Biking Along 30A

There are few better ways to take in the gorgeous natural panorama of Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A than by bike. Feeling the salt-tinged sea breezes rush past you as you cruise along soft white sands and the lush tropical greenery that marks Highway 30A as a paradise brings a person a distinct, unparalleled sense of joy.

As an added bonus, it’s also a fantastic way to have fun and go sightseeing while getting in a nice workout. Oftentimes, it’s less of a hassle to rent a bike for your excursions into town than it is to drive a car. It’s convenient, better for the environment, and relaxing. It also provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the 30A area in a way that allows them to slow down and truly enjoy the experience of the adventure.

Where to Find 30A Florida Bike Trails and Rentals

Of course, unless you’re up for bringing your bike along on your travels, you’ll probably need to rent a bike locally. Fortunately, there are a number of bike rental shops in the area, particularly around the various nature trails by the local forests and beaches, making it convenient to just pick your destination, hop on the trail, and go.

30A Cruisers is one such rental shop, located near East Lake Beach, just off of the 30A. With affordable prices and high-quality bikes, you can hit the road and get to enjoying yourself sooner and safer, without breaking the bank.

There are many popular Florida bike trails along the 30A, but perhaps the best and most frequented trail is Timpoochee Trail. Spanning over the course of nineteen miles of paved pathway, Timpoochee Trail takes you through several beach areas, beginning with Dune Allen, traversing through Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, and eastwards to Rosemary Beach.

Covering so much ground, taking Timpoochee Trail is one of the most convenient and scenic ways to explore the 30A area, including sightseeing locales such as Deer Lake Park, innumerable beaches, and iconic 30A foodie haunts like La Loba’s Bakery. By the end of the trail, you’ll feel like a local!

Florida Biking Laws and You – What to Keep in Mind When You Ride

Whether it’s your first time coming here or your hundredth, it’s always wise to make sure you’re up to date on Florida’s local biking laws and avoid any unpleasant surprises during your scenic 30A Florida bike rides. Firstly, all riders under the age of sixteen are legally required to wear a helmet. Second, riders are also forbidden from wearing headphones while riding. Other rules are similar or the same as elsewhere in the nation, including biking on the right side of the road and giving pedestrians the right of way.

However, don’t let these simple rules hold you back from experiencing the 30A to the fullest! Remember to bring your camera for pit stops along the way, as the sightseeing on these trails is truly spectacular!

Let Blue Swell Help You Plan Your Next Tropical Getaway!

Our luxurious, comfortable vacation rental properties offer easy access to the most gorgeous sights and fun activities in all of the 30A area, while our commitment to quality customer service ensures that you’re never left in want of anything you need. Contact our reservation specialists today to learn more about the 30A when you book with us for your next trip to paradise!

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Panama City Beach Breweries

Panama City Beach, Florida is a great vacation destination for a number of reasons. Between its vast, pristine white sand beaches, refreshing ocean waves, the vibrant atmosphere of its seaside villages and towns, and its delectable foods and local craft beers, Panama City Beach is where you go to have a good time. In particular, the breweries in Panama City Beach are unique and provide immensely diverse selections that will please beer connoisseurs of all types.

You’ll find below a brief guide that we’ve put together below on just a few of our favorite Panama City Beach, Florida breweries in the area. Read on to learn more about where to go for a great brew and an even greater time!

Nivol Brewery

One of the newest craft breweries in Panama City Beach’s Bay County (as well as the first full-scale brewery in the area), Nivol Brewery is fast growing into one of the most popular institutions in Panama City Beach’s craft beer scene. Its name is derived from “lovin’” spelled backward, with the full meaning being “We’re lovin’ life;” you’ll be loving life too when you drop in for a pint or two!

Uncle Ernie’s Bayfront Grill & Brew House

Take a trip down nostalgia lane when you visit Uncle Ernie’s Bayfront Grill & Brew House, decorated with memorabilia and photographs from the good old days and based in a house formerly belonging to the bar’s namesake, Uncle Ernie Morris and his wife Jesse Morris. Featuring sunset views and spectacular homemade brews, you’d be remiss to miss out on this Panama City Beach brewery!

