By Jessica Roberts and Abigail Abesamis Demarest
There are many beautiful homes spread throughout 30A’s 16 beach neighborhoods that make the ideal setting for an extended getaway—especially if you’re traveling with a group. But if you’re looking for something a bit more full-service, there are a number of hotels that make an excellent home base for your next stay along 30A.
From luxury boutique properties to a charming bed and breakfast, these stellar accommodations are sure to impress even the most well-traveled guests. No matter your style, you’re sure to find the perfect fit. Here are a few of our favorite hotels on 30A in no particular order:
The 67-room WaterColor Inn offers all of the perks and amenities of a well-appointed boutique hotel while just steps away from the dazzling waters and sugar-white sands of the Gulf of Mexico.
As one of Northwest Florida’s only AAA Four Diamond and Forbes Four-Star Destinations, this family-friendly property is truly one-of-a-kind. Guests can enjoy scenic views right from their private balcony or at one of the Inn’s on-site restaurants, which include Fish Out of Water and WaterColor Grill.
As part of The St. Joe Company’s hospitality collection, the WaterColor Inn offers guests access to a host of amenities, including private golf and beach club access, complimentary bicycle use, kayak, canoe, pontoon boat, and YOLO Board rentals, catered beach bonfires, and much more. Guests staying at WaterColor Inn also have access to the WaterColor Beach Club, which has three pools, lounge areas, and resort dining venues that are not open to the general public.
Location: 34 Goldenrod Circle, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Website: https://www.watercolorresort.com
Call: 850-534-5000
Immediately recognizable by its black-and-white striped awnings, The Pearl Hotel celebrates Rosemary Beach’s undeniable charm. Each room in the intimate, 55-room hotel is decorated in an elegant coastal style and has a private balcony with views of the Gulf of Mexico, the hotel pool and Havana Beach Rooftop, or the surrounding town center, with works by local artists showcased throughout the hotel. Perfect for romantic getaways, this Forbes Four-Star and AAA Four Diamond property leaves guests revived, inspired, and dreaming of their next visit to 30A.
Guests are greeted with a complimentary cocktail and valet at check-in, and freshly baked treats are hand-delivered at bedtime. Also part of The St. Joe Company’s hospitality collection, The Pearl’s array of amenities includes private golf and beach club access, complimentary bicycle use, access to beach bonfire services, and much more.
Location: 63 Main Street, Rosemary Beach, FL 32461
Website: https://www.thepearlrb.com
Call: 850-588-2881
This luxury hotel in Miramar Beach has a dream list of amenities: a rooftop pool with panoramic views, a serene spa, culinary offerings curated by a celebrity chef…the list goes on and on. Hotel Effie’s 250 guest rooms and the overall property are purposefully created to delight even the most selective of guests.
Named after the hotel owner’s grandmother, the property exudes its namesake’s charm, elegance, and genuine hospitality. At check-in, guests are greeted with a warm or cold towel and a welcome cocktail, and every afternoon warm chocolate chip cookies (Effie’s recipe, of course) are served in the lobby. F
or the foodies at heart, Ovide—the hotel’s signature restaurant—is not to be missed. From two-time James Beard Award-winning celebrity chef Hugh Acheson, Ovide embraces the fresh flavors and local seafood of the Gulf Coast in unique dishes.
Hotel Effie is adjacent to the Baytowne Conference Center and just a short walk to the Village of Baytowne Wharf, so you’re always close to the shops, restaurants, and events that go on there. You can also make time to play golf on one of the four championship courses in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort or spend the day on a private beach reserved for hotel guests. The hotel is also dog-friendly and provides a dog bed, dog bowl, doggy bags, a ball, a toy, and treats.
Location: 1 Grand Sandestin Boulevard, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
Website: https://www.hoteleffie.com
Call: 833-873-3343
Conveniently located in the Grand Boulevard town center, Hyatt Place Sandestin puts you just steps away from a variety of first-class shopping, dining, and entertainment venues. It’s also just a short drive to beautiful beaches and state parks. Each of the hotel’s 84 rooms has a cozy sofa-sleeper, and the one-bedroom suites have a separate living room for more lounging space.
Complimentary breakfast is served every morning at The Breakfast Bar, where guests will find delicious bites like fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, eggs, hash browns, and waffles. You can take a dip in the hotel’s heated pool, get a workout in at the fitness center, or grab a freshly baked pastry and coffee at Black Bear Bread Company.
