Seaside visitor guide

Updated October 18, 2026

Seaside is the walkable, pastel New Urbanist town on Scenic Highway 30A between WaterColor and Seagrove, known for Central Square, Airstream Row and The Truman Show. As of October 2026, parking in town is paid by the hour ($5 to $7 depending on time of day), and Seaside runs a free shuttle from a lot off Hwy 331 South. Seaside's beach pavilions serve the rental homes on each street; the public can reach the beach at Coleman Pavilion by booking a chair rental, or use county public accesses in neighboring Seagrove.

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What is Seaside like?

Seaside is a planned beach town built to be walked, and it's one of the best-known examples of New Urbanist design. Pastel cottages and footpaths lead to a town center right on 30A. The town marks its 45th anniversary in 2026.

Seaside sits on 30A between WaterColor to the west and Seagrove to the east. Movie fans know it as the town in The Truman Show. Its signature sights include the whitewashed Seaside Post Office, Airstream Row (vintage trailers turned food trucks) and the outdoor amphitheater.

How beach access works in Seaside

In Seaside, you reach the beach through pavilions managed by each street's homeowners association, not through Walton County accesses. According to Seaside's own FAQ:

If you rent in Seaside, you can use the beach pavilion on the street where your rental is. Each street is managed by its own homeowners association.
If you're a day visitor, you can reach the beach at Seaside's Coleman Pavilion by booking a beach chair rental through Seaside's beach service, Cabana Man. You can book ahead or try walking up, but it can sell out at peak times.

A county regional access used to sit between Seaside and WaterColor: the Van Ness Butler Regional Beach Access at 1931 E County Hwy 30A. Seaside's FAQ says the legal agreement that allowed public use there ended and the property now belongs to WaterColor. In 2024, the county moved that access's lifeguard tower to Dogwood/Thyme.

Nearest county public accesses: - Dogwood/Thyme (2560 E County Hwy 30A). It's two blocks east of Seaside in Seagrove. It's walk-up only, with no parking. - Seagrove Regional (3910 E 30A) and Santa Clara Regional (3468 E 30A) farther east. Both have parking, restrooms and seasonal lifeguards.

In Florida, beach below the mean high water line is state-owned, but dry sand above it can be private. To stay on the clearly public side, use a marked access. Our public vs. private beaches guide explains the law.

Parking in Seaside and the free shuttle

As of October 2026, Seaside charges hourly for parking around Smolian Circle and other marked spots (seasidefl.com/parking):

8 to 10 a.m.: $5 per hour
10 a.m. to 7 p.m.: $7 per hour
7 to 10 p.m.: $5 per hour

Pay by text or with the Passport Parking app. Town center renters get a parking pass from their rental agency.

Seaside Shuttle (free). For its 2026 season, which started March 1, Seaside runs a complimentary shuttle from a designated lot off Hwy 331 South, just past the Sanctuary at 331 apartments. It drops riders under the Lyceum archway in the center of town and runs 6 a.m. to midnight daily, with three shuttles in rotation. Check seasidefl.com for current dates.

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Getting around and things to do

Once parked, walk or bike. The paved Timpoochee Trail runs through Central Square toward WaterColor and Seagrove.

Central Square and Airstream Row. The town hub, with shops, galleries, a bookstore and a record shop.
Seaside Post Office and the amphitheater. Both are classic photo stops. The amphitheater hosts live music and town events.
Seaside Chapel and the Shops of Ruskin. Bike behind the square to see the quieter streets and pastel homes.
Seasonal traditions. These include the Seaside Farmers' Market, the Seeing Red Wine Festival in November and the Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K.

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Tips for visiting Seaside

Parking costs the most from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., so come early or take the shuttle.
Use a street pavilion only if you're staying on that street.
Seaside has enforced a 7 p.m. curfew for unaccompanied minors during the Fourth of July week.

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FAQ

Is Seaside beach public?

Seaside's street pavilions serve guests renting on those streets. Day visitors can reach the beach at Coleman Pavilion by booking a chair rental, according to Seaside. The closest Walton County public access is Dogwood/Thyme, two blocks east in Seagrove.

How much is parking in Seaside, FL?

As of October 2026, Seaside charges $5 per hour from 8 to 10 a.m., $7 per hour from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and $5 per hour from 7 to 10 p.m. You pay by text or with the Passport Parking app.

Is there a free shuttle to Seaside?

Yes. During its 2026 season, a complimentary shuttle runs from a lot off Hwy 331 South to the Lyceum archway, 6 a.m. to midnight daily.

What happened to the public beach access between Seaside and WaterColor?

Seaside says the Van Ness Butler Regional Beach Access closed when the legal agreement allowing public use ended, and the property now belongs to WaterColor. The county moved its lifeguard tower to Dogwood/Thyme in 2024.