Instead of heading slightly North to speedy yet far-from-scenic Highway 98, take the scenic route along the Gulf. That’s where you’ll find 30A, a 26-mile road that’s gone from sleepy to chic in the 50 years since it was finished being paved. Located right between Destin and Panama City, 30A has been deemed “the Hamptons of the South.” After spending a couple of nights at The Court in Seaside, Florida, we can see why.
There are 16 neighborhoods that line 30A, each with its own distinct vibe. In contrast to Grecian Alys Beach and Alpine-esque Rosemary Beach, you might recognize Seaside as the set of 1998’s The Truman Show. Its pastel homes cheerily greet passersby with signs with not only the house number, but also the family name and the monikers of all of the pets who live there.
Seaside sits near the center of 30A, and The Court is right in the heart of it—just steps from the neighborhood market, a public pool (to which all guests have free access), a bike path, an amphitheater, and the beach. This intimate, stylish, and serene property comes jam-packed with amenities and makes an ideal home away from home when you’re visiting South Walton, Florida.
Open since the fall of 2021, The Court is the seaside’s only boutique hotel, and it’s owned by the city’s founders, Robert and Daryl Davis.
Just across the street from The Court, you’ll find a gate that leads you to Coleman Pavilion Beach access. Slip on the bracelet inside your room and take advantage of your VIP seaside status: For the duration of your stay, chairs will be marked with your name at this private beach, and your beach concierge, Cabana Man, will be ready to assist with any special requests.
Back on the property, each of the 8 residences (residential-style guest rooms) overlooks a pristinely landscaped courtyard with majestic oaks, palms, and palmettos. Enjoy the view from your private deck, which includes teak lounge chairs, and on some decks, a locally-made teak hanging bed.
While the scenery in the courtyard and at the beach are tough to compete with, you won’t be disappointed by the view inside your room. Interior designers Erica Pierce and Makenzie Carter of The SEASIDE Style collaborated with local architect Ty Nunn to bring Seaside’s aura into every inch of the property. (Pierce tells us she was also inspired by a memorable stay at the Surfrider Inn in Malibu.)
Another notable collaborator: Serena & Lily. All of the furnishings, including a romantic Whitaker four-poster bed, beachy pendant lighting, tropical wallpaper, and white paneled walls, are courtesy of the coastal-inspired design brand.
“It’s a modern coastal feel. This is not your traditional cottage experience,” Pierce adds, noting that the Serena & Lily touches echo Seaside vibes to a “T.”
The sizable bathroom could almost be a cottage itself. Airy, pristine, and accented with veined stone and wood, the glass-lined double-head shower is a real stand-out—and a really rejuvenating place to rinse off the SPF and sand.
In the mood to treat yourself? Book the three-story Ivory Tower, which has its own living room, powder room, a large bedroom, a spiral staircase, and a reading nook loft with a Gulf view. It’s a popular booking for wedding parties and other special occasions. This weekend sounds like a good one to us!
Top Takeaways:
Location: Seaside, Florida
The vibe: Take your pick from 8 beachy “residences” that exude the same vibes as the preppy yet relaxed seaside neighborhood.
Food + Drink: While The Court doesn’t technically have its own restaurant, Black Bear Bread Co. is located on the property and is the ideal pitstop for pastries, coffee, and breakfast. Try the lavender-scented Hummingbird Latte and the banana and ricotta tartine on homemade sourdough.
Any neighborhood recs? Enjoy lunch at Airstream Row, a block of vintage airstream food trucks with cuisine that spans the globe. Then after you enjoy a day at the beach, cool off with gelato from It’s Heavenly or a dressed-up, chocolate-dipped frozen banana from Nigel’s Bananas. Then watch the sunset while sipping a spritz at The Shrimp Shack & Boardwalk Bar.
Our favorite thing about the hotel? The Court is just steps from one of the world’s softest beaches. Fun fact: The sand is so white and supple because it’s made from pieces of quartz that washed from the southern Appalachian Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico over the course of millions of years. This long journey buffed the quartz crystals into grains as fine as sugar.
What’s nearby? Modica Market, Central Square Records, Sundog Books, The REP Theatre, Seaside Amphitheater
Amenities: An expansive bathroom, Serena & Lily furniture, luxury linens, a private outdoor seating area, espresso machine, TV, on-site parking, complimentary bike rentals from the Seaside Transit Authority, public pool passes, and complimentary beach chairs through Cabana Man.
Rooms: 8 Residences
Pricing: Rooms start at $200/night
Closest Airports: Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) and Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS)
