Seaside, Florida: A Charming Beach Town Perfect for a Girls’ Weekend
I recently spent a girls’ weekend in Seaside, Florida, with the lovely group shown in the photos. If you haven’t been, Seaside is a quaint coastal community on the Florida Panhandle in Walton County, tucked between Panama City Beach and Destin along scenic 30A.
Seaside is the ideal small beach town: white-sand beaches and turquoise water meet pastel cottages and tree-lined streets. Bike-riding families, white picket fences, and friendly local shops create a relaxed, walkable atmosphere. The town is filled with casual restaurants, food trucks, boutique clothing stores, art galleries, and craft shops—everything within easy strolling distance. It’s an excellent choice for friends’ getaways or family vacations.
During our stay we sampled local favorites including Crush, The Shrimp Shack, Pickles, and Bud & Alley’s. The variety of dining options—seafood shacks, relaxed cafés, and more refined dinner spots—made eating out one of the weekend’s highlights.
Top row, left to right: Lori Smith of Seaside, Ali of Gimme Some Oven, Heidi of Foodie Crush, Amanda of Kevin and Amanda, Maria of Two Peas and Their Pod. Bottom row: me, Bill Dawson, Heavenly Dawson, Jenny of Picky Palate, and Shelly of Cookies and Cups.
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| (Me and Amanda) |
It was Ali’s birthday that weekend, so we kicked off the celebration with early cocktails—cheers to sun, sand, and good company.
Afternoons were leisurely: we wandered the town, grabbed shaved ice (toasted coconut was a favorite), browsed boutiques and galleries, and spent time relaxing on the beach. The weather, warm sand, and clear water made it simple to unwind and enjoy every minute.
Stay in a Cottage—A True Seaside Experience
If you’re planning a trip to Seaside, renting a cottage is highly recommended. We stayed in a charming beach cottage called Sea-Ya, just steps from the ocean. The house offered beautiful views, a welcoming kitchen, and a cozy living area—perfect for a group of friends or a large family. Relaxing on the porch with the sound of the waves felt like a peaceful home away from home.
The kitchen and communal spaces made it easy to gather for meals, chat, and share stories. For longer stays, a cottage rental gives you flexibility to cook, host casual breakfasts, and enjoy mornings with coffee on the porch while planning your beach day.
More Photos and Local Recommendations
If you’d like to see more photos and trip recaps, check posts by friends who traveled with us: Heidi (Foodie Crush), Amanda (Kevin and Amanda), Maria (Two Peas and Their Pod), Ali (Gimme Some Oven), Jenny (Picky Palate), and Shelly (Cookies and Cups). Their posts include additional images, dining tips, and local highlights from Seaside and the surrounding 30A area.
Seaside offers a blend of scenic beaches, friendly shops, and relaxed coastal living that makes it an ideal destination for a getaway. Whether you’re planning a girls’ weekend, a family vacation, or a quiet escape, consider a cottage stay, sample local seafood, stroll the town, and spend time on the sand—Seaside’s charm is best experienced slowly and on foot.
For event schedules and town information, look for official Seaside, FL resources to plan your visit and discover seasonal activities in this picturesque beach community.
