Vacation in Seaside, FL
We live part-time in our van, Luna, and have visited 30A twice before. Our January trip was a proper vacation with Matt’s parents. We took them to some of our previously favorite spots and added several more. This most recent visit was a proper weekend mini-vacation just the two of us, camping in one of our favorite state parks.
Below are some notes on where to go to eat, move, shop, and ENJOY ✨ keep in mind, my favorite spot is being near the actual sea - there’s nothing better than listening to the waves crash in while the sun shines down.
seaside …
… was lovely for many reasons but I especially enjoyed the walkability to everything I love and want in my life - access to trails and places to move my body (this trip was running), coffee shops & bakeries, haunts for happy hour, a bookstore, ice cream, and so many things in between. We enjoy visiting popular destinations in the off-seasons, it was still populated and businesses were open (for the most part). We’ve driven through previously during spring break and were grateful not to have stopped (the crowds were too intense for our style).
For movement
(here’s a link to my Strava for routes: )
Point Washington State Forest Eastern Lake Trailhead
@livininluna
The Eastern Lake Trail system was INCREDIBLE. We were able to run to the trail head from our VRBO in Seaside to access the trails and run along the south edge until we navigated to a neighborhood to get back on the beach. Everything is very well marked, cell service is great to be able to navigate with AllTrails (highly recommend), and the scenery is beautiful.
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Timpoochee Trail
@livininluna
📸| just off the trail
The Timpoochee Trail system runs along scenic highway 30A for 18 miles. It’s an all-paved easily accessible trail for running, walking, cycling - for endurance or for shorter jaunts through sections. We utilized the trail this trip mostly for walking into town and for parts of our morning runs.
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For eats …
Y’all, in Seaside, your girl LOVES happy hour. And when I happy hour, there’s one place I go and one thing I get .. and it’s a frozen Pickle Margarita from …
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Here are some of our other favorite places to visit:
Borago Restaurant
@livininluna
We chose this spot for a date night. You’ll need to make a reservation to guarantee a spot or they have open seating at the bar. Plan to spend a little more than usual here - the cocktails are incredible and so is the food. Next time we visit we plan to do cocktails and an appetizer at the bar and then either make dinner at home or go somewhere else for a progressive dinner. The food was delicious, we just want to switch it up!
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Modica Market
@livininluna
Go in to grab items to make dinner at home (your rental, campsite, or take with you for home-home), or grab something to enjoy outside on the deck. Lots of fun items to peruse!
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Black Bear Bread Co.
@livininluna
OBSESSED. The bread, pastries and other food is SO good. The coffee is also incredible. One of my personal favorites is Topo Chico from a glass bottle and they have it - such a treat! Grab a fresh baked loaf of bread to take home and have a bite for the café, too. My breakfast favorite is a jalapeño cheddar bagel (toasted with cream cheese) and an 8 oz. black Americano. The blueberry muffins are great, too.
If you’re going here to work, be mindful that there’s only one working outlet (that we could find). Better for a quick work session than an extended one. Or better yet, save work for later 😊
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Amavida Coffee Roasters
@livininluna
I love buying coffee beans from Amavida to brew at home. I drink all decaf and they have GREAT decaf. If you’re a regular coffee drinker, they also have a great variety to choose from in whole bean. If you enjoy what you buy, you can order online and they’ll ship it to you.
I worked and did a zoom call in the cafe and it was a great spot. It was quiet inside and not much foot traffic (it was a Monday midday in November). I was also able to find an outlet to charge my computer.
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Where to stay …
Grayton Beach State Park Campground
@livininluna
This place is an absolute dream. Make sure to bring bikes and/or plan to walk to commute (driving is also an option but we really enjoy parking the van and using it as a base camp). This campsite is adjacent to the Timpoochee Trail that takes you to Grayton Beach or Seaside (or beyond), and also is across the street from Point Washington State Forest with access to nearly 40 miles of trail running/hiking/mountain bike trails.
The campsite itself has clean bathrooms, laundry ($2 to wash & $2 to dry, no change machines so BYO quarters), and a friendly team working at the gate.
Did I mention proximity to a secluded beach with no urban development??
If you’re considering staying here, I recommend committing (if you can get a spot, this is a favorite and books up fast!)
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A little shopping …
Sundog Books
@livininluna
I have to make myself leave this place for time and money reasons. Absolutely love this shop! They have a great card and postcard selection that you’ll want to check out so you can later visit the iconic Seasid post office!
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The Art of Simple
@livininluna
Such a fun shop! I feel inspired every time I visit. A great place to buy yourself or loved ones a fun gift.
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United States Post Office
@livininluna
Iconic stop in Seaside - you may recall it from the movies (The Truman Show specifically), but regardless, it’s such a fun experience to go in and mail out some letters or post cards.
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