Can someone explain how the area of Watersound, Rosemary Beach, Seaside, etc all work? I've never been so completely oblivious to the logistics there.

All of these little communities along 30A are gated and private? Looking at airbnb's some come with golf carts and bikes? People ride those instead of drive when they need to go to the store, beach, bars, etc? Their are community pools within the gated towns that are free to use for anyone staying in the rent houses? I also see a lot of beach clubs online with pools, restaurants, etc. Are those all private for people who live there, or again is it anyone staying in a rental can access them?

Beach access is restricted to only those of the community for which they are staying? Do people bring their own canopy, etc to set up like what's done in galveston?

Looking online a lot of the houses are super nice but seem on top of each other, and not directly on the water. Is it easy to get to beach access with kids, supplies, coolers?

Help me understand how these places operate.

The town of rosemary is not gated at all... accept for beach access. You have to have an access card to get to the beach from the town, ensuring that only "residents" have access.

The other little communities will have gates on the road for each resort or HOA, and a gate to access the beach as well.

We biked all over town while there - there really was no place off limits. they close the gates to some of the communities/resorts at night for security.

I will say this - some of the resorts try to pack hundreds of people on a space of beach the size of a football field because that is all the beach that resort owns. I would not recommend staying somewhere like that. The town of Rosemary, though, has an open beach to all residents (hence the gate). The beach is not crowded at all and very enjoyable.

Bottom line - if you are staying on the east end of 30A, get a house IN Rosemary.

We've stayed in the condos in Watersound now on 3 separate trips. The last one this past August - we were there the weekend/week before Labor Day. School had already started in most places, so the beach was pretty empty - which I prefer. Over the 5 days we were there I think there were maybe at most 10 other people on the stretch of beach we had access to from the boardwalk - probably several hundred yards of beach. Even on previous trips in mid-summer the beaches are no where near crowded there. The beach is fantastic - seems like at least 40-50 yards from the dunes to the water.

Watersound has a chair/umbrella service, but you have to pay. I didn't see any rules against bringing your own tent and chairs if you like. As far as getting your stuff to the beach its a pretty long hike. Be a good idea to bring one of those collapsible wagons to tote your stuff.

Condos are really nice and you can get 3 bedroom units there. Ours did not come with a golf cart and as I recall I don't think they allow you to bring your own. You can rent bikes, however we didn't this last time. I think once we had access to the owners garage, but this last time the garage was locked and off limits to the guests.

We would drive from Watersound to Rosemary Beach or Seaside to grab dinner.

In watersound and watercolor golf carts/bikes the preferred method of travel for going to beach/restaurants/shop/etc, or are cars the norm?

I would say golf carts. Much easier to park and maneuver around.

https://www.garrettrealty.com/

We've done sea grove beach the last two summers. Great company to book thru.

"Beach access is restricted to only those of the community for which they are staying? Do people bring their own canopy, etc to set up like what's done in galveston?"

Yes to the beaches. There are public beaches 10 deep. Rent with access to private. Most rentals should come with minimum chairs and umbrellas included.

Golf carts are banned in Rosemary. In seacrest (right next to Rosemary), golf carts are only allowed for property owners. We've been going to Seacrest for the past few years, and the lack of golf carts is not that bad. They have a trolley system that's pretty quick. The only time we use a car is to go to Publix (there's a nice new one closer to 30A) or to drive to one of the other areas for lunch/dinner. Otherwise, it's bikes or the trolley around the immediate area.

As others have said, most of the beaches are gated. But your rental should provide you with wristbands that give you access to the beach for the community. For Seacrest, that is on Elysee Ct. Inlet beach is on the way to PCB from 30A which is a public access beach.

Diet Cokehead said:

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AustinCountyAg said:

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Can someone explain how the area of Watersound, Rosemary Beach, Seaside, etc all work? I've never been so completely oblivious to the logistics there.

All of these little communities along 30A are gated and private? Looking at airbnb's some come with golf carts and bikes? People ride those instead of drive when they need to go to the store, beach, bars, etc? Their are community pools within the gated towns that are free to use for anyone staying in the rent houses? I also see a lot of beach clubs online with pools, restaurants, etc. Are those all private for people who live there, or again is it anyone staying in a rental can access them?

Beach access is restricted to only those of the community for which they are staying? Do people bring their own canopy, etc to set up like what's done in galveston?

Looking online a lot of the houses are super nice but seem on top of each other, and not directly on the water. Is it easy to get to beach access with kids, supplies, coolers?

Help me understand how these places operate.

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We have been going to Watercolor every July for the past 5-6 years. It has certainly increased in popularity and gotten a lot more crowded the last 2 years.

Most of the neighborhood's themselves are not gated, but as mentioned, the private beaches are. Some airbnb's come with golf carts, others do not. I would definitely recommend getting a golf cart if yours doesn't have one. Bikes as well. The only place you can get a golf cart is from the The Electric Cart Company behind the Publix. Book as early as possible or you will be on a wait.

