If you’ve ever pictured pastel beach cottages with white picket fences, colorful food trucks lined up on a town square, and families biking together under the Florida sun, you’re already imagining Seaside, Florida. Famous as the filming location for The Truman Show and celebrated as the birthplace of New Urbanism, Seaside is one of the most iconic communities on Scenic Highway 30A.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Seaside: where it’s located, why it’s so family-friendly, the top things to do, where to eat, where to stay, and how to make the most of your trip. Whether you’re visiting with kids, planning a romantic getaway, or gathering friends for a week at the beach, Seaside offers a lively, walkable atmosphere full of charm.
And if you want to go beyond strolling and sunbathing, there’s a unique adventure nearby that families, couples, and solo travelers all rave about, eFoil lessons and guided tours with Emerald Wake. Imagine gliding quietly above the emerald-green water, laughing with your crew, and creating the kind of memory that lasts long after vacation ends.
📞 Call or text us at (850) 400-8500 or email in**@*********ke.com to plan your Seaside eFoil session.
Seaside is located in South Walton County, right along Scenic Highway 30A in the heart of Florida’s Emerald Coast. It sits between WaterColor to the west and Seagrove Beach to the east, making it easy to explore neighboring communities while enjoying Seaside’s lively, small-town charm.
What makes Seaside worth visiting is its unique design and atmosphere. Planned in the 1980s as the first New Urbanist town, Seaside is famous for its pastel-colored cottages, white picket fences, and a walkable layout centered on a bustling town square. The design was so picturesque it became the filming location for The Truman Show, and today it continues to draw visitors who love its balance of nostalgia and modern convenience.
Why visit? Because Seaside has something for everyone. Families can spend the day biking between shops, playgrounds, and the beach. Couples can enjoy evening concerts in the amphitheater or sunset walks along the Gulf. Friends can grab tacos or BBQ from the food truck row before heading out for a paddle or fishing trip.
And when you’re ready to step off the shore, Seaside’s central location makes it easy to try unique water adventures nearby, including eFoil lessons and tours on calm, scenic stretches of the Emerald Coast.
📍 Map Tip: Use a map to see how Seaside connects seamlessly to neighboring WaterColor and Seagrove, giving you easy access to both bustling attractions and quieter escapes.
Absolutely. Seaside might be one of the most family-friendly towns on 30A. The entire community was designed to be walkable and safe, which makes it easy for parents to relax while kids explore. Bike rentals are everywhere, and it’s common to see families cruising together between the town square, beach, and nearby neighborhoods.
The central amphitheater often hosts concerts, movie nights, and farmers’ markets, perfect for kids to run around while parents enjoy the entertainment. Along the main square, the colorful food truck row offers everything from grilled cheese to BBQ, making it easy to keep even picky eaters happy.
On the water, Seaside’s wide beaches are ideal for swimming, building sandcastles, or splashing in the gentle Gulf waves. The nearby dune lakes also provide calm, protected spots for beginner paddlers and curious kids.
For families who want to mix in something new, Seaside is also close to family-friendly eFoil lessons with Emerald Wake. With beginner boards and expert instructors, even teens and adventurous grandparents can join in. It’s a fun, safe way to share an adventure that goes beyond the usual beach day.
The heart of the community, the Seaside Amphitheater hosts concerts, outdoor movie nights, festivals, and weekly farmers’ markets. It’s a lively gathering place where families can spread out on the lawn, enjoy local entertainment, and let kids run free in a safe, central spot.
Stroll Through Boutiques and Galleries
Seaside’s walkable town square is filled with boutique shops, galleries, and local gems. Be sure to stop by the iconic Seaside Post Office, one of the most photographed buildings in town, for a perfect vacation photo. Book lovers should stop by Sundog Books, while fans of coastal fashion and gifts will enjoy browsing The SEASIDE Style shops. Art galleries and smaller boutiques round out the shopping scene, making it a perfect afternoon stroll.
Seaside’s Airstream Row is one of the most iconic food experiences on 30A. This line of vintage trailers along 30A serves up local favorites that have become must-tries: grab a gourmet grilled cheese from The Meltdown on 30A, dig into Southern BBQ at Barefoot BBQ, or cool off with a sweet shaved ice from Frost Bites. It’s casual, colorful, and a highlight for families and groups alike.
Seaside’s walkable town square is filled with boutique shops, galleries, and local gems. Book lovers should stop by Sundog Books, a beloved independent bookstore, while fashion fans can browse The SEASIDE Style shops for resort wear, gifts, and coastal décor. Art galleries and smaller boutiques round out the shopping scene, making it a perfect afternoon stroll.
Seaside’s Gulf-front beach is exactly what most people picture when they think of 30A, soft white sand, emerald water, and plenty of space to spread out. Rent a chair and umbrella, swim in the calm Gulf, or simply enjoy a sunset you’ll never forget.