Location: 325 Grand Boulevard, Destin/Miramar Beach, Florida, United States, 32550
Website: hyattplacesandestingrandblvd.com
Call: 850-650-7611
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa. Photo Credit: 8 Fifty Productions
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa in South Walton has become a beloved home-away-from-home for countless guests. People who first traveled here for a family vacation, a romantic getaway, a wedding, or a meeting tend to come back, year after year to enjoy one of the most inclusive experiences in all of South Walton.
Whether you’re in town to be by the water, play golf, relax at the spa, or enjoy a world-class meal, the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa makes for an excellent home base. The resort has seven different dining options, but if you’re feeling fancy, Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood isn’t to be missed. At the AAA Four Diamond steakhouse, you’ll find fresh seafood, USDA Prime Black Diamond steaks, and, for more adventurous eaters, a taste of the avant-garde, served in an elegant setting complete with live piano music.
Location: 4000 Sandestin Boulevard South, Miramar Beach, Florida 32550
Website: https://www.hiltonsandestinbeach.com
Call: 850-267-9500
Offering a true home-away-from-home experience, Watersound Inn is a boutique hotel situated within the WaterSound Beach community. It’s made up of 11 condo-sized suites outfitted with a contemporary Nantucket-style design and decor. Comfortable furnishings, a private balcony, washer and dryer, and a full kitchen make these spaces ideal for families.
Guests staying at the Watersound Inn also have access to the Watersound Beach Club, which has 7,000-square-foot zero-entry pools shaped like a coastal dune lake, an al fresco bar, shaded arbors, and beach access.
Location: 6652 E. County Hwy. 30A, Suite #120, Watersound, FL 32461
Website: https://www.watersoundinn.com
Call: 850-534-2040
This quaint bed and breakfast in Grayton Beach has been around for nearly 30 years. Described as an old-fashioned romantic getaway, Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse has a variety of accommodation types: 13, to be exact. All of their guest rooms have a vintage “old Florida” feel, and are just steps away from the on-site Hibiscus Café. The local breakfast spot serves homemade comfort food staples, with vegan and gluten-free options. Grab a seat in the backyard and enjoy your meal under a canopy of old oaks, or sit in the courtyard across from the garden.
Location:85 DeFuniak Street, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Website:https://www.hibiscusflorida.com
Call:850-231-2733
Opening in March 2023, The Lodge 30A is a boutique hotel inspired by the beauty of its coastal surroundings. It aims to provide guests with a distinct and relaxing sense of place. Located in Seagrove Beach, The Lodge 30A will have three different room types––standard studios, premium studios, and premium suites––featuring a contemporary coastal style.
Location: 4721 East County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Website: https://www.thelodge30a.com
Call: 850-608-3500
At Camp Creek Inn, the vibe is all about treating you like royalty. Here, you’re not just a guest; you are part of an elite circle, enjoying access to unparalleled amenities.
Get ready to chill out at an exclusive beach club or make a splash in not one, but five awesome outdoor pools. Want to keep it moving? Hit up the wellness center where the equipment is top-notch. Golfers, you’ve got bragging rights too with rounds at the famous Shark’s Tooth and Camp Creek® golf courses. Savor the culinary delights, engage in a tennis match, or explore the fast-paced game of pickleball. Each moment here is designed to enrich your experience, blending professional service with heartfelt hospitality.
Location: 684 Fazio Dr, Inlet Beach, FL 32461
Website: www.campcreekinn.com
Call: 850-231-7600
Photos courtesy of The Court – Seaside, Florida
Located in the heart of Seaside, The Court is all about modern elegance. Their light-filled rooms and bungalows are ivory white with soft marble accents, with luxury amenities like an all-glass rainforest shower, Nespresso machine, and Samsung Frame TV. The hotel also offers on-site parking, complimentary bike rentals, discounted beach chair and umbrella services, and a concierge service to help you get the most out of your vacation. Plus, it’s just steps away from Black Bear Bread Company––one of our favorite local spots to grab a coffee and fresh-baked pastries.
Location: 215 Quincy Circle, Seaside, FL 32459
Website: https://www.thecourtseaside.com
Call: 866-595-7178
As you can see, we are spoiled for accommodations along 30A. Whether you’re here for business or leisure, a romantic getaway, or a family reunion, there’s a hotel that’s perfectly suited to your needs and aesthetic. Wherever you choose to stay, you’re never too far from a pristine white-sand beach, great food, and a stunning sunset.
There are certainly no limits when it comes to accommodations when visiting 30A. Each of these hot spots is sure to please and keep you coming back year after year to enjoy all that these hotels – and the surrounding areas – have to offer!
