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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!
30A Hotels
In this blog post, we’ll explore the hotels along 30A. 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 (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 highrise, and it’s free of the typical tourist attractions such as go-carts 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 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?
30A Accommodations
30A visitors primarily in vacation rentals! There are so many options on Airbnb and VBRO ranging from 300 sq feet studio condos to beachfront multifamily mansions. So, if you are striking out with hotels, you should direct your search there.
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 October 2023
I specifically added the date above because the number of hotels has doubled from 3 to 6 since 2021, with two of them just opening this summer. So, this is 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.
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 its suites recently updated with the family in mind, and those upgrades have solidified 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. All get 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.
Please note that regular rooms at The WaterColor Inn are continuing to be renovated into Spring 2024.
3. 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!
4. 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 almost 30 years, this charming compound is home to 13 different room accommodations, with 3 having full kitchens and laundry facilities. The rooms sleep between 2 and 4 guests and are true bed and breakfast style both in decor and ambiance.
Hibiscus also offers homemade breakfast that takes you back to a simple time. Southern hospitality and cooking prevail, and their café offers indoor and outdoor seating options.
5. The Lodge 30A in Seagrove Beach, Florida
This new 30A Florida hotel 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 & 1 Full-size Sofa Sleeper or 2 Double Queen Beds. A handful of suites also offer 1 King Bed & 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. The club is nice, though! It may be worth it for some. I am not 100% sure if they offer any transportation there or if guests are on their own. If you aren’t familiar with the 30A private vs. public beaches, read this post!
6. Camp Creek Inn in Watersound, Florida
This is the new kid on the block, and I want to stay here! And while it isn’t exactly near the beach, it offers something that 30A has lacked, which is a resort-style golf experience. The amazing pool doesn’t hurt, either!
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 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. The beach club is not walkable, but there is a shuttle.
In my opinion, the Camp Creek Inn property itself offers a lot to enjoy and has piqued my interest! That said, it’s different than the tried and true 30A experience many come for, especially those who want walkability and charming town centers.
When Should You Choose a 30A Hotel?
While 30A is renowned for its vacation rental properties, hotels can be an excellent choice, especially for shorter stays, couples, or specific desires and needs. If you have more than 4 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 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.
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: I am a lover of hotels! If you are like me, maybe you simply want to try somewhere new, and one of these 30A hotels is calling your name.
In general, the nicer 30A hotels closest to the beach will be very expensive versus a vacation rental. The Lodge 30A is probably in line with the low to mid prices but lacks some of the things I love about 30A. The bed and breakfast in Grayton Beach and the new Camp Creek Inn both are unique and very different than other 30A accommodations.
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!
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.