Seaside, Florida: Family Vacation Beach Utopia

If you have never been to the panhandle of Florida, then you know it is famed for sugar white sand and is known as the Emerald Coast. Yes, the sand is soft and white (not rocky or hard) and the water is clear up to 20 feet some days, casting a green hue (thus, the term Emerald.)

If you have been to the panhandle of Florida, perhaps it has been somewhere like Destin or Panama City, the most well-known towns full of tourism. That is why the small town of Seaside may peak your interest - it is NOT a tourist trap. It is a small, quiet town with brick streets and classy culture that will make you feel like you have truly arrived. Everything you work for ALL year - for your family vacation on the beach will be worth it at Seaside.

Seaside, which is situated neatly between Destin and Panama City, is a small town community that offers upscale culture. It is HOME for upper middle class and upper class seeking a safe getaway where a bike chain with lock is not required. It is a haven for 10 year olds who want to roam and meet you back at the post office under the American Flag.

Seaside is a utopia for family and friends who just want to hang out in safety AND have culture yet, not be bombarded with tourism and trash. Seaside, FL is the cleanest, most family-friendly atmosphere on the beach in the United States. A perfect mom couldn't order it better!

So why is Seaside so great? Let's get the facts straight.

The Setting, The Shopping

Seaside, dubbed "new urbania" is famed for its layout. The quaint and darling post office is situated as the hub of the town square. Though it is not really a square, more of a horseshoe facing the ocean, Seaside offers shopping, bars, eating and nightlife for all ages as safely as imagined in a dream.

The Seaside Amphitheater is behind the post office and surrounded by a massive green, highly manicured lawn, outlined in shade trees. Outside of that is a brick horseshoe street, with facing custom shops and restaurants that centralize the action.

The stores include the Seaside Bookstore, Sundog Books - which is a hotspot for action. This bookstore is full of best sellers, huge children's selection as well as tourist cha-chkis. You will have to step over the black lab (yes, the dog) that is 9+ years old lounging on the hardwood floors to get up the steps to the town music shop. Here, you can order a coffee and sit on the deck overlooking the lawn, or shop for the coolest local band or latest mainstream hits. Sundog, though a popular hangout, is not the only attraction around the square.

The Seaside Store is loaded with pristine gifts in navy and white...classic seaside colors. Pazitz Home is a mark better than Pottery Barn, offering home goods to the elite Seaside homeowners. But make no mistake, you can buy sunglasses and a sharks tooth necklace at Ono surf shop, or explore the candy racks, ice creme parlors or shaved ice stand for the perfect child treat. And the outside market for local vendors offers a splendid selection of tailored gifts and clothing for any tourist. If it is art you seek, Ruskin Place, a street off Seaside horseshoe is a feast for the eyes you won't want to miss - even if just window shopping. (See more pictures in associated links below.)

Food Glorious Food

There are many different places to dine in Seaside without ever leaving the haven you have come for. Everything form Taco bars, Pizzerias and Hot dog stands; all perfect for the family high noon meal offering diversity off the beach.

At night, many restaurants come to life. Bud and Ally's Seafood Bar and Grill is famed for their appetizers, and Great Southern, where you can get any ole American dish done perfectly (Must try at Great Southern: Famous "Grits Ya Ya" Don't miss it! It is Fantastic with any dish!) Though these mentioned are most popular, there are several more that truly rock, not just with food, but live bands and fantastic service!

Bike or Hike

If you have come to enjoy the great outdoors, Seaside will not disappoint. Bike trails run along side every brick lined road, bar none. This is a biking community. In fact, you can bike to the shore, or to the lake for kayaking, Yolo boarding (think surfboard on calm water with oars) or fishing. Seaside hosts multiple marathons throughout the year, which are great times to visit. Nothing beats running quite like running along lakes and the ocean!

Let me...Entertain You!

Culture abounds in Seaside due to the enormous focus on the arts. The visual artists will sweep you away, but not before the performing artists! The Seaside Amphitheater hosts movies for kids, local and famous bands for all ages, musicals and plays for the most cultured night out - throughout summer! They invest in the arts and pride themselves in their ability to keep the arts thriving in a small town.

The Cost

There is no doubt the streets of Seaside Florida will charm any American family, the question is...can you afford it? Due to the size of most homes, the home rentals cost could be easily split between families or within the family. Each home has its own flair but there isn't a single home to be ashamed of...inside or out. So if you search this town and find availability...BOOK IT now. Your family will adore you for the treasure of a town you found in the most endearing, classy family place on the US Coast - Seaside!