My Sunshine State Escape ☀️ Florida’s 30A and Beyond — Why I Keep Coming Back

Florida has always held a soft spot in my heart. It was almost home during my childhood, and today, it’s the place where I feel closest to my mom. Her favorite stretch? 30A. The gentle Gulf waves, white-sand beaches, and salty breeze always remind me of her. It’s where she asked for her ashes to be spread. And each time I visit, I talk to her, walk the beach, and feel her warmth with every crashing wave. 🌊💛

✈️ A Spontaneous Escape to Santa Rosa

I jumped on this trip at the last minute, one rare weekend free of open houses and real estate appointments. With a leftover Delta credit from a canceled work trip, I booked my flight and headed off. Florida is one of the easiest trips from Oklahoma, with a 4-hour door-to-door travel time, and flights are often inexpensive.

I’ve visited a long list of Florida spots:

Panama City Beach, Melbourne Beach, Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, Siesta Key, the Keys, Blue Mountain Beach, Seaside, Pensacola, Rosemary Beach, Destin, Grayton Beach, Alys Beach and now Santa Rosa. This blog is primarily about that latest adventure.

🌴 Where We Stayed in Santa Rosa Beach

We rented an Airbnb with 4 bikes, a 6-passenger golf cart, and all the charm. It wasn’t beachfront, but that was no problem, just a 7-minute ride to the sand thanks to the bikes and golf cart.

It was a short 3-night trip, but the perfect break from Oklahoma yard work, appointments, and daily routines. I traveled with one of my work colleagues’ families and a good friend, basically our adopted family. We cook together, laugh together, and make some of the best memories.

Santa Rosa is a charming town with newer tourist spots and a strong golf cart community vibe

🌊 Day 1: Beach, Burgers & Spaghetti

Our trip kicked off with a beach day at Blue Mountain Beach, a public beach access point, after we snacked on cinnamon rolls and coffee that we snagged at a local bakery. Blue Mountain Beach, which, though busier than others I’ve visited, was still lovely. The sand is soft and white, but HOT. Sandals are a must! We packed a $30 tent for shade, and had coolers we picked up at the local souvenir shop packed with High Noons, Nutrls, tons of water, and snacks like antioxidant-rich pistachios and freshly cut watermelon and pineapple from Blue Mountain Organic Grocery. And of course, I brought my JBL Flip 6 speaker for a little music therapy 🎶. Nothing sets the tone like good tunes by the water.

Quick Tips: Airbnb hosts often provide beach chairs, ours did, and it was such a perk! Many beaches in Florida are now privately owned; check the signs!  We also used Instacart to get groceries delivered to the Airbnb. Honestly, after hours in the sun, grocery shopping sounds like the last thing anyone wants to do.

After the beach, we headed to Papa Surf’s Burger Bar, a cute patio spot just minutes away. The chicken teriyaki sandwich was incredible, and the homemade sauces were out of this world. We sat outside with misting fans cooling us off after the sun. Highly recommend this little gem before heading home, sandy and satisfied. That night we kept it low-key, spaghetti night with Instacart groceries delivered straight to the door (trust me, beach+grocery store = exhaustion).

Lunch at Papa Surf’s

🧘‍♀️ Day 2: Yoga, Golf, & Ice Cream

The next morning, we split up. Half of our group went golfing with an early tee time at Kelly Plantation, a gorgeous course with ocean views and a stunning clubhouse. They raved about it!

Meanwhile, we hit up Studio 30A for hot yoga with instructor Kenzie, which was just a short golf cart ride away. It was one of the most beautiful studios I’ve ever seen—floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a chandelier above. Kenzie handed out affirmation cards, cold lavender-vanilla towels, and ended class with a sound bowl meditation. $25 well spent. But book in advance, this class does fill up!

Afterward, we treated ourselves to Café Amor, a local favorite with patio seating and delicious lattes. A slow breakfast turned into a sunny stroll to The Ice Cream Shoppe for sundaes and sorbet. A true vacation day!

