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Discover Seaside, Florida: Your Ultimate Guide to Top Attractions, Dining, and Shopping
A Coastal Gem with Endless Delights!
Photo credit to @aerial.850 For such a small little beachside town, Seaside is teeming with things to do, places to shop and secret spots to discover. Consider this your Ultimate Guide to Seaside.
The Little Town that Could
Seaside was a dream of Town Founder Robert Davis’ grandfather J.S. Smolian. When Davis inherited the 80 acres, he and his wife, Daryl, got to work, determined to create something special out of this gorgeous landscape.
They explored small Southern towns, sought out ambitious architects and designed a groundbreaking new form of development that harkened back to simpler times. This new type of development, New Urbanism, is a way to create a community that has places of worship, schools, restaurants, shops, entertainment and homes all within a 10-minute walk. It’s what life was like before cars ruled our lives.
The result was a skyrocketing demand for homes in Seaside. Real estate prices soared as every available plot of land was quickly bought.
What was it like in SEASIDE 40 years ago? 30A’s Mike Ragsdale spoke with surfer and restauranteur, Dave Rauschkolb.
What is there to do? Everything!
For a small, beachfront community, Seaside offers a remarkable amount of things to do (if you decide to get up off your beach towel that is). There’s swimming, tennis, walking trails, biking, shopping, dining, live concerts, theatre productions, outdoor movies, and .. you get the idea.
To make life a little simpler, we’re diving Seaside’s retail/dining/entertainment areas into three sections that we’ll refer to as Beachfront, Amphitheater and Ruskin Place.
Beachfront, is, of course, the Gulf-front area located south of 30A, Amphitheater is the shopping, dining and entertainment that rings the grass amphitheater and Ruskin Place is a quiet, artsy area that connects the shopping and dining around the amphitheater to the Seaside Chapel. It’s a bit like an upside down T.
Surrounding all of this are beach cottages of varying size, color, shapes and infamy. All of these homes are connected through a maze-like pattern of white-sand paths and white-picket fences. At the end of a fun day at the beach, grab a flashlight and go explore. Seaside at night is every bit as magical as it is in the daytime.
Beachfront
Seaside’s beach is accessed through a variety of private beach pavilions that connect to different neighborhoods within the community, and one public beach pavilion (the Coleman Pavilion, located in between Pizza Bar and Bud & Alley’s Restaurant). There are beach chairs and umbrellas available for rent, paddle boards and kayaks. If you do nothing else while in Seaside, watch at least one sunset with sand underneath your bare feet.
Dining
The Shrimp Shack offers fresh seafood with an unbelievable view. Once you pick up your order, head out back and follow a sand path to a Grecian take on an outdoor pavilion. The views are fantastic.
Bringing island vibes to the heart of Seaside, The Daytrader Tiki Bar & Restaurant is a tropical escape filled with bold flavors, craft cocktails, and a playful atmosphere. Chef Nikhil Abuvala blends Hawaiian, Filipino, Vietnamese, and Gulf Coast influences into a globally inspired menu, featuring dishes like Ahi Crispy Rice, Cobia Poke, and the must-try Maui Burger with rich soy brown gravy fries. The bar program is just as impressive, with fresh-pressed juices, macerated sugarcane, and tiki classics served in beautiful, heavy-cut glassware—no plastic cups here.
Bud & Alley’s restaurant is a multiple award-winning restaurant downstairs, and a laid-back, Tarpon Club bar upstairs with unrivaled sunset views and a daily ringing of the bell at sundown.
Pizza Bar offers brick-oven pizzas, salads and pastas and offers a shady spot to sit and enjoy views of dune vegetation with glimpses of the Gulf in the distance.
Taco Bar has an impressive tequila sampling and authentic Mexican tacos and light bites.
Seaside’s shipping container dining trend gets a stylish twist at The C-Bar, a laid-back, upcycled hotspot right next to Great Southern Café. With just 30 seats (shared with The Chicken Shack), this walk-up bar is the perfect spot to sip on a refreshing Great Southern mojito or enjoy a locally brewed craft beer. The best part? The full Great Southern Café menu is available, so you can pair your Grits à Ya Ya with a tropical cocktail in a fun, casual setting. Whether you’re unwinding at the bar or grabbing a drink to-go, The C-Bar is Seaside’s go-to spot for effortless coastal vibes.
