Seaside or Rosemary

[tistheseason]

EDIT: Actually, on second thought, generally it doesn't seem more cramped to me than Seaside, although a few areas are a bit closed in due to the size of the homes. Plus, even north of 30A it's not a bad walk to the beach.

I think it may seem more cramped when you are going down the streets because the houses often have the cool courtyards -- but it gives you a nice outdoor private area!!

Our place is close to Rosemary and we rarely get in our car. (Maybe once to go to the grocery store.) But we enjoy the shops and restaurants in Rosemary. And now we have some great restaurant choices in Alys too! I think it's all what you are use to!

 

[TreeFrog]

Just to be specific-

Bella Bungalow is a unit at the "Bungalows at Seagrove" which is about a mile from Seaside. Close enough to bike, but I wouldn't want to walk it repeatedly unless the exercise is important to you.

Likewise, I think the other unit is in Magnolia cottages, which is also about a mile from Rosemary.

Both are fine places, but neither is IN Seaside or Rosemary, and much of the discussion about relative convenience of the two is a little bit moot, given that you aren't going to want to clean up for dinner and then walk a mile to get it.

At the Bungalows, you're right at the Tom Thumb, which is the third social hub of 30A, after Red Bar and Bud and Alley's.

Seriously, from the Bungalows you can easily walk to Cafe 30A and Angelina's. The only thing a short walk from Magnolia is the beach, but Fonville Press and George's in Alys Beach aren't far.

 

[dunelover]

We stayed in magnolia last year. I would not consider it close to rosemary necessarily. I am pretty sure we rented from the same people on the website you linked although the site is different now. We found our cottage dirty, sofa stained, and they really didn't seem to care. My 8 year old would not even sit on the sofa all week. However, it was a nice home, w/ a great price. One more thing to consider is the construction.....not sure if it has resumed at the entrance or not. Also the stairs to the beach are fairly steep and narrow. Important if you have a child in tow.

 

[Matt J]

Ditto for Seaside since there is so much more to do there and close by. Also, Watercolor is right next to Seaside with its own restraunts, trails, gardens,activities, etc.. The new pulic access between Seaside and WC is also great since it is one of the full service ones with lots of parking and lifeguards.

Are those lifeguards provided by WaterColor or Seaside? I only ask since the TDC does not have lifeguards at this location.

 

[BeachSiO2]

The new pulic access between Seaside and WC is also great since it is one of the full service ones with lots of parking and lifeguards.

Are those lifeguards provided by WaterColor or Seaside? I only ask since the TDC does not have lifeguards at this location.

Are you sure? ;-)

http://beachesofsouthwalton.com/OpenAccessesLifeguards.pdf

They are SWFD lifeguards that are paid for by the TDC.

 

[Matt J]

Are you sure? ;-)

http://beachesofsouthwalton.com/OpenAccessesLifeguards.pdf

They are SWFD lifeguards that are paid for by the TDC.

Okay, that's news to me.

 

[BeachSiO2]

Okay, that's news to me.

Just started this year with the opening of the new restroom.

 

[Matt J]

Just started this year with the opening of the new restroom.

Okay, wasn't sure if it was going to start this year or next. Thanks.

 

[rdelong43065]

They are at the Van Ness Butler access and also Blue Mountain Beach access as well.

 

[NatiBeachLuvr]

Thanks again everyone. This is all excellent information. I am sure I will be posting more questions about what to do before our trip in September!