An Experience for Every Season

Your perfect escape is closer than you think. This season, Seaside welcomes you to slow down and savor a simple, beautiful life. Come with friends for sun-soaked gatherings, make it romantic for a postcard-worthy escape, or bring the whole family for memories that linger long after the sun sets. However you arrive, you’ll discover a sense of ease and a reminder that the best moments are the simplest ones. Trade city life for southern living, deep dish for coastal delights, and the lakefront for white sand and turquoise waters—all in Seaside, Florida.

 

Welcome, Chicago!

From the Windy City to the Gulf Coast, Seaside invites you to experience an escape where simplicity wins, memories last and your story is waiting to be written. Perched along Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A, this is the birthplace of New Urbanism—a town planned for walking, biking, and connecting. Think pastel cottages, brick-paved streets, and a town square straight out of a movie set, all layered with a 45 year history defining the art of living.

 

Seaside set the tone for coastal living on 30A, as the first of its kind with intentional design, community, and charm across the coast.

 

The town feels instantly familiar yet refreshingly different. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy luxury at your leisure. Rent a bike and hop between towns, admire the pristine nature and rare dune lakes, or simply plant yourself on beaches that consistently rank among the world’s best. If you love weekend escapes by the water, 30A is the natural upgrade. The sand is so pure, thanks to its quartz composition washed down from the Appalachians over millennia, that it’s even known to squeak under bare feet. 

 

Seaside is quaint and effortlessly stylish in a way that feels warm and welcoming — perfect for Chicagoans who want to unplug without losing that sense of community.

Luxury at Your Leisure

Frontal view of Pickle's Sandbar in Seaside, Florida

Dine

Dine

In Seaside your favorite restaurant is always just a walk away.

Stroll to any of the local restaurants, eat fresh seafood by the Gulf, and take in the flavors and soothing rhythm of life.

Browse Restaurants
Frontal view of Pickle's Sandbar in Seaside, Florida
Two women browse shoes in a stylish boutique with illuminated shelves.

Shop

Shop

Shopping in Seaside blends coastal charm with curated style, offering everything from locally owned boutiques and beach-ready fashions to whimsical gifts and timeless treasures, all within a walkable, picturesque town square.

Browse Shops & Galleries
Two women browse shoes in a stylish boutique with illuminated shelves.
Group of people playing beach volleyball in swimwear on white sand, ocean and umbrellas in background.

Play

Play

Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Seaside, where the bustling energy of our community events transforms ordinary moments into cherished memories.

Browse What's Happening
Group of people playing beach volleyball in swimwear on white sand, ocean and umbrellas in background.
Coastal beachfront homes overlooking dunes and ocean under clear blue sky.

Stay

Stay

Enjoy a weekend getaway at our boutique hotel. Or stay for the week with your families and friends in one of the charming cottages and homes offered by our rental partners.

View Accommodations
Coastal beachfront homes overlooking dunes and ocean under clear blue sky.
Smiling couple walking white bicycles outside a bright, sunlit coastal home.

What to Expect: Midwest Meets Gulf Coast

Picture-perfect Weather: Winters are mild, springs are breezy, and summers linger warm and golden.

Laid-Back Luxury: World-class design with a refreshingly casual vibe. Shorts, sundresses, or linen feels right everywhere.

Community Spirit: Festivals, concerts, and family gatherings are the heartbeat of Seaside. Think Midwest warmth with a splash of sun and salt air.

 

Culinary Coast Meets Chicago Taste

Chicagoans know food, and Seaside delivers. From shrimp straight off the boat to fine dining with Gulf views, the town has earned its reputation as a culinary hub. The highlight? The Seeing Red Wine Festival, now over 30 years strong and named one of Fodor’s “Top 10 Can’t Miss Fall Wine Festivals.” Pair that with farmers markets, seasonal culinary delights, and airstream food trucks, and you’ll never go hungry.

The only thing better than the food is the view

 

A Year-Round Calendar of Events

Seaside doesn’t take a season off.

Spring: Outdoor movies, children’s theater, and concerts under the stars.

Summer: Fireworks, festivals, and bustling markets.

Fall: The legendary Seeing Red Wine Festival and the iconic Halloweener Derby.

Holidays: The town transforms with parades, Santa sightings, and a coastal spin on winter wonderland.

See the full list of events and happenings here.

 

Getting Here: Easier Than You Think

Flights: United, American, and Southwest all offer nonstops from O’Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW) to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP)—just 30 miles from Seaside. Additionally, Destin-Ft Walton Beach (VPS) is ~40 miles away and Pensacola (PNS) is ~75 miles. 

Time: In under three hours, you can trade the Magnificent Mile for miles of sugar-white sand.

On the Ground: Rental cars and private shuttles make the short ride simple.

Pro tip: pack light, live simply.

Stay Awhile

Seaside offers accommodations for every kind of traveler, whether you want Gulf-front luxury, a quaint cottage or a cozy room for 2. Staying in Seaside brings a one-of-a-kind experience that lets you live like a local, just steps from the water.

1/3
Aerial view of seaside town at sunset with beachfront buildings and glowing shoreline.

Plan Your Escape

Chicago → Seaside
Nonstop flights in under 3 hours
30 minutes from the airport

Ready to make Seaside your second city escape?

Book Your Stay

Explore Weddings & Group Options

Join Us for Seeing Red Wine Festival

Stay Connected.

Follow @seasidefl on Instagram.