30A Girlfriend Getaway: Explore Coastal Adventures

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Located on Florida’s Emerald Coast, South Walton encompasses 16 beach communities known for pristine white sand and turquoise waters. Yet the communities along Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A also offer creative experiences that are perfect for a girlfriend getaway. I recently spent a long weekend in South Walton and was blown away by everything the area has to offer.

Highlights

Art Galore: Explore art classes, public art installations and galleries like Omaire Gallery
Stylish Boutique Stay: Camp Creek Inn serves as the perfect base for exploring beach communities
Great for Foodies: Taste coastal Southern fare at Cowgirl Kitchen and Havana Beach Bar and Grill
Hands-on Creative Fun: Take pottery lessons at Bayou Arts Center and regional workshops
Nighttime Gallery: Experience the Digital Graffiti projection festival in Alys Beach

Editor’s note: The writer was hosted.

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Public Art and Fine Art Galleries

A woman posing in front of a colorful mural of a beach sunset — This mural by Sarah Page is one of my favorites at the U.S. Highway 98 Underpass. Photo credit: Simone Paget

Property: Omaire Gallery at Kaiya Beach Resort | Address: 37 Florida A1A, Inlet Beach, FL 32461 | Phone: (850) 555-0199 | Hours: Open daily 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Creativity flourishes in South Walton. Inlet Beach transformed its U.S. Highway 98 Underpass into a 136-foot-long pedestrian gallery featuring 10 colorful local murals.

An art gallery with white walls and displays of sculptures — Some of Claire McCardle’s sculptures on display at Omaire Gallery. Photo credit: Simone Paget

Down the road, visit Omaire Gallery inside Kaiya Beach Resort. As 30A’s first dedicated fine art gallery, its airy space showcases stunning works by international artists.

The Magic: Discovering 10 vibrant local murals tucked inside a pedestrian underpass.
What We Loved Best: The airy, dreamy atmosphere inside Omaire Gallery at Kaiya Beach Resort.
Must-Try Recommendation: Stroll through the U.S. Highway 98 Underpass for incredible outdoor photos.
Featured Showcase: Admire Claire McCardle’s stunning sculpture displays inside Omaire Gallery.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Visit Omaire Gallery early in the day to enjoy the natural light filling the exhibition space.

Creative Classes and Digital Graffiti

A group of women posing together by an art installation in Inlet Beach Florida — After a pottery class, we took in a public art installation. Photo credit: Simone Paget

Property: Bayou Arts Center | Address: 105 Hogtown Bayou Ln, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 | Phone: (850) 622-5970 | Hours: Workshop times vary by class schedule

Get your hands dirty with pottery lessons at the Bayou Arts Center in Santa Rosa Beach. The Cultural Arts Alliance also hosts seasonal “clay and cocktails” nights and painting classes.

A building lit up at night by a colorful digital art projection in Alys Beach — One of the many stunning digital art projections at Digital Graffiti in Alys Beach. Photo credit: Simone Paget

For a memorable night out, visit Alys Beach during Digital Graffiti to see colorful digital artworks projected directly onto white buildings.

The Magic: Watching vibrant digital art projections transform white town architecture at night.
What We Loved Best: Sipping cocktails with friends while wandering through the open-air digital festival.
Must-Try Recommendation: Schedule a group pottery class online at the Bayou Arts Center.
Seasonal Workshops: Check the Cultural Arts Alliance calendar for painting and figure drawing sessions.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Book pottery workshops well in advance through the online form since group tables fill quickly.

Boutique Luxury at Camp Creek Inn

The resort-style swimming pool and lounging area at Camp Creek Inn — Every detail at Camp Creek Inn is elegant and carefully considered. Photo credit: Camp Creek Inn

Property: Camp Creek Inn | Address: 684 Camp Creek Rd, WaterSound, FL 32461 | Phone: (850) 231-7601 | Hours: Check-in 4:00 PM, Check-out 11:00 AM

Camp Creek Inn is a 75-room luxury boutique hotel featuring a golf course, pool area and private beach club. Positioned near Alys Beach, Inlet Beach and Rosemary Beach, it allows easy access to eastern hubs while remaining a short drive from Grayton Beach. The pool area features a lazy river and poolside drinks.