Dinner that night was magical. We had reservations at the Florida Fish House, a twinkle-lit spot with sushi, stuffed grouper, and fun cocktails like the Pink Pony Club. We celebrated a birthday there, complete with dessert and sparkler candles. Highly recommend making a reservation! Their patios were strung with glowing lights and dotted with cozy corners to dine and linger. They even helped us celebrate a birthday in our group with a sparkling dessert.

Old Florida Fish House Server Singing
Old Forida Fish House

🌧️ Day 3: Destin Rain Day & Sunset Redemption

A storm rolled in on day 3, so we Ubered to Destin Commons for some outlet shopping, followed by lunch at Pompano Joe’s. (Uber cost was about $30 each way). This beachfront restaurant had a coconut cocktail I’m still dreaming about and delicious fresh crab and gumbo. I wore my swimsuit so I could sneak in a little beach time right from our table. The views were stunning and less crowded than Blue Mountain Beach.

Dolphins at Pompano Joe’s Beach

Later, the storm cleared, leaving behind sun rays and rainbows just in time for sunset on the beach. Families in crisp linen showed up for photos, kids played barefoot in the waves, and the air felt cool after the storm. That sunset was my favorite part of the trip, just stillness, beauty, and peace. The kind of night you want to bottle up forever.

Dinner was Thai takeout back near the Airbnb. Simple, perfect, and full of flavor. Just around the corner, it was an easy golf cart pick-up.

✈️ Getting There & Around

I flew into ECP (Panama City Beach Airport), and the rest of my crew used Destin-Fort Walton Airport. ECP is about 10 minutes closer to Santa Rosa, so check both options. Ubers run about $60+, so plan ahead.

🌤️ When’s the Best Time to Visit Florida?

Best months: Locals say September, most tourists are gone, humidity drops, and you often get the beach to yourself.

Hurricane Season: June to late November
Winter: Can be 40° or 80°… you never really know!
August: We had full-day rain nearly every day—so be prepared!

🏖️ My Quick Thoughts on Florida’s Other Beaches

Here’s a fast travel rundown of other places I’ve stayed or visited in Florida:

  • Panama City Beach – Spring break capital turned family favorite. Beautiful but a little more worn these days. Don’t miss Captain Anderson’s at the marina for dinner, Alvin’s Island for souvenirs, and Sand Cliffs for beachfront condos with private beach access.
  • Melbourne Beach – Affordable, breezy, lots of seashells. Shell-covered shores, shorter beaches, windier weather. We loved our Airbnb and Lou’s Blues bar!
  • Anna Maria Island – Quiet pier town. Great food, rent a car. Anna Maria took a hit during the last hurricane, but they’re rebuilding beautifully.
  • Bradenton Beach – Charming, easygoing, close to Anna Maria.
  • Siesta Key – Suburban vibes, fewer beachfront dining spots.
  • Destin – Great shopping, restaurants, and lively beach energy.
  • Pensacola – Gorgeous mossy trees, cool plantation homes.
  • Rosemary Beach – High-end, private, “village” feel with stunning rentals.
  • Alys Beach – Ultra-exclusive, white architecture, very posh.
  • Grayton Beach – Everyone’s local favorite hangout.
  • Florida Keys – Chill surf towns, mopeds, rooftop bars, fun!
  • Seaside – Like a coastal fairytale—restaurants, groceries, and charm all in one.

🏡 Final Thoughts

Florida may have rising insurance rates and some Airbnb restrictions, but it still tops my list for an easy, affordable, rejuvenating trip, especially along 30A.  It’s beautiful nearly year-round, even with the occasional stormy season. The humidity? Well, we’re from Oklahoma, it doesn’t scare us! The beaches, food, and memories will always call me back. And no matter how many times I go, I always find something new to love.

Need Florida recs or tips? You know where to find me. 😉

With love and peace,

Tiffany


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