The coastline along 30A may be best known for its white sandy beaches and calm waters, but that’s not the only thing this area has going for it. The communities along 30A have built up quite a unique culture that includes a rich array of talented artists — both the music kind of artists and the more fine arts ones. But we’re here to talk a bit about that exciting local music scene today!
Where to Find the Best Local Music in 30A
The 30A is best known for bluegrass, country, rockabilly, and folk rock-styled music, but you will find blends of all and others playing in the many venues and bars here. The following is a quick look at some of the most popular spots to hear beloved local artists and exciting traveling bands that you can pull up your chair to on your next Florida vacation.
1. Shunk Gully Oyster Bar
1875 S County Hwy 393, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
(850) 622-2733
Visit Website
Located just one block from Santa Rosa Beach, Shunk Gully Oyster Bar is a popular seafood spot that regularly features live music during their dinner service. Go here for the crab claws and duck fat fries and stay for some lively tunes.
2. AJ’s Grayton Beach
63 Defuniak St, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
(850) 231-4102
Visit Website
Aj’s Grayton Beach is a truly unique-looking restaurant with an exterior and interior adorned with odd beach and fishing-related items. They also have a large stage inside where bands frequently serenade guests on Saturdays and Sundays — not to mention their weekly Thursday night karaoke and Friday night DJs.
3. Stinky’s Fish Camp
5960 W County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
(850) 267-3053
Visit Website
Located right on 30A with a deck overlooking Allen Lake, Stinky’s Fish Camp often features bluegrass bands and solo country artists on weekend evenings (this is a great place to go to hear more of those local and up-and-coming country musicians who are really taking their acts to that next level). Stinky’s Fish Camp also is properly beloved among locals for serving up a truly one-of-a-kind savory crayfish pie!
4. Red Fish Taco
2052 W County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
(850) 994-7443
Visit Website
Red Fish Taco is a hip little spot that has a New Orleans or Nashville-like vibe with live music happening either inside or out just about every day. This is the place to go when you want to hear some upbeat tunes and feast on some well-priced (and even better-made) tacos!
5. Fish out of Water
34 Goldenrod Cir, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
(850) 534-5050
Visit Website
Set within the WaterColor Inn, Fish Out of Water hosts live music events every week as part of their Friday dinner and Sunday brunch offerings. Certainly, a must if you’re staying here, but we’d also even say non-guests should come to enjoy the music while feasting on an extended roofed patio overlooking the sand dunes and Gulf waters.
8. Louis Louis
35 Mussett Bayou Rd, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
(850) 267-1500
Visit Website
This cozy and kitschy restaurant and bar is located pretty inland, but don’t let this dissuade you. While it may not have coastal views, Louis Louis a hot place for good musical talent. Note that this one does lean more venue-esque, so it can get pretty loud and busy on weekend evenings.
9. Black Bear Bread Co.
2311 E County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
(850) 738-6771
Visit Website
Black Bear Bread Co. bills itself as a Parisian-styled cafe and bakery that aims to bring the freshest breads to the 30A area. They have a couple of locations, but the one with the best music lies in their tiny-home-styled location within the Shops of Grayton in Santa Rosa Beach.
10. Pescado Seafood Grill & Rooftop Bar
74 Town Hall Rd #4B, Rosemary Beach, FL 32461
(850) 213-4600
Visit Website
This is one of the more upscale locations on our list of best places to check out the local music scene in 30A. Pescado Seafood Grill & Rooftop Bar features a very seafood-centric menu and has a larger dining room, but if it’s live solo music acts you seek, head to their adjoining bar and lounge to enjoy some sipping and serenading.
11. Old Florida Fish House
33 Heron’s Watch Way, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
(850) 534-3045
Visit Website
Old Florida Fish House is located on Eastern Lake in Santa Rosa Beach and features a massive outdoor patio overlooking that waterway. They have a very beautiful and scenic set-up that we have to recommend checking out at least once if you’re out that way. The team here has a stage set up inside and on beautiful spring and summer evenings, will often set up a stage outside so that diners throughout the restaurant can enjoy some of the area’s best musicians.
12. The Red Bar
70 Hotz Ave, Grayton Beach, FL 32459
(850) 231-1008
Visit Website
The Red Bar is a Southern-styled restaurant that was built into a repurposed General Store. They have their own house band that plays outstanding jazz music every Tuesday through Saturday evening from 5:30 to 9 pm. Then, if you opt to stay later, the stage gets turned over to house DJs who cater to that late-evening bar crowd looking to enjoy some dancing.
13. The Big Chill
7000 E County Hwy 30A, Watersound, FL 32461
(850) 213-0782
Visit Website
This WaterSound restaurant is a must-go for families looking for a multi-faceted dining experience. The Big Chill goes big with an American Grill menu, featuring national favorites like cheeseburgers and barbecue as well as seafood entrees. But the reason on this list is because they have a massive outdoor green space complete with a stage where kids can play, dogs are welcome, and all can enjoy some big live music acts.
14. Growler Garage
4368 W County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
(850) 660-1965
Visit Website
Growler Garage is probably the most bar-esque venue we have on this best-of-30A local music scene list. You’ll find Growler Garage just a block away from the South Walton beaches in a corner space right next to a massive garage full of motorcycles and memorabilia. They have their own small stage that is often set upon by country, rock, and rockability musicians. So pull up a chair and order one of Grolwer Garage’s over forty craft beers that are ice cold and ready for you.
Learn More About 30A
We hope this helped you map out must-go venues, restaurants, and bars for your next music-heavy vacation in the 30A area. But remember, this part of Florida has a lot to offer! From the great outdoors to upscale dining and fun kid-oriented attractions, there is a lot to do, see, and experience here. Learn more about all of the best 30A has to offer by visiting our other pages.
