UPDATED November, 2025
Common questions people ask about Seaside, Florida, include: Where is Seaside, FL? How do you get to Seaside? Which airports are closest? And once you arrive, what can you do and see in this celebrated coastal town? What else is close to Seaside? And what is the surroundinjg country like?
Where is Seaside, Florida?
Seaside sits along Florida’s famed Emerald Coast - the graceful curve of shoreline that hugs the Gulf of Mexico in the state’s northwest corner. This region, part of the Florida Panhandle, is celebrated for its sugar-white beaches, turquoise waters, and slower pace of life. It’s a stretch where nature mingles with charm. State parks, quiet dune lakes, and picturesque small towns dot the landscape.
At the heart of it all lies Scenic Highway 30A, a two-lane coastal road that showcases the beauty of the area and retains much of the Old Florida vibe. Stretching between Panama City Beach to the east and Destin to the west, 30A winds through a string of beachside communities that each have their own character. Seaside, perfectly perched on the dunes midway along this route, is one of its crown jewels, a model of thoughtful design and relaxed sophistication, where pastel cottages line walkable streets in a vibrant coastal community.
This is a place that invites you to slow down, breathe the salt air, and rediscover the joy of simple pleasures. Travelers often describe 30A less as a road and more as a state of mind. And Seaside sits serenely at its center.
Getting to Seaside
Reaching Seaside is remarkably easy. Two regional airports are within less than an hour’s drive: Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) in Panama City Beach and Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS). Coming from either constitutes an easy scenic drive and non-stop, direct flights land daily from more than 35 U.S. cities, from Las Vegas to Boston. See our guide to Closest Airports & Direct Flights to Seaside, Florida to find the airlines and airports that get you to Seaside.
From either airport, you can take a rental car, private shuttle, or limousine service to Seaside. If possible, sit back and let someone else drive - the journey along 30A is as scenic as the destination itself, with views of dunes, coastal lakes, and glimpses of the emerald Gulf beyond.
Once you arrive, the best way to enjoy Seaside is on foot - or by bike. Everything is close at hand: beach, shops, restaurants, and open-air markets. And if you’d like some help arranging transportation, reservations, or special experiences such as private beach dinners or catered events, our Concierge service can handle the details.
Stay in one of Seaside’s iconic pastel cottages, framed by white picket fences and with their old neighboprhood feel. These homes evoke a sense of small-town America from another era—so perfectly preserved, in fact, that Seaside served as the filming location for Jim Carrey's The Truman Show movie.
Book with us at Homeowners Collection, the largest guest management service in Seaside, wholly owned by the homeowners who show such pride of ownership in the furnishings and decorative touches in these luxury guest accommodations. Booking directly also saves you the fee of going though an agency to book, as well as opening up the many specials that we offer during the year.
Things to do in Seaside
You’ll quickly discover that Seaside is a place made for strolling, relaxing, and savoring life at a gentler rhythm. Days unfold naturally between the beach and town: a swim or paddle in the clear Gulf waters, an afternoon browsing boutiques, an evening of coastal cuisine and music under the stars.
For a few tips, see our ultimate guide to Things To Do in Seaside, which covers local dining, water sports, shopping, and cultural happenings.
When the mood for adventure strikes, Seaside is also an ideal base for exploring nearby state parks and natural preserves. Grayton Beach State Park, Eden Gardens, and Deer Lake State Park are all within a short drive, offering trails, kayaking, and glimpses of untouched coastal ecosystems. See our guide to Day Trips From Seaside, Florida for descriptions of the areas and inspiration on easy excursions to unique sights that you may wish to explore.
Of course, many visitors never feel the need to leave. Seaside has a way of drawing you in, inviting you to linger a little longer, and making you feel like you’ve found your own private corner of paradise on the Florida coast.