Sunshine State Stories

There’s a special kind of thrill surrounding the book you select to read beachside. Whether it’s a thriller sending chills down your spine in the heat of sunbathing, a romantic comedy you chuckle at poolside, or literary fiction you contemplate over sunset happy hour, there are local bookstores ready to equip you with your next read. 

Escape the sun for a bit and wander between shelves, deciding which world you will delve into next. Or, be fully immersed in your surroundings as local booksellers know not only the best books but also the region and who’s writing in it and about it. 

Here, we tuck into your visitor “beach bag” four local bookstores situated along 30A that exude the whimsy, wonder, and wisdom only independent bookstores can. 

Sundog Books 

What began in 1985 as a plywood shack with sandy floors is now a staple of the town of Seaside, standing as a beautiful two-story home to books. Owners Bob and Linda White and their dogs, alongside the experienced staff, are welcoming presences wandering the shelves with recommendations. Whether you visit one weekend a year or every weekend, there’s always a new book to get lost in or a souvenir to send. As an independent bookstore, they take pride in specializing in the promotion of local authors and small presses. Stop in and snag your next beach read, or secure a seat at the reading of a local author. 

89 Central Square, Santa Rosa Beach
SundogBooks.com  |  (850) 231-5481

Photo courtesy of Bodacious Bookstore

The Hidden Lantern

Much like the town of Rosemary Beach itself, The Hidden Lantern is warmth and charm. Tucked off the main square, readers enter into a realm that seals away the outside world. 

Lit by a ship-shaped chandelier, tall walls of books, and plush seating, readers can sink into a bygone era of book appreciation. The staff takes pride in curating a plethora of books for all kinds of readers, especially the young minds, with an impressive children’s selection. As a vacation town, they offer a special service where readers can reserve books prior to their stay by simply sending in their desired titles and date of arrival. Make a day of it; shop the store, attend an author reading, or learn at a writing workshop, then support the local stores and restaurants that are neighbors. 

84 North Barrett Square, Rosemary Beach
TheHiddenLantern.com  |  (850) 231-0091

Bodacious Bookstore

In recent years, Pensacola’s downtown has become a hub for arts and culture. Bodacious Bookstore certainly adds to that messaging with a selection of books that rival big-box stores and the uniqueness of a section promoting local artisans. The staff is happy to point you in the right direction, or you can amble about, but be sure to view the iconic lighthouse that serves as a walk-through to the children’s section. The owners, the Studer family, are keen on promoting the region through a local writer’s section and handmade gifts by local businesses. Located in the same space is the full-service Bodacious Cafe offering a fresh, daily made selection of coffee, teas, pastries, paninis, smoothies, soups, and wine by evening. 

110 East Intendencia Street, Pensacola  |  BodaciousBookstore.com  |  (850) 446-6966

Photo by Jack Gardner Photography

Salt & Story Books & Gifts

When Laura Redmon, owner of Salt & Story Books & Gifts, envisioned the bookstore she would open, it expanded beyond a place of commerce. The space is cozy, close-knit, and community minded. A reprieve from the hustle and bustle, Salt & Story is a gathering place to peruse at your leisure, talk book recommendations with the personable staff, and curl up with a cup of coffee and your next read. The shelves are stocked with new releases, classics, and a unique offering, Blind Date with a Book, wrapped books available in a variety of genres. Beyond the bookshelves, Redmond builds community through author meet-and-greets, book club meetings, children’s story times, creative writing workshops, and more. 

1103-B East John Sims Parkway, Niceville  |  SaltandStoryBooks.com  |  (850) 842-2046

Feature photo: Photo by Daniel Meigs Courtesy of Seaside