First Timer's Guide to Inlet Beach

Visiting Inlet Beach for the first time? Here’s what you need to know.

When planning your trip, remember that the key to the perfect vacation starts with the right accommodation for your group. Looking for a beach-front getaway with the whole family? Look into one of Inlet Beach’s vacation rental homes or townhomes located steps from the sugar-white sand. If an upscale resort is more your style, check out The Pointe, located right off Scenic Highway 30A.

When it comes to the beach, there’s plenty of room to spread out. As you wander one of the three Inlet Beach boardwalks, you will see a combination of scrub oaks, Florida palms and breathtaking, sugar-white sand leading to the warm turquoise waters.

From the beach, you may notice two tall, yellow poles at the foot of a dune. The markers line up to point the way to one of South Walton’s four near-shore snorkeling reefs. It’s best to paddle board or kayak to the reef, which is shaped like a cobia when viewed from high above, and is located about 250 - 300 yards from shore. Other snorkeling reefs in South Walton are likewise built in the shape of a dolphin, a sea turtle and a sea horse.

After swimming or just basking in the sun, you are sure to have worked up an appetite. South Walton is home to more than 200 restaurants, and you’ll find many of the staples located in Inlet Beach. For breakfast, stop in and visit Chef John Currence of Big Bad Breakfast. This Louisiana grown chef has a love for the most important meal of the day. If you want to grab something quick before hitting the beach, Cafe Aroma in the Shoppes at Inlet has pastries, bagels, fresh coffee and more, and The Donut Hole serves a wider variety than their name suggests.

For lunch or dinner, there are plenty of options to choose from. Stop into family-owned Amici 30A or Amigo’s 30A, conveniently located across the breezeway in 30Avenue. Take your pick of Italian or Mexican, sure to please everyone in your group. Shades Bar and Grill, located near the intersection of Hwy 30A and Hwy 98, has been serving visitors for more than 20 years. This family-friendly option has room for the family to spread out, enjoy good food and catch the game on one of their 17 televisions.

Visiting the unique boutiques of 30Avenue and the Shoppes at Inlet – which include everything from beauty bars to art shops, high-end furniture stores, souvenir collections and more – brings with it the opportunity to find the perfect reminder of South Walton that you’ll cherish for years to come. Beyond shopping, you can enjoy entertainment on the 30Avenue green, which showcases live music, tasting events and cookouts, just to name a few!

If you are ready to escape from the everyday, Inlet Beach is calling.