Is there really anything better than traveling with dogs?
It's about time I introduce you to our 29-pound labradoodle, Frisco. He has two adoring, work-from-home parents, so it is rare that he ever spends more than just a few hours apart from us. Unless we're jet-setting abroad, we travel with Frisco everywhere.
And then there's Biscuit. Biscuit is my parents' dog, and she has the same dad as Frisco, but they are from different litters and a year apart. Biscuit is quite special. Several years ago my parents got in a car accident on the interstate when Biscuit was in the car. Scared, she bolted from the car and was lost in Paducah, Kentucky for three days. The entire town helped us search for her day and night for three days straight until someone found her. I'll never forget walking in the dark up to a crowd of friendly residents holding Biscuit in their arms. Today Biscuit volunteers for READing Paws where she visits libraries every week to help children improve their reading skills.
Every year my family takes a summer vacation to Watercolor, Florida, and we always brings the dogs in the car with us. This year was the first time we took the dogs to the beach.
Early Mornings on the Beach with the Dogs
We discovered that dogs are allowed to play on the beach until 8am in Watercolor. Every morning we headed straight to the beach with Frisco and Biscuit so they could run freely up and down the shore.
Nothing compares to the joy of seeing your dog frolicking in the sand and running at top speed to chase a ball.
At first they were scared of the sound of the crashing waves, but once they got used to that they were scared of the water that came up the shore. Several treats later, both dogs felt happy and right at home.
On our last day in Watercolor I brought my camera out so I could capture the moment.
How to Make the Most of Your Trip to Watercolor & Seaside
There are many amazing places to stay along 30A, but we love being in Watercolor. If you stay in Watercolor you have access to a large pool area overlooking the ocean. This spot has multiple bars and restaurants and plenty of lounging areas. Plus it's great when some people in your group want to be at the beach and others want to enjoy the view from up high.
Watercolor is—as you might suspect—full of beautiful houses in various "watercolor" hues, from mint green and turquoise and everything in between. Shady trees and tropical plants line the streets, which have more bikes and golf carts than they do cars.
The neighborhood offers multiple pools, including Camp Watercolor which has a lazy river, slides, and pool bar. There are nature trails and a lake where you can paddle board or kayak. You also have access to tennis and pickle ball courts.
In less than 10 minutes you can bike straight into Seaside, which has a historic and charming atmosphere. The main square features a row of airstream food trucks, adorable shops of all kinds, and live music. Just across the street are even more restaurants with bar seating overlooking the ocean.
Sandestin, Alys Beach & Rosemary Beach
About 30 minutes away from Watercolor and Seaside is Sandestin. If you love to golf like Hunter and I, we always hit up our favorite spot, Sandestin Links. We've also loved playing at Baytowne, Raven, and Emerald Bay.
In the other direction about 15-20 minutes from Watercolor and Seaside is Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach. Both have very different architectural styles. Alys Beach has crisp white buildings in Moroccan style and Rosemary Beach has more of a European vibe. Both are worth checking out for their dining options.
My Watercolor & Seaside Bucket List
With all that in mind, here is my bucket list every time I vacation in Watercolor:
- Go for a bike ride to Seaside, explore the shops and grab a drink overlooking the ocean
- Lounge at the Watercolor pool at the highest spot with epic views of the ocean
- Go for an early morning run to the beach with the dogs
- Take a relaxing nap on the lazy river
- Golf in Sandestin
- Grab a healthy breakfast in Alys Beach
- Dine out in Rosemary Beach
- Go for a walk on the nature trail
- Read a book on the beach
- Spend a lazy morning on the front porch watching bikers stroll by
- Watch live music or an outdoor movie at the Seaside square
Best Casual Lunch & Dinner Spots in 30A and What I Order
Here is my ultimate restaurant guide to Watercolor and Seaside, with a few other spots in 30A.
