I’ve been a local for 25 years, which means I have been refining my list of 30A beach essentials for the same period of time. Through trial, error, a beach bag that broke mid walkover, and more “test” products bought than I care to admit, these are the 12 pieces I would buy again without hesitating. Everything is linked. Or you can do a little 30A shopping. Just scroll through the categories and find a new favorite.
straw hat
A really good straw hat that makes every beach day better (plus they make almost any outfit look better). No squinting, no extra sun on the forehead. Win, win. I’ve worn a straw hat every single summer for twenty-five years and likely will do it for twenty-five more. Good brim, not too precious to throw in a beach bag, substantial enough that it doesn’t blow into the Gulf the second you sit down. The sun isn’t playing and neither am I. Swipe all the way through because I even found a straw baseball hat.
mom-friendly swimsuit
After two children and more than two decades living here with an overflowing drawer and plenty of opinions about swimsuits. I’m happy to share my repeat styles. You need support that lasts through water and waves (and sweat), coverage that lets you actually get in the water with your kids without flashing anything, and something that doesn’t look like you gave up. Those three things can coexist. It took me a while to find proof of that, especially putting in work to feel my best, but here we are with a one pieces and two pieces the do the job. Just add water.
a vacay dress
The vacation dress is basically the uniform of 30A and there’s a reason the boutiques here sell approximately one every second (just a guess, but you get what I’m saying). Maxis are great. Prints are fun. Stripes are chic. Minis are cute. And hopefully you feel like a babe when you put it on. Bonus if you can ride a bike while wearing said dress. Throw a sweater over the shoulders or a pair of cute shoes and you’re set.
chic sunglasses
In the Florida sun, this is a non-negotiable. I love a designer pair, but I would be lying if I didn’t say that I’ve lost more than one nice pair to the Gulf. It’s practically a rite of passage. I prefer a retro or oversized style, but the shape is really up to you. Just know you’re going to want to find a pair you love and have them on you at all times.
a classic button down
This is the hardest working piece I own for life on 30A. And it took me awhile to value the classics as much as I do now. And while I love color and prints, I find myself gravitating to the multi-tasking favorites more and more. Wear one of these over a swimsuit at the beach, open over a dress on a walk through Seaside, to the office or a Zoom squeezed in on vacay, tucked into shorts for dinner at Bud & Alley’s when you didn’t feel like fully committing to an outfit. It does everything. I own more than one and I’m not apologizing for it. Solid or striped. Linen or cotton preferred.
beach bag
My beach bag standards are high: holds a good towel, fits sunscreen without everything smelling like SPF 50, has at least one interior pocket I’ll actually use, easy to shake off or clean and doesn’t look like I’m moving out or flying out. I found my collection after years of trial and error and I would buy these again the same day if they disappeared. Plus they hold snacks, sunscreen, and approximately 47 things my children “need”.
a matching pajama set
Hear me out. Silky satin pajamas after a long day or for a lazy morning. A proper matching pajama set makes any hour feel more glam and when it’s hot, I have to feel cool to sleep. I also ADORE a button down classic so give me cotton or anything silky smooth and I’m good to go. a
everyday jewelry
30A has that signature mix of high and low. Statement and classic. Low key and luxe. I like to mix in trusty everyday jewelry pieces that feels like you could wear them literally every day (gold hoops, a delicate necklace, shell studs, a bracelet stack). Mostly waterproof. Pretty lightweight. Simple enough to work in multiple styles. Put it on in the morning and forget about it.
everyday tote
This is not a beach bag. Though an equal MUST. This is the work bag, the travel bag, the do-it-all gem for a laptop and lunch or a direct to NYC flight. These even work for a Seaside Farmers Market haul or a quick stop at a boutique on 30A. It needs to look intentional, go over the shoulder easily, and work with everything from a sundress to a blazer (if you happen to be wearing those like me).
“The coast is not just a place, but a lifestyle
make it your own
of curated elegance and natural ease.”
easy flats
I really don’t want to buckle my shoes at this age unless it’s for a really cute outfit, so most days, a cute pair of flats is where it’s at. I like comfort but polished sandals you can walk miles in without looking like you’re wearing orthopedic shoes. (Pass.) I don’t mind investing in a designer style, but I’ve also found as much wearability with some of the steals and deals I’ve come across, which is even better!
phone tripod and sticky mount
I resisted this longer than I should have, but it’s truly the easiest way to capture memories – content creator or not. This lightweight tripod and a phone case with a sticky mount means you can skip asking strangers to take photos where they mistakenly cut off feet or half the scene. Game changer. Very much worth the small hesitation you might feel for popping this up, but WORTH IT because documenting the ordinary moments becomes the magic later.
30A Mama shirts
When it comes to cute souvenirs, look no further. I have a mix of 30A colors and styles, with my kids wearing these t-shirts after years of washing. I love a cozy oversized sweatshirt, but for a take home that makes sense, grab a map, a sunset print or one of these cute pastel 30A t-shirts.
The Best 30A Coffee Spots
Seaside to Rosemary Beach and beyond, my favorite spots to grab a cup. Read the full post.