On Florida’s infamous panhandle, there are 24 miles of scenic highway that stretch from Santa Rosa Beach to Inlet Beach. In recent years it has become a popular destination for vacationers as it includes gorgeous beaches, cute little beach towns, adorable cottages and vacation rentals, infinite places to eat and drink, and something to do for everyone in the family.
Seaside has become the most popular and well known town along 30A. (I guarantee you know at least 5 people who own a Seaside t-shirt.) Most people consider this town paradise, and I wouldn’t say I disagree with them. People come from ALL over to stay here or visit for the day. However, it is always FILLED with families and crowds of tourists exploring the small town. So if you’re looking to skip out on the crowds and find a little peace and quiet, head down the highway a few miles and you’ll come across A L Y S B E A C H.
Alys Beach is by far my favorite town along 30A! Although Seaside and Rosemary Beach are close runner ups for many reasons, if you were to ask me which town is my favorite, I would always say Alys. Alys Beach is my little piece of paradise and I could spend everyday exploring the cobblestone streets of this perfectly designed town.
One of the things that makes Alys Beach so inviting is the architecture. The homes of Alys Beach look like they come straight out of Bermuda. The stark white buildings against the blue skies and Florida sunshine make for a perfect contrast. Every house has the most unique entryway. Some have the coolest courtyards with inviting pools, intriguing light fixtures, beautiful landscaping. The entryway to each house just makes you wonder what the insides of the home must look like. (You don’t have to wonder, take a look for yourself here.) The town also has multiple little parks and landscapes that make the community feel so close to nature even though it’s a luxury development. There is even a boardwalk nature trail that brings you out to a lake with views that won’t disappoint.
Colorful shutters and stunning front doors make each home so different from the next, but equally as dreamy. And let’s not forget that all the main streets lead to the gulf. This place really is perfect!
Because Alys Beach is more of a luxury living community, there aren’t many people wandering the streets. Both times I’ve visited Alys, I was basically the only one there. Which makes it the PERFECT place for taking pictures. I could roam around for hours finding the perfect backdrop for a photo or simply just taking pictures of the beautiful town itself. Around every corner was another jaw dropping house to obsess over.
Each time I visited Alys I felt like I was walking in a dream. A place this perfect and peaceful couldn’t exist, right?
Where to Shop, Sip & Dine in Alys Beach
Even though Florida is beautiful, it is also HOT. After walking around drooling at peoples front doors, you can head to Raw & Juicy for an iced coffee or fresh smoothie to cool off! It is located in the cutest little building with greenery and trees everywhere! It’s the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate before heading back out to explore more of what 30A has to offer.
There are a few shops and restaurants at Alys Beach as well. It does not have nearly a many places to visit as the other 30A towns do, but these places are definitely worth a stop in!
•Alys Shoppe is a must for your classy souvenir items and trendy beach outfits. • Charlie’s Donuts is a food truck that sells delightful donuts and ice cream until sold out. It must be delicious because they were sold out both times I went! • Krewe is a New Orleans based eyewear designer and sells handcrafted sunglasses. They have their adorable little hut set in Alys Beach for summer 2019. •
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George’s Restaurant is a great casual restaurant right off of 30A. It is an old cottage with a great outdoor patio and a delicious menu!
If you’re looking for a fine dining experience, look no further than Caliza Restaurant. This restaurant overlooks the beautiful Caliza Pool and offers a contemporary American cuisine. Don’t miss happy hour here where you can sip on a hand crafted cocktail or a nice glass of wine at the open air bar.
Neat is the place to go for all things cocktails! (And beer, and wine of course.) Here you can order a drink and snack on a cheese board or head to the tasting room to try some seasonal cocktails.
Piper’s Kitchen is a cute little food truck located right next to the Alys Bike Shop. You can rent some bikes for the family and then grab a taco or salad to fuel up before biking along 30A.
On Alys Beach’s website, you can find so much information about this up and coming development. You can read up on the architecture and ideas behind the design. You can watch videos that will take you along as they show some of the courtyards and pools at some of the homes. You can find homes for sale and vacation rentals, dates for upcoming events, and even an interactive map of the town.
If you’re ever planning a trip to Florida’s Emerald Coast, be sure to take a drive down 30A and stop in Alys Beach. You won’t regret it!
You have fantastic photos 😀
Thank you so much!