Beach club access cards/wrist bands usually come with the Airbnb. You will need to location, rent chairs and umbrellas from the club. Again, book early.

The houses are very nice, but they are close together. In Watercolor, the ones that we rent close the beach are usually about 5-6000 square feet. We stay on Watercolor Blvd and the house is about .25 miles tops from the beach. You can haul all your stuff in your golf cart and not have very far to walk.

The area feels very safe and we love it. We just wish fewer people knew about it. It used to be a fairly hidden gem, but no longer.

Pro Tip: Get some steamed shrimp to go from Goatfeather's. If you like shrimp, you'll probably go back everyday.

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Goatfeather's for the win. That is an every day stop for us when we go.

We have stayed in The Prominence area a couple of times and then also right in Seaside.

Pros for Prominence are its right next to the HUB and affordable. The Hub is a great spot you take take kids and let them run wild with plenty of food and drink options right there. There are nice community pools as well. Also very affordable for a nice 3-5 bedroom house.

Downside is you need to golf cart to the closest beach. You also have to drive or golf cart to other restaurants or action in Seaside. Although you can drive golf carts right on 30A and can make for a fun trip (maybe 15-20 min ride)

Rosemary is very nice but seems lame to me. Never stayed there but thats the vibe I get.

Seaside is typically more expensive but better beach access and you can walk to all the action with restaurants and town center.

Definitely recommend a golf cart rental no matter where you stay (unless Rosemary).

aggiedadofpanda said:

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Diet Cokehead said:

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AustinCountyAg said:

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Can someone explain how the area of Watersound, Rosemary Beach, Seaside, etc all work? I've never been so completely oblivious to the logistics there.

All of these little communities along 30A are gated and private? Looking at airbnb's some come with golf carts and bikes? People ride those instead of drive when they need to go to the store, beach, bars, etc? Their are community pools within the gated towns that are free to use for anyone staying in the rent houses? I also see a lot of beach clubs online with pools, restaurants, etc. Are those all private for people who live there, or again is it anyone staying in a rental can access them?

Beach access is restricted to only those of the community for which they are staying? Do people bring their own canopy, etc to set up like what's done in galveston?

Looking online a lot of the houses are super nice but seem on top of each other, and not directly on the water. Is it easy to get to beach access with kids, supplies, coolers?

Help me understand how these places operate.

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We have been going to Watercolor every July for the past 5-6 years. It has certainly increased in popularity and gotten a lot more crowded the last 2 years.

Most of the neighborhood's themselves are not gated, but as mentioned, the private beaches are. Some airbnb's come with golf carts, others do not. I would definitely recommend getting a golf cart if yours doesn't have one. Bikes as well. The only place you can get a golf cart is from the The Electric Cart Company behind the Publix. Book as early as possible or you will be on a wait.

Beach club access cards/wrist bands usually come with the Airbnb. You will need to location, rent chairs and umbrellas from the club. Again, book early.

The houses are very nice, but they are close together. In Watercolor, the ones that we rent close the beach are usually about 5-6000 square feet. We stay on Watercolor Blvd and the house is about .25 miles tops from the beach. You can haul all your stuff in your golf cart and not have very far to walk.

The area feels very safe and we love it. We just wish fewer people knew about it. It used to be a fairly hidden gem, but no longer.

Pro Tip: Get some steamed shrimp to go from Goatfeather's. If you like shrimp, you'll probably go back everyday.

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Goatfeather's for the win. That is an every day stop for us when we go.

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We do too. Sometimes twice a day.

do most of yall rent beach chairs/umbrellas there, or bring yalls own? I breifly looked at rentals and it seems super $$$ to go that route for a week

We always rent. I don't even know if you are allowed to bring your own. Everything there is uniform, so I don't think so.

It's expensive, but most vacations are.

Done Watercolor the past couple of years. You are allowed to bring your own chairs/umbrellas/coolers/etc. Only rule is that you cannot set up in front of the rental areas. So, if you want an unobstructed view of the water, best to rent through the club.

Have private beaches always been a thing on 30A? We have pretty much given up on going there the past 10 years as it has become so overcrowded but I don't remember restricted beaches in Rosemary or Seaside 15-20 years ago.

Ag CPA said:

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Have private beaches always been a thing on 30A? We have pretty much given up on going there the past 10 years as it has become so overcrowded but I don't remember restricted beaches in Rosemary or Seaside 15-20 years ago.

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They have been for the past 6-7 years we have been going. Having said that, the entire area including the private beaches have become more packed the last 2-3 years to the point we are starting to think about trying to find a different place.

If you have any recommendations, I would love to hear them.

