I found myself on 30A a lot this fall by accident, but you won’t hear me complaining. This beautiful stretch of beaches has become my personal happy place in my adult life, as it’s only a short drive from Birmingham (and not too much further from Nashville.)

It doesn’t hurt either that a few friends of mine have made it their home, so I always have an excuse to bunk up and visit!

If you’re familiar with the 30A scene, you know that each little beach town has its own personality, and I’ve adopted Rosemary Beach as my personal favorite. No shade to its buzzy neighbor Seaside or affluent cousin Alys, but I find that Rosemary has a certain je ne sais quoi that’s completely unique. There’s just enough going on to keep everyone entertained with stunning rooftop bars and yoga on the green, but it’s just as easy to sneak away to your cozy bungalow or enjoy a quiet bike ride along one of the many winding paths. One of my favorite pastimes is taking a solo walk through the back neighborhoods and taking photos of the beautiful homes and little corners I find along the way. That, and enjoying a(n entire?) bottle of wine in the sand at sunset.

However, pictured below you’ll find a little bit of everything happening on 30A, from the farmers market in Seaside, to the cutest juice bar you’ll ever see in Alys Beach, to day dates with the hubs—and yes, the aforementioned sunset wine picnic.

Listing a few must-do’s for next time you find yourself on 30A—or a little encouragement to explore for the very first time!

Rosemary Beach
Pescado Rooftop
The Pearl Rooftop (Havana)
Amavida Coffee
La Crema
Cowgirl Kitchen
Edward’s
Gallion’s
Kilwins Ice Cream
Playa Bowls

Alys Beach
The Citizen
Neat
Fonville Press
Raw & Juicy
George’s

Seaside
Bud & Alley’s
Modica Market
Black Bear Bread Co.
Any of the food trucks for lunch or a snack!
Surfing Deer

Grayton
Black Bear Bread Co.
Chiringo
Shunk Gulley

Enjoy some film highlights below!