Things to Do and Places to See

DebbieJan 25, 20206 min read

Named for the thick grove of windswept trees that surround it, Seagrove has stayed true to its roots by preserving the same green canopy of oaks, magnolias, hickories and sand pines that came to define it a half a century ago. And the beaches……..

An eclectic mix of old beach homesteads and newer homes/cottages, Seagrove has a well-balanced menu of beyond-the-beach activities that range from biking along scenic Highway 30A to browsing the one-of-a-kind beach shops and restaurants. Combine that with its pristine beaches, and it’s the ideal place to kick back with the sugar white sand between your toes and have the relaxing time of your life! Campo di Bella and the Seagrove Village Drive area is known as “old Seagrove”. It doesn’t get any better than this!

THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO SEE

You have chosen a great area to be, not only for the beach, but also shopping, biking and much more. As those of you who have visited this area in the past know, it can get a bit hectic during the summer. The Seagrove Community is one of the most sought after areas on 30A due to its accessibility to most places. Hwy 98 runs through Destin (west) and Panama City Beach (east). Campo Di Bella is about 20 miles from both. This will give you an idea of the proximity of some key places to visit.

Publix is a grocery store, which is on the east-side of 395, about ¼ mile from the house. If you don’t want to bring food, I would suggest going after you arrive. There is a sidewalk from Seagrove Village Drive to the Publix Shopping Center. You can also order from Publix online. It is crazy on Saturday afternoon in the summer.
Grand Boulevard is an upscale Mall/Entertainment Facility. It has many retail stores like Lily Pulitzer, The Orvis Company, Anthropologie, Pottery Barn, Tommy Bahama, Chicos and many others. It also has restaurants and a premier movie theatre, where you can order food and drinks while movie watching. It is also located on the north-side of Hwy. 98.
The Sandestin Outlet mall is located 15 miles west on Hwy 98.
There are several Water parks in Panama City (rebuilding since Hurricane Michael) and also one in Destin, approximately 20 miles each way (west and east).
There are many golf courses close to Seagrove. I would highly recommend the courses at Sandestin.
There’s something about a spectacular Florida beach sunset that feeds the soul. The peace at the end of the day, the beauty of natural colors splashed across a blue sky. Walk to the end of 395 to the beach where you will see a magnificent sunset.
The Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin is a great place to walk around, have lunch and enjoy the shops. There are also some great activities for the kids. Go west toward Sandestin, a mile west of the outlet mall. Go right at the stoplight. Tell the guard you are going to Baytowne Wharf and he will direct you. It has shops, restaurants and free outdoor concerts on certain days. It is definitely worth the trip.
A fun family thing to do is head west on Hwy 98 about 20 miles to Destin to see the Charter boats come into the docks with their catch of the day, or charter a boat for your own catch of the day. A good place to park and watch is at AJ’s. They usually come in anytime between 3:00 and 5:00. Lots of places to eat here also. I highly recommend the “No Alibi” boat if you are interested in booking a charter boat trip. You will not be disappointed and definitely catch fish.
There are fireworks on Thursday evenings on the Destin Harbor, but it is usually very crowded, so get there early to find a place to park. The Boathouse, AJs and Tailfins are fun for libations and often have a lively sing-along band.
Don’t miss a chance to take your family on a Daniel Webster Clements Sailing Cruise. You will be sure to see dolphins and a picturesque sunset. Climb aboard one of the last schooners in the Destin Harbor. As historical as it is magical, the Daniel Webster Clements sailing exhibition will take you and your family on a delightful sightseeing ride along the East Pass and Destin Harbor. Each cruise offers complimentary beer, wine and sodas. It lasts about 2-3 hours. Say “Hello” to Hunter Campbell.
