Riding the Scenic Highway 30A and the South Walton Beach Towns
Scenic Highway 30A and the South Walton Beach Towns: a 27-mile coastal ride from Frank Brown Park, Panama City Beach to West end of CR-30A near Dune Allen Beach. Plan on about 1 hr one way of riding, plus stops.
Head west from Frank Brown Park on US-98. You will pass Camp Helen State Park, which sits between the Gulf and Lake Powell, one of the largest coastal dune lakes in Florida. Just past the park, turn onto County Road 30A at Inlet Beach. From there the road links the South Walton beach neighborhoods: Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Seaside, WaterColor, Grayton Beach and Blue Mountain Beach.
Rider Magazine notes that 30A is a designated Florida Scenic Highway. The road passes through several small town centers, so expect low speeds and foot traffic and treat it as a sightseeing ride. At the west end, rejoin US-98 and head east for the faster run back to Panama City Beach.
Timing: About 1 hour one way; plan 2.5 to 3 hours round trip with stops, returning on US-98.
Open the Scenic Highway 30A and the South Walton Beach Towns in Google Maps before you leave, and check the National Weather Service forecast for the area on the day.
Highlights
- Camp Helen State Park, between the Gulf and Lake Powell, on US-98 at the west end of Panama City Beach
- Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Seaside, WaterColor and Grayton Beach along 30A
- A quicker return on US-98, about 45 minutes back to town
Route
Start
Frank Brown Park, Panama City Beach
End
West end of CR-30A near Dune Allen Beach
Check road and weather conditions before you ride. Distances and times are approximate.
On the ground
Around Panama City Beach
