Adventurous Kate includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!
Share on Twitter
Share on Facebook
Share on Pinterest
Share on Email
Seaside Florida is one of the most amazing places I’ve went to in the Sunshine State, and one that I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. From the retro mid-century pastel homes to the soft sand and verdant waves of the emerald Coast, this oceanside favorite is the cat’s pajamas (or ought to I say the dog’s swimsuit?).
Seaside is a tiny town on the Florida panhandle, about an hour from Panama City and encircled by forest. I had no idea it even existed until meeting a lady in Mississippi who recommended it, telling me it was wonderful. She sighed so deeply and emphatically that I knew I had to check the place out for itself.
After leaving route 98, I drove through several miles of dense forest before emerging into a street straight out of a 1960s sitcom from the 1950s. large houses held court on each side of the street, shades of pink or blue or yellow with white trim and geometric designs, each hemmed in by white picket fences.
“This is nice,” I murmured.
An aerial shot of Seaside Florida, through Shutterstock.
Bike paths emerged along the beach. groups of teenagers, older couples, and young families whizzed by on old-fashioned bicycles. At this point, restaurants began to pop up now and again, along with Airstream trailer food trucks. The houses were now smaller, brighter, compact little marvels of design. Wispy clouds streaked the periwinkle sky.
“This is…really nice,” I said, dumbfounded.
Seaside’s ideal pastel bungalows stunned me; they were practically too good to be true. The beaches were brilliant, as soft as sugar edging against bright turquoise Gulf of Mexico; the location was isolated, surrounded by yearn forests on all sides.
I loved my time in the town of Seaside, and I especially love sharing it with other people. Are you thinking of visiting? You should! I’ll take you on a journey through this sun-drenched town that is sure to be a beautiful trip you’ll never forget.
Table of Contents
History of Seaside and Its cultural Significance
Best things to do in Seaside, FloridaVisit one of the stunning Beaches
Explore the Art Galleries and nearby Attractions
Visit Modica Market
Eat at a Food Truck
Visit the Seaside Farmers Market
Take a trip to Grayton beach state Park
Grab a drink and Relax
Visit Neighboring beach Towns
Best Time to check out Seaside Florida
Where to stay in Seaside Florida
The Takeaway
History of Seaside and Its cultural Significance
Seaside Florida, an unincorporated community in Walton country on the Florida panhandle, was originally a plot of private land purchased by J.S. Smolian in 1946 as a private retreat for his family.
In 1976, Smolian deeded the land to his grandson Robert Davis, who chose to open Seaside to the world. In 1981, Davis, his wife, and a team of architects began the process of creating a master-planned community centered around its architecture.
This is how the movement of new Urbanism became a reality, focusing on user-friendly livable spaces in regard to its urban planning implementations. This includes elements such as short walking distances between houses and establishments. In short, Seaside has numerous of the benefits of living in a city, like walkable neighborhoods, while still being a small coastal town.
At times this pristinely planned town seems much more like a film prop than an actual town. It felt oddly familiar, and when I realized that this was actually Seahaven, the too-good-to-be-true in The Truman Show, all of a sudden everything made sense. Of course The Truman show was filmed here! nowhere else in the us would come close.
Today the homes of Seaside are a mishmash of Modern, Victorian, Neoclassical and Deconstructive architecture blending together beautifully — and there are strict ordinances permitting which styles of houses can be built.
Best things to do in Seaside, Florida
Seaside is made to tap into the carefree energy of childhood’s long and epic summers. Ice cream cones, enjoyable bike rides, and beaming smiles along the coastal shores — this town lives on sculpting magical memories for going to folks.
If you’re feeling stumped on where to begin in this serene town, take a look at a few activity options to get you started on your journey:
Visit one of the stunning Beaches
One thing is for sure — the white sands of the Seaside seashores are one of this area’s most significant draws. Thenullnull