Since 2007, the annual 30A Hot Spot Awards have celebrated the very best of life along the coast, all chosen by you. From unforgettable meals and standout local talent to the shops, events, and experiences that keep this community thriving, these awards capture what makes 30A so special.

This year, we refined the list to 18 categories, spotlighting the moments and places that truly shape the 30A experience today. And once again, you showed up in full force. With thousands of votes cast, the 2026 winners reflect the favorites that locals and visitors return to again and again.

So here they are, the 2026 30A Hot Spot Award winners, chosen by the people who know and love this stretch of paradise best:

CASUAL DINING
Winner: Grace Pizza and Shakes 30A

Second Place: Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar
Third Place: Pickles Sandbar

FINE DINING
Winner: Cafe Thirty-A

Second Place: Ambrosia 30A Prime Seafood & Steaks
Third Place: Gallion’s

OUTDOOR DINING
Winner: Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar

Second Place: Old Florida Fish House
Third Place: Bud & Alley’s

COFFEE
Winner: Black Bear Bread Co.

Second Place: Fonville Press
Third Place: Beignets & Brew

BREAKFAST / BRUNCH
Winner: Donut Hole

Second Place: Crackings
Third Place: The Perfect Pig

SWEETS (BAKERY, ICE CREAM, CANDY)
Winner: Pecan Jacks Ice Cream & Candy

Second Place: Blue Mountain Beach Creamery
Third Place: Blue Mountain Bakery

NEW RESTAURANT (OPENED IN 2025)
Winner: Scout Sports Tavern

Second Place: Outcast Pizza
Third Place: Drome

HAPPY HOUR
Winner: Hurricane Oyster Bar

Second Place: Bud & Alley’s
Third Place: Ambrosia 30A Prime Seafood & Steaks

CHEF
Winner: Chef Molly Arnett – Private Chef

Second Place: Chef Jim Shirley – Jim Shirley Restaurant Group
Third Place: Chef Camille Withall – George’s at Alys Beach

LIVE MUSIC
Winner: Red Bar

Second Place: Red Fish Taco
Third Place: Stinky’s Bait Shack

HOTTEST SPOT TO WATCH THE BIG GAME
Winner: Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar

Second Place: Shades Bar & Grill
Third Place: The Big Chill

LOCAL MUSICIAN OR BAND
Winner: Dion Jones (and the Neon Tears)

Second Place: Jared Herzog
Third Place: Will Thompson Band

ANNUAL EVENT
Winner: 30A Songwriters Festival

Second Place: 30A Wine Festival
Third Place: Gulf Coast Jam

ARTIST
Winner: Justin Gaffrey

Second Place: Allison Wickey
Third Place: ArtByDoman / Lindsey Tobias

PHOTOGRAPHER
Winner: Savvibelle Photography

Second Place: Jonah Allen
Third Place: Susan Gunn

HOTTEST SPOT TO GET PAMPERED (SPA, SALON, MASSAGE, AESTHETICS)
Winner: Spa Pearl

Second Place: Serenity by the Sea Spa
Third Place: The Henderson Spa

GOLF COURSE
Winner: Camp Creek Golf Course

Second Place: Windswept Dunes Golf Club
Third Place: Shark’s Tooth Golf Club

SHOPPING
Winner: Grand Boulevard at Sandestin

Second Place: Seaside (Town Center + Shops)
Third Place: Rosemary Beach (Barrett Square)

A big congratulations to all of our 2026 Hot Spot nominees and winners! Follow 30A on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for your daily dose of BEACH HAPPY vibes, community love, and all things 30A.