m Sarah! I am a 30A expert. Not only do we own several vacation rentals on 30A, but we spend a whole lot of time there. We specifically love the east end of 30A, including Seacrest Beach and Rosemary Beach! I can answer any question you have about 30A and have a series of blog posts covering everything from golf carts on 30A to day trips around the area. I even share the best time to visit 30A.
Click here to view my 30A blog posts!
Guide To 30A Hotels 2025
In this blog post, we’ll explore the eight hotels along Highway 30A in Northwest Florida. And it will be short and sweet because there aren’t many! The most popular choice for accommodations along 30A is vacation rentals. But, there are times when a hotel is a better option, such as a single-night stay, or when guests prefer amenities such as daily housekeeping and spa or concierge services.
Overview of 30A (South Walton County, Florida)
Before we dive into the 30A hotels, I want to share a bit about 30A. My What is 30A? blog post has an excellent overview, but I want to quickly touch on what the area is like and the layout. In a nutshell, 30A is a roughly 20-mile-long scenic highway in Northwest Florida between Panama City Beach and Destin.
What is 30A Like?
The communities along 30A, such as Seaside, Rosemary Beach, and Grayton Beach, exude a laid-back, coastal charm. Each town has its unique character, with boutique shops, delicious dining options, and vibrant art scenes. There is no wrong place to stay, but they are quite different from one another.
Unlike some more bustling Florida travel destinations, 30A maintains a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful escape. There is only one high-rise, and it’s free of the typical tourist attractions such as go-karts and mini golf. The hot summer days revolve around the beach, biking, eating, and napping! And the off-season brings out the locals and a variety of seasonal festivals.
Speaking of the 30A beaches, the Gulf of Mexico’s crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and rare coastal dune lakes make 30A incredibly unique. There is nowhere else quite like it! This is why people come back year after year with their families. So, where do they stay when they visit?
RELATED POST: Fun Things To Do On 30A With Kids
30A Accommodations
When making the trip to this part of Florida, 30A visitors primarily stay in vacation rentals! There are so many options on Airbnb and VRBO, ranging from 300-square-foot studio condos to beachfront multifamily mansions. So, if you are striking out with hotels, you should direct your search there.
Another great place to look is on Marriott Homes & Villas, if you want to earn Marriott rewards for your stay. In fact, Alys Beach, the crowned jewel of 30A, just launched Alys Beach rentals through the program!
But for the times when a hotel makes more sense, here are the options for hotels on 30A. Now, there are many hotel options in neighboring Panama City Beach, Miramar Beach, Sandestin, and Destin, but this post is focused explicitly on hotels along 30A itself.
List of 30A Hotels as of Summer 2025
A few new 30A hotels have opened in the past few years, but this post has been updated and contains the most up-to-date information!
Also, to avoid confusion, please note that the whole area is in South Walton County and is split between two zip codes: Santa Rosa Beach and Inlet Beach. While each community has its own “name,” these actual towns all have one of those two zip codes; you will often see either of those used in the mailing addresses. However, I am going to use their town or community name here!
#1 The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach, Florida
Located in the heart of Rosemary Beach, The Pearl is a luxurious boutique hotel that offers waterview rooms, a top-notch spa, a rooftop lounge, and an adults-only pool. It’s the perfect choice for a romantic getaway or a special occasion. It is the most iconic of the 30A Florida hotels!
Staying at The Pearl is a real treat! You are right at the center of this charming town with access to fantastic restaurants. I have never gotten to stay there, as our rentals are just two blocks away, but I have heard amazing things! Staying at the Pearl does get you access to the private Rosemary Beach access points and the other pools and amenities in Rosemary Beach, Florida.
#2 WaterColor Inn in Watercolor, Florida
Nestled along the coast within the vibrant WaterColor community, the WaterColor Inn offers upscale accommodations, easy beach access, and a variety of pools and amenities. The popular 30A hotel has recently updated its regular rooms and suites with the family in mind, solidifying its place as the top family-friendly hotel on 30A.
