SHOPPING GUIDE
 
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Seaside Dining & Shopping Map

WHERE TO FIND THE SHOPPING VILLAGES ON 30-A

We've traveled Scenic Highway 30-A and Highway 98 towards the town of Destin to compile a list of what we consider to be the most desirable and essential areas to spend your shopping time while you are visiting this wonderful resort location. We've done the work to save you time and effort while you are here.

BLUE MOUNTAIN BEACH SHOPS:

Traveling along Scenic 30-A in Blue Mountain Beach, at the top of hill you'll come upon stores on both sides of the road. There's a restaurant next to a liquor store, a hair styling boutique, and a professional office or two along with a convenience store. On the other side of the road there's a well-known bike shop, a health food store (the only one on 30-A), which recently opened a vegetarian restaurant in the same location. Though this area is not very large, it's what's there that makes all the difference.

GULF PLACE:

"Community" would be a good description for this new and impressive development featuring condominiums, shops and restaurants. Gulf Place is a well-planned hub that has pedestrians in mind. The view of Gulf Place from Scenic Highway 30-A is also very dramatic. As you round the curve, you'll come upon a multicolored, architectural row of three-story buildings unlike anything else on this visually diverse 19-mile road.

In the expansive courtyard there are palm tree-lined streets with a swimming pool for residents and their guests. When you pull into the main entrance, you'll see many shops and offices. There's also a charming traditionalÐstyle pharmacy in the west corner of the quadrangle. There's a stage for music and performance art in the center of a large grassy mall (check 30-A.com for schedules of open-air concerts held here during the year). Outdoor, live jazz performances have become popular Thursday dinner events sponsored by a gourmet coffee parlor and a popular seafood restaurant. You'll find Gulf Place at the East intersection of County Road 393 and 30-A in Santa Rosa Beach. This is where you really can "eat, drink and be merry".

MYSTIC PORTE & SHOPS OF GRAYTON:

This combined shopping village is one of the more diverse on 30-A. From a cute row of shops in multiple pastel shades to freestanding buildings spread out over a couple of acres, you're can plan on getting a lot done over and above just passing the day.

Making repairs? There's a hardware store -- the only one on 30-A. Hungry? How about a Greek sandwich shop, a Chinese take-out restaurant, or a sandwich and pastry deli. Browsing? Try the curiosity shops. And if you want to settle down in this beautiful corner of the world there are architecture companies along with real estate offices, along with the local electric utility company. Mystic Porte and Shops of Grayton is one of the more essential shopping areas on 30-A.
Located on County Road 83 in Grayton Beach

PATRONE'S HIDEAWAY:

Okay, you say you want something unusual on 30-A? Well this may be just the ticket.

Almost hidden as you travel toward the beach on Defuniak Street in Grayton, Patrone's Hideaway is a shopping "colony" from out of the '60s. Art shops, a funky restaurant, a cigar store, kayak rentals, and more are all here for your enjoyment. Check out the covered dock on the lake and take a boat out, or just have a seat and enjoy a sandwich with a cold beer. Located at 307 Defuniak Street, Grayton Beach, Scenic Highway 30-A

SEAGROVE PLAZA:

This is a convenient little shopping area that was really established for the adjourning apartment rental village next door. It houses the rental agents' office, a movie rental store, a hair styling shop, a deli, a pizza parlor and a couple of clothing boutiques. You'll also find across the street an essential bicycle rental shop next to another realty office. There's even a comfortable little park in the front where you can take a break while shopping. Located in Seagrove Beach and Scenic 30-A.

SEASIDE TOWN SQUARE:

This is really the quintessential shopping area of Scenic Highway 30-A. Located in the town of Seaside, it houses a middle school and a home for the performing arts. In addition to the many restaurants on both sides of the road, you'll find art galleries of every description, a repertory theatre with an outside amphitheatre, a popular gourmet food market, a wine bar with entertainment, trendy little coffee and ice cream shops, haute couture clothes and bathing suit shops. There's also a U.S. Post Office and an ATM. Seaside is also a great walking environment with lots of beach pavilions and access paths leading to the beautiful beach. Look for a place to park or you'll miss many of the sights and people!

SILVER SANDS FACTORY STORES:

When coming to the Emerald Coast, you can't miss out on a visit to the largest factory outlet mall in the nation (100 designer outlet stores, specialty shops and places to eat). This is a shopper's paradise, so bring lots of "mad money". Take a stop at Morgan's -- a huge building that is part of the mall with many places to dine. Morgan's also has video game rooms for your children's entertainment. As every parent knows, this comes in handy when shopping!

There's lots of parking and it's easy to find the store of your choice in this mega-mall. And you won't have a hard time finding this location from the highway. Located on Silver Sands on Highway 98 East in Destin. Call 1-800-510-6255 for daily hours and other information.

THE MARKET SHOPS AT SANDESTIN:

Not only will you find shops for clothes, jewelry, art galleries, restaurants, sport and surf shops, and specialty shops and toys, but there's even live jazz and other performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. It's fun just strolling through the courtyards where you'll find a calm lake with ducks casually swimming with their babies. There are patches of flowers strategically planted to enhance the serene charm created by the outside table area. Shopping here is an experience that you won't find anywhere else because it is so relaxing. It's all enclosed under a blanket of trees and foliage. During the season you'll also find things like the Shrimp Fest and the Family Fun Fourth Fest. While at the Market Shops, stop in at the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort for more recreational activities. Located on Highway 98 in Sandestin. Call 850-267-8000 for more information.

UPTOWN GRAYTON: