Family Fun in Seaside (Just 12 Minutes Away)
Seaside is just a 12-minute drive from 30A Beachouse, and beyond its postcard-perfect streets, it hosts a lineup of free, family-friendly events throughout the week.
Central Square Cinema – Fridays
- Friday
- 8:00 PM
- Seaside Amphitheater
- Outdoor family movie night
Complimentary Beach Volleyball – Tuesdays & Thursdays
- Tuesday and Thursday
- 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
- Coleman Pavilion Beach
Local Perk: Grab a bite before or after at The Shrimp Shack or Pickle’s Sandbar, both popular with the volleyball crowd and known to offer refreshment discounts.
Huck & Lilly Kids’ Music – Tuesdays & Thursdays
- Tuesday and Thursday
- 5:00 PM
- Seaside Amphitheater
- Interactive live music for kids
Weekly Schedule (Quick Reference)
- Kids’ Music — Tue & Thu — 5:00 PM — Seaside Amphitheater
- Beach Volleyball — Tue & Thu — 4:30 PM–6:30 PM — Coleman Pavilion Beach
- Outdoor Movies — Friday — 8:00 PM — Seaside Amphitheater
Schedules are seasonal and subject to change — check the official Seaside Events Calendar before you go.
Buccaneer Pirate Cruise
An interactive pirate show complete with sword fighting, water gun battles, and treasure hunting — a favorite with younger kids. buccaneerpiratecruise.com
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Get up close with dolphins, sea lions, sharks, and sea turtles, with live shows and educational exhibits for all ages. gulfarium.com
Gator Beach
Located at Fudpucker’s in Destin, Gator Beach offers an up-close, educational alligator experience with interactive feeding sessions. gatorbeach.com
HarborWalk Adventures
Take on the high-ropes course and zipline right on the Destin harbor, with seasonal activities added throughout the year. harborwalkadventures.com
The Big Chill 30A – Family Fun & Entertainment District
Formerly The Hub, The Big Chill 30A is an outdoor entertainment district with a large green space, covered open-air seating, and a 25-foot LED Jumbotron for live music, major sports games, and family movie nights, plus casual eateries, ice cream, and boutiques. thebigchill.com
Explore Coastal Dune Lakes by Paddleboard or Kayak
30A is home to one of the world’s rarest ecosystems — coastal dune lakes. Western Lake in WaterColor and the lakes within Grayton Beach State Park are great places to paddle. Go early morning for the calmest water and the best reflection photos.
Cruise the Timpoochee Trail
A roughly 19-mile paved trail running the length of 30A, winding through pine forests and past coastal dune lakes on the way to Alys Beach and Seaside. An e-bike makes it easy to cover more ground.
Eden Gardens State Park
Tucked in Point Washington, Eden Gardens State Park centers on the historic Wesley House, an 1897 mansion surrounded by oak trees and gardens.
Browse the Farmers Markets
Catch the Seaside Farmers Market or the market at Grand Boulevard for fresh ingredients and goods from local artisans.
Sunset Tradition at Bud & Alley’s
Every evening, staff on the upper deck of Bud & Alley’s in Seaside ring a bell to mark sunset — a small daily tradition worth catching once during your stay.
Art & Culture Strolls
Wander the architecture of Alys Beach, browse the sculpture exhibit in Rosemary Beach, or pop into the galleries at Gulf Place.
Quick Don’t-Miss Summary
- Dune Lake Paddle — rare natural ecosystem, best at sunrise
- Timpoochee Trail — 19 miles of scenic cycling
- Eden Gardens — historic mansion and gardens
- Seaside Sunset — Bud & Alley’s sunset bell
- Alys Beach Walk — architecture and photography
Expert Tip: Local rental companies such as YOLO Board + Bike may offer delivery of e-bikes or paddleboards right to your door.
30A has quietly become a favorite low-key retreat for musicians, actors, authors, and other public figures drawn to its privacy, natural beauty, and small-town pace.
Musicians & Country Stars
The area has long attracted country music names like Sheryl Crow, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Jessica Simpson, Justin Moore, and Luke Bryan.
Chefs & Food Icons
Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse brought his name to the area with Emeril’s Coastal at Grand Boulevard.
Actors & Entertainers
Names like Matthew McConaughey, Katie Holmes, and John Travolta have also been linked to the area over the years.
Hollywood’s 30A Moment: The Truman Show
Seaside, just 12 minutes from 30A Beachouse, served as the filming location for The Truman Show — its meticulously planned streets are instantly recognizable from the film.
Authors & Public Figures
The area’s slower pace has also drawn writers and public figures, including author John Grisham and political figures like Mike Huckabee and Karl Rove.
With its laid-back, low-profile atmosphere, 30A lets even its most recognizable visitors enjoy the area privately — so don’t be surprised if a familiar face turns up at a local restaurant or shop during your stay.
Silver Sands Premium Outlets
Home to 110+ designer and name-brand stores in Miramar Beach, including Coach, Michael Kors, kate spade new york, Tory Burch, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Nike, Under Armour, Vans, Banana Republic, J.Crew, Gap Outlet, Columbia Sportswear, Vera Bradley, and Disney Store Outlet.
Grand Boulevard – Miramar Beach
An upscale, open-air shopping center with apparel, fine dining, and a cinema all in one walkable district.
Seaside & The Merchants of Seaside
Seaside’s pedestrian-friendly streets are lined with shops carrying Seaside-branded merchandise, plus local favorites like Sundog Books and The Art of Simple.
30Avenue – Inlet Beach
A collection of upscale boutiques, gourmet food shops, and coastal home décor stores in Inlet Beach.
Grayton Beach / Shops of Grayton
Browse local folk art, handmade jewelry, and beach-town style at spots like the Shard Shop and Tribe Kelley Surf Post.
Shopping Quick Reference
- Silver Sands Outlets — major brands and discounts
- Grand Boulevard — upscale shopping, dining and cinema
- Seaside Square — souvenirs, books and coastal gifts
- 30Avenue — boutiques and gourmet products
- Grayton Beach — local art, handmade gifts and surf style