In 2021 we went in June and it wasn't bad. In 2022 we went mid July and way more crowded. I love going but won't make it this summer. Not sure if it's just more popular or the month you go.

mazzag said:

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In 2021 we went in June and it wasn't bad. In 2022 we went mid July and way more crowded. I love going but won't make it this summer. Not sure if it's just more popular or the month you go.

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Yeah, not sure. We always go in late July so maybe that's it.

Interesting, COVID may have changed some vacation plans in 2021.

We went to Port A in June 2021 and I'm pretty sure that's where everyone went instead (kidding); have never seen it that crowded. Cars were 4-5 deep parked on the beach.

mazzag said:

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In 2021 we went in June and it wasn't bad. In 2022 we went mid July and way more crowded. I love going but won't make it this summer. Not sure if it's just more popular or the month you go.

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July is THE time to go with it being peak summer and kids out of school. I grew up going to Seaside with my family, we would always go at that time.

For first timers I'd recommend going in May or June. Weather is great and not quite as hot as July. Still crowded but less so.

We've settled on 30A for sure this summer. With that said can anyone recommend specific location of where to stay, or avoid.

We'd like close proximity to beach, swimming pools, ability to go shopping, eat, hang out etc within golf cart or bike ride(basically not having to get in a vehicle and drive fifteen minutes to get somewhere).

In regards to beach it would be nice to be able to utilize our own beach chairs/shade and not be forced to rent, but this isn't a deal breaker at all.

Any specific areas come to mind for this that stand out over the others? Currently thinking seagrove/seaside/watercolor?

I posted a link of a great rental company. A minimum of chairs and umbrellas are included. You are allowed to take your own. Not sure how big of a property you need but I've used stargazer and it's steps away from the board walk. Sea Grove beach is not bougie, unlike seaside. When we go to seaside to eat, it seems as if parents dropped their teens off on their way to the keys.

Check out Stars on the Water- 90 Flatwood St in Watercolor
It's located in the back section, much quieter with very little traffic.
10 minute walk to Seaside, Watercolor Beach Club and beach.
Literally park your car and leave it.

Shiner, I think we have connected before discussing Watercolor.

Not to push him away from your property at all, but we stayed on Flatwood a couple of years ago and it's a long trek by golf cart to the beach and 30A (probably about 10 minutes I would guess). If going by bicycle, it's much faster since you can cross the bridge and be right on Watercolor Blvd in a minute or so.

The back area is nice if you are looking to avoid the crowds though for sure.

are people allowed to drive golf carts from your house Shiner all the way to the beach and throughout town?

I'm getting information overload researching all this. Some towns, are towns, some allow golf carts, some dont. It driving me insane trying to figure out where to rent.

We have two young kids, and two older grandparents so we'd like to be relatively near beach, town, pools, store, etc. For sure don't wanna have to load up in vehicles to reach the beach.

WTF is the difference between seaside and watercolor?

So Shiner, could you drive your golf cart from your place to The Hub? is that allowed?

AustinCountyAg said:

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are people allowed to drive golf carts from your house Shiner all the way to the beach and throughout town?

I'm getting information overload researching all this. Some towns, are towns, some allow golf carts, some dont. It driving me insane trying to figure out where to rent.

We have two young kids, and two older grandparents so we'd like to be relatively near beach, town, pools, store, etc. For sure don't wanna have to load up in vehicles to reach the beach.

WTF is the difference between seaside and watercolor?

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Not Shiner, but I can help answer your questions as it relates to Watercolor.

Yes, people are allowed to drive golf carts throughout the Watercolor community and up and down 30A (seaside, seagrove, Grayton). Keep in mind that if the house you rent does not include a golf cart, you have to rent one trough The Electric Cart Company. Those are the only rental carts allowed in the Watercolor community.

More cart info here.

Watercolor sounds like a great fit based on your needs. There is actually a small waterpark in the neighborhood that you have access to if you rent a house in the neighborhood that is perfect for small kids. My son is 6 and been going there since he was born and still loves it. More info below:

Camp WaterColor

The Beach Club has a couple of pool as well as private beach access. Info here:

Beach Club Info

In my opinion, WaterColor is a little bit more exclusive and draws a little higher end clientele and amenities as compared to Seaside. However, downtown Seaside is maybe 1/4 mile from the Watercolor Beach Club on 30A and it's not like there is a lot of riff-raff in Seaside.

To answer your last question, you "could" probably drive the golf cart to The Hub in Watersound, but it's over 5 miles and would be quite the trek. I have never been there and can't really tell you if it's worth going to.

Hope that helps.

AustinCountyAg
Yes you can drive a golf cart to the Hub.
I've never tried it.

Because you can't. That stretch of 30a is over 30 mph. The hub sux.

Honestly I think he has it right. He isn't slamming anything but the watercolor community is slight more exclusive however I would say it benefits younger families with the kid attractions etc.

Edit. Wrong emoji. I do it all the time on this new f-in app.

Nice. Nothing wrong at all with the Watercolor Inn for a group of 4. Great location.