McGuire’s Irish Pub

A short drive outside of Panama City Beach, McGuire’s Irish Pub is housed in Pensacola and has gained quite a reputation for its microbrews and its lively atmosphere. With a diverse range of homemade beers to complement all palates, McGuire’s is a great Panama City Beach brewery to check out. And, if you’re traveling with anyone who is under twenty-one years old, they have fantastic home-brewed root beer for sampling!

Stay in Comfort and Luxury with Blue Swell!

When you’re being driven home after a fun night of responsibly-enjoyed brews, make sure you have a comfortable place to rest up and recover. Blue Swell offers an extensive selection of high-quality vacation rental properties with lavish amenities for an affordable price, from vast homes to cozy condos.

Contact our reservation specialists today to learn more about the other Panama City Beach, Florida breweries waiting for you when you book one of our elite vacation rentals for your next tropical getaway!

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Panama City Beach Marinas

Whether you own a boat or have just always wanted to operate or ride one, there is a myriad of Panama City Beach marinas that will satisfy your craving for an oceanic adventure! In these marinas, you can fish, sail, see dolphins, swim, and more. If you are planning on bringing your boat, you’ll find that the majority of the marinas in Panama City Beach provide essential boat services, including repair, washing, and dry storage. Read on to learn more about the extensive selection of marinas in Panama City Beach.

Panama City Beach Marinas

Below, you’ll find a brief guide to some of the best marinas to visit in Panama City Beach. We hope that you’ll find this information helpful and that you’ll enjoy your time spent at these marinas as much as we have in the past!

Treasure Island Marina

Owned and operated for over forty years, Treasure Island Marina is family-run and offers boat services (such as storage and repair), fishing charter boats, jet ski tours, and live bait. With their vast experience in fishing and boating, you’re sure to pick up a few tips and tricks that will help your catching immensely.

Pirates Cove Marina Panama City Beach

This lively marina fully embraces its pirate theme, from rum runners at The Pirate’s Tiki Bar to catamaran charters through Paradise Adventures and a dockside pool overlooking the Grand Lagoon. Set off on the Dolphin Sightseeing Sail for a truly unique dolphin-watching experience, or take your boat in for repairs, as this is a full-service marina.

Captain Anderson’s Marina

Sixty years of operation has made this marina into a smooth-operating, well-oiled machine, with fishing charters, dolphin tours, and excursions to the Shell Islands. For those planning a visit in October, the Pirate Fest in Grand Lagoon is a fun and entertaining festival to attend!

Lighthouse Marina Panama City Beach

Boats of all sizes can fuel up here, in addition to the ample sailing and fishing available in the area. The Sea Dragon Pirate Cruise is an immensely entertaining way to explore the waters of the Gulf, while the Grand Marlin Restaurant & Oyster Bar has delectable, freshly caught seafood for your culinary pleasure after long journeys out at sea.

Blue Swell Provides the Most Luxurious, Comfortable, and Affordable Lodgings in Panama City Beach!

Rest and relax after an eventful day of sailing, fishing, and sightseeing within the comfort of lavish, resort-style amenities and spacious privacy of our premier vacation rental properties, which range from vast homes with airy floor plans to cozy condos that are perfect for an intimate, romantic getaway. Regardless of what your vacation entails, you’re sure to find the luxurious accommodations that you need, all without breaking the bank.

Contact our reservation specialists to learn more about what awaits you in Panama City Beach when you book your next tropical escape with us today!

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Panama City Beach Boat Tours

Being right on the ocean, boating is an immensely popular activity in Panama City Beach. Fortunately, you don’t have to own a boat in order to partake in the fun (though if you do, that’s wonderful too)! There are plenty of marinas and boat charters available in and around Panama City Beach. Read on to learn more about where to go for boat rides in Panama City Beach!

Panama City Beach Boat Rentals – Marinas and Boat Charters

Below, you’ll find a brief guide that we’ve compiled with just a few recommendations for well-known Panama City Beach boat rentals, charters, and marinas where you’ll have a great time. We hope that you enjoy the services and locales listed here as much as we have!

