Seagrove Beach is one of those places on 30A that perfectly balances the charm of old Florida with the modern vibe that makes this area so popular today. As soon as you drive into the community, the towering oak trees and magnolias shading the homes and streets, gives an incredible original Florida feel where these beauties were kept in place establishing roots to the community.
There are no towering condos or high-rise hotels here, and the houses are a mix of older, classic beach homes and newer, modern builds. It feels like a beach town that’s grown organically, without losing its original character.
The streets of Seagrove are more residential than touristy, and I love the sense of community here. You can walk or bike everywhere, and there’s always a neighborly vibe in the air. People are friendly, and it feels like a place where families have been coming for generations to enjoy summer vacations. I always feel a sense of calm when I’m in Seagrove, like time moves just a little slower here.
The Beach at Seagrove
The beach at Seagrove is one of my favorites, and the moment you step onto the sand, it’s easy to see why. The shoreline here stretches out for miles, with the same sugary white sand and clear turquoise waters that the Emerald Coast is famous for. However, Seagrove feels a little quieter and less crowded than its neighboring beaches. It’s perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking for a peaceful, more private beach day.
One thing that makes Seagrove stand out is the access to Eastern Lake, a rare coastal dune lake that connects directly to the Gulf of Mexico. I love how the beach and the lake come together in such a unique way. It’s not every day that you can sit on the beach with the ocean in front of you and a serene lake right beside you. I often see people kayaking or paddleboarding on the lake, which adds a bit of adventure to the typical beach day.
Dining and Shopping in Seagrove
One of the things I love about Seagrove is that, while it feels quieter than some other 30A communities, there’s still plenty to do. There are some great local restaurants that I always make a point to visit when I’m here. Cafe Thirty-A is one of the more well-known spots, offering upscale dining with a laid-back beach vibe. It’s perfect for a date night or special occasion dinner, and their fresh seafood dishes are some of the best along 30A.
For more casual dining, Seagrove Village Market Cafe is a local institution. It’s been around for decades and is famous for its fried grouper sandwiches. Every time I stop by, it feels like I’m stepping back in time to the classic Florida beach days, where things were simple and the focus was on good food and good company.
There’s also a nice mix of shops and small businesses, but nothing too commercial. You won’t find big chain stores here, which is part of Seagrove’s charm. It’s all about local boutiques and small, family-owned businesses, which adds to the community feel.
Nature and Adventure
Beyond the beach, Seagrove offers a lot for outdoor lovers. One of the things I loved was the second I drove into this community, these trees lined the streets and gave the feeling of natural coastal Florida.
The Point Washington State Forest is right nearby, with over 15,000 acres of trails for hiking and biking. I love the contrast between the beach and the forest—you can spend your morning on the sand and then head into the forest for an afternoon of exploring pine forests and natural wetlands.
Because Seagrove is so close to the other 30A communities, it’s also easy to hop on a bike and explore places like Seaside or WaterColor. I’ve spent many mornings biking along the scenic 30A bike path, stopping at different beaches and towns along the way.
Seagrove Beach has a unique charm that sets it apart from the more polished, planned communities like Rosemary Beach or Alys Beach. It’s more relaxed, more natural, and feels a bit more connected to the history of the area.