The best way to get around Seaside is by bike. Rentals are easy through the Seaside Transit Authority Bike Rentals or other local vendors, and the 30A bike path makes it simple to pedal to nearby WaterColor, Grayton Beach, or Seagrove. Families especially love this freedom, and it’s one of the most fun, practical ways to explore the coast.
If you want to go beyond the usual Seaside activities, consider trying something new just a short drive away. eFoil lessons and guided tours with Emerald Wake let you rise above the water on a quiet, electric board, safe for beginners and unforgettable for families, couples, and groups of friends.
Yes! Seaside is an excellent spot for water sports, whether you prefer calm exploration or something more adventurous. The Gulf of Mexico provides wide stretches of emerald water perfect for swimming, skimboarding, and paddle play, while the nearby dune lakes create protected areas for paddling and fishing.
The coastal dune lakes near Seaside, such as Western Lake in nearby Grayton Beach State Park, are ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking. These rare ecosystems, found in only a few places worldwide, offer calm waters where beginners, kids, and wildlife lovers can enjoy a safe outing.
While Seaside isn’t known for big surf, the Gulf occasionally brings in small, rideable waves perfect for beginners and kids with soft-top boards. Skimboarding along the shore is another fun option when conditions are light.
From light tackle fishing in the dune lakes to surf casting along the beach, Seaside offers several easy ways to enjoy angling. Guided charters are also available in nearby towns for those wanting to head offshore.
For visitors looking for a modern twist on water sports, eFoiling has quickly become a bucket-list activity along the Emerald Coast. Just a short drive from Seaside, Emerald Wake offers lessons and guided tours on calm, protected waters. Unlike surfing or kiting, eFoiling doesn’t require waves or wind, making it beginner-friendly, safe for families, and unforgettable for couples or groups of friends.
Seaside is known for its charm on land, pastel cottages, bike rides, and lively food truck nights; but just minutes away, you can experience the Emerald Coast in an entirely new way: eFoiling.
An eFoil is a sleek, electric-powered surfboard with a hydrofoil wing underneath. As you press the handheld remote, the board quietly lifts out of the water, giving you the surreal feeling of flying. No waves, no wind, no towing required. It’s smooth, quiet, and designed so that beginners can pick it up quickly.
What makes eFoiling special near Seaside is how accessible it is. Families can share the thrill together, couples can add a fresh adventure to their getaway, and even teens or adventurous grandparents can learn safely. With expert coaching and calm, protected launch sites, most first-time riders are standing and gliding within minutes.
It’s more than just a water activity, it’s a core memory. Picture yourself rising above the Gulf’s emerald water, laughing with friends or family, and experiencing the coast in a way most visitors never do. For many, it becomes the highlight of their entire 30A trip.
📞 Call or text us at (850) 400-8500 or email in**@*********ke.com to plan your Seaside eFoil session.
You can also explore our Beginner’s Guide to Fliteboarding to see how it works.
While Seaside is all about its walkable town square, food trucks, and beaches, eFoil lessons are available just a short drive away. Emerald Wake operates in calm, protected waters like Lake Powell, one of Florida’s rare coastal dune lakes, close enough to fit seamlessly into your Seaside itinerary.
Lessons start with a short safety briefing and gear fitting on land, then move into the water for hands-on instruction. Calm launch sites make it easy for first-timers, and most riders are gliding within their first session. All gear: board, remote, helmet, and life vest is included.
You can also explore our Beginner’s Guide to Fliteboarding to see how it works.
Booking is simple. You can reserve your lesson online or reach out directly for help scheduling.
📞 Call or text (850) 400-8500 or email in**@*********ke.com to find the best time for your group.
If you’d like to go beyond a first lesson, Emerald Wake also offers guided eFoil tours, a way to combine the thrill of flying over water with exploring some of the Emerald Coast’s most scenic, hidden spots.
Guided tours are perfect for couples who want a quiet adventure, families who want to make a core memory, or groups of friends who love sharing something new together. Instead of sitting on a boat tour, you’ll be the one steering your own adventure.
Call or text (850) 400-8500, email in**@*********ke.com, or visit our Guided eFoil Tours page for more details.
Visit our guided eFoil tours page for more details.
Seaside may be small, but it’s one of the best places on 30A for food. From casual food trucks to iconic Gulf-front dining, the town offers plenty of options for families, couples, and groups. Here are a few must-tries during your stay:
Best Spots for Families (Casual & Fun)
Romantic Dining (Upscale & Ambiance)
Chill Bites & All-Day Hangouts
Quick & Social Eats for Groups
From rooftop cocktails to food truck lunches, Seaside’s dining scene balances upscale flair with beach-town fun.
Seaside is best known for its pastel-colored cottages and picture-perfect streets, and staying here feels like stepping into a postcard. Whether you’re planning a family trip, a romantic getaway, or a friends’ vacation, you’ll find accommodations that match the town’s lively, walkable charm.
