30A is by far the biggest scam on the Gulf west of Key West. Just go to the Cinnamon Shore. Or better yet, fly to Cancun and go to an all inclusive. Either way, it'll probably cost less.

BoDog said:

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DiskoTroop said:

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30A is by far the biggest scam on the Gulf west of Key West. Just go to the Cinnamon Shore. Or better yet, fly to Cancun and go to an all inclusive. Either way, it'll probably cost less.

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Not sure if serious...?

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You tell me… 30A or Port Aransas?

BoDog said:

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From a doctored photo? Sure thing.

... and the fecal matter in the water says "come join me."

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Non-answer noted. But I don't care. Keep your 30A if you like it BoDog.

Back on topic.

So I found a place in High Pointe Resort, next to Rosemary Beach. Can we access Rosemary beach from High Pointe? Is Rosemary private? Or is High Pointe beach nice enough to not need to go over to Rosemary?

Trying to understand how private beaches there work. Is the access just private or you cannot walk on a private beach at all? If so, how can they limit people walking along the ocean/beach? Or once you are on the beach, you can walk where you want?

You can walk across a private beach at the water line
Some of these owners can and will get pretty aggressive.
Many have employed security gaurds. Sad state for once a great location. There is a very large and organized effort to get the laws changed.It will take time and money
I am unfamiliar with High Pointe.

Depends on what you are interested in… I go to the beach for the beach. If you go to enjoy insanely over priced everything, restrictions on where you can sit in the sand and to feel superior to others, you're right, there's no comparison.

I also note no one has refuted flying Cancun and staying in an AI is cheaper and better.

DiskoTroop said:

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30A is by far the biggest scam on the Gulf west of Key West. Just go to the Cinnamon Shore. Or better yet, fly to Cancun and go to an all inclusive. Either way, it'll probably cost less.

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i'll take 30a over an all inclusive in a heartbeat

Great, enjoy.

DiskoTroop said:

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Depends on what you are interested in… I go to the beach for the beach. If you go to enjoy insanely over priced everything, restrictions on where you can sit in the sand and to feel superior to others, you're right, there's no comparison.

I also note no one has refuted flying Cancun and staying in an AI is cheaper and better.

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Well there really is no comparison to the beaches and there are plenty of places where access is not an issue in Destin/30A. Everyone's budget is different, but there are also plenty of ways around that as well. And most people will want to drive to these destinations and stay in the States vs flying to Mexico. These two places aren't even near the same level.

I guess it truly depends on what you value. The difference in the beach is negligible in my mind. For the absurd cost of 30A I can go on 4 or 5 vacations to Port A. Fishing's better, drive is shorter, seafood is better, you don't have to deal with restrictions or the typical 30A crowd.

This is a no brainer for me. Add to that my dollar goes WAY further and I don't have to have pristine white sand, sand colored sand is ok for me. Yeah, but y'all enjoy it if you like it. More power to you. I think it's a scam.

DiskoTroop said:

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I guess it truly depends on what you value. The difference in the beach is negligible in my mind. For the absurd cost of 30A I can go on 4 or 5 vacations to Port A. Fishing's better, drive is shorter, seafood is better, you don't have to deal with restrictions or the typical 30A crowd.

This is a no brainer for me. Add to that my dollar goes WAY further and I don't have to have pristine white sand, sand colored sand is ok for me. Yeah, but y'all enjoy it if you like it. More power to you. I think it's a scam.

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It's smart to stay within one's budget and I get it some people can't afford it, but that doesn't make it a scam. Do you think Disney World is a scam and prefer Fiesta Texas? I mean these two vacation destinations aren't even worth comparing. I'm wondering if you have ever actually been to Florida.

71 jock said:

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DiskoTroop said:

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I guess it truly depends on what you value. The difference in the beach is negligible in my mind. For the absurd cost of 30A I can go on 4 or 5 vacations to Port A. Fishing's better, drive is shorter, seafood is better, you don't have to deal with restrictions or the typical 30A crowd.

This is a no brainer for me. Add to that my dollar goes WAY further and I don't have to have pristine white sand, sand colored sand is ok for me. Yeah, but y'all enjoy it if you like it. More power to you. I think it's a scam.

