Author name: Andy Beal, 30A Realtor

Both Seaside and WaterColor sit on 30A. Both have beautiful beaches. But if you’re planning a family vacation or scouting a permanent move and trying to figure out which one actually works for your situation, not the Instagram version, here’s what you need to know. I’ve walked both communities hundreds of times, helped families buy […]

What is the Current State of 30A Beach Access? 30A beach access is governed by a mix of public regional accesses and private property rights. As of 2026, Walton County recognizes “Customary Use” in specific areas, but many beachfront parcels remain private to the mean high-water line. Stationary lounging requires identifying designated public beach zones.

Every buyer exploring 30A eventually faces the same question: do you pay the premium to live south of Scenic Highway 30A on the beach side, or do you buy north of Highway 98 where the lots are bigger and the carrying costs are dramatically lower? The answer depends entirely on whether you’re chasing rental income

Getting to 30A involves choosing between Northwest Florida Beaches International (ECP), located 20–35 miles from eastern towns like Rosemary Beach, and Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS), which is often 35–50 miles away but serves as a cost-effective alternative for western communities like Dune Allen. Your choice significantly impacts travel time, especially during peak Saturday turnover