Looking for the best things To Do In Seaside Florida this weekend?
Seaside, Florida is a popular and yet quant town along beautiful emerald waters and sugar sand beaches. It started off very small but was expertly designed over the years with great works of architecture and people in mind in the creation of the stunning Pavilion entrances.
Visitors here can try some of the most delicious foods at establishments that provide the true taste of southern hospitality.
This is a great place for friends and families to gather and watch movies under the stars in the park or dive down deep and see the reefs. Here are twenty great activities in and around seaside florida to get you started on your trip.
20 Fun Things To Do In Seaside Florida
1. Stroll through Butterfly Garden at Cerulean Park
In the midst of everything lies a beautiful place where visitors and locals can go to get some much needed peace and quiet in the awe of gorgeous nature scenery.
Everywhere to see are canna lilies, passion flowers, and roses captivating all. Not only are there bright colored plants with their aromas but hundreds of butterflies swarm here to gather energy for their next journey. Avoid the temptation to pick the flowers as the Monarch butterflies rely heavily on them.
Cerulean Park plays host to frequent festivals and events to included delicious food at the center of it all. Here, you can enjoy a romantic walk with the one you love on the quiet paths. Parking is available making the trip out to Seaside’s Cerulean Park all the more convenient. Catch a festival or simply take in the scenery of the butterfly garden and your spirits will lift.
2. Discover New Flavors at The Wine Bar
For those of you who enjoy a nice night out and are open to be surprised for dinner go to the Wine Bar at Watercolor. The Wine Bar hosts daily events for visitors to come out and try multi-course dinners with wines perfectly selected to compliment your meal.
With just a reservation to the restaurant you could find yourself enjoying an exceptional four-course meal and new wines you have never had the chance to try. They have a Wine Happy Hour between 11am to 6pm where famous wines from around the world are available in a 12oz carafe for the price of a large glass.
Wanting a more private and comfortable wine experience away from the restaurant? This location is open for carry out so go ahead pick out a hearty bottle of wine and serve dinner in a way that you, your family and friends will never forget.
- See more: Restaurants in Seaside FL
3. Relax in a World Class Resort at Watercolor Lake House
This stunning resort along the crystal clear waters of Seaside, Florida, is hardly lacking in great things to do. This site is 3,700 square feet and is great for individual trips or even for hosting an unforgettable wedding experience.
All of the rooms are large 500 sq. ft. that overlook the sand dunes along the coast. The upper floors allow guests to gaze out into the sea and see all its beauty. Each room has a private balcony and the first floor rooms have outdoor cabana showers.
Guests here can enjoy an onsite fitness center, gulf-front, pool facility, tennis facility, and meeting rooms. This venue accommodates 500 people and has on-site catering making your event streamlined and simplified. Your stay here will allow you to relax and fully enjoy everything Seaside, Florida has to offer.
4. Take a Photo at Sunrise at Coleman Pavilion
One of nine stunning pavilions, one of three in the center of town, the Coleman Pavillon is an iconic shape in the Seaside, Florida.
This pavilion is not only a great photo-op location but also serves as gateway to the beach from the center of town. When Seaside was first built the pavilions were an integral part of the design. The structured was build by and named for architect David Coleman.
This stunning structure has been featured in New York Times, Architectural Record and the book “Seaside: Making a Town in America” to name a few. It won the AIA North West & Pacific Honor award as well as The American Institute of Architects Honor Award for Washington Architecture.
When you head out to the beach you must check out this beautiful pavilion as the sunrises to see it light up inviting visitors to walk through it. One of the best free things to do in Seaside Florida for sure.
5. Challenge your Friends at WaterColor Tennis
Time get outside and play a game with the family at Water Color Tennis! This perfect site for some active fun is a boutique tennis club with five clay courts, two pickle ball courts and a pro shop.
Tennis is a great cardio activity and the best part is that it is good competitive fun. Forgot your racket? This place has you covered just make sure to make a reservation first. Water Color Tennis doesn’t just have courts available but they host events periodically for everyone to enjoy such as Cardio Pickle ball, and tennis clinics.