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It's smart to stay within one's budget and I get it some people can't afford it, but that doesn't make it a scam. Do you think Disney World is a scam and prefer Fiesta Texas? I mean these two vacation destinations aren't even worth comparing. I'm wondering if you have ever actually been to Florida.

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Yep, stayed in Seaside (pre-pandemic) with a family of 8, rented a house, full week, drove from Houston. $12k for the house and that didn't include, gas, food, alcohol or entertainment. Total spent was near $18k when it was all accounted for.

Similarly we went to a VERY nice all inclusive in Cancun last year and the year before that for ~$12k all in, with flights. Food was better, beach was better, there was actually service rather than doing everything yourself, we had butlers and bartenders to do most anything we needed them to do. Steakhouses, sushi, tappenyaki, Italian, tacos. Snorkeling, parasailing, golf and reserved chairs and umbrellas on the beach.

There truly just is no comparison there.

As far as Port A goes, yes the infrastructure isn't as deep. Less restaurants, less entertainment. If I'm cooking for myself, doing my own laundry and cleaning my own house, making my own drinks and baiting my own hooks, (none of which I have any problems with, it's just a different vacation) I'm going to Port A.

Hell I'll go to Boliver before I go back to 30A. And have.

Once again, it's not a matter of being able to afford it. It's a matter of getting value for your dollar. Depending on what you value, some things may be more appealing than others. To me 30A is not appealing.

DiskoTroop said:

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I guess it truly depends on what you value. The difference in the beach is negligible in my mind. For the absurd cost of 30A I can go on 4 or 5 vacations to Port A. Fishing's better, drive is shorter, seafood is better, you don't have to deal with restrictions or the typical 30A crowd.

This is a no brainer for me. Add to that my dollar goes WAY further and I don't have to have pristine white sand, sand colored sand is ok for me. Yeah, but y'all enjoy it if you like it. More power to you. I think it's a scam.

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To each his own. But I will say there are affordable ways to enjoy 30a. you don't have to stay in a palace.

DiskoTroop said:

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71 jock said:

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DiskoTroop said:

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I guess it truly depends on what you value. The difference in the beach is negligible in my mind. For the absurd cost of 30A I can go on 4 or 5 vacations to Port A. Fishing's better, drive is shorter, seafood is better, you don't have to deal with restrictions or the typical 30A crowd.

This is a no brainer for me. Add to that my dollar goes WAY further and I don't have to have pristine white sand, sand colored sand is ok for me. Yeah, but y'all enjoy it if you like it. More power to you. I think it's a scam.

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It's smart to stay within one's budget and I get it some people can't afford it, but that doesn't make it a scam. Do you think Disney World is a scam and prefer Fiesta Texas? I mean these two vacation destinations aren't even worth comparing. I'm wondering if you have ever actually been to Florida.

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Yep, stayed in Seaside (pre-pandemic) with a family of 8, rented a house, full week, drove from Houston. $12k for the house and that didn't include, gas, food, alcohol or entertainment. Total spent was near $18k when it was all accounted for.

Similarly we went to a VERY nice all inclusive in Cancun last year and the year before that for ~$12k all in, with flights. Food was better, beach was better, there was actually service rather than doing everything yourself, we had butlers and bartenders to do most anything we needed them to do. Steakhouses, sushi, tappenyaki, Italian, tacos. Snorkeling, parasailing, golf and reserved chairs and umbrellas on the beach.

There truly just is no comparison there.

As far as Port A goes, yes the infrastructure isn't as deep. Less restaurants, less entertainment. If I'm cooking for myself, doing my own laundry and cleaning my own house, making my own drinks and baiting my own hooks, (none of which I have any problems with, it's just a different vacation) I'm going to Port A.

Hell I'll go to Boliver before I go back to 30A. And have.

Once again, it's not a matter of being able to afford it. It's a matter of getting value for your dollar. Depending on what you value, some things may be more appealing than others. To me 30A is not appealing.

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You said it- it's just a different vacation. We can all take dozens of trips to the Texas coast a year. It's not really a vacation destination. You got that part right!

And no offense at all, but VERY nice AI in Cancun isn't something I would ever consider a high end vacation. Try Cabo. Or actually your head might explode if you go there.