Captain Anderson’s Marina

Standing for over fifty-five years, you’ll find Captain Anderson’s Marina nestled within the Historic Grand Lagoon. Here, a diverse range of fishing spots and cruises are offered, as well as trips to Shell Island.

Treasure Island Marina

If you have your own boat, you should take advantage of the storage, bait shop, and twenty-four-hour fuel available at Treasure Island Marina. Also available: boats for excursions, fishing boat charters, jet ski rentals, and more.

Lighthouse Marina

Operating charters for fishing and boating on the Grand Lagoon, Lighthouse Marina does all of the work for you, so that you can hop on and head out to the ocean.

Bayside Marina

Located in St. Andrew’s Bay, Bayside Marina offers dry storage, boat maintenance and repair, and a wash station for boat owners. It’s also a pet-friendly marina, complete with a public boat ramp.

Pirate’s Cove Marina

Like Captain Anderson’s Marina, Pirate’s Cove is located on the Grand Lagoon. Boaters here can find dry storage, outdoor racks, and a private cove.

Blue Swell – Your Gateway to the Gulf!

Long days of adventures at sea call for a comfy, private place to lay your head and call it a night. Blue Swell specializes in providing the best vacation rental properties in all of Panama City Beach, with a diverse selection of humongous homes, cozy condos, and elegant penthouses for the needs of you and your loved ones. Between our gorgeous, impeccably-maintained vacation rentals and our continued dedication to top-notch customer service through our locally-based office, you can rest assured that Blue Swell is a safe bet for ensuring that your tropical getaway meets and exceeds your expectations.

Contact our reservation specialists to learn more about the Panama City Beach boat tours and more that awaits you in Panama City Beach when you book with us today!

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Fun Day Trips in Florida’s 30A Region

Stretching nearly thirty miles along some of the world’s most beautiful, picturesque white sand beaches, Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A is a wonderful place to embark on a day trip or two and go sightseeing amidst one of the most gorgeous natural landscapes in all of Florida.

To help make it easier to plan your trip itinerary, we’ve put together a brief guide below of some of the best locales to visit for day trips in Florida along the Scenic 30A. Read on to learn more about where to go and what to expect when you get there. We hope that these places entertain and captivate you as much as they have amazed us!

Seaside Villages and Towns

Replete with spectacular ocean views and old-fashioned charm, the villages and towns along the 30A are ideal for a scenic stroll and a little exploration in paradise. The village of Seaside is particularly well-known for its colorful, quaint, and care-free ambiance, which was featured in the immensely popular movie, “The Truman Show.” You can even take a picture outside of Truman’s house! Similarly, Rosemary Beach has elegant pathways and boardwalks which are lit with quaint, vintage gas lamps at night—truly a romantic setting!

Beaches Galore

Some of the most photographed beaches in the world are located along the Scenic 30A, as well as the rare beauties that are coastal dune lakes. Classic beach cottages sporadically adorn these pristine beaches, adding to the air of simplicity and timelessness that is imbued within the area—particularly in Inlet Beach. Meanwhile, Lake Powell provides ample photo opportunities with its vibrant natural colors, and Miramar Beach is a great place to go if you want to experience a bustling atmosphere that is a change of pace from the other beaches and towns along the 30A.

Other Sights to See and Things to Do

Along the nearly thirty-mile scenic stretch that comprises the 30A, there are ample activities and attractions to partake in during Florida day trips, including exquisite culinary spots, premier shopping, invigorating golfing, and tranquil fishing. Our recommendation: prepare a picnic lunch in your very own beach rental, then spend the day wandering where the wind takes you along the 30A!

Invest in Your Best Vacation Yet with Blue Swell!

Our luxurious-yet-affordable vacation properties provide a range of sizes to suit your vacation needs, from vast homes that will fit your entire extended family to cozy condos that are ideal for a romantic getaway. We pride ourselves on keeping our vacation rentals impeccably maintained and our customer service top-notch; our locally-based office ensures that we are never more than a phone call away from your questions and concerns.

Contact our reservation specialists today to learn more about other fantastic qualities of a Scenic 30A vacation when you book one of our elite vacation rental properties for your next vacation in paradise!

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Bike Trails in PCB

Panama City Beach has gained worldwide renown for its gorgeous, pristine beaches and laid-back atmosphere. Visitors often find that there are few better ways to get an authentic feel for the area than to explore by bike, cruising along many beautiful local state parks and Panama City Beach bike trails, getting a firsthand perspective of the city that they might have missed traveling by car. An added bonus: when it comes to traversing Panama City Beach, bikes are far more convenient and hassle-free than cars, significantly reducing the time spent in traffic and promoting the health of both people and the environment.

Whether you want to bring your own bike or you’d rather rent one locally, we have compiled a brief guide to some of the best places in Panama City Beach to go biking, as well as where to find Panama City Beach bike rentals if you need to. Read on to learn more about bike trails in Panama City Beach!

Panama City Beach Bike Rentals

Below, we’ve listed just a few of our best recommendations for bike rental shops in the exquisite beauty of Panama City Beach.

Barley’s Bike Rental

A gear shop specializing in a wide range of rental bikes, the selection at Barley’s Bike Rental includes mountain bikes, beach cruisers, fat tires, and everything in between that you might need.

Peddlers 30A

Peddlers 30A not only offers different size options for their bike rentals but bike accessory rentals as well, such as tag-along trailers and other accessories.

Classic Scooter Rentals

From sports bike rentals to Harley Davidson motorcycles, to electric scooters and cars, Classic Scooter Rentals is a one-of-a-kind rental shop that suits all sorts of vacation itineraries.

Alys Beach Bike Shop

Alys Beach Bike Shop has over two hundred hybrid bikes to choose from, for riders of all ages, guaranteeing that everyone will find the perfect ride that they’re looking for!

Panama City Beach Bike Trails

Panama City Beach has a number of scenic trails for you to explore, including the dozen or so trails at Panama City Beach Conversation Park, the extensive collection of trails along the nation’s best beaches at St. Andrews State Park, and the multitude of off-road trails on Gayle’s Trails (ideal for mountain biking) that connect with other locations, such as Frank Brown Park and Panama City Beach Conservation Park.

Explore the Best of Panama City Beach with Blue Swell!

At the end of a long day of biking around Panama City Beach, you’ll want a cozy, comfortable, private oasis to return to. This is where Blue Swell comes in! When it comes to tropical getaways, we pride ourselves on being the best experts in all of Panama City Beach. Our vast selection of vacation properties, ranging from luxurious and expansive homes to spacious condos with beach charm, can cater to the needs of any vacation party.

Contact our reservation specialists to learn more about what surprises Panama City Beach has in-store for you when you book your next vacation with us today!

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30A Dinner Cruises

Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A is an incredible vacation destination for a number of reasons. Here, you can bask in the warmth of the Florida sunshine, take a stroll along the soft, snow-white beaches, and splash around in the refreshing waves of the Gulf of Mexico. You can also explore the Gulf from the comfort of one of the area’s premier Florida dinner cruises, onboard of which is served the finest samplings of Florida’s freshest seafood.

Whether you’re looking for entertainment for the whole family, another way to take in the sights of the Gulf, or you want to treat your loved one to a romantic sunset dinner on the water, a Florida dinner cruise offers up wonderful opportunities for sightseeing and entertainment. We’ve put together a brief guide below of just a few of our favorite cruise recommendations. Read on to learn more about the fabulous dinner cruises available for your enjoyment along the Scenic 30A!

Southern Star Dolphin Cruises

While the cuisine aboard these vessels is more of the snack and beverage variety than a full-fledged dinner, the cruise does provide breathtaking sights—particularly at sunset—of Destin Harbor, Choctawhatchee Bay, Destin Bridge, and the dolphin denizens of the area. Accompanied by a narrated history of the area and a glass bottomed-boat for optimal dolphin watching conditions, Southern Star Dolphin Cruises is a great option for satisfying your cruise and sightseeing cravings.