The tennis site has even held tennis trips in the Bear Lake Reserve in Tuckasegee, North Carolina. Avid tennis hobbyists and professionals both would enjoy this warm family like community and is not to be missed when visiting Seaside.
6. Have a Picnic with Chicken from The Chicken Shack
On almost every hotel or resort recommendations to eat during your stay in Seaside, Florida it is hard not to see The Chicken Shack appear.
The chicken shack is one of the best bucket of fried chicken in the state. Are you hungry, yet? This southern delights cafe is meant to make you think of the best homemade fried chicken you have every had by your mother or even someone else’s mother and it is all thanks to Chef Jim Shirley.
You can order the sweet tea brined chicken here any way you can think of, tenders, wings, and sandwiches to name a few. They offer plenty of equally delicious sides like their sweet potato tots and loaded potato salad. With the plenty of beautiful parks to gather why don’t you stop on by The Chicken Shack and have a picnic on a clear blue day by the beach?
7. Root. Grow. Thrive and Play at The Yoga Haus
While traveling there is no reason to leave the relaxing forms of exercise at home when you can visit the The Yoga Haus. This studio makes sure to commit to their vision for guests to Root, Grow, Thrive and Play. They promote not only that but clarity and calm mind while building physical strength and stamina.
The Yoga Haus prides themselves on kindness, acceptance and warmth inviting all ability levels to participate. There are plenty of events and class to find your favorite one on their calendar such as Namast’ay at the Beach.
This class makes sure to offer Yoga Basics classes regularly so that if you have never tried yoga this studio is great. Don’t stay cooped up inside and head out for some morning yoga and start your day off right.
8. Off-Road Biking at Grayton Beach State Park
One of the most popular parks in Florida with its convenient location along the Scenic Highway 30A, you must explore all the outdoor activities it has to offer.
Grayton Beach State Park is stunning with its massive dunes, winding trails, abundant wildlife and its Western Lake that shimmers as sunlight hits the surface of the water. This park is open from 8:00am until sunset giving you plenty of time to go with your family and friends but still wishing that the day never ends.
This park offers avid bicyclists four miles of off road trails through acres of natural communities. For those that would rather go for a scenic walk there are 10 miles of paths to enjoy as well. There are of course the sugar sand beaches to lay out and get a tan or emerald green water to go for a refreshing swim as well.
For those who enjoy camping there are even duplex cabins to rent out which is only a few minutes away from the Gulf of Mexico. On-site visitors can use their boat ramp on the western lake and there are also canoe rentals available. Get in touch with nature and check out one of the best parks in the state of Florida and most certainly in Seaside.
9. Catch a Movie Under the Stars at Marina Park
Part of WaterColor Inn and located next to Western Lake, Marina Park is a variety of activities to pick from. This lush space of land can be reserved for just about any event but the most popular are requests for weddings.
For those who like to go exploring Marina Park has calm waters perfect for the canoe rentals and fishing pole rentals. Marina park offers plenty of public events as well such as concerts and festivals. During November the park hosts the The MountainFilm and also plenty of movie nights under the stars.
The Boathouse cannot be missed as it has all of your paddle board and kayak needs. Try your hand or should I say foot at the Standup Paddle Board at the site and try not to fall into the water! However, that might make for a great way to cool off on a beautiful sunny day at Marina Park.
10. Appreciate a Variety of Art at Red Bird Gallery
Established and conducting business for over 12 years the Red Bird Gallery has been referred to as Seaside’s best kept secret. Here visitors can experience true southern hospitality.
This gallery is nestled into the gorgeous oak trees in Ruskin Park and all the art featured here are complete originals. This gallery is not to be pigeonholed into just the traditional paint on canvas art but in addition offers jewelry artists, clay and even authors. 20 different artists are featured in this gallery so there is art for everyone to resonate with.
