SEAGROVE
WATERSOUND
In 1996, on the east end of 30A, a colorful cluster of
homes nestled between Alys Beach and Camp Creek
Lake became formally known as Seacrest Beach. This
planned community is arguably one of the most kid-
friendly destinations on 30A with its neighborhood
pool, bike trails and the Peddlers Pavilion. Peddlers, also
known as the Village of South Walton, has everything a
young child could want—bike rentals, funky sandwich
huts, picnic tables, live music, souvenir stores and an
ice cream shop. A boardwalk also overlooks the Gulf
and offers lunch baskets and a happy hour. Guests have
access to the complimentary beach shuttle that picks
them up at their home and drops them off at the beach.
Seacrest is an exceptionally bike-friendly community
with the Timpoochee Trail immediately connecting
locals and visitors to Rosemary and Alys Beach.
The Cape Cod architectural influences of this
community are everywhere. Neighborhoods lie tucked
away behind acres of rolling dunes. Asymmetrical
rooflines, cedar shake siding and the quintessential
SEACREST
Cube McGee didn’t discover Seagrove. He is, however,
responsible for developing a vision for what it would
eventually become. With the area’s gorgeous beach and
groves, he foresaw a dream destination for vacationers.
The Seagrove Village Market opened in 1949 as a dime
store for those passing by to use the payphone—a rarity
in those days. Sparkling emerald green waters,
sugar-soft sand and an alluring sense of seclusion were the
community’s selling points. It was so secluded, in
fact, that there was even a rumored nude beach for
sunbathers who couldn’t abide tan lines. Today, Seagrove
lures travelers from around the world. The community
features a variety of award-winning restaurants—both
casual and upscale—while The Seagrove Village Market
remains the longest-running business on 30A and
functions as a casual grab-and-go restaurant serving
“deep-fried love.”
light grey color schemes are all hallmarks of its homes.
WaterSound was created in the early 2000s by the St.
Joe Company as an elegant, gated community divided
into a handful of districts and joined by a communal
meeting spot known as The Gatehouse. Kayakers
and standup paddleboarders cruise the coastal dune
lakes throughout the year. The Beach Club features
unobstructed Gulf views, two expansive resort-style
pools and poolside dining. A central feature is the town
center, locally known as The Hub. Here, families can
enjoy free daily entertainment, fast-casual restaurants,
boutiques and art galleries.
Part of Seaside’s irresistible charm is its emphasis on
simplicity and sustainability. Bicycles and pedestrians are
everywhere, while many of the streets remain unpaved.
Perhaps most significantly, the architectural sensibilities
have inspired other 30A communities, combining the
innovative with the traditional.