To understand why Seaside, Florida makes the perfect beach town for a family vacation, you first need to learn of its history.
Rewind thirty-five years. Robert Davis, a community developer, decided to create a resort neighborhood along Florida’s coast. But not without doing research. He and his wife spent two years exploring the architecture and neighborhoods of the South. He was looking for that almost indefinable aspect of beachfront communities that he had grown up with, and which he remembered fondly. Joining forces with architects who shared his vision, together they created a charming beach town.
The result? Walk down Seaside’s streets and you see rows of pastel colored cottages and mini antebellum mansions. Many of which are available as Seaside FL rentals.
When parents are asked to imagine their ideal beach town spot, here are the criteria that often comes up. Plus, Seaside’s answer to each item on a parent’s vacation wish list.
- A family-friendly beach.
A beach that the whole family can enjoy is one where it doesn’t take too long to get there from the center of town. Additionally, you want a beach that has dining options along the beachfront so that you can truly spend the entire day soaking up the sun and sand. With waves that are gentle, covered chairs, and picturesque walkways, this beach has the amenities to help you enjoy nature to its fullest. Florida’s Seaside waterfront checks all the boxes and then some.
- An abundance of family-friendly activities.
Even for the most beach-centered family, there comes a time when a little variety in entertainment would be welcome. How does Seaside, FL stack up? Bike rentals make exploring this jewel of a town an adventure all can enjoy. Fired Up! Paint Your Own Pottery is a creative way for your kids to spend an afternoon. Plus, you get a great vacation souvenir for your efforts. For an activity the whole family can do together, go to the Seaside Farmer’s Market. The market is open on summer Saturdays from 9 to 1. And if you want an activity on the beach, you can get lessons on how to create Instagram-worthy sand sculptures.
- Local spots the whole family will enjoy.
Check out the spot that all the locals go to. Sundog Books is more than just a bookstore, it’s a piece of Seaside history. At 31 years old, the bookstore has grown with the community. It prides itself on its wide collection of titles, including a great selection of children’s books. An ice cream parlor sits next door, so you can hop on over there once your book needs are satisfied.
- Great family-friendly food choices.
When you’re herding kids around and hunger strikes, chances are you don’t really want to go to a sit-down restaurant. What you want is to grab your food and go. “Quickly” is almost as important as “tasty.” All along County Road 30-A, the road that is right in front of Seaside’s town square, are food trucks and stalls where tasty and fast are how they do business. Look for The Meltdown, where you can get a classic grilled cheese sandwich, or a mushroom melt. The Barefoot BBQ is another food stop you won’t want to miss, with Southern dishes that will please even the pickiest eater.
- Shopping options for all.
It’s no fun when just one member of the family finds a shop they can stay in for hours. What’s the rest of the family to do? Thankfully, the variety of shop options along the beach is wide. From trendy women’s wear, to toys for kids, and then beach duds for the guys. Be prepared to find eye-catching souvenirs. Vacation isn’t vacation without finding at least a couple of items to remind you of the great time you had.