If I had to do it all over again I would rent an RV and park it at Grayton State park.
All the beach amenities with no ******* beachfront owners at a fraction of the cost.
Just my thoughts.
Been to both Port A and 30A. Both have their benefits
But sometime At the end of the day it's all about what the Mrs wants and that's fine with me.

71 jock said:

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And no offense at all, but VERY nice AI in Cancun isn't something I would ever consider a high end vacation. Try Cabo. Or actually your head might explode if you go there.

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Just the Mrs and I did Le Blanc Cabo in October. It was fabulous but truth be told, for the cost difference and travel complexity flying SWA to Cabo vs Cancun, we're planning another trip for the family back to the Grand Moon Palace. It was 85% of Le Blanc experience. Also, you can't safely get in the water in Cabo.

And for the record, I'm not sure I'd consider it high end as well. Certainly good quality mid tier if you go to the right AI though.

That's my problem with 30A though… higher end vacation spend but get a mid tier experience.

We've done Jackson Hole, cruises x 6, Disney x 4, Banff, NYC… Literally the only one that rivaled 30A in cost was Disney for 8 for 8 days.

DiskoTroop said:

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71 jock said:

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And no offense at all, but VERY nice AI in Cancun isn't something I would ever consider a high end vacation. Try Cabo. Or actually your head might explode if you go there.

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Just the Mrs and I did Le Blanc Cabo in October. It was fabulous but truth be told, for the cost difference and travel complexity flying SWA to Cabo vs Cancun, we're planning another trip for the family back to the Grand Moon Palace. It was 85% of Le Blanc experience. Also, you can't safely get in the water in Cabo.

And for the record, I'm not sure I'd consider it high end as well. Certainly good quality mid tier if you go to the right AI though.

That's my problem with 30A though… higher end vacation spend but get a mid tier experience.

We've done Jackson Hole, cruises x 6, Disney x 4, Banff, NYC… Literally the only one that rivaled 30A in cost was Disney for 8 for 8 days.

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Okay man if you've done all these trips I don't know what to tell you. Seems like it went from I love Port A to now you are an international traveler and still think 30A may as well be a month long European vacation which I'm sure you will tell us you've taken x 4. Seems like you just want to be the contrarian on this thread.

Oh and, there are also swimmable beaches in Cabo maybe try Montage next time but I'm sure you knew that.

Never been to Europe and I've never claimed Port A was anything particularly special. I said I'd choose it over 30A because 30A is ridiculously over priced for the experience you get. That's it.

I'm sorry you're having trouble processing a dissenting opinion.

After furiously googling expensive vacation locations now you have him googling Montage Cabo. This dude is full of *****! Enjoy the pristine waters, beaches, seafood, and fishing of Port A bro!!

Please go away.

Start your own thread. This is for people with questions about 30A. Now my questions are buried.

Staff can you delete all of this nonsense?

Agree
I'm wiling to discuss anything about 30A for who ever has a question.

That guy is a poor ass envious troll who should be banned from this thread. What a waste of space.

71 jock said:

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DiskoTroop said:

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71 jock said:

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And no offense at all, but VERY nice AI in Cancun isn't something I would ever consider a high end vacation. Try Cabo. Or actually your head might explode if you go there.

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Just the Mrs and I did Le Blanc Cabo in October. It was fabulous but truth be told, for the cost difference and travel complexity flying SWA to Cabo vs Cancun, we're planning another trip for the family back to the Grand Moon Palace. It was 85% of Le Blanc experience. Also, you can't safely get in the water in Cabo.

And for the record, I'm not sure I'd consider it high end as well. Certainly good quality mid tier if you go to the right AI though.

That's my problem with 30A though… higher end vacation spend but get a mid tier experience.

We've done Jackson Hole, cruises x 6, Disney x 4, Banff, NYC… Literally the only one that rivaled 30A in cost was Disney for 8 for 8 days.

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Okay man if you've done all these trips I don't know what to tell you. Seems like it went from I love Port A to now you are an international traveler and still think 30A may as well be a month long European vacation which I'm sure you will tell us you've taken x 4. Seems like you just want to be the contrarian on this thread.

