Where can I go for vacation in Florida to get away from the crowds and really relax? It’s a question we hear all the time, and one likely to elicit a lot of answers. But if the crowds of Daytona, Lauderdale, Miami and Panama City are a bit much for you, here’s a great place to consider.
Imagine this: It’s early March, and while much of the country is still shrugging off winter’s chill, the weather around Seaside is a gentle embrace of spring. Temperatures hover in the mid-60s to low 70s, with soft gulf breezes carrying the scent of salt and magnolias. The sun shines generously—over 300 days a year, they say—warming the days just enough for a barefoot stroll along the shore or a lazy afternoon under a beach umbrella. Summer brings hotter days, often in the high 80s, with the occasional afternoon shower that cools the air and leaves the evenings perfect for sipping a drink on a porch swing. Even winter here is mild, with highs in the 60s, drawing snowbirds who know this secret haven offers respite without the biting cold.
Nestled along the shimmering Emerald Coast of Florida’s Panhandle between Panama City and Ft. Walton, the area around Seaside is a quiet treasure waiting to be discovered by those who crave a slower, more soulful escape. Seaside itself sits on Scenic Highway 30A, a winding coastal road that stretches between the bustling hubs of Panama City Beach and Destin, roughly 35 minutes east of Destin and an hour and a half from Pensacola by car. This charming stretch of South Walton County, often overshadowed by its flashier neighbors, offers a serene retreat where the Gulf of Mexico’s turquoise waves lap against sugar-white sands, and the pace of life feels refreshingly unhurried.
A Different Florida Vacation
What makes this area so special? It’s “off the beaten path” allure. Unlike the theme-park frenzy of Orlando or the neon buzz of Miami, the communities along 30A in the Florida Panhandle—think Seaside, WaterColor, Grayton Beach, and Seagrove—whisper rather than shout. Here, you won’t find high-rise condos or chain restaurants vying for attention. Instead, pastel-colored cottages with white picket fences line brick-paved streets, and mom-and-pop shops sell everything from handmade jewelry to vinyl records. The region’s New Urbanism design, pioneered by Seaside itself, prioritizes walkability and community over sprawl, making it feel like a step back into a simpler, less commercialized Florida. It’s the kind of place where you rent a bike, not a car, and let the day unfold at its own pace.
For vacationers seeking value in their Florida vacation, this overlooked pocket of paradise is a goldmine. The cost of a rental cottage or a meal at a local spot like The Great Southern Café is often easier on the wallet than in glitzier destinations, yet the experience feels richer.
What Is There To Do In Seaside?
Even with its slower pace, there are still plenty of relaxing things to do in Seaside. Picture yourself waking to the sound of waves, sipping coffee on a shaded porch, then wandering to the Seaside Farmers Market for fresh produce or a handmade trinket. Afternoons might mean kayaking through the dune lakes—rare coastal ecosystems found almost nowhere else—or hiking the trails of Grayton Beach State Park, where pine forests meet the shore. Evenings are for seafood feasts at Airstream Row, where food trucks serve up gourmet bites in a laid-back vibe, or catching a sunset that paints the sky in hues of peach and lavender. Looking for something more adventurous? Consider taking a surfing lesson at Austin McGee’s Surf School !
Paradise Overlooked
So why is this area so often overlooked? Perhaps it’s because it lacks the loud marketing of Florida’s big-name spots. Seaside and its neighbors don’t boast roller coasters or nightlife that pulses until dawn; they’re not trying to compete with the spring break crowds of Panama City Beach or the luxury high-rises of Naples. The private beach access in places like Seaside—where you might need a wristband or a chair rental—can also deter those who don’t dig a little deeper to find public entry points nearby. And honestly, its subtlety is its strength: it’s a destination that rewards those willing to seek it out rather than stumble upon it.
Yet that’s exactly why vacationers should consider it. This is a place where relaxation isn’t just an option—it’s the rhythm of life. It’s where families can build sandcastles without elbowing through crowds, where couples can reconnect over a quiet dinner at Bud & Alley’s with gulf views, and where solo travelers can find peace in the rustle of sea oats. Seaside and its surroundings offer a chance to unplug from the chaos and sink into a vacation that feels personal, not packaged. It’s the antidote to the over-scheduled, over-hyped trips that leave you needing a vacation from your vacation.
Take, for instance, the story of Clara and Tom, a couple from Chicago who stumbled upon Seaside after a friend’s quiet recommendation. Tired of the usual whirlwind getaways, they booked a cottage in WaterColor for a week in April. They arrived expecting little more than a beach, but found themselves enchanted by morning walks through Seaside’s quaint streets, afternoons paddleboarding on Western Lake, and nights stargazing from their porch. “We kept waiting for the catch,” Clara laughed later, “but it never came. It was just… easy. We didn’t realize how much we needed that.” They’ve returned every year since, calling it their “reset spot.”
No Place Is Perfect, But Seaside Is Close
The area around Seaside isn’t flawless—summer crowds can swell, and those afternoon rains might dampen a beach day—but its imperfections only add to its charm. It’s a place that asks you to slow down, to savor, to breathe. For vacationers willing to veer off the well-trodden path, it’s a reminder that sometimes the best destinations are the ones that don’t scream for your attention—they wait patiently, ready to reward you with a quieter kind of magic. So pack your flip-flops, leave the itinerary loose, and let Seaside show you what a real “escape” vacation in Florida feels like.
