One of my favorite places to visit in Florida is any stop along 30A. This stretch of road encompasses just about everything that I love about the beach. Here you can walk the pristine sand of over 16 beaches, dip your toes in the sparkling water and enjoy the sights and sounds of the surrounding area.
Image from www.30a.com
Along with the unspoiled beaches and sea oat covered dunes a visitor can find old Florida architecture, lovely wildflowers and native trees as well as plenty of dining and shopping opportunities. We have stayed at various places over the past several years on our quest to find the perfect beach and I have to admit that this area is my favorite so far. There is plenty going on to keep me entertained and the draw of the white sand is where my heart seems to find happiness.
On one of our recent trips we stayed at Gulf Place in Santa Rosa Beach and loved the convenience of the area where we stayed. Not only were there plenty of restaurants within walking distance of our studio apartment rental there was shopping as well. My favorite stop was The Artists At Gulf Place that was right outside our accomodations.
Some of the booths at the Artists at Gulf Place
Many of the artists in this cute little complex had signs asking that no photos be taken and I respected that (unless I missed a sign in a booth) but was thrilled to be able to talk to the artist Jeffre Behm of 30A Frogs. He said he was happy for me to photograph some of his delightful creatures and I could see why they are becoming a favorite around the 30A area. Look at these cuties.
Seriously, how cute are those frogs? It was hard to resist buying one but resist I did. This time.
Each artist who has space in this little venue mans the shops on a regular basis and the shops are open daily from 9 am until 8 pm. There is even a resident cat whose name I forgot to write down but who is very friendly and keeps an eye on things when the artists are away. (Thanks to Dan for finding out the name of the cat is Socks.)
The booths offer a variety of items from illustrated books about starfish to jewelry to home decor. Each shop had a flavor of the artist and the creations were all fun to look at. 
For more information on the 30a Artists at Gulf Place click on their website here where you can explore more.
I would highly recommend a visit to any of the beaches located off of 30A. They are simply marvelous and a great place to kick back any time of the year and relax. For more information and to access the 30A Florida Visitor’s Guide click here to be taken directly to their website.
23 Comments
Leave a commentThanks for this delightful post. I was not aware of these beaches and have bookmarked this page so it will be handy when I start planning my Florida vacation.
Bernadette, thanks so much for stopping by. I absolutely love this area and there is so much to do around there. Shopping, beaches, great dining, etc. Let me know what you end up doing–I would love to read about your adventures!
This looks like my kind of place. I love getting off the main roads and exploring areas like this. What a great getaway, Beth Ann.
Laura—thanks for stopping by. It really is a fun place and when I find a place where there are cute little artist booths I get all excited. Especially when the artists are there. OF course the resident cat did not hurt the appeal for me at all.
My wanderlust is so bad right now! This makes me want to visit asap. That resident cat is adorable.
I wish I could remember that name of the cat. I am so bad at writing things down and I really need to get in the habit of writing things down. It is such a great stretch of beach—I loved every single beach on that stretch.
I think the cat is called ‘Socks’ ? I found a post on Facebook 🙂
https://www.facebook.com/artistsatgulfplace/photos/a.245911802091620.79617.110324998983635/1333721583310631/?type=3&theater
YES!!! Thanks!!!
I know of a great place in North Carolina that you can visit as well. 🙂
These beaches sound amazing and what a wonderful write up! I don’t know when we’ll make it to Florida but this has gone on the bucket list. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Dan!!! Glad to help fill up your bucket list! ????
I would love this artistic haven. I especially appreciate when artists allow me to photograph their work. 🙂
I know you would love this place as well. Some of the jewelry was really nice and I refrained from buying much but it was fun to look.
Looks like such an interesting place. The artwork is amazing, and you know I love the photos of Sox!
Of course the kitty was a huge draw for me as well!
Love 30A! We usually stay at the other end, in Rosemary or Inlet. Have you been to Georges in Alys Beach for their amazing fried grouper sandwich? It’s our “first day on 30A” ritual whenever we are there.
It’s the best, isn’t it? We have stayed in Rosemary and I love Grayton Beach. Beautiful area. We will have to try George’s! Thanks for the tip!
My kind of place!! Of course, you know I love beaches and art. These kiosks are similar to the markets we have here in Spain. Socks is so cute!!
I love it. Especially the piano shutter. I had never heard of this road. I’ll have to investigate it.
You definitely need to, Dawn. I think you would discover all kinds of great things. 🙂
Love the frogs, too! And I wonder…. Do I see Rod’s work in there???
What a sweet lil’ spot! So cool you got to see all this. We’ve been to Destin before, but definitely need to check out 30A thanks for the heads up! 🙂
There is so much to see and some really great restaurants as well that serve amazing food. You would love it.