Sunquest Cruise’s Solaris

The ultimate romantic dinner cruise in Florida, Sunquest Cruise’s Solaris is a yacht that makes sunset trips into the Gulf, where gourmet meals are served on the outdoor decks of the boat. Sip on a glass of wine as you look out over the shimmering waters of the Gulf and feel the caress of the salt-tinged sea breezes. After dinner, share in a dance to live music under the starlight of evening hours on the ocean. If this is your type of romance, you may be interested in Solaris’ wedding packages as well.

The Buccaneer Pirate Cruise

Though this cruise is quite a departure from the romance of a cruise aboard the Solaris, it’s a fantastic setting for taking the whole family on a fun adventure on the high seas! Like Southern Star, snacks and beverages are served instead of full-course meals, but adult beverages are offered in addition to your standard beverage fare. Cruise-goers young and old will enjoy the thrilling skirmishes, sword fights, water gun battles, and treasure hunts that you can partake in. Your ship even battles another ship on the sea!

 

Blue Swell – Your Gateway to the Gulf
After long days of excitement and romance at sea, you’ll need a private, comfortable, and luxurious place to come back and lay your head at night. Fortunately, Blue Swell provides a vast selection of some of the most impeccably maintained vacation homes and condos in all of the 30A area, on top of our top-notch customer service. Contact our reservation specialists to learn more about what awaits you along the Scenic 30A when you book your own slice of tropical paradise with us today!

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Pet Friendly 30A Activities

You may be familiar with the feelings of guilt that come with having to leave your favorite pet or pets behind as you embark on a blissful vacation spent relaxing and having fun in the sun. However, when you plan a trip to Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A, there’s no need to leave Fido at home! There are so many pet-friendly activities to do here along the 30A that you and your pet will never be bored!

Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A is the Perfect Place to Bring Your Pet on Vacation

Think about what your pet loves to do most. Running, playing, and generally hanging out with you are probably their top three favorite activities, all of which can be done easily when you stay in the 30A and South Walton area. There are beaches to visit, dog parks to go to, and even pet-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating so that the two of you can enjoy your time out on the town together.

Dog-friendly restaurants like Chanticleer Eatery and Great Southern Café can be found in Sandestin, Miramar, Seaside, Destin, Santa Rosa, and more. While you’re exploring the city, you can take your pet for a spa day at one of the local kennels, or help them pick out a treat or a toy at one of the local pet stores.

Of course, no 30A vacation is complete with spending some time on the beach. You and your pet can play by the ocean and take a dip in the water, or simply lounge around and soak up the sun. Or take your dog to the off-leash dog park Alaqua Unleashed and let them play and socialize with the doggy friends that they meet on vacation!

Blue Swell – Your Gateway to the Splendor of the Scenic 30A

Of course, if you’re going to plan a vacation with your pet to this tropical paradise, you’ll need the highest-quality pet-friendly accommodations around. No more having to choose between lodgings that are pet-friendly or comfortable and luxurious; Blue Swell provides pet-friendly vacation rentals that give guests the best of both worlds!

Contact our reservations team for more information on what attractions you can see and activities you can do during your stay along the Scenic 30A with your four-legged family members when you choose Blue Swell for your vacation accommodations!

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Top Attractions in Panama City Beach, FL

While Panama City Beach, Florida is renowned worldwide for its miles upon miles of pristine, white-sand beaches and the crystal-clear, refreshing waters of Gulf of Mexico, there’s even more fun and excitement that awaits visitors who venture out beyond the beach and into the lively, colorful atmosphere of this seaside town, teeming with activities and attractions to suit all ages.

Below, we’ve put together a brief guide to a few of our favorite Panama City Beach attractions. Read on to learn more about the attractions that Panama City Beach has to offer!

