Things To Do Near Gulf Place 30A | Your Ultimate 30A Vacation Guide

Welcome to the heart of Florida's famous Scenic Highway 30A. When you stay at Tropic Like It's Hot by Coastal Retreat, you're perfectly positioned to experience the very best of Santa Rosa Beach, Gulf Place, and the Emerald Coast.

Located just steps from the beach and directly behind the legendary Shunk Gulley area, our guests enjoy easy access to award-winning restaurants, family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, shopping, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

One of the biggest advantages of staying at Tropic Like It's Hot is our unbeatable location near Gulf Place.

Enjoy fresh Gulf seafood, live music, and spectacular sunset views at Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar, one of the most popular destinations on 30A. Visitors come from all over the Emerald Coast to enjoy oysters, fresh catch specials, cocktails, and nightly entertainment just steps from your front door.

Right next door, explore the shops, restaurants, events, and seasonal festivals at Gulf Place Town Center. This vibrant coastal community regularly hosts outdoor concerts, farmers markets, art shows, and family activities throughout the year.

The sugar-white sand and emerald water of South Walton are what make 30A famous.

Guests can easily walk to:

• Ed Walline Regional Beach Access
• Dune Allen Beach Access
• Dune Allen Regional Beach Access

Whether you're searching for a peaceful sunrise walk, a family beach day, or an unforgettable sunset, these public beach accesses provide convenient entry to some of Florida's most beautiful shoreline.

30A is one of America's most bike-friendly beach destinations.

Rent bicycles and explore nearby beach communities including:

• Seaside
• Grayton Beach
• Blue Mountain Beach
• Dune Allen Beach
• WaterColor

Each community offers its own personality, from boutique shopping and food trucks to local art galleries and live music venues.

South Walton is home to one of the world's rarest natural features: coastal dune lakes.

Rent a paddleboard or kayak and explore these peaceful waterways surrounded by native Florida wildlife and stunning scenery. These unique ecosystems can only be found in a few places worldwide and are one of the hidden treasures of a 30A vacation.

Outdoor enthusiasts won't want to miss Grayton Beach State Park.

Frequently ranked among America's best beaches, the park offers:

• Hiking trails
• Paddleboarding
• Kayaking
• Fishing
• Bird watching
• Beach access
• Coastal dune lake exploration

It's the perfect destination for families and nature lovers looking to experience Old Florida charm.

For a more secluded outdoor adventure, visit Topsail Hill Preserve State Park.

Known for towering dunes, freshwater lakes, and miles of unspoiled beaches, Topsail Hill is considered one of Florida's premier state parks and offers incredible opportunities for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and photography.

Families visiting 30A love:

• Dolphin cruises
• Paddleboard rentals
• Bike rides along Scenic Highway 30A
• Ice cream shops and local cafes
• Seasonal outdoor concerts
• Farmers markets
• Sunset beach walks

The laid-back atmosphere and safe, walkable communities make Santa Rosa Beach one of Florida's top family vacation destinations.

Locals recommend venturing beyond the beach to discover hidden gems throughout South Walton. Spend a day exploring the unique neighborhoods of Grayton Beach, Blue Mountain Beach, Seaside, and WaterColor, each offering their own restaurants, shops, and local flavor.

When you stay at Tropic Like It's Hot by Coastal Retreat, you're not simply booking a vacation rental — you're staying in one of the most convenient locations on all of 30A.

Walk to the beach, enjoy live music at sunset, grab dinner at local favorites, and experience the best attractions that Santa Rosa Beach and Scenic Highway 30A have to offer.

We look forward to welcoming you to paradise.