If you’re looking for a charming beachside town filled with things to do, places to eat, gorgeous beaches and streets to wander, look no further than Seaside, Florida. This iconic town, located on Highway 30A, has become a vacation hotspot on the Florida panhandle. People come from all over to stay in the colorful cottages and visit this picturesque town.
You may even recognize this town from Jim Carrey’s movie, “The Truman Show” from the 90’s.
I was able to visit Seaside twice this year during two different weekend getaways and I still can’t get enough. Although Alys Beach is my favorite 30A town (read more about Alys here), Seaside has so much more to do! It is filled with some of the cutest shops, some really yummy restaurants, food trucks galore, heck even the bathrooms are adorable!
Here are my top 10 suggestions for things to do in Seaside.
1. BUT FIRST, COFFEE
Start your day with coffee or tea and a fresh baked pastry from Amavida Coffee in Seaside. They have multiple locations along 30A but this one is located in the heart of town and it’s the best way to begin a day of exploring. They roast their own coffee and even though I ordered a tea every time I went, I will say the coffee smelled AMAZING!
2. FOOD TRUCKS ARE LIFE
One of the things that Seaside is known for is it’s abundance in food trucks. It doesn’t matter what you’re in the mood for: sweet or savory, hot or cold, they have a food truck to satisfy your cravings! Whether it’s crepes, BBQ, hotdogs, donuts, ice cream, burgers, Frose, SEASIDE’S GOT YOU. There are plenty of great restaurants too! We had brunch at The Great Southern and really enjoyed it. Bud & Alley’s and Pickle’s Burgers & Shakes are two really popular casual restaurants as well!
3. SHOP TIL’ YOU DROP
Seaside may be a small town, but it has absolutely no shortage on places to shop! So make sure to bring some spending money because you will have no problem finding a million things you will want to buy. Whether you are looking for a good read, a new outfit, some toys for the kiddos, a classic Seaside souvenir t-shirt from The Seaside Style, a giant inflatable floaty for the beach, or even some new goodies for your pup, once again, SEASIDE’S GOT YOU.
TIP: Be sure to cross the street and head to the beach side of town. This is where some of the BEST shopping is! The first time I visited we only stayed in the main town square area and thought there were only restaurants and the beach on the other side. But during my last visit I realized that is not the case! The Seaside Style has another location with completely different merchandise than the main store. Different colored t-shirts, fun swimsuits and souvenirs that the other shop didn’t have. But you really can’t skip out on the Cabana by The Seaside Style! This was my favorite place to shop in Seaside! It is right on the beach and is an open air market with cute little huts to shop in. Each one has a different theme or color story and I literally wanted to buy EVERYTHING. But I behaved and only left with a pair of $16 shades.
4. SHOP THE FARMER’S MARKET
On Saturdays you can’t miss Seaside’s farmers market! Lined up under the palm trees at the town square, you will find dozens of local vendors selling everything from local produce and fresh cut flowers to handmade jewelry to gourmet dog treats. You’ll also get to enjoy listening to some live music while you shop. Farmer’s Markets are always my favorite because I love supporting local small businesses. I’d much rather give my money to local farmers and artisans than big box corporate stores. SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES!
5. GO FOR A DIP AT THE BEACH
Seaside is one of the only towns along 30A that has easy access to a public beach. Just look for the big, white, wooden tower and it’ll lead you straight to the sea. You won’t be disappointed when you set your eyes on the gorgeous emerald water and bright white sand. (Unless you visit before or after a storm then you’ll get the murky brown water that we got.)
6. EXPLORE THE BACKSTREETS
Go on a hunt and see who can find the most colorful cottage! Behind the main town square, there are multiple streets lined with gorgeous little homes and the prettiest trees. (Why are all of the trees so squiggly along 30A? Seriously, does anyone know?) Okay, I should have put this as number one on this list because it was definitely my most favorite thing to do in Seaside. Be sure to check out the gorgeous, white chapel too! (It is pictured below.)
7. VISIT THE ICONIC POST OFFICE
Buy a postcard at the bookstore next door or from one of the other shops and mail it to loved ones (or yourself) from the cutest little post office that ever was. It was built about 30 years ago in Seaside and was recently relocated to the main town square.
8. RENT A BIKE
Seaside is located right off Hwy 30A. You will find 24 miles of scenic bike/walking paths along the main highway connecting each town to the next. Visiting the towns by bike is probably the best way to get around to avoid traffic and finding parking on weekends and during peak season.
TIP: Seriously try to avoid leaving Seaside by car during peak times/days if you’re headed towards Alys/Rosemary. Turning left onto the main highway is a nightmare. There are no traffic signals so you may sit there at the stop sign with your left blinker on forever before someone let’s you out. Also, watch for pedestrians since they have the right of way and are constantly crossing the street. This is the busiest intersection on 30A, so just be aware!
9. VISIT CLAY 30A
Ok, ok. So Clay 30A is technically not IN Seaside, but it is right outside of it and is definitely worth stopping at. It is the cutest little plant nursery and gift shop. My friend and I spent almost 2 hours perusing through each greenhouse and sniffing all the flowers. We left with some of the prettiest begonias and cutest little succulents but wanted to leave with a whole lot more!
10. RELAX
Although there are so many things to do in Seaside, make sure to take some time and just chill! Find some trees and hang a hammock, find a bench and people watch, layout and soak up some sun at the beach or grab a seat at Bud & Alley’s and watch the waves crash against the shore. If you really want to relax, treat yo’ self and head to the local spa in town.
No matter what your interests are, I definitely feel like Seaside will have something for you to enjoy! So bring the whole family out and enjoy this quaint little town! Seaside definitely lives up to it’s motto, “New Town, Old Ways.”
Wow! Seaside, Florida is such a charming place to visit. I love the adorable cottages in the area as they are so colorful. Would love to stay in one of them for an overnight stay. Looks like I need to head back to Florida and explore more.
Yes! I have been going to Florida for years and somehow never went to Seaside until this year. I LOVE it! Be sure to read about Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach too! They are all just miles apart 🙂
I’ve wanted to visit ever since The Truman Show! Great intro to the town.
It had been on my bucket list for a while too after seeing it on The Truman Show. It’s definitely worth a trip!!