FIELD GUIDE: BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACH
BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACH REMEMBERED
An Essay by Makenzi Hogan Grau
To me, Blue Mountain will forever be the sleepier, slightly scruffier stretch of my 30A childhood: the salt-faded Sally’s by the Seastore, the neighborhood stop for ethanol-free gas and breakfast biscuits; empty, wildly overgrown lots waiting for the next real estate boom; a seafood restaurant (Nick’s?) that seemed to catch on fire every other year; the Brickyard — a collection of run-down brick cottages built in the 1960s, with a history as eclectic as its inhabitants.
Blue Mountain is, serendipitously, where I landed as a young adult to begin building a new life at the beach. My neighbors — Jack Frost, Foxy, and Joe Bob, yes, their real names — shared stories from their decades in the neighborhood, recalling the sleepy eighties when skinny-dipping was the norm and dogs could nap on the warm asphalt of a wilder, yet undiscovered Scenic Highway 30A.
A few years back, the county had to put a stoplight at Old Blue Mountain Beach Road and 30A. Blue Mountain Beach, like the rest of 30A, is no longer wild or undiscovered. And while you’ll still find more gravel than pristinely manicured cobblestone roads in Blue Mountain Beach, the community is eager to preserve the neighborhood’s heritage and, where appropriate, welcome that which will enrich it. Undoubtedly, there have been blows: Sally’s by the Seastore — and with it, Redd’s Fueling Station (relocated to Highway 98) — was a tragic loss.
But the sand is just as sugary white; the ocean just as emerald in hue. Scruffy palms still reach out to obscure street signs, stray cats run wild, and a few of the original Brickyard owners hold out. Longtime locals still wave at one another and set out boxes of surplus homegrown oranges and pecans. Indeed, much of the sleepy, sweet Blue Mountain Beach of my childhood remains — it’s just a bit grown up, dusted off, and with nearly everything we once ventured down the road for now within walking distance.
LOCAL’S GUIDE
Like the rest of 30A, Blue Mountain Beach is best traversed by bike. Ride (or walk) to the beach and breakfast as parking is limited and towing is enforced — especially during high season (Spring Break, all long weekend holidays, and Memorial through Labor Day). If you’re planning to venture beyond Blue Mountain (and you should, both to stock up on groceries and to explore 30As many other towns) a car is necessary. Many opt for golf carts, but it’s worth noting that golf carts are somewhat controversial among locals due to congestion and safety concerns. Word to the wise: check your blinkers, wear your seatbelts, and yield to cars.
Traditionally quieter than East 30A, Blue Mountain Beach holds some of 30As best kept secrets: The Retreat, a non-rental gated community with almost 3,000 feet of beach frontage; For the Health of It, a decades-old organic grocer with a made-to-order juice + smoothie bar; and miles of trails through pristine state parks.
DO
BEACH
BLUE MOUNTAIN REGIONAL ACCESS // The main public access in Blue Mountain Beach, with parking, restrooms and – during peak season – lifeguards. Along Blue Moutain Beach Road you’ll also find the Gulf Point Access, Seagrade Access, and Blue Lake Road Access.
ART
JUSTIN GAFFREY STUDIO // Tucked off 30A on the corner of Blue Gulf is, perhaps, is Justin Gaffrey Studio, which is well-worth the visit for artists and art-lovers alike. His work, at the precipice of painting and sculpture, is perhaps the most synonymous with 30A.
MOVE
BIG DADDY’S BIKE SHOP // If your rental doesn’t provide bikes, this is where to rent a few. It’s located between For the Health of It and Blue Mountain Beach Bakery.
STUDIO 30A // A beautiful yoga studio located in Red Fish Village offering a comprehensive lineup of yoga and wellness classes. Inquire about private and group classes.
PADDLE BOARD the DUNE LAKES // South Walton’s coastal dune lakes are found in three other places worldwide, Madagascar, New Zealand, and Australia. Experience them up close via paddle board.
