After a hard day’s play on the beach, we’re all thinking the same thing: I’m beat. Let’s eat.
If you have hungry kids in tow, you know that time is of the essence. Meltdowns born of exhaustion and hunger are on the horizon. This is no time to dawdle. Wanted: good food, reasonable prices, and a flip flop friendly casual atmosphere.
As luck would have it, there is no shortage of casual, kid-friendly dining options along 30A. Here are just a few.
Kids dine out at Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar
While at the beach, seafood is a must. Overlooking the beach and Gulf Place, this new beach spot has mastered the recipe for food and atmosphere. With dining options inside and out, your clan can eat dinner while watching the sunset.
If seafood is not what the littles have in mind, they’ve got you covered with a great kid’s menu. So go eat, but take the beach with you.
Choose from burgers, hot dogs, pizza, barbecue, ice cream, and more…all in the large outdoor common area that connects the spaces. Eat, drink, and be merry while hanging out in the salty beach breeze, impromptu dancing to live music, watching family movies on the big screen, and even casually browsing shops sprinkled throughout.
When it’s pizza you’re in the mood for, this Italian local love has long been a hotspot for 30A families. If the casual atmosphere, friendly staff, and walls of personal photographs don’t make you feel like family, the pizza will. While they serve up all things Italian, it’s the pizza pie that’ll grab your eye. Gather your family and join theirs around the table. It’ll be love at first bite.
A child enjoying Pink Lemonade & Strawberry drink at Grayton Beer Brewpub
When simple bar food and family together time are what’s on the menu, Grayton Brewpub is great.
Burgers, fries, nachos, soft pretzels, and ice cream floats all work together to fill the bottomless belly of the family, while local beer sampling caps off a day at the beach for those of age.
The owner’s namesake special, Jamey’s double stack burger, is not to be missed. But burger, beware. It’s so perfect, it can only be ordered “as is.” Too perfect to perfect.
If all that sand and surf have you headed for a total wipeout, head for these food trailers in the heart of Seaside. No muss, no fuss. Come straight off the beach and order both gourmet and classic grilled cheese sandwiches. There is also barbecue, hot dogs, and more. Top it off with a cold, shaved ice dessert from Frostbites, let the kids run free on the green, do some window shopping, or grab a spot for people watching. Relax and recharge.
CHRISTY (CHICK) HUGHES is a freelance writer and a respiratory therapist living in South Walton. She and her husband moved to the beach in 2000. One sunset…and the couple never looked back. Find her at her blog chickhughes.com.