In addition to the 1 and 2-bedroom family suites, they do have regular rooms. And this popular 30A hotel always gets great reviews! And this is as close to a full-service resort-type experience as you will find on 30A. Plus, you are just a short walk from Seaside, giving you the walkability in addition to the resort vibes.
Staying at the WaterColor Inn gives you access to all of the amenities in WaterColor, Florida, such as the Camp WaterColor pool area and the large beachfront pool adjacent to the hotel.
#3 Camp Creek Inn
This is the new kid on the block, and I really want to stay here! While it isn’t exactly near the beach, it offers something that 30A has lacked: a resort-style golf experience. The amazing pool doesn’t hurt, either! Plus, when you stay here, you have complimentary access to the renowned Watersound Club and its spacious private beach.
With 75 hotel guest rooms and suites, the Camp Creek Inn comes with the Watersound Club experience. This is the same club mentioned above as an add-on at The Lodge 30A. However, it includes access to the wellness center, tennis and pickleball courts, an amazing pool complex including water slides and a lazy river, and three private dining venues. You can enjoy the top-rated Camp Creek Golf Course and access the private Watersound Beach Club. Note that the beach club is not walkable, but there is a shuttle.
The Camp Creek Inn property itself offers a lot to enjoy and has piqued my interest! That said, it’s different from the tried-and-true 30A experience many come for, especially those who want walkability and charming town centers. But for those who have been there and done that, it’s a nice upscale escape and not too far from Alys Beach, Florida!
#4 The Court in Seaside, Florida
Located directly at the center of 30A in the iconic community of Seaside, The Court has recently been brought to life after an incredible 18-month renovation. This upscale hotel is a throwback to simpler times and offers 8 rooms, each with one bed and 1-1.5 bathrooms. It is the smallest of the 30A hotels and more motor court style, hence the name.
The Court is just steps from the beach and the Seaside town center, with the private Coleman Pavilion Beach access and the adjacent Seaside amphitheater. This is perfect for a romantic yet low-key getaway where you are still at the center of the action!
#5 Hibiscus Coffee and Guest House in Grayton Beach, Florida
A true bed and breakfast, the Hibiscus Guest House is as cool and quirky as Grayton Beach itself. Family-owned and operated for over 30 years, this charming compound is home to 13 different room accommodations, 3 of which have full kitchens and laundry facilities. The rooms sleep between 2 and 4 guests and are true bed and breakfast style in decor and ambiance.
Hibiscus also offers a homemade breakfast that takes you back to a simple time. Southern hospitality and cooking prevail, and their café offers indoor and outdoor seating options.
RELATED POST: My Ultimate 30A Packing List
#6 The Lodge 30A in Seagrove Beach, Florida
The Lodge 30A is a newer 30A Florida hotel that will be the most budget-friendly option and most in line with a traditional mid-service hotel. At The Lodge 30A, there are a variety of rooms with either 1 King Bed and 1 Full-size Sofa Sleeper or 2 Double Queen Beds. A handful of suites also offer 1 King Bed and 1 Full-size Sofa Sleeper.
A new shopping center called Greenway Station is adjacent to the hotel with shopping and restaurants. The downside is that it’s not in a town center-style area and does not have easy beach access. But it’s great for a single night or two. I often have guests who find better flights a day before their arrival or want to stay an extra day, and I usually send them to The Lodge 30A.
You can add on Watersound Beach Club + Golf access for $125 per day + taxes and fees. You have to do it for the entire stay, not day by day, and there are blackout dates. The club is very nice, though! It may be worth it for some. If you plan to spend a lot of time at the beach, definitely try to add that on, because otherwise you will need to rely on public beach access nearby. If you aren’t familiar with the 30A private vs. public beaches, read this post!
