Best Hotels in 30A (And Other Options!)
Are you looking for the best hotels in 30A, Florida? Read on for my top picks!
30A refers to a scenic 25-mile stretch of coastline along County Road 30A on Florida’s Emerald Coast. This beautiful region of the Florida Panhandle is known for its white sand beaches and clear turquoise-green waters. On either end of 30A, you have the larger beach towns of Panama City Beach and Destin.
However, in between, you have the dozen or so charming little towns of 30A, including Inlet Beach, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Seaside, Grayton Beach, Santa Rose Beach, and more.
I’ve spent a LOT of time in 30A, even staying there for a full month before, so I know the area well. Below are my top picks for the best hotels in 30A so you can have the perfect beach vacation.
Where to Stay in 30A
As I mentioned, 30A is made up of around a dozen small towns and communities along the coast. It officially starts in Inlet Beach on the eastern side and goes to Santa Rosa Beach on the western side.
Many people don’t stay in hotels when they visit 30A — it’s more about renting a beach house or a condo instead. But there are some hotels in 30A, and there are several reasons you might prefer a hotel.
For example, hotels are less work and offer things like housekeeping services. Most rentals are self-catering, so you’ll need to buy groceries and other things for the house, and clean up after yourself.
It can be cost-effective for a large family or a group of friends to share a rental, especially if you’re coming for a full week, but for shorter trips, hotels can be a better value. You might also prefer a hotel if you are traveling just as a couple, a small family, or a few friends. Personally, I prefer the amenities and convenience of a hotel over staying in a rental house or condo. It’s just a lot easier!
There aren’t actually that many hotels in 30A itself, but there are tons in nearby Panama City Beach and Destin. So if you don’t find what you’re looking for in 30A, you can always stay at a hotel in one of those larger towns instead. Then it’s just a short drive to the many beautiful towns that make up 30A.
However, keep in mind that both PCB and Destin have a very different vibe from the 30A beach towns (this area of Florida is nicknamed the Redneck Riviera). In my opinion, the best area that’s not strictly part of 30A would be the Sandestin and Miramar beach area, which is past the western end of 30A.
Top Hotels in 30A, Florida
Below, I’m focusing on the best hotels in 30A. However, if a beach house is more your style, I recommend searching Booking.com because you can also find lots of great options for vacation rentals there.
⭐ See the best 30A beach houses available to book here.
Otherwise, keep reading for my 30A hotel recommendations!
Here are my top picks for where to stay in 30A, Florida:
And here’s a full breakdown of the best hotels in 30A.
Tip: I use and recommend Booking.com for getting the best deal on hotels. If you book directly through a link on this page, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Stay to Wander!
WaterColor Inn & Resort
WaterColor Inn & Resort is one of the best hotels on 30A. This is one of the few actual beachfront hotels along 30A, so stay here if you want direct access to an amazing private beach. WaterColor Inn & Resort is also less than a 10-minute walk from Seaside, one of the most charming beach towns on 30A.
There are plenty of hiking and biking trails nearby, and guests have complimentary access to bicycles and beach kayaks. The resort also has three swimming pools and tennis courts for guests to enjoy. There’s an on-site restaurant, or you can easily walk to many other restaurants and shops in Seaside.
The Pearl Hotel
The Pearl Hotel is another one of the best places to stay in 30A. It’s right in the center of Rosemary Beach, which is probably my favorite town along 30A, thanks to its gorgeous Dutch Caribbean-inspired architecture. The hotel is just steps away from all the dining and shopping options in Rosemary Beach.
Guests staying at this hotel also have private beach access, with the entrance being just two minutes from the hotel. The Pearl also has a swimming pool, a spa, and a rooftop terrace. Many rooms have private balconies and views of the town. This is the perfect hotel for a chic weekend getaway to 30A.
Kaiya Beach Resort
Kaiya Beach Resort is one of the newest, most luxurious properties in 30A. It’s located in the exclusive community of Alys Beach, with its beautiful white architecture and palm trees everywhere. Staying here, you’ll be just a few minutes away from your own private beach access and several shops and restaurants.
You can also bike to Rosemary Beach, which is just down the road. This hotel offers studios, apartments, and private villas with plenty of space. Amenities include a swimming pool and a fitness center.
Camp Creek Inn
Camp Creek Inn is a great resort located between Alys Beach and Seacrest. Guests staying here will enjoy amenities like multiple swimming pools, a spa, a fitness center, a tennis court, and free bicycle rentals. The property is also home to an 18-hole golf course, making it popular with golf enthusiasts.
There’s an on-site restaurant, and you can reach many more restaurants in an easy 10-minute bike ride. This hotel is not located on the beach, but guests do get access to the private beach at the excellent Watersound Beach Club. There’s a free shuttle that takes you there, and it’s about a 10-minute drive.
The Lodge 30A
The Lodge 30A is another one of the best hotels in 30A. This hotel is located in Seagrove, another one of the cute little towns along the coast. You’re a 5-minute walk from the beach, and you can also reach several restaurants within a 10-minute walk from this hotel, or hop on a bike and you can reach even more.
When it comes to amenities, The Lodge 30A offers spacious studio-style accommodations with separate living areas and kitchens. There’s also a swimming pool and a fitness center for guests to enjoy.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Santa Rosa Beach
One of the cheapest hotels on 30A is Home2 Suites by Hilton Santa Rosa Beach. This hotel is positioned at the furthest end of 30A before you get to the Sandestin and Miramar Beach area. It’s not located right on the beach, but the beautiful public Dune Allen Beach is just a 7-minute drive from this hotel.
There are several restaurants within walking distance, and even more within a short drive. This modern hotel offers amenities including a swimming pool, a fitness center, and complimentary breakfast.
Carillon Beach Resort Inn
Located on the opposite end of 30A, Carillon Beach Resort Inn is just beyond Inlet Beach and Rosemary Beach. It’s only a 5-minute drive from these two towns, making it a great location for your stay in 30A. The resort is situated right on the waterfront and offers private beach access to guests, which is a huge perk.
There are a couple of restaurants nearby, or you can drive (or bike!) to one of the towns for dinner. Amenities at Carillon Beach Resort Inn include a swimming pool and a fitness center. While it’s not technically part of 30A, it’s close enough that I wanted to include it because it’s still an excellent option.
Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse
Finally, if you’re looking for a unique bed & breakfast in 30A, look no further than Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse. I found out about this place because I had breakfast at their restaurant one day and realized it was a B&B too. It’s located right in the heart of Grayton Beach, an artsy, bohemian enclave along 30A.
Although it’s not right on the beach, it’s a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute bicycle ride through town to get there. Guests staying here will also enjoy free breakfast at the restaurant each morning.
Best Hotels in 30A
This guide showed you the best hotels in 30A, Florida.
To recap, my top picks for where to stay are:
- Best luxury hotel: The Pearl Hotel
- Best on a budget: Home2 Suites By Hilton Santa Rosa Beach
- Best for families: WaterColor Inn & Resort
Have a great trip and enjoy your visit to 30A!