Bud & Alley's: This Seaside favorite is made up of three different restaurants. Bud & Alley's is one of our favorite spots to grab a drink and enjoy views of the ocean. The Pizza Bar is great for takeout and offers coal-fired pizza. You can build your own pie, or the Marinara has no cheese—we just add mushrooms. The Taco Bar is one of my favorites! It's got a really fun and relaxed atmosphere for a quick bite. I get a Baja Bowl with black beans, rice, mango, avocado and lime, along with a Veggie Taco, which has rice, beans, cabbage, and pico. I highly recommend their margaritas too!
Mr. Gyro Hero: I am always in the mood for good falafel! This is my favorite airstream food truck in Seaside. They have all of the things you'd expect—hummus, stuffed grape leaves, and Greek salad. My favorite is the falafel pita wrap with lettuce, tomato, and tahini sauce.
Best Fine Dining Spots in 30A and What I Order
Fish Out Of Water: Overlooking Santa Rosa Beach, FOOW is Watercolor's best dining option. A little more upscale, it's the perfect place to get dressed up for a romantic dinner by the sea. I always order the black bean tacos, which come with black beans, corn, slaw, and salsa. Get the chips for a side, they are homemade and seasoned to perfection!
Surfing Deer: This is hands down our favorite spot to eat out in Santa Rosa Beach. Always request outside seating as the patio has these tranquil little pools that create a very serene setting. I start with the gochujang fried cauliflower and coffee roasted carrots. They also have a creamy sweet corn pasta with slow roasted tomatoes, caramelized onions, jalapeño and almond queso fresco. It was so good.
Pescado: In Rosemary Beach, this rooftop restaurant and bar offers the best views in 30A. They also make incredible cocktails! We didn't go here this past year, but I remember ordering crispy Brussels sprouts that were to die for. Go for happy hour and get a few shareables or call ahead and inquire about vegan options for dinner. I don't see anything vegan on their menu, but I do remember them being super accommodating and preparing a veggie-forward entree.
Best Breakfast Spots in 30A and What I Order
Raw & Juicy: This super hip cafe in Alys Beach is a great place to snap some pics. Everything is organic and they serve fresh juice and smoothies, along with a variety of vegan savory dishes. Last time we were there we ordered a breakfast bowl with rice, black beans, avocado, and tomato.
Holiday Cafe: With one of the cutest atmospheres in 30A, this Alys Beach spot is a must-see. They have a great wine list, so if you're in the mood for a mimosa (hold the orange juice 😉 ), this is the place to go. If you've read my Welcome to My Blog post, then you know my 90/10 rule. At the Holiday Cafe we ordered a glass of Champagne with a croissant and it was absolutely amazing.
The Green Stream: Craving an açaí bowl? This is the place. Another airstream in Seaside, The Green Stream is a fun spot for a healthy and light breakfast. Our favorite thing to do is visit the Farmers Market while munching on a smoothie bowl.
Tips for Traveling with Dogs
Happy dogs...happy life? 🙂 In order to make this trip a success, Frisco and Biscuit have to be happy. Between the nature trails and the beach, it's easy to keep them active. Here are a few tips that can apply to a beach trip with the dogs, or any time you find yourself traveling with dogs.
- Plan to have a picnic lunch at a rest stop where you can walk your dog and take a break. We always pack a cold lunch and bring treats for the dogs.
- Don't forget to bring food and water bowls, plenty of poop bags, treats, dog food, their favorite toys, and a harness or life jacket if needed.
- Bring blankets for the car to create a comfy spot to sleep. Be safe and keep a leash on your dog or even invest in a dog seatbelt.
- Have wipes handy for dirty paws—this is especially helpful after visiting a rest stop!
- If heading to the beach, eye drops and doggy shampoo and conditioner are nice to have for cleaning up and getting rid of any sand.
Have you traveled to 30A? If so, comment below with your favorite tips, things to do, and restaurants to eat at! I would love to check out your favorite spots!
Do you travel with your dog? I'd love to hear your favorite travel memories if so!
If you're traveling to the beach, check out my Tofu Lettuce Wraps for a light and refreshing poolside meal that's easy to make!
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