EXPLORE the STATE TRAILS // About 40% of South Walton is preserved wilderness courtesy of several state parks, which means there’s abundant nature to explore beyond the beach. And Blue Mountain Beach is a great launch pad from which to explore the Point Washington State Park trails by bike or foot.
EAT & DRINK
COFFEE, SMOOTHIES, & JUICES
FOR THE HEALTH OF IT // Fuel (or refuel) intentionally with organic, made-to-order juices and smoothies. While you wait, stock up on beach snacks or dinner ingredients. Open daily from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
REAL + RAW // Open daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Real + Raw serves up, well, real and raw smoothies, juices, coffee, tea, and bites — all sans seed oils. While you’re there, stock up on buzz-worthy organic goods, from sunscreen to snacks.
THE SHAKE SHOP at BLUE MOUNTAIN CREAMERY // In Blue Mountain, this is the place to start — and end — your day. Grab Charlie’s Donuts or Lucky Donuts, then come back for a pre-dinner sugar rush.
BREAKFAST & LUNCH
BLUE MOUNTAIN BAKERY // A teensy bakery and café serving big-flavor breakfasts through lunch. It’s unfussy food (and pastries!), done right. Enjoy it on the open-air patio or take it to the beach — and get a sweet (or two) to go.
COWGIRL KITCHEN // A laid-back breakfast + lunch spot serving Southwestern-style bites and, while they last, to-go dips. Longtime locals will recognize the little building from the old Seagrove motel.
RED FISH TACO // A Blue Mountain Beach hot spot that regularly spills into the parking lot for live music. Casual, easy, and reliably good — lunch, happy hour, and dinner.
DINNER
BASMATI’S // In the most unexpected turn of events, we met the late chef’s mother sitting outside a sandwich shop in Falmouth, MA. The owner of the shop introduced us to her as visitors from Florida. “Where in Florida?” She shot back in customary Northeastern bluntness. “North Florida.” We replied. Few outside of the South are familiar with 30A. “Yeah, where, though?” She pressed. “On the Panhandle, between Panama City and Destin.” She stared at us hard, “ever heard of 30A? My son started a restaurant called Basmati’s.” Long story short, it was a serendipitous, unexpected collision of worlds that reminded us of the love and care with which Basmati’s had been started. Today, the food and service is still excellent. Some of the best on 30A.
CAFE TANGO // An intimate — think eight tables — restaurant with a loyal following. Reservations are a must for generous pours and Spanish- and Mediterranean-inspired fare.
LOCAL CATCH // Coastal cuisine with a southern twist, served up in a quaint, salt-worn environment with local live music.
MIMMO’S // A longtime Destin favorite with a newer 30A location, open seven days a week for hearty Italian fare.
RED FISH TACO // A Blue Mountain Beach hot spot that regularly spills into the parking lot for live music. Casual, easy, and always good — lunch, happy hour, and dinner.
DRINKS
BOXCAR ANNIE // Located directly behind Cowgirl Kitchen, Boxcar Annie is open Wednesday through Friday from 2:30 PM to 8:00 PM and Saturday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM for live music, cocktails + bottomless mimosas, and bar snacks. Don’t miss Après Beach Hour from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
JOHNNY MCTIGHS IRISH PUB // A longtime local favorite for a classic bar scene: bar food, beer, and a game room included. Happy hour runs Monday through Saturday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
SWEETS
BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACH CREAMERY // The candy-colored building on the corner of 30A and Old Blue Mountain Beach Road — you can’t miss it. Grab homemade ice cream, yogurt, sorbet, and fresh waffle cones from the front; frozen custard, and concretes from The Shake Shop on the side.
JAMBO’S // Authentic Frozen Italian Lemonade made with pure, organic fruits, and organic cane sugar. It’s located a really delightful (and darling) truck right in front of For the Health of It, and caters to locals, which makes it extra sweet (no pun intended).
Updated as of August 2026.