The owner of this gallery is Tricia Moor and it was from her love of art and people this gallery was created. If she isn’t already at her gallery she is often on Seaside’s sugar sand beaches taking a stroll. For those interesting in the quote of a piece on display on The Red Bird Gallery website a quote can be requested. If you love viewing beautiful art make sure to make a visit to the gallery.
11. Stretch It Out at Pilates by the Sea
In Seaside, Florida visitors can experience wellness at its best with Pilates by the Sea hosted by Laurie Beck. After winning her battle against cancer she embodies her eight little lessons of hope, elimination of negativity and stress free lifestyle and brings that to the studio everyday.
The studio offers a variety of classes to choose from such as Pilates on the Reformer, Mat and Barre Classes, Reiki, Wellness packages, Stretching Cardio Jump Classes and Specializing in the Rehabilitation of the Body in addition to her private classes.
The great part about pilates and this studio is that it is not just a workout but teaches students how to use their breathing to assist in properly engaging their muscles in proper form. Many of the lessons she teaches are her own creations focusing on strengthening and stretching every part of the body and some parts you may not have known existed!.
12. Learn to Sail with Just Sailing
Fancy yourself an adventure on the glimmering emerald sea? Just Sailing offers fellow adventurers an opportunity to set sail on the Choctawhatchee Bay with their private sailing lessons and charters. Whether you choose to lay out on the deck and enjoy the warm sun on your skin is entirely up to you.
Sailing is addictive and with more time dedicated the most eager adventurers can receive their Sailing Certification.
Lessons are 3 hours long starting at 1pm for $350 per person. Sailing students will learn about basic sailing terminology, parts and functions, Helm commands, Sail Trim, Seamanship and safety. Lessons adapt to the skill level of each student so take advantage of this wonderful opportunity and set sail on the emerald sea.
13. Eat Gourmet at Modica Market
Seaside, Florida is a place of beautiful sugar sand beaches, stunning parks flourishing with an abundance of wildlife and home to gourmet restaurant you’d be sad to miss.
Monica Market started when Sarah and Charles Monica retired in what was then a quant Seaside in 1988. At the time there was a need for a gourmet grocery story as the town slowly built up by different developers and today they still continuous to provide traditional souther cousins to all their customers. The market serves up lunch specials and draft specials and seasonal specials.
Lunch menus are weekdays August to March serving BBQ pulled pork on a homemade Jonny cake as well fish tacos to name a few. On Thursdays you can look forward to grilled cheese and homemade tomato soup perfect for those colder winter months.
Every Friday during the off season Modica Market hosts $1 draft night with a rotation of nine beers on tap. Looking for a fun dinner date idea? Head down to the market and check out their house band “The Steenos” for wonderful night in Seaside.
14. Go Under the Sea at Underwater Museum of Art
Right by Seaside is the very first permanent underwater sculpture garden in the U.S. Down under the sea 58 feet and 0.93 miles from the shore are sculptural works from artists around the world every year.
The unique structure of all the sculptures have actually attracted a great amount of marine life and became a living reef. While it is a very popular tourist attraction for those who have a great appreciation for the eco-system it also serves as a much needed habitat for local marine life and fisheries.
Here, marine scientists are able to conduct valuable research the impact reef systems have on the Gulf ecosystem. Those who wish to access the site much be certified divers and can access through Grayton Beach State Park. Dive304 offers regular trips to the dive site and the Emerald Coast Scuba also offers private charters. Look deep below the water and see the hidden beauty in Seaside, Florida.
15. Finally learn to Surf at Austin Magee’s Surf School
Head out to the waters and try your hand at surfing for those of you who have always wanted to but never got around to it! Austin Magee’s Surf School is dedicated to bring the joy of surfing to all their student and keeps a focus on water safety, ocean awareness and surfing fundamentals.
At this school everyone is guaranteed a safe, creative and fun surfing experience. For those with some skill already, the classes can be tailored to your individual experience level so pick up where you last left off in your learning.
Don’t worry about forgetting anything at home, Austin Magee’s has everything you could need to learn to surf. This also includes wetsuits if the water is cold. Private lessons are offered everyday from March to October, weather conditions permitting.