Tucked away in a charming white cottage shaded by magnolia trees, Black Bear Bread Co.’s newest location brings its beloved artisanal breads and pastries to the heart of Seaside. This cozy café offers a thoughtfully curated menu of breakfast and lunch favorites, from decadent croissant French toast with ricotta and fresh berries to a bold banh mi packed with braised pork and house-pickled veggies. And, of course, the signature Black Bear sourdough is always on hand.
A Seaside tradition since 1998, It’s Heavenly Shortcakes & Ice Cream delights visitors with classic Southern ice cream flavors, locally made Italian gelato and sorbet, house-made strawberry shortcakes, and gourmet cookies. Guests can also enjoy hand-spun milkshakes, Lavazza coffee, and espresso shots.
Nigel’s Bananas, tucked away in Ruskin Artists Colony, is a fun, laid-back spot serving Belgian chocolate-dipped frozen bananas and ice cream bars with a variety of toppings. Since opening in 2021, it has become a favorite for sweet treats, offering everything from rainbow sprinkles to toasted coconut. The menu also features breakfast items, craft soda floats, and boozy sorbet floats, plus beer and wine for those looking to unwind.
A Seaside favorite since 1993, Pickle’s Burger & Shakes is known for its handcrafted burgers, crispy fried pickles, and hand-spun milkshakes made with locally sourced ice cream. The menu also features a hearty breakfast with pancakes, breakfast tacos, and biscuits with homemade gravy. Just steps away, Pickle’s Sandbar offers cocktails, draft beer, and the full Pickle’s menu with Gulf views.
Lovingly attached to Great Southern Café, b.f.f. specializes in refreshing frozen beverages, including signature Bushwackers, Frosé, and other creative concoctions. Using high-end spirits, freshly-squeezed juices, and organic mixes, b.f.f. offers a delightful grab-and-go bar experience in the heart of Seaside.
Located at 25 Central Square, B1, Seaside, Amavida Coffee & Tea is a family-owned café known for its specialty organic, fair-trade coffees and teas. With its own roasting facility nearby, Amavida emphasizes sustainability and ethical practices. Patrons can enjoy a variety of beverages alongside locally made pastries and quiches in a welcoming atmosphere
Located in Seaside’s town center, 87 Central Square Wine Bar offers an inviting atmosphere to enjoy exclusive vintages and imaginative fare. With a well-appointed setting, it’s an ideal spot for special events or everyday dining.
Established on July 4th, 1988, Dawson’s Yogurt & Fudgeworks has been a cornerstone of Seaside’s dessert scene for decades. This charming confectionary offers a delectable array of treats, including specially formulated frozen yogurt, locally sourced soft-serve ice cream, ICEEs, homemade fudge, and fudge-dipped novelties. Nestled in the heart of Seaside, it’s the perfect spot to indulge your sweet tooth just minutes from the beach.
Amphitheater
The sloped sides of the amphitheater seem to beckon to children of all ages. No matter how much they’ve splashed and played in the Gulf, grass under feet seems to invigorate everyone.
A limestone* stage sits at the base of the amphitheater and hosts outdoor movies and concerts. Around this amphitheater you’ll find a grocery store, clothing stores, jewelry boutiques, a bookstore, record shop, toy store, eyewear and more. Basically anything and everything you need is found here.
Airstream Row
It’s hard not to smile when you’re ordering food from a window in a shiny Airstream.
Massive snow cones in a dizzying array of flavors and colors.
Cheese sandwiches like you’ve never tasted before.
Hot dogs made from grass-fed beef, homemade sauces, specialty toppings and more. These aren’t average hot dogs.
Famous for the shrimp and grits, the award-winning Great Southern Cafe also has an excellent outdoor bar and a menu that takes Southern food to a new level.