Wonderworks

For an experience that combines entertainment, education, and science, Wonderworks is a fantastic place to visit, particularly with children. The 35,000 square-foot center is themed around a secret laboratory and the Bermuda Triangle. Learn and explore different aspects of space, natural disasters, sound, and light through cool interactive exhibits that will keep you amused for hours.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not

With a storied history of displaying exhibits on the odd and the unusual, Ripley’s Believe It or Not continues to astound visitors with its strange and fascinating Odditorium (complete with genuine shrunken heads), its challenging laser race, the twists and turns of its Mirror Maze Challenge, and the topsy-turvy Moving Theater.

Gulf World Marine Park

Get up close and personal with some of the coolest creatures around the Gulf at Gulf World Marine Park! Here, you can feed stingrays, swim with dolphins, and observe the antics of sea lions and sharks. There is also a program called “Snooze with Sea Life,” where your large group of people can spend the night in Gulf World and learn about the nocturnal habits of its sea life while enjoying delicious pizza and snacking on popcorn.

Shipwreck Island

This amusing water park is fun for all ages, from the youngest buccaneer to the oldest swashbuckler. Young children will be entertained for hours at the Tadpole Hole, while older swimmers will find their thrills at the Great Shipwreck. In the Great Shipwreck, you can experience the deep lagoon pool and the Pirate’s Plunge—a tower slide that extends upwards of sixty feet! Shipwreck Island is one of the best attractions in Panama City Beach, FL for the whole family!

Curious to Learn More? Just Ask the Panama City Beach Experts at Blue Swell!

Panama City Beach is brimming with fun places to go and awesome things to do. Contact our reservation specialists to find out more about what Panama City Beach attractions are waiting for you when you book one of our luxurious, affordable vacation rental properties today for your next tropical getaway!

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30A Brewery Tours

There are few better places in the world to enjoy a drink with a view than in South Walton County. As the blowup of breweries across the United States continues, the trend hasn’t skipped out on northwestern Florida. Touring local breweries has fast become one of the most popular things to do on 30A. You can be assured that you’ll find tasty pub food with a cold brew wherever you stay along Highway 30A. Be sure to check out these four 30A brewery standouts, all making their own delicious beers on-site.

Grayton Beer Company – 217 Serenoa Rd, Santa Rosa Beach, FL

It’d be impossible to make any list of Florida breweries without including Grayton Beer Company. Founded in 2006, this family-owned 30A brewery now has distribution nationwide with its most popular beer, the 30A Beach Blonde Ale. What better beer to enjoy on the beach while you’re in 30A than its namesake? It has been impressive to witness their ascent over just ten years. Be sure to check out their sprawling taproom; you absolutely HAVE to add this tour to your list of things to do on 30A vacation.

Idyll Hounds Brewing Company – 845 Serenoa Rd, Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Idyll Hounds doesn’t try to be anything they’re not and that’s why they succeed being a small brewery. They’re comfortable with the beer they make, and are confident you’ll feel similarly. They offer on-site brewed beer of all different tastes and ABVs. Buddy’s Seafood from next door will often come over to serve the hungry with their phenomenal oysters. The Divide & Conch’r Imperial IPA at Idyll Hounds is a must try for the hopheads.

Props Brewery & Grill – 255 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE #19, Fort Walton Beach, FL

The Blonde Bomber, Rye of the Tiger, Lucky O’Neill Lager, and Flying Coffin IPA are just a few of the uniquely dubbed brews you can find at Props. You won’t be disappointed in any of them. The Flying Coffin, with its rich golden red color and Zythos hops zest, is a favorite amongst their “Flag Ship Ales.”

McGuire’s Irish Pub – 33 US-98, Destin, FL

A bit smaller and offering more of a pub atmosphere than the previous three breweries, McGuire’s still takes pride in brewing all of its ales on-site. They don’t try and get fancy with the names of their beers, instead relying on the taste buds of their customers to decide on their own name. The Paradise Pale Ale is a current favorite – and a rare naming exception – that provides a perfect light drink companion after a long day on the beach.

A visit to any of these fine 30A breweries is sure to be a great addition to your vacation. Learn more about the things to do 30A offers by browsing our site, and don’t forget to book your luxurious Blue Swell vacation home for your trip!

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