Picture a beach that stretches for miles on both sides, with pure white sand, crystal clear water, and an elegant and friendly ocean side community behind you. Heaven right? Almost, this is the small town of Seaside in the panhandle of Florida. It's right on the Gulf of Mexico so there's a beach town relaxing vibe all around, but also right below the state of Alabama so everyone has a little southern twang and plenty of southern hospitality.
If you can manage to tear yourself away from the beach and go into the town you would find a lovely common area in the center of town called the Amphitheater, complete with grass area for children to play and parents to relax, and theater for weekend and summer shows. Around it is a ring of small shops, the main attraction being Modica Market which has everything you need and even a few extra things as well. You can stop by numerous restaurants if you get hungry like Bud and Ally's or Pickles which are right on the beach, or you can grab something quick at the Raw and Juicy airstream beside the amphitheater which serves organic holistic food made with love every day. If you have a sweet tooth you can visit the shaved ice airstream called Frost Bites beside Raw and Juicy, or you can check out the deliciously tempting Dawson's Yogurt and Fudge Works near Modica Market.
If you want to sightsee you can simply walk around the town, every house has a name reflecting the owner's taste, there are multiple trails you can walk or bike through, and you can even find the "Truman House" which is the house that the movie "The Truman Show" was filmed in. You can also visit the remarkable Seaside Neighborhood Charter School, founded in 1996 and made up of three white wood buildings and 115 students.
If you visit during the Spring you can run in the town's annual half marathon and 5K races. All proceeds from the races go to the Seaside Neighborhood School and winners can receive cash prizes as well as a Vera Bradley tote bag from the local Vera Bradley store!
If you want to do something active but aren't looking to run quite so much you're welcome to run on the beach whenever you want, or you can take stand-up paddle boarding lessons, or YOLO boarding as we like to call it. There is also a fantastic yoga studio just down the road from the amphitheater where you can get beginner, intermediate, or advanced lessons!
If you're looking for books or music you can visit Sundog Books right in the amphitheater. And if you're looking for shopping you can visit the Destin commons located a few minutes drive away in Destin. If you're looking to catch a movie you can visit the amphitheater on weekends during the summer and catch a movie on the lawn underneath the stars.
And of course if you're just looking to relax and take it easy you can just lay on the beach all day; don't worry we won't judge you! Just make sure you put on plenty of sunscreen!
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