Crepes made to order in a variety of sweet and savory flavors. Perfect for carrying around while you explore.
Reportedly the most photographed post office in the United States, the Seaside Post Office is the perfect backdrop for family photos, or a place to drop a postcard in the mail. It is especially lovely in winter when it is decked out in holiday lights.
Located at 123 Quincy Circle in Seaside, Ophelia Swimwear is a premier luxury boutique specializing in designer swimwear and beachwear. They offer a curated selection of swimsuits, cover-ups, sandals, sun hats, beach bags, and jewelry, catering to various styles from simple and chic to beachy glam.
Fine pearls on leather has become ubiquitous with Seaside thanks to the hard work and dedication of jewelry artist Wendy Mignot. Inside La Vie Est Belle are Tahitian and freshwater pearls in a rainbow of colors, rare coins and more.
The Seaside Style is the official lifestyle brand of Seaside, Florida, offering a curated collection of clothing, accessories, spa products, gifts, books, toys, and pet items that reflect the town’s simple, timeless, comfortable, and fun aesthetic.
This toy shop brings out the kid in all of us and is the perfect place to scoop up beach toys, diversions for the trip home or a little something “extra” to remember the trip by.
Formerly known as “Perspicacity,” Cabana by The Seaside Style is Seaside, Florida’s first retail store, reimagined to offer a curated selection of clothing, accessories, and shoes embodying the essence of cabana living. Their collection features flowy caftans, colorful sparkles, unique prints, and breezy linens, catering to those seeking a blend of Old Hollywood glamour and Palm Beach chic
Located at 2236 E County Highway 30A in Seaside, Florida, Ono Surf Shop offers a curated selection of swimwear, footwear, lifestyle clothing, and beach accessories. Whether you’re looking for the latest in surf fashion or essential gear like surfboards, boogie boards, and skim boards, Ono Surf Shop has you covered. seasidefl.com
The Seaside Farmers Market is a vibrant gathering held every Tuesday and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the Seaside Amphitheater. This market brings together local growers and artisans, offering fresh produce, dairy products, baked goods, and native plants. Visitors can also enjoy cooking and gardening demonstrations, making it a hub for community engagement and education.
Seaside’s grocery store is a delight to fans of The Truman Show. In addition to grocery staples, you’ll find daily lunch specials, muffins the size of your head and homemade cakes sold by the slice.
Buy a book already! Unplug, relax somewhere shady and let a story captivate your attention for a bit. Look for signed editions and check out the wonderful children’s section.
Head upstairs from Sundog Books and you’ll find a record and music store that has something for everyone. Don’t be shy, ask for recommendations. The staff love to introduce people to new music.
Seaside Neighborhood School and Academic Village
Be sure to walk by Florida’s first charter school. Always innovating, Seaside’s charter school population is chosen by lottery and serves middle school grades. If you’re there during the school year you might see PE class out on the lawn or hear the school band rehearsing.
The adjacent Academic Village is an area for visiting speakers and guests of the Seaside Institute to stay and gather.
Ruskin Park is shaded by Scrub Oak and protected by an ornate iron gate. Along the edges of the park are boutiques and art galleries housed in the bottom level of individuals townhomes.
Newbill has been promoting the work of artists for more than 25 years in Ruskin Place and is Ruskin’s oldest art gallery. Owner Annette Newbill Trujillo credits the gallery’s long-lasting success to the relationships she’s created with customers and her discerning eye for talent. Newbill carries handmade jewelry, sculpture, photography, folk art, handmade clothing, original paintings, garden art and more.
A few other fun facts
Watch The Truman Show before you visit and then see if you can find some of the movie locations while here.
Every white picket fence in Seaside is different. No, really! Don’t believe us? Go for a stroll on the sand paths that connect all the homes and give them an up-close look. Kids will have fun finding all the little ways they differ from each other.
You can’t miss the wall-sized mural at Seaside’s purple wall at 25 Central Square. Learn all about this artistic tribute to Vincent Scully here.
Can you find the sundial? Tucked away along one of the walking paths is a huge sundial. There is also a great little playground and pools for staying guests.
