The scenic stretch of coastal highway 30A is best-known for its many micro-culturally and architecturally distinct communities. Amidst the old Florida beach houses, the Cape Cod cottages, and the Mediterranean mansions, you’ll find condos of equally diverse style from the upscale resort to the retro-chic and rustic. So, what makes a great 30A condo? These are the features to look for to have a great 30A condo experience!

1. Location

Denizens of 30A know that when you visit this area, it’s all about location-location-location! Yes, the scenic 17-mile stretch of highway is easily traversable on two or four wheels (or by foot if you’re highly motivated, and many are—30A is very popular for distance runners). The condo you pick must first be in the “right” community for you.

For example, Abacos located near Gulf Place in the heart of Santa Rosa Beach is ultra family friendly. The community has a pool and is literally across the road from the Ed Walline beach access to the Emerald Coast. You’re a short bike ride away from the Blue Mountain Creamery. There’s a Pizza by the Sea, an arcade, and a cool outdoor artist’s village at neighboring Gulf Place, so you’ve got plenty to do. Delicious restaurants and Sunrise Coffee Co. are also readily accessible.

Toward the east end of 30A you’ll find The Pointe on 30A. The Pointe is also fine for children, but it’s also well-appointed as an adult-only getaway with patios that lead straight to the elegant pool and deck. The award-winning Big, Bad, Breakfast is on-site, and at night, as you sip cocktails and think about absolutely nothing while the sun sets over the coast, you’ll understand why you picked this venue for your beach condo rental and why you traveled with a 21-and-up crowd. Notably, this Inlet Beach community condo is right next to Rosemary Beach, a highly walkable and shoppable community colloquially described as a “mini New Orleans” because of French architectural inflections.

2. Features & Amenities

Now that you have an idea of the flavor of the communities, you have to pick the features and amenities you want out of your beach condo rental. This can make or break your experience, so be realistic about what you need from your rental. Do you need a washer / dryer in the unit (if you have children, yes…yes, you do)? What about a kitchen? Will be you cooking or dining out? 30A has a lot of delicious restaurants, but many who stay for weeks or months make use of the kitchen space. Most 30A condos have full kitchens, but some are better-appointed than others.

The view is also an important feature for many. After all, you’re on vacation…you want to feel like it. That’s why Santa Rosa Beach’s Gumbeaux Villa is such a treat. This Gulf Place unit sleeps 6 and has a covered wraparound balcony has outdoor seating and views of the towering palms overlooking the sprawling Gulf Place lawn and community. You’re just across the street from the beach here as well.

Like Gumbeaux Villa, 301 Cassine Station in Seagrove Beach’s Cassine Village has a great balcony view. This spacious and recently updated condo in one of 30A’s most naturally beautiful communities sleeps 11. There’s a laundry and wraparound balcony in the unit—great for watching sunset. Meanwhile, the condo community has an elevator for convenience. Cassine Village is adjacent to popular Seaside where many gather for shopping and dining.

3. Accessibility

It’s also important to talk about accessibility. When you’re picking your 30A condo beach rental, you need to know how you’ll be getting around—or if you’ll be getting around at all. For example, San Remo 403 located on the beach side of 30A near the Ed Walline Beach access offers a fitness center, private beach access, BBQ amenities, and a resort-style pool and hot tub. There are luggage carts and an elevator for your convenience. For your aesthetic pleasure, this condo resort has a lake with a fountain. You may never leave the property once you arrive for your 30A getaway, so accessibility is a non-issue.

Likewise, though, you may want to traverse the whole of 30A during your stay and will need a way to get around. Do you like two or four wheels? Some rent bicycles or BYO bikes for a little extra exercise (this is honestly the preferred way for many to get around on 30A) while others need a golf cart. If you plan to dine out a lot and check out all of the communities during your stay, then a golf cart like this 6-seater available at Topsail Village 824 is one you’ll want. Other features of Topsail Village are the location—Inlet Beach—and laundry. Like most condos, this 3-bedroom unit sleeps 7. Most 30A condos have 2-3 bedrooms and sleep 6-8 guests depending on different variables, which makes them ideal for one or two small families, a large family, or a small friend group.

4. Experience

Finally, the experience you have in your beach condo rental is what makes for a great 30A condo. Experience is what you get out of it. If you feel hurried or harried by traffic or crowds or if you feel bored and lonely, then the place wasn’t right for you. But…if your 30A beach vacation leaves you feeling more relaxed than the most enviable novel protagonist, then you’ve found your sweet spot.

For example, with its screened in porch facing the longleaf Florida pine forest and a Keurig coffee maker, Seagrove Highlands 2301 inspires the ultimate in escapism and R&R. Because Seagrove is located next to Seaside and has plenty of to-dos and beach access, while it’s definitely a relaxing getaway, it’s one where you have the option to get into the middle of things.

Experience is everything. Thus, when you’re looking for a what makes a great 30A condo, look for location, features and amenities, accessibility, and experience.

Looking for a great 30A condo beach getaway, look no further—My Vacation Haven has the 30A condo for your vacation needs. Just contact us and let us find a place with the features you need for a perfect 30A experience!