#7 The Rosemary Beach Inn
Located directly across the street from The Pearl Hotel, the Rosemary Beach Inn is another great option! This is not a full-service hotel but a collection of eleven guestrooms (two of which are suites). The rooms have been recently updated and have a whimsical coastal vibe with beautifully new murals on the walls.
You can’t beat this location, and rooms here also come with beach chairs and umbrellas! You also get access to the Rosemary Beach Racquet Club and Fitness Center, as well as the other pools and amenities in Rosemary Beach, Florida.
Rooms here sleep two to four guests, and some even have a water view! Room rates here typically run less than The Pearl Hotel but more than nearby condos in adjacent communities. But it’s a great place for a couple to get away!
#8 The WaterSound Inn in WaterSound, Florida
Not to be confused with the WaterColor Inn, the WaterSound Inn is another St. Joe Company hotel that offers a more laid-back experience. The hotel provides condo-sized suites starting at 750 square feet. This property also gives access to the WaterSound Beach Club and its one-mile private beach. This hotel is located within a gated private neighborhood and tucked away from shopping and restaurants. So, if walkability is your priority, this would not be my first choice.
However, if you are looking for a true beach escape with minimal crowds, the WaterSound Inn is the place to get it, especially during peak summer season and school breaks.
This is also a pet-friendly hotel. However, visitors are not allowed to take animals onto the beaches of 30A.
When Should You Choose These 30A Hotels?
While 30A is renowned for its vacation rental properties, hotels can be an excellent choice, especially for shorter stays, couples, or when you have specific desires and needs. If you have more than four people, you will probably be better off with a vacation rental of some sort.
However, here are some instances where 30a hotels make the most sense!
Short Stays: If you’re planning a one- or two-night getaway to 30A or need somewhere to stay when travel plans change, hotels are convenient and often more cost-effective than vacation rentals, as you can avoid the cleaning fee. Note that a couple of the hotels above do have two-night or longer minimum stay requirements.
Amenities and Services: Hotels typically offer daily housekeeping, on-site dining, and concierge services, providing a hassle-free experience.
Special Occasions: There are times when you want to splurge! Or you may need a true pampering escape and value access to high-end spas.
Trying Something New: As a traveler myself, I love hotels! If you are like me, maybe you simply want to try somewhere new, and one of these 30A hotels just might be calling your name.
In general, the nicer 30A hotels closest to the beach will be very expensive compared to a vacation rental. The Lodge 30A will be in the lowest cost range but lacks some of the things I love most about 30A. The bed and breakfast in Grayton Beach and the new Camp Creek Inn are both unique and very different from other 30A accommodations. The Pearl and The WaterColor Inn offer upscale accommodations and luxurious amenities.
Planning a 30A girls trip? Read my tips here!
Book Your Trip to 30A Today!
Ready to book a trip? Choose to stay at one of the 30A hotels above, a vacation rental, or even with me at one of our 4 top-rated Seacrest Beach condos! Many who land on this post will be surprised at how few hotels there are on 30A. It’s such a unique area!
But no matter how you cut it, Highway 30A is a slice of paradise! The choice between vacation rentals and hotels ultimately depends on your travel style and duration. Whether you opt for the luxurious ambiance of The Pearl Hotel or grab some friends and book a coastal-style beach house, you’re sure to find the perfect accommodation to make your 30A adventure truly unforgettable. So, book the trip! Because you never regret booking the trip!
For more of my 30A blog posts, click here, including my new 30A Packing List and a guide to baby gear rentals on 30A.
PIN: List of 30A Hotels For Later
Can you give me a couple of best condos to rent for 3 ladies
It’s all going to depend on your dates and what you are looking for. If you are looking for 3 separate beds, I would just run an Airbnb or VRBO search and look for properties that are a good fit! Some areas are more walkable than others, so if that is a priority I would look on the East end (Rosemary Beach, Seacrest Beach) or in the Seaside, Watercolor, western Seagrove area.