Why Alys Beach Should Be Your Next Luxurious Getaway

This post is your Guide to Alys Beach on 30A.

Let’s face facts… Alys Beach is a vibe that’s hard to duplicate. There is just something special about those creamy white buildings, the smooth curves of the architecture, and the travertine tile walkways with pops of greenery that instantly make you feel like you’ve stepped into a luxurious Mediterranean retreat. We recently enjoyed a three-night stay in Alys Beach, and while it may have been our first official visit to this serene beach town, it will not be our last.

The Reason for the Season…

I’m usually the one dragging everyone along for yet another Disney World adventure to celebrate my September birthday. But, this year, I felt like doing something different, so Scott and I decided we needed an adults-only staycation in that exclusive area of 30A they call Alys Beach. The Florida Panhandle makes for the perfect beach trip during September and October, barring any hurricanes. So, join me while I discuss how to book, what’s included, and the activities and restaurants you can’t miss during your stay.

How to Book in Alys Beach

The only way to stay in Alys Beach is to book directly through their website. Currently, they have about 70 vacation properties from which to choose—everything from a studio carriage house to condo living to expansive homes with interior courtyards and private pools.

I chose the smallest and cheapest rental I could book since it was just us two. After all the fees and taxes, I paid around $600 per night. So, to say the least, it’s definitely not a place for a budget traveler. Still, for the amenities that Alys Beach offers, I feel like it was worth the money.

Where we stayed…

Our rental, 175 North Castle Harbour Drive, was a “Carriage House” studio suite with a comfy king-sized bed with plush bedding, a large walk-in shower, a spacious closet, a small kitchenette area, and a garage for our car. What we loved most about this rental was the open courtyard and covered porch. It was the ideal spot to enjoy our charcuterie board on arrival and our morning coffees.

I would highly recommend this rental for a couple. It says it sleeps four people with the pull-out couch, but we would have been squeezed into that unit if we had brought our kids. And if you want to work out, play tennis and pickleball, or take a Pilates class, this rental is in the perfect location—right next to Zuma!

What’s Included…

Alys Beach offers concierge services, beach access, Caliza pool, and Zuma wellness center amenities. About 45 days before your stay, you’ll receive an email from the concierge team with a welcome packet. This email will include reminders about check-in times, important contact numbers, and detailed instructions for your arrival. They will then ask you to fill out waivers for each guest and obtain a list of guest names so they can prepare your amenity cards, which are given to you at check-in.

This is also when you can ask for restaurant recommendations, and the concierge team will make your dining reservations for you. If you are visiting during peak season (summertime especially), you will also want to make reservations for beach setup and bike rentals. The middle of September is a slow season for Alys Beach, so we decided not to make beach or bike reservations, and everything was available for us during our trip. They also offered paddleboard and kayak rentals.

Checking in…

Check-in is at 4 pm, and this is the exact time we arrived in Alys Beach. After doing a little paperwork, a lovely member of the Guest Services team hopped in her golf cart, and we followed her over to our home away from home. We pre-ordered a charcuterie board through the concierge team, which was delivered to us right after we checked into our rental. They also left us some bottled water, snacks, and an Alys Beach tote bag as a welcome gift. It was a very easy-going and friendly check-in process.

What we did…

Beach

Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t on our side, with most of our stay being overcast and rainy. We only ventured beachside once and skipped the beach chair and umbrella setup. If you’re interested, though, it’ll cost you $60 for the first day, then $55 for each consecutive day (plus a 20% gratuity). Instead, we grabbed the complimentary towels and set up our own little spot.

And if you need help packing for your beach vacation, check out my Florida Packing List.

But honestly, if the weather had been perfect and we were planning a full beach day, the beach setup would be worth the splurge! Especially since you’d never have to leave with Alys Beach Delivery. Click here to see the food and beverage menu available for delivery directly to your beach chair from 10 am to 4 pm daily.

Caliza Pool

When I wasn’t playing pickleball or riding my bike, you’d find me relaxing by the calm Caliza pool. I spent hours there, book in hand, sipping cocktails in what felt like my own private oasis—one of the perks of visiting in the off-season!

The poolside menu offered a Mediterranean-inspired, American seaside vibe with something for everyone. There’s also a lap pool and a shallow kids’ pool, and the on-site bathrooms and showers exude luxury. Even if you’re not a pool person, the al fresco Caliza restaurant and hammock lounge area are worth the visit.

Bike Rental

Despite the scattered showers in the forecast, we visited the Bike Shop and rented 2 bikes. You’ll quickly see that a bicycle is the preferred method of transportation on 30A. So, as they say, “When in Rome!” Each bike was $25 for the first day and $10 for each consecutive day. There’s a quiet nature trail weaving through a 20-acre preserve, and the best way to experience it is by hopping on your bike for a scenic ride. We both loved biking around—despite what my husband might try to tell you!

Zuma

Zuma is your go-to spot for all things health and wellness. It has a fitness center, tennis and pickleball courts, a lap pool, steam room, and various classes like yoga, spin, and Pilates. If relaxation is more your style, they offer spa treatments ranging from massages to facials and body scrubs. With so much to choose from, Zuma has it all—but for us, the gym and pickleball courts were more than enough to keep us happy!

What’s for dinner?

For our three-night stay, the concierge team lined up dinner reservations that didn’t disappoint! We kicked things off at The Citizen, indulged at Cafe Thirty-A, and wrapped it up at the unique “farm-to-fork” Raw & Juicy Supper Club. Mornings were just as delicious—Fonville Press was our breakfast go-to, and lunch at George’s really hit the spot.

I’ve shared the full dining details in a separate post, so click here for the savory scoop!

Pro tip: Everything in Alys Beach is amazing, but there are so many options along 30A that you should venture out, too.

I have a list of my favorite 30A restaurants here.

The Relaxing Recap…

Whether you’re strolling along the pristine streets, lounging by the iconic Caliza Pool, or biking to the beach, every moment in Alys Beach feels like it belongs in a magazine spread. It’s the ideal spot for a quaint family getaway, a romantic couples retreat, or even an annual girls’ trip. While we’ll definitely return during peak summer to enjoy the beach with the family, the off-season was so low-key and enjoyable that I can’t recommend it enough.

I miss this robe!