Oh and, there are also swimmable beaches in Cabo maybe try Montage next time but I'm sure you knew that.

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Im still lurking on this thread laughing at/with those still debating travel with this guy. He is no doubt the type that would argue with a shoe. I am sure he is a a ton of fun at parties. Cannot imagine what he is like to travel with?

Typical TexAgs. A dissenting opinion is given and people call you a troll and attack you personally. Sometimes I hate this place.

jpb trying to claim the thread as his own now and Shiner will talk about anything 30A related as long as it's in line with his opinion.

Great. Enjoy folks.

How are the new private/public beach zones for people? I am used to setting up on private beach with a big tent but now not sure what to do.

jpb1999 said:

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After reading through this thread, still confused. So this is all mostly talking about Seaside? Someone mentioned Rosemary Beach is lame... why? Why not Destin area?

I just want a place with direct beach access, at least 1 bed room but prefer 2 (it will be 4 of us including 9 and 11 year old kids) preferably with at least shared pools, and near restaurants and activities that kids can do.

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Staying in town in Rosemary in a large (sleeps 15+) house on the beach side of 30A is the way to go in my opinion. Been doing this for 5 years - big family trip with 12+ people. Have done Watercolor, Seaside, and Rosemary. None of the options are cheap so if people don't want to pay the 30A premium versus a Cinnamon Shores just exit stage left because that's what this thread is for.

Seaside and Watercolor feel very crowded and commercial. Rosemary has a quaint downtown and beautiful large houses. Any of the three you will feel incredibly safe, activities for kids, etc. really to me it's just a matter of how much do you want to be away from the crowds.

For a smaller group there are lots of carriage houses for rent in Rosemary and nice places up and down 30A - Seagrove, Watersound, Seaside, Watercolor, etc. VRBO may be your best bet BUT lots of YMMV with the new beach access rules

If you dont like crowds and kids/teens under 18 DO NOT go to Seaside (or watercolor). They have single handily ruined the place in less than 10 years. It is why Walton County Sheriffs Dept implements an 8pm curfew during spring break. God willing they will do all summer.

Rosemary is fine-still crowded with high density housing but you dont get the hood rat element that you get in Seaside.

Honestly if I had little or pre teen kids I would probably consider the prominence area near Watersound. Not exactly high end but the Hub can keep everyone occupied in the evenings and I think there is some sort of beach shuttle.

Look, I love the area but I have family with beach club membership so the crowds are pretty manageable, etc. If it wasnt for that I would be out!!

All good points. If our kids were older (oldest 5) and wanting to do stuff in evenings would not be caught dead staying at Seaside. Too many hooligans - lots of it may be good clean fun but you have no idea whose in the crowd.

Rosemary filters a lot of that out but yes agreed still crowded. Would be somewhere we have said we would be comfortable letting the boys have a little freedoms though when they get older. Fun small town feel, ride their bikes down to the green, ice cream shop, etc

And for someone who asked about Destin, that could not be more different from 30A. Destin and PCB huge big box resorts, though there is some decent golf in Destin and fishing in PCB.

Biggest resort you will see on 30A is the beach clubs, no miles oh high rise condos etc. It's a very different experience if all you have done is Orange Beach, Destin, PCB, etc

For reference we will be in Rosemary mid August (our fifth year in a row to do a Rosemary trip). We strategically go the week after public schools start for less crowds. Works well for us with the young kids

Yes Destin is ok I guess. Nice golf but insane traffic. Cheesy Ron Jon t-shirt shops and over the top seafood restaurants, etc.

I doubt anyone on this board would have any interest in PCB. Maybe... but I doubt it.

I have all of the answers without any mention of Port A.

The private beach thing is somewhat complicated. Find a family member who has Facebook. Look up and join the group " Let's Talk 30A". Scroll through and you will find every destination/condo complex/neighborhood discussed in detail with information from locals.

Their county publishes a color coded map of public/private beaches but it does not really cover all of the issues. I do know that Rosemary has a guarded (yes, guarded) private beach for Rosemary owners/tenants only. Prepare to pay for the umbrella Beach set up almost everywhere. Seriously, the Facebook page has actual good info.