A view of Seagrove Beach from our condo

It’s mid-afternoon in Seagrove Beach, Florida. I’m enjoying a cool drink under the shade of my umbrella and starting out at the blue-green waters and soft white sands. Bands of light blues and dark greens alternate and draw my eyes toward the horizon, the lighter colors hinting at shallow depths where fat sand dollars are being scooped up by adventurous snorkelers and divers. I close my eyes for a moment and simply listen — I hear the surf, children’s chatter, relaxed laughter and seagulls. And then — “Dolphins!” I open my eyes and there they are, about 500 feet off shore, frolicking with kayakers near one of the sandbars. There are twenty, maybe thirty of them, and as more beach goers scramble to get their sea kayaks out in time, I’m struck by how magical this place is.

Seagrove Beach is one of at least seven little beach towns on the 30A, not including Destin and Panama City Beach, both of which are much bigger and more commercial. As you travel from West to East on the 30A, you start in Destin and then travel through Dune Allen Beach, Blue Mountain Beach,  Grayton Beach, Watercolor, Seaside, Seagrove and finally Rosemary Beach. Like most of the other beaches, Seagrove Beach is backed by beach homes and larger condo structures that prevent access to the beach by the general public, though there are eight public access points as well.

Another lazy day in Seagrove Beach, Florida

If you’re not the beach bum type, fear not — Seagrove Beach offers plenty to see and do. Rent a sea kayak or a stand-up paddle board and explore the sand bars just off the beach. Keep an eye out for the bands of lighter colored water where the depth is between 10-15 feet. You can dive for sand dollars here, lots of fun!The company that rents out the stand-up paddle boards is usually YOLO — You Only Live Once. Love the name! Or, rent a bike – the adorable beach cruisers you see around town are really cheap to rent ($30-$45 for the week) and they’re the absolute best way to get around. The 30A is very congested with cars at times. Night owls can take a walk on the beach with a flashlight and watch for the sand crabs scuttling about. Some are pretty big, so watch out!

Rent a cute beach cruiser to explore Seagrove Beach and the other nearby beach towns!

There are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat in Seagrove and nearby Seaside, so go out and explore. Be sure to check out the food trucks in Seaside, particularly the grilled cheese truck. Delicious! Seagrove is a lovely place for casual, unplanned wandering and people watching. When it gets too hot, you can always duck inside an ice cream or art store.

If You Go: High season for the 30A beaches starts around Memorial Day weekend and goes through early August; stay just before or just after these times to save a bundle of money on your beach cottage or condo rental. Your best bet is around May 15, just before Memorial Day, when the waters are warm and usually seaweed and algae-free, though waters can be very clear up through Memorial Day. Low season is August-late September or early October, when the weather is very hot and humid. Rent a bicycle! They’re only $30-$45 for a week and the beach cruisers are the best way to navigate around all the cars and pedestrians that crowd the busy sidewalks and streets.

Gorgeous sunset on Seagrove Beach

Photos: Jenny Bengen-Albert