Photos by @aerial.850

You know it the minute you pass through its pearly white stucco gates: if this isn’t heaven, it’s gotta be close.  

Behold Alys Beach.

As you make your way down the main drag, you are immediately drawn in by rows of towering palms and buildings dressed to the nines in dazzling white. Here’s where you might start to wonder, that perhaps there’s something to this ocean air. Notes of luxury, elegance, and ease. And to think they’re just getting started… 

The modern history of Alys Beach can be traced back to the 1970s when current owners, the Stephens Family of Birmingham-based EBSCO Industries, purchased the land at an auction.

Eventually, they brought in urban planners and architects to create a town vision inspired by Bermudan and Antiguan influences. 

With roughly half of its 158 total acres currently in development, Alys Beach is still coming to life with much more on the horizon. 

From its beautiful parks, private beach, and nature trails to both fine and casual dining options, and a private Beach Club exclusively for homeowners, you’ll find there’s a little something for everyone here. Plus, it’s completely walkable! (And rideable. Alys Bike Shop, looking at you.)

So, what do you say we go for a stroll and take a closer look at some of our favorite spots?

For the best donuts in town, start your day at Charlie’s Delights. They open bright and early at 6:30 AM and go until they sell out. Feeling adventurous? Try their top-seller, the Sour Cream Donut. (We don’t make this stuff up.)

If health-conscious options are more your speed, check out Raw & Juicy. You may recognize them from their old location in Seaside, and yes, they still have their deliciously organic smoothies, bowls, and juices available. Plus, a whole lot more where these came from. You can also enjoy handcrafted cocktails at the outdoor bar on the patio!

Between meals, hit the beach and grab some kayaks, chairs, or paddle boards for rent. Or do some perusing at the Alys Shoppe and check out the latest styles. Just steps away from its storefront, you’ll find yourself atop another Alys Beach staple. This spacious Amphitheatre is home to family-friendly activities like their summer movie nights, concerts and more, as well as adult-friendly ones by way of the walk-up bar at Henry’s food truck.

Alys Beach is home to a variety of charming boutiques that cater to every style and taste. Start your shopping at Barefoot Princess, where you’ll find a curated collection of women’s clothing, accessories, and gifts perfect for a day by the beach or a night out. At Bebette, you’ll discover a whimsical mix of fashion and lifestyle goods with a distinctly playful flair. Merit by Willow offers a more refined shopping experience, featuring timeless, sophisticated pieces that effortlessly blend luxury with casual elegance. Parasol brings coastal-inspired clothing and accessories with a chic, laid-back vibe, while Summer Story is the go-to spot for those seeking modern, beachy styles with a touch of effortless cool. Each store in Alys Beach adds its own unique charm, making it the ultimate shopping destination along 30A.

Continue walking and you’ll come to the intersection of all things luxury: Caliza. Its name, which means “limestone” in Spanish, truly sets the bar, offering an oasis of al fresco dining alongside elegant cabanas and a pool that goes far beyond five-star standards. While you’re there, don’t miss out on the private lap pool where you can hook up via Bluetooth and play your own music underwater. 

From here, venture to Alys Beach’s latest and greatest: the ZUMA Wellness center. Complete with a full-service café, daily infused water, on-staff masseuse, covered pool, and all your fitness, TRX, and yoga needs, this place has truly thought of everything. They even sell Lululemon in their shop. 

O-Ku, the latest addition to Alys Beach, is a must-stop for anyone visiting the area. This modern Japanese restaurant offers a fusion of authentic and innovative Japanese cuisine, with everything from fresh sushi and sashimi to flavorful cooked dishes and small plates. Now open for dinner daily at 4 p.m. and lunch Friday through Sunday starting at 11 a.m., O-Ku provides a sleek, modern ambiance and an inviting atmosphere, perfect for a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re craving nigiri or robata skewers, O-Ku promises a unique culinary journey that you won’t want to miss while in Alys Beach.

Holiday Café, nestled in the heart of Alys Beach, is the perfect seaside spot to enjoy coffee, tea, and wine in a relaxed French café-style atmosphere. Whether you’re starting your day with a fresh-brewed coffee or indulging in a freshly squeezed mimosa, Holiday Café has something for every mood. The menu features a variety of espresso drinks, herbal teas, and refreshing iced teas, along with a curated selection of wines and local brews for those looking to unwind. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., it’s an ideal stop for breakfast, lunch, or a quick takeaway. Whether you’re in the mood for a latte, a glass of wine, or something in between, Holiday Café’s casual yet refined ambiance will make you feel right at home by the gulf.

Be sure to check out The Citizen, a coastal tavern, that serves creative local fare on Florida’s scenic highway 30A. With a seasonal menu, The Citizen looks to serve items at peak ripeness to best showcase their flavors, and you can almost always find a few evergreen dishes.

Fonville Press is the perfect spot for laid-back, coastal vibes and all-day dining in Alys Beach. Whether you’re starting your day with a coffee and breakfast from the café, or winding down with a beer and dinner after a day at the beach, this design-centric space has something for everyone. Chefs Coleman Jernigan and Josh Rockhill have crafted a delicious, approachable menu featuring everything from Brisket Biscuits and Frozen Acai Bowls to Roasted Chicken Flatbreads and Street Corn Salad. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fonville Press brings the community together for great food, drinks, and good times, all in a friendly, casual environment.

Complete the loop at George’s, open daily for lunch and dinner serving up “regional coastal flair infused with global flavors.” Long wait? They’ve got you covered. Grab a drink and head upstairs to their viewing deck, and pass the time with breathtaking Gulf views from above. 

Keep the merriment going and head to NEAT Bottle Shop & Tasting Room for a nightcap (or nightstarter) with the help of their artisanal cocktails, comprehensive wine list, and local brews on tap. And don’t forget about happy hour, complete with make-your-own charcuterie boards. 

Did we miss anything? Email us at [email protected]! Be sure to tag 30A on Instagram in your Alys pics and bring us along for the fun.