7 Best Things To Do In Stylish Alys Beach On Florida's 30A

Four gleaming minaret-style towers welcome visitors to Alys Beach and a stretch of the scenic highway flanked by towering palm trees. The appeal of this area is clear: stucco homes so white they could blind you at high noon; secluded courtyards cozied up within their walls; the pool at Caliza, which looks like it's straight from Bermuda; and a curated collection of shops and eateries that would feel right at home on the cobblestone paths of Capri.

After a few days of cabanas and cocktails, you'll leave feeling refreshed. In case the sophisticated surroundings tempt you to put on airs, remember that this beach town was named after its original developer's wife. That's like naming your firstborn after your mama, and we all know it doesn't get more relatable—or Southern—than that.

Here are the best things to do, see, and eat on a day spent in Alys Beach, whether you're dropping in from a nearby beach town on Highway 30A or staying right in the midst of the coastal beauty.

Start Your Day With a Homemade Breakfast

Fuel your morning with a Fonville Press Market Café breakfast flatbread, fried chicken biscuit, chocolate croissant, or grain bowl. Stop by the attached market to grab sandwiches, wine, and specialty items for later. More health-conscious vacationers can stop by Raw & Juicy for smoothies and nourishing bowls.

Explore the Nature Preserve and Trail

Grab your bike and get pedaling. The northern portion of Alys Beach is devoted to a 20-acre nature preserve practically made for morning bike rides. Seriously, there's an elevated wooden boardwalk that will take you through most of the trail and give you the best view of your natural surroundings. Cozy up by the lake, and bring a beach read.

Grab an Exceptional Drink at Neat

Nearby, cool off with a drink at Neat. The cocktail bar is minimalist by design, with an ever-changing monthly menu of snacks and specialty drinks featuring ingredients like crème de violette and celery bitters. The offerings gently goad you to trade in your usual order for something bespoke and delicious.

Order Coastal Cuisine with Southern Flair

George's at Alys Beach, a shingled beach cottage-turned-restaurant that sits right off the manicured highway, might not necessarily fit the Bermuda-inspired style of Alys Beach, but it certainly touts buzz words fitting of the posh locale. Locally sourced, organic produce builds its menu separated by Behave and Misbehave items: dishes like grilled local fish and forbidden black rice falling on the Behave side, and fried shrimp with hush puppies decidedly on the other.

While George's does not accept reservations, nearby Restaurant Paradis does. Its seasonal menu features local produce and fresh Gulf seafood. Additionally, The Citizen is a seaside tavern that can seat big groups more easily and has a brunch menu to boast about.

Attend an Event at the Alys Beach Amphitheatre

Depending on when you're there, Alys Beach hosts movie nights, concerts, and seasonal celebrations (such as the Fourth of July) in the town center Amphitheatre. Visit the events page to keep up with the town's schedule.

Shop at the Local Merchants and Boutiques

Follow the green space, and you'll eventually land on a string of boutiques where colorful caftans and breezy scarves beckon you inside. Head to Merit by Willow for "elevated accouterments," Barefoot Princess for all things Lilly Pulitzer, and Summer Story for dreamy beach home décor.

Visit Other Nearby Scenic Communities

You're able to easily bike or walk over to Rosemary Beach, but you can also head via car to Seaside and Watercolor further down Highway 30A.

With all the things to do, spots to eat, and places to see, Alys Beach is a perfect fit for both a day visit and a weeklong stay.