Surf Lessons
Best for families & first-timers.
They offer private, group, and shorter “mini” lessons — making this especially good if you have kids who aren't ready for a full lesson.
Local Pros We Love
From your first surf lesson to a bonfire on the beach, these are the local services we recommend to every guest. All are highly rated and family-friendly.
Best for families & first-timers.
They offer private, group, and shorter “mini” lessons — making this especially good if you have kids who aren't ready for a full lesson.
This is such a good family activity because it isn't just something for the kids — the adults participate too.
Coastal bonfires, handled from setup to cleanup.
They handle the setup, permit coordination, attendant, and cleanup — so guests don't have to figure out the logistics. They have an especially strong review history.
A more styled, premium feel for a special evening.
The classic family bonfire experience.
An all-inclusive option with permit and attendant included.
Family-friendly options on the water.
5.0 · Fishing charter · Open. Private, inshore/shallow-water fishing is a great option when you have kids who may not want to spend six hours bouncing around offshore.
(850) 890-96265.0 · Attraction · Open. They specifically position themselves toward families, first-timers, and small groups. One caveat: their trips depart from Panama City Beach, so guests should know they'll have a drive to the marina.
(850) 896-57945.0 · Fishing charter · Open. Good for a shorter inshore experience, and they also offer options like sightseeing/dolphin trips and crabbing depending on availability.
(850) 699-00145.0 · Fishing charter · Open. Inshore fishing around the Santa Rosa Beach area with an emphasis on instruction and family-friendly trips.
(912) 631-4723Rentals and lessons for kayaks and efoils on the water.
Best baby gear rentals for Piney Shores.
Santa Rosa Beach–based and specifically focused on families traveling to 30A. They deliver, set up when possible, and pick up gear. Great option for cribs, strollers, high chairs, and other baby essentials.
One of the strongest established options for the Emerald Coast. They serve Santa Rosa Beach, Seaside, Seacrest, Rosemary Beach, Grayton Beach, and other 30A communities and specialize in delivered baby gear. They also have beach-friendly items like baby beach tents and wagons.
A mobile rental service that delivers throughout essentially the entire 30A corridor, from Dune Allen to Inlet Beach. Great choice when you want guests to simply order bikes and have them waiting at Piney Shores.
Located right on 30A and focused specifically on bikes/e-bikes, including family-friendly setups.
Santa Rosa Beach–based and serving the 30A corridor. Great for a special family dinner, birthday, girls' trip, or date night. They're also frequently recommended by 30A locals in recent community discussions.
Offers private dinners, brunches, and seafood boils. Reviews specifically mention the team handling the evening and leaving the kitchen spotless.
Chef David Cunningham is based in Santa Rosa Beach and has 35+ years in the industry. Their specialty is Gulf Coast cuisine and open-fire cooking, which feels very 30A.
They offer both plated and buffet-style private dinners, making them a good option when your Piney Shores guests have a larger group or want something more casual.
Santa Rosa Beach/30A-based, with in-home private dining and strong local reviews.
Family-owned, chef-driven service specializing in four-course in-home dinners, with cleanup included.
A strong option for restaurant-quality multi-course dinners brought directly to the vacation home.