Explore 30A Seaside

🏘️ About Seaside

• Launched in 1981 by Robert and Daryl Davis, Seaside is a master-planned town designed on the principles of New Urbanism, emphasizing walkability, mixed-use architecture, and strong community spaces.
  

• It’s where The Truman Show was filmed and is considered a pioneering design celebrated by Time and Newsweek as “one of the most influential resort communities since Versailles”.
  

• One of three Duany Plater‑Zyberk–designed communities on 30A (with Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach).
  

🚶‍♀️ Lifestyle & Community Vibe

• Seaside offers pedestrian-friendly streets where cars take a backseat—residents walk or bike to shops, cafes, and parks.

• The town’s architecture is vivid and varied: pastel-colored cottages, white picket fences, central parks, nine oceanfront pavilions, and thoughtful landscaping .

• A vibrant cultural hub: outdoor movie nights, farmers market, Seaside Repertory Theater, seasonal music events, and the iconic sunset bell at Bud & Alley’s.
  

🍽️ Dining, Shopping & Local Favorites

• Grab delicious bites at Great Southern Café or watch the sunset while ringing the daily bell at Bud & Alley’s.

• Central Square offers a boutique retail scene: Modica Market, Sundog Books, Central Square Records, and local galleries and fashion shops.

• Discover unique local dining and beverage options including Amavida Coffee & Tea, Daytrader Tiki Bar, and Meltdown hot-dog joint—all walking distance from the beach.
  

🌊 Beach & Recreation

• Seaside sits directly on the Gulf of Mexico, with wide white-sand beaches and clear emerald waters—perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach games.

• Easy beach access is complemented by walkable streets and nearby communities like Grayton, Alys, and Rosemary—each just a short bike ride away.
  

📆 Sample Day in Seaside

Time	Activity
Morning	Coffee at Amavida, then browse Central Square shops
Midday	Lunch at Great Southern Café or seafood at Meltdown
Afternoon	Beach time at a pavilion + surf, sun, or sandcastle vibes
Evening	Sunset bell at Bud & Alley’s, dinner at a walkable café
Night	Catch free outdoor movies or a show at the REP Theater

✅ Why Seaside?

• Design-forward charm: This award-winning community helped define modern seaside planning and continues to draw architecture lovers.

• Family-friendly & iconic: Known for being safe, inviting, and filmed in The Truman Show.

• Walkable & vibrant: Enjoy the town's best shops, restaurants, and events all within a short stroll or bike ride.

• Central location: A perfect base to explore other 30A gems like Alys Beach, Seagrove, Grayton, and Rosemary.
  

🌟 In Summary

Seaside is where 30A began—and continues to exemplify the ideal beach town: vibrant, walkable, aesthetically pleasing, and full of character. Whether you're looking for design, leisure, or community spirit, Seaside delivers.

Would you like recommendations for places to stay in Seaside, seasonal events, or other towns nearby to explore?

	Smoked plates & sides	Premium quality, slightly pricier
Back Beach BBQ	Texas-style brisket, sausage	Close to western end of 30A, rustic & hearty

✅Best Pick Based on Expectations

• For the heartiest, most consistently praised brisket & ribs on 30A itself: go with 3 Sons Bar‑B‑Q.

• For a broad BBQ menu and good value on Hwy 98: try 98 Bar‑B‑Que.

• If quality and upscale smokehouse experience matter most: Evie Mae’s Barbecue.

• If Texas-style smoke flavor and variety matter and you're near Panama City Beach: Back Beach BBQ is a compelling choice.

  
  

Disclaimer

Some content on this website was generated or assisted by artificial intelligence tools such as OpenAI's ChatGPT. All final edits and fact-checking were done by a human.