This was my second visit to Seaside, but the first with my family. We timed a book signing on the porch of Sundog Books to coincide with the trip, and turned it into a short family getaway. The town’s architecture, friendly atmosphere, clean beaches and walkable layout make it a delightful destination for families and couples alike. I left thinking this should become an annual tradition.
If you’re planning a relaxing beach escape with easy access to shops, food trucks, live music and outdoor activities, Seaside is an ideal choice. Below I’ve summarized how to get there, where to stay, where to eat and the best things to do while you’re in town.
How to get there:
The nearest airport is Panama City Beach, about a 35-minute drive from Seaside. We used a local shuttle service that provided a comfortable ride, car seats and friendly drivers, which made arriving with kids much easier and set a welcoming tone for our stay.
Where to stay:
The best way to experience Seaside’s neighborhood feel is by renting a beach cottage. We stayed in Watcha Dune through the Cottage Rental Agency, a cottage that comfortably slept eight and came equipped with a full kitchen, two porches with wooden deck chairs, board games, bicycles, pool passes and beach access within walking distance. The Cottage Rental Agency is the town’s on-site rental provider and has long been a resource for visitors planning vacations, weddings and daily bike rentals.
Where to eat:
Mornings in Seaside began for us at Amavida Coffee and Tea, an excellent spot for fair-trade coffee, breakfast bites and quick tacos, arepas or empanadas. It’s an easy walk from the town center and a great place to start the day.
One of Seaside’s culinary charms is the line-up of gourmet airstreams and food trailers along 30A. A few favorites we enjoyed include Frost Bites, known for shaved ice and homemade frozen custard; Raw & Juicy, which offers organic juices, smoothies and healthy snacks perfect for the beach; and Barefoot BBQ, notable for its smoked flavors and friendly service. These mobile vendors make it easy to grab quality beach snacks and treats throughout the day.
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| Me and Murphy at Barefoot BBQ |
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| Raw and Juicy |
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| Frost Bites has the best shaved ice |
Best place to watch the sunset:
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| Sunset view from The Shrimp Shack |
The Shrimp Shack offers relaxed beachfront dining with some of the best sunset views in town and excellent Gulf shrimp. For breakfast with a view, Bud & Alley’s serves dishes on a deck overlooking the water where dolphins are sometimes visible while you eat. Both restaurants are favorites for visitors seeking scenic meals and fresh seafood.
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| Eating breakfast at Bud & Alley’s with a stunning view |
Things to do:
Beach: The white-sand beaches and gentle Gulf waves invite swimming, sandcastle building and relaxing with a book. For convenience, you can rent chairs and umbrellas through local beach services and keep them set up for the duration of your stay. Surf lessons are available for children and adults, making it easy for beginners to try riding the waves.
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| Grab juice and snacks from Raw and Juicy for the beach |
Bike riding: Seaside is designed to be explored by bicycle. Rent a bike to cruise the town’s paths and sidewalks; many rental shops provide children’s bikes and training wheels so the whole family can enjoy easy rides together. Biking is the fastest and most pleasant way to discover local shops, parks and beachfront views.
Farmer’s market: Visit the farmers market on Saturday and Tuesday mornings for local produce, baked goods, empanadas and live music. It’s a lively spot to sample local flavors and meet vendors.
Shopping: The town center offers a variety of boutiques and specialty stores. Pick up snacks, wine, beer and picnic supplies at the local market, and browse shops for beachwear, toys, jewelry and gifts to take home.
Free concerts and movies: One of Seaside’s best features is its free community events. During the warmer months you can enjoy live summer concerts and outdoor movies under the stars on the town lawn, making for memorable evenings without spending extra money.