The Magic: Unwinding over evening cocktails around terrace fire pits just off the lobby.
What We Loved Best: Floating along the resort lazy river after a day of exploring galleries.
Must-Try Recommendation: Order poolside food and beverage service while relaxing in the sun.
Central Location: Easily hop between eastern beach hubs and western towns like Grayton Beach.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Take advantage of the all-day golf cart shuttle service for direct access to the beach club.

How to Get Around 30A

A woman standing in front of a group of turquoise beach cruiser bicycles — Renting a beach cruiser is a great way to explore the communities of South Walton. Photo credit: Simone Paget

Property: Scenic Highway 98 Trail | Address: Miramar Beach, FL 32550 | Phone: (800) 822-3870 | Hours: Open daily sunrise to sunset

South Walton spans 26 miles along the Gulf Coast from Miramar Beach to Inlet Beach. Driving the full length takes 45 to 60 minutes, but adjacent neighborhoods sit just 1 to 3 miles apart. Renting a car is best for neighborhood hopping, while beach cruiser bicycles offer a fun way to explore individual communities.

The Magic: Cruising along 3 miles of flat, stunning coastline on a colorful beach cruiser.
What We Loved Best: Exploring distinct neighborhood personalities from bohemian Grayton Beach to upscale Alys Beach.
Must-Try Recommendation: Rent bicycles in Miramar Beach to ride the scenic trail along Highway 98.
Neighborhood Hopping: Drive short 1 to 3-mile stretches between neighboring beach towns.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Rent bikes at Runaway Rentals for smooth riding along the Miramar Beach coastline.

Coastal Dining and Southern Flavors

A hand holding a margarita overlooking a beautiful view of a beach with turquoise water — At Bud and Alley’s the margaritas come with an incredible view of the beach in Seaside. Photo credit: Simone Paget

South Walton restaurants showcase fresh Gulf seafood and Southern classics. Start with coffee at Amavida in Rosemary Beach, then head to Bud and Alley’s in Seaside for fresh seafood and Gulf views.

Enjoy shrimp and grits at Proper Restaurant and Bar, Havana Beach Bar’s Latin-Caribbean cuisine or biscuits and praline bacon at Cowgirl Kitchen.

The Magic: Enjoying fresh margaritas and pimento cheese on a patio overlooking the Gulf.
What We Loved Best: Indulging in mouthwatering biscuits and signature praline bacon for brunch.
Must-Try Recommendation: Order the Southern shrimp and grits inside the art-filled Proper Restaurant.
Souvenir Shopping: Stop by Cowgirl Kitchen Market in Grayton Beach for local sauces and crafts.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Visit Cowgirl Kitchen Market next door to the Grayton Beach location to pick up signature sauces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best time of year to visit 30A for an art-focused trip?

Visit between April and May or September and October. Temperatures stay in the mid-70s to 80s with lower humidity, and Gulf waters remain ideal for swimming. Spring and fall bring far fewer crowds, making gallery browsing and outdoor art events much more enjoyable.

Are the art galleries and workshops along 30A suitable for a group girlfriend trip?

Yes, the workshops and galleries welcome all skill levels. Venues like the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and Bayou Arts Center design their pottery classes, painting nights and community sessions specifically for beginners and social groups traveling together.

Is 30A walkable or do you need a car to explore the communities?

Individual beach communities are very walkable and bike-friendly once you arrive. However, you will need a car to travel between different neighborhoods along the 26-mile stretch, as driving from the far western end to the eastern boundary takes about 45 to 60 minutes.

How do group pottery workshop reservations work for 30A visitors?

You can coordinate group reservations directly through the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County pottery program. Simply complete their online request form in advance to secure group table space for sessions like “clay and cocktails” or private pottery lessons.

How does staying at Camp Creek Inn compare to staying directly on the beach?

Camp Creek Inn offers a luxury boutique hotel stay with golf course views, fire pits and a pool complex featuring a lazy river. While it is not directly on the water, dedicated golf cart shuttles provide seamless access to a private beach club.

SheBuysTravel writers have been where you’re going. We share our ground-truth experience to save you time, money and energy, making your trips easier. Been There. Bought That. Since 2006.