Guest’s Guide to Seagrove Beach
Planner for the Ultimate Guide to Seagrove Beach
Seagrove Beach embodies the classic beach town of your dreams. Where families come together to relax, enjoy leisurely bike rides, savor breathtaking sunsets, or try stand-up paddleboarding for the first time!
Over the years, our community has evolved and grown. Homes have expanded, exciting restaurants have sprung up, and charming boutiques now adorn our landscape. However, one thing remains constant—our unwavering commitment to preserving the original charm that makes Seagrove Beach unique. Plus our private beach is a plus due to the overcrowding of the Seaside Florida area and that of Rosemary Beach nearby.
A smidge about Seagrove Beach History
This remarkable community owes its existence to the vision of C.H. McGee, who laid the foundation for Seagrove Beach in the late 1940s. His dream encompassed 170 acres of pristine beachfront property, concrete block cottages, sandy roads, and a friendly general store. Back then, embarking on a journey to Seagrove Beach felt like an exciting adventure, with endless dunes, dense forests, and a narrow winding road to guide the way.
Picture it: A place that exudes nature’s raw, unbridled beauty, a true haven for those who cherish the great outdoors. C.H. McGee, a visionary, made the most of what he had, using his ingenuity to captivate the curiosity of those adventurous souls willing to venture off the beaten path. His remarkable connection with the local wildlife is a testament to his passion for this untouched paradise. In particular, he formed an extraordinary bond with a deer, which soon became a loyal companion he affectionately named Bambi. McGee’s heartwarming encounters with Bambi became a delightful attraction, symbolizing the welcoming spirit that defined his general store.
There are many restaurants within 30A, but one is a favorite among our guests in Seagrove Beach; consequently, by dining at the Surfing Deer, you’re not just enjoying a meal but partaking in a legacy of passion. Defining Seagrove.
The Surfing Deer of Seagrove Beach
Discover the Surfing Deer restaurant in Seagrove, which pays homage to this rich history. Adorning its walls are vintage photographs of McGee and his beloved Bambi, serving as a testament to their enduring bond. The Surfing Deer isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a culinary experience that elevates Seagrove to new heights. Focusing on fresh, locally sourced seafood, it offers an acceptable dining option that’s nothing short of exceptional.
In 1949, McGee built a small general store and gas station called the Seagrove Village Market. It was the place to stop for needed stockpiles and talk about local real estate. Eventually, Ernie’s opened in the back, and locals now had a place to grab a burger or buy a beer.
Besides the Surfing Deer…
If you head east on 30A, you’ll find another local favorite, Cowgirl Kitchen Market. Here, you can grab a hearty breakfast or create a picnic to take to the beach. The food is as full of flavor as it is personality. Some local favorites are Big Bill’s Burrito, Drunken Shrimp Tacos, and the Texas Pimento Cheese Sandwich.
Nearby is Seagrove Plaza, a perfectly-sized shopping center offering almost anything you’d need. You’ll find eight local businesses, including 30A Jewelry, the 30A store. A-List Hair Salon, Liz Fashions, and Sweet Henrietta’s Bakery (the cupcakes are divine).
Across the way from the Seagrove Plaza is Goatfeather’s Seafood Market East. Here, you’ll find fresh, locally caught fish you’ve been craving. Goatfeather’s Seafood will steam your shrimp or scallops or pack your fish in ice or a cooler.
For a night out, you can’t forget Cafe Thirty-A. This casual fine-dining restaurant has wowed locals and visitors since 1995. Cafe Thirty-A prides itself on being “consistently delicious,” the packed parking lot proves they know what they’re doing. Fresh seafood, steaks, an extensive wine and cocktail menu, and scrumptious desserts are on the ever-changing menu.
Seagrove Beach is also home to two of South Walton’s rare coastal dune lakes. Eastern Lake can be seen while driving or biking along 30A. The famous restaurant Old Florida Fish House graces its shores. Deer Lake is tucked away from sight in Deer Lake State Park. This secluded state park has a small walking trail and one of the longest dune walkovers in the county. It’s also home to the endangered Choctawhatchee Beach Mouse. If you’re lucky, perhaps you’ll spot one in the dunes as you go to the beach.
Your Leeward beachfront is right next to one of the rare coastal dune lakes. Eastern Lake can be seen from the balcony. Many 30A Seagrove Beach guests love to wade or kayak in its waters.