The lessons consist of 10 minutes on the beach training and 50 minutes out in the water. On the emerald green sea surfing is a great way to spend time with friends and family so go out, rent a surf board and learn how to ride the waves.
16. Glide on the Emerald Sea with 30A Airboat Adventures
Looking for an interesting adventure in Seaside that you can tell all your friends about? 30A Airboat Adventures has a thrilling eco-tour experience thought the back waters of South Walton. This airboat tour is run by Captain Daniel of the US Coast Guard and he has been running boats for over twenty years.
He started the tours so that everyone can feel the exciting thrill of gliding through inches of water and seeing the local eco-systems up close.
These private tours are great for a small family as their boats only allow for up to six people which allows for a more personal and memorable experience. Customers have boasted about the stunning sights at sunset and having even seen dolphins on their tours. This is a tour that you can do over and over and still have a unique experience each time.
17. Grab a Bite at Bud & Alleys
Looking for an amazing waterfront restaurant with a friendly and inviting atmosphere then you have got to grab a bite to eat at Bud and Alleys. This local gem of a restaurant is the oldest restaurant in the area and a favorite gathering spot.
One of the great things about this establishment is that it hits the sweet spot between fine dining and a great spot to hang out with friends. The place was created by young surfing buddies and named the place after a dog and cat back when seaside had barely a few houses in town.
This restaurant has a little bit of everything: breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus, a pizza, taco and specialty drink menu as well. No matter what time you decide to grab your friends out of the beautiful seaside waters for a meal, there is delicious food ready to be served.
18. Taste the Flavor of Paris at Black Bear Bread Co.
This Parisian-style cafe and bakery are in the heart of Seaside drawing visitors from all over. For each meal of the day this inviting cafe has something for everyone.
In the morning customers can try their rich french toast with ricotta, seasonal fruit, maple syrup, sea salt, and pecans on top making for a savory and sweetmeal that blend perfectly well together. Their lunch menu has buttermilk biscuits with housemade jam and butter.
For specialties, they have a Banh Mi with braised pork shoulder, pickled carrot, Daikon, and Cilantro Sambal Aioli on a baguette. This cafe will have you feeling like you have flown to Paris over lunch while still alongside the emerald green waters of Seaside, Florida.
A great winter activity in seaside – so cozy!
19. Ask the Time at the Giant Dial
One site for sure that you have to go see in person is the Giant Sun Dial smack-dab in Seaside. If you haven’t heard what a sundial is, it tells the time as the sun rises and falls.
On the ground, there is a large sundial that you can use to see the time but beware it does not account for daylight saving so it might be off by an hour. Finding this place can be a little bit tricky but if you walk a bit you will see it surrounded by green hedges. Pro-tip, go when the sun is fully out to enjoy it for yourself and snap a picture of two.
20. Reel’em in at Shallow Water Expeditions
Still wondering what to do in seaside fl – Reel’em is a great choice!
Calling all anglers, you must try fishing in the beautiful waters Seaside has to offer and best go with Shallow Water Expeditions for an amazing experience. They offer a whole assortment of expeditions such as bay fishing, beach fishing, fly fishing and much more.
Here, it doesn’t matter if you are brand new or a veteran pro at fishing all levels are welcomed. Shallow Water Expeditions understands the value of the guide/client relationship and focuses on building friendships and providing excellent service. Anglers can enjoy an assortment of launch points and fishing areas such as Santa Rosa Beach, Choctawatchee and Watercolor to name a few.
Anglers can rent out flats boats, bay boats, bay boat tarpons and several others for several hourly rates. All gear is provided so if you want a memorable fishing experience in Seaside, Shallow Water Expeditions has you covered.
***
Seaside, Florida may be small but as you can see there are plenty of things to do to keep yourself awed and entertained and most importantly full-on delicious food. This place serves outdoor adventures and eco-friendly lovers of nature alike. Make sure to bring people along as all these experiences are best shared with those you care about.
***
Best restaurants in Panama City FL
Best restaurants in Tallahassee FL
Things to do in Panama City Beach Fl