If you have the opportunity, rent a pontoon boat at the Destin Harbor and hang out at Crab Island. This is where all the local boaters go; it is shallow enough to walk around and located around the Destin Bridge. I recommend La Dolce Vita for a pontoon boat. Great time to sightsee!
At Seagrove’s Santa Clara Regional Beach Access point, take advantage of the available parking, restrooms and lifeguards (during peak season). Hidden from view, this beach access is a local’s favorite thanks to its seemingly private walkway leading to the heavenly oasis that is Seagrove. Located on Scenic Highway 30A, off of Bramble Grove Road, stop by and enjoy a picturesque picnic with magnificent views. It also has a handicap ramp.
Restaurants I love: *The Perfect Pig, *Pizza By the Sea, *Cowgirl Kitchen, Café Tango, *Seagrove Village Market, 45 Central, *Old Florida Fish House, Cafe 30A, *Fish out of Water, *Great Southern, George’s, Surfing Deer, *Bud and Alleys, *723 Whiskey Bravo (rooftop bar and dining), Boragos, Louis-Louis, *Stinky’s, and Cuvee 30A, *Shunk Gulley (for a great view, casual atmosphere). and the Red Bar. Pescado at Rosemary is a lovely evening out and a great view from the rooftop. Surfing Deer is right around the corner at 30A/395. Great happy hour and menu. *Modica Market at Seaside is a delightful place to get some coffee, fresh-fresh-squeezed Orange Juice or a freshly made sandwich. 45 Central Wine Bar at Seaside has freshly made Paella on Wednesday and Friday evenings. Get there by 5:00 PM. Most places have Happy Hour in the area from 4:00-6:00 P.M. (*good for children).
Great Live Music-check their websites to see who is playing: Red Bar, AJs, Redd’s Filling Station, Stinky’s Bait House, Old Florida Fish House, Local Catch
Fresh Seafood to cooks is sold at Goatfeathers on 30A, east of 395. In fact Luke Bryan was spotted there not too long ago. Goatfeathers is on 30A, east of 395. There is also a Goatfeathers that is west of Seagrove that has a restaurant. Buddy’s on US98, west of 395 is also a great place to buy fresh Seafood.
The Hub is an area located on 30A in front of Prominence & Watersound Beach, east of Seagrove on 30A. It features a nice grassy area where you can listen to some great local music by folks like Jeff McBride (contestant for The Voice), etc. It has three casual food areas such as Mexican, Chicken and Hamburgers. There is also an ice-cream shop and a bar area. This is a great place for both kids and adults to enjoy themselves. Sunday appears to be a day where The Hub caters to children. There are smaller chairs in the front and an area for kids play and meet other children. It also has a 25’ TV for special shows and football/and other sports events. Check out their events online at www.HUB30A.com.
There are many spas in the area where you can book a massage, manicure or pedicure – or even better, all three! Solace Day Spa offers a wide variety of relaxing spa treatments including massage therapy, facials and body treatments that use natural products, and Serenity By The Sea is a full service salon, spa and fitness club offering the most popular massages, body treatments, facials, tanning services, and manicures and pedicures for both men and women. I love Rolland’s Beauty Bar and Art Gallery for a massage, facial or a quick “blow and dry” , some very creative locals. Nails and Pedicure just east on 30A at Andy’s. That is where I go; they do a great job!
Those who practice regularly and even first-timers will enjoy a yoga class overlooking the Gulf of Mexico at Balance Health Studio. Yoga is also offered at WaterColor workout.
Seagrove’s Eastern Lake offers endless options for water sports and activities. Test your balance – and have a blast! – on a paddle boarding journey across this peaceful lake’s waters.
Golf Carts and Bicycles: www.butterflybikeandkayakrentals.com. You will get a 10% discount by mentioning that your are guests at Campo di Bella.
Renting umbrellas/chairs: www.Beachchairs4u.com Also The Rental Shop: delivers bikes, beach chairs, baby items , plus more. They also will plan Beach Bonfires, 850-260-0001, www.therentalshop.com, also www.burkesbeachservices.com for chairs, umbrellas, kayaks, bikes, paddleboards, and street legal golf carts. Free delivery, set up and breakdown everyday, 850-585-8462.
Baby beds are available to rent and are delivered to the front door.