There's a little thrill that comes when you round the bend on the bike path and see it. The pastel cottages. The white picket fences. The town square full of people licking ice cream cones and wandering with shopping bags. After a few miles of salt air and pedaling, Seaside feels like a reward.
If you're staying with us at The Big Sea, Seaside is one of those day trips everyone should take at least once. Here's how to make it a good one.
Why Seaside Is Worth the Ride
Seaside is the town that put 30A on the map. It was planned as a walkable beach town where you could leave the car behind, and decades later it still feels that way. The streets are lined with colorful cottages and front porches. The town square is lively but never hectic. You can spend an hour or a whole afternoon.
It's also a postcard come to life. Bring your phone, because you'll want pictures at every corner, especially the little Seaside post office.
The Ride from Seacrest Beach
From The Big Sea, Seaside is about 7 miles west along the Timpoochee Trail, the paved path that runs beside 30A. You'll pass through WaterSound and Seagrove on the way.
The trail is mostly flat and easy, but 7 miles each way is a real ride on a beach cruiser. Most families find it works best as a morning ride out, a slow lunch in town and an easy ride home. If you have little ones or tired legs, there's no shame in driving one way.
The Big Sea has 6 beach cruisers with helmets, locks and removable baskets, so the whole crew can ride together. Pack water, sunscreen and a light jacket for the ride home, since November afternoons can turn breezy and cool.
Wandering the Town
Lock up your bikes and take your time. Start in the town square, where the Seaside Amphitheater lawn is the heart of everything. Then wander the side streets and peek at the cottages, each one painted a little differently.
A few spots to look for:
The Chapel of 30A, which resumed normal operations after Hurricane Isaias.
The Seaside Style, for the classic Seaside t-shirt and Bud the Dachshund gifts.
Poeta, for handcrafted bags made right in town.
Headley Hat Co., where you can customize a hat at their bar.
Then walk down to the beach. Seaside's Gulf views are some of the prettiest on the coast.
Where to Eat and Treat
You'll be hungry after the ride, and Seaside makes that easy. These were reopened after the storm, as of mid-October:
Pickles, for burgers and milkshakes. It's a family favorite.
The Meltdown on 30A, a grilled cheese spot on Airstream Row, the line of silver Airstream food trucks along 30A.
Shrimp Shack, for a casual seafood lunch.
Bud and Alley's, a Seaside classic for a sit-down meal. They reopened with a limited menu, so check what they're serving before you go.
Hours can still change after the storm, so a quick look at each spot's website or social media before you ride saves a disappointed kid.
Saturday Mornings and Holiday Nights
Two great reasons to time your visit:
The Seaside Farmers Market sets up at the Amphitheater on Saturday mornings in November, from 9 AM to 1 PM, rain or shine. Grab local produce and baked goods for the house, and listen to some live music while you browse.
Turn On the Town is Saturday, November 28, from 3 to 8 PM. Seaside kicks off the holidays with a parade along 30A, a Christmas tree lighting at the Amphitheater and photos with Santa. If you're here for Thanksgiving, don't miss it. For this one, we'd drive instead of bike, since it ends after dark.
Tips for the Ride Home
Head home with plenty of daylight. November sunsets come early, around 5 PM.
Stop at an open beach access along the way to rest and take in the view.
Stay off the dunes. Hurricane Isaias left some dunes fragile and steep, and they need time to recover.
Ride single file on the trail and give a friendly "on your left" when you pass.
Seaside is the kind of place that stays with you. The colors, the porches, the feeling of a town built for slowing down. Come stay with us in Seacrest Beach and make the ride yourself. Check your dates and book direct.
