I have to start this post by saying that Seaside has become one of our favorite cities in Florida. Seaside is a small community on Highway 30A in Northwest Florida’s Panhandle and is known for its beachy charm, quaint architecture and laid-back atmosphere. I think that’s why we loved it. On this post, I not only tell you about our experience getting to know this place, but also a guide to also spend a perfect day in Seaside.
This small town is already famous for being the main set in the movie The Truman Show. And it’s like that, just like that, do you remember the movie? very colorful, everyone very friendly, you may not be part of a show, but you will almost feel that way.
The area, just like Rosemary Beach, it is very pleasant to explore around by walking. Here, not like Rosemary, we had to pay (you can do it online) for parking.
And once again, just like Rosemary Beach, the beach here is private for residents and guests staying in the area. A nearby public beach, I recommend Santa Clara, about 5 minutes by car towards Rosemary Beach or Grayton Beach State Park also about 5 minutes towards Destin.
Getting to Seaside
Located in Walton County, Seaside is approximately:
- 2 hours drive from Pensacola.
- 1 hour from Destin.
- 1.5 hours from Panama City Beach.
Again, I tell you that we took 2 days from Orlando to spend 1 night in Wakulla Springs and then continued towards 30A. We took our trip easy and it was an excellent choice.
Architecture and Cultural Tour
When we arrived at the town, we parked, and I think that it can be complicated to find a spot for the car in the area during high season. This entire area is very popular for getting around by bike or walking. After parking, we strolled around the beautiful town. From the Seaside Amphitheater to strolling among cute little shops.
Seaside is known for its unique “New Urbanism” style architecture, a design that fosters walkable and sustainable communities. Colorful houses and wooden structures add a special touch to each street. You can take a walking or cycling tour to learn more about its architectural design and the history of the place.
Sunset in Seaside
Sunset at Seaside is a magical experience. Head to the beach or to one of the bars by the beach, like Bud & Alley’s Pizza Bar + Trattoria, where we tried a delicious pizza and some fish strips, we continued with the local beer 30A which I fell in love with, but I also tried one of their cocktails, it was a Key Lime Piña Colada that was delicious. This is a perfect time to relax and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.
Before sitting down to eat, we enjoyed a refreshing drink at Pickle’s Burger and Shake and sat in an oceanfront area, relaxing and taking in the view.
You also have several food truck options that are located in front of the Amphitheater area.
Curiosities about Seaside
One of the things I liked about Seaside and all of 30A is that you won’t see big chains. Seaside preserves its authenticity by preventing large franchises from setting up shop in the area, contributing to its local and unique charm. I think it’s great!
And if the area sounds familiar to you, the movie The Truman Show was filmed here, and Truman’s (played by Jim Carrey) house is still standing and is a popular attraction for fans of the movie.
A day in Seaside, Florida, offers a perfect blend of relaxation, culture, and natural beauty. From the crystal-clear waters to the quaint food trucks and shops, this destination on 30A is ideal for an unforgettable ride. This small city has truly become one of my favorite cities in Florida and I can’t wait to return.
I hope you decide to visit soon and share with me your experiences 🙂