Vacation Rentals
Most visitors stay in Seaside’s pastel cottages and beach homes, available as short-term vacation rentals. Many come with porches, picket fences, and easy access to both the town square and the beach. Options range from cozy one-bedroom cottages to large multi-bedroom homes for families or groups.
Boutique Inns & Nearby Hotels
While Seaside itself is centered on rentals, nearby communities offer boutique hotels that carry the same upscale charm. The Pearl Hotel in Rosemary Beach is a well-known luxury option with Gulf-front views, while WaterColor Inn provides a family-friendly boutique experience just next door to Seaside. Both are excellent choices if you prefer a hotel stay with on-site amenities.
Resorts Nearby
For a larger, resort-style experience, you’ll find full-service hotels with golf courses, spas, and extensive dining just a short drive away in Sandestin or Destin. These are especially convenient for families who want everything in one place but still want to spend time exploring Seaside.
State Park Camping (for Something Different)
For a more rustic stay, nearby Grayton Beach State Park offers camping and cabins close to the beach and coastal dune lakes. It’s adventurous but still within easy reach of Seaside’s dining and shops.
📍 Tip: Staying in Seaside itself means you can bike or walk to nearly everything, from the beach to the amphitheater to Airstream Row. If you want easy access to Emerald Wake’s eFoil launch sites, staying on the eastern side of Seaside or in nearby Seagrove makes the short drive to Lake Powell simple.
While the sugar-white sand and emerald water are the main draw, the vibrant heart of Seaside lies in its New Urbanist town center. Designed for walking, biking, and gathering, this colorful hub offers art, culture, shopping, and experiences you won’t find anywhere else on 30A.
Seaside isn’t just another beach town on 30A, it’s a community that feels like it was built for memory-making. From pastel cottages and lively food trucks to concerts on the amphitheater lawn and bike rides down tree-lined streets, every moment here feels special. Families love the safety and walkability, couples fall for the sunsets and rooftop cocktails, and friends can fill entire days with great food, shopping, and time on the beach.
What makes a Seaside trip even more memorable, though, is adding something most visitors never try: eFoiling. Just minutes from town, you can glide above emerald water on a quiet, electric surfboard with Emerald Wake. It’s safe, beginner-friendly, and exciting for nearly every age, from adventurous teens to active grandparents. Most first-time riders are standing and flying within a single session, turning an ordinary vacation into one with a story you’ll tell for years.
Seaside gives you charm and comfort on land, and eFoiling gives you adventure and perspective on the water. Together, they create a perfect 30A experience.
📞 Call or text (850) 400-8500 or email in**@*********ke.com to book your Seaside-area eFoil session today.
Seaside is famous as the filming location for The Truman Show and as the first New Urbanist town in the U.S. It’s known for pastel cottages, picket fences, walkable streets, and its lively town square with food trucks, boutiques, and an outdoor amphitheater.
Yes, Seaside is one of the most family-friendly towns on 30A. Families love biking through the safe, walkable streets, catching free movie nights at the amphitheater, and grabbing casual meals from the Airstream food trucks. For something different, nearby family-friendly eFoil lessons are a safe, beginner-friendly adventure that even teens and active grandparents can enjoy together.
Emerald Wake offers eFoil lessons and guided tours just a short drive away on calm waters like Lake Powell. It’s close enough to add easily into a Seaside vacation while still feeling like a unique adventure.
Yes. eFoiling is designed to be beginner-friendly, and most riders are gliding within their first lesson. With safety gear included and expert instructors guiding you step by step, it’s safe for families, couples, and solo travelers of all ages.
No gear is needed. Emerald Wake provides everything, including the board, handheld remote, helmet, and life vest. Just bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure.
Most lessons range from $250–$350 depending on the type of session. Group lessons and returning riders may qualify for discounts. You can check the lessons page for current pricing.
Spring and fall are considered the sweet spots, with warm weather and fewer crowds. Summer is the busiest season, while winter offers a quieter, more laid-back vibe.
Morning sessions are ideal thanks to calm water and lighter boat traffic. These conditions make it easier for beginners to learn and for families to enjoy smoother rides.
Seaside already gives you some of the best memories on land, pastel cottages, concerts on the lawn, bike rides, and iconic food trucks. But if you want to add a bucket-list adventure to your trip, eFoiling with Emerald Wake is the way to do it.
Safe, beginner-friendly, and designed for all ages, our private lessons and guided tours let you glide above emerald waters on a Fliteboard or Flitescooter. Whether you’re here with family, enjoying a romantic getaway, or traveling with friends, it’s the adventure that turns a great vacation into one you’ll never forget.
📞 (850) 400-8500 • ✉️ in**@*********ke.com • 🌐 Book online
Book Your Seaside eFoil SessionSpots fill quickly, especially during peak season on 30A. Reserve yours today and see Seaside from a whole new perspective.
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