For nearly the past 20 years, visitors to 30A have been captivated by the beauty and design of Alys Beach. This Gulf Coast community in North Florida seamlessly combines design aesthetics with a strong focus on conservation, attracting vacationers and year-round residents to the area’s sugar-white sands and emerald waters. As many have discovered, Alys Beach offers more than just a weeklong beach getaway; it offers a lifestyle that seems plucked from a utopian dream.
In the Beginning
Alys and Elton Stephens, avid Gulf Coast beachgoers, felt a deep connection to the tranquil 30A area. While they permanently resided in Birmingham, the couple — like many others — were drawn to the clear waters and white sands of Seagrove Beach. One day, during a leisurely drive, they stumbled upon a 158-acre parcel of land up for auction. Legend has it that due to their love for the area, they impulsively placed a bid — and emerged victorious. Thus began the vision for Alys Beach. It would take approximately 25 years for construction to commence on the community that would soon become synonymous with paradise.
By Design
The dream of Alys Beach was brought to life by New Urbanist master planners DPZ CoDesign, formerly known as Duany Plater-Zyberk, who brought on Khoury-Vogt Architects to shepherd the design code and master plan. With a focus on sustainability, the group was intent on a walkable community. Thus, KVA crafted artistic streetscapes adorned with public art and sculptures for both visitors and residents to enjoy as they journeyed to the beach or explored the shops and restaurants within the community. The distinctive appearance of Alys Beach was meticulously planned before the first shovel touched the ground. The architectural and design elements of each dwelling in the community draw inspiration from Bermudan and Guatemalan homes. The signature Bermudan white roofs, designed to reflect the sun’s heat away from the homes, contrast beautifully against the clear blue skies. With their stark white exteriors, many visitors also find a resemblance to Santorini, Greece.
The predominant structures within Alys Beach are the villas. These exquisite single-family homes evoke the idyllic ambiance of the tree-lined streets of Main Street, U.S.A, while trading magnificent maples for live oaks. The remarkable compounds and courtyard homes — though more exclusive — offer a refined environment with indoor and outdoor spaces. What makes Alys Beach truly unique is that each structure is constructed with FORTIFIED for Safer Living® methods, an insurance industry certification developed by the Institute for Business and Home Safety. In a hurricane-prone area, these homes surpass standard building codes, providing additional wall reinforcement and fireproof materials.
Green Space
While structural design was a central aspect of the community’s planning, green space played an equally vital role in the overall concept. Beautiful pocket-parks adorn the community, providing year-round enjoyment for both residents and visitors. The park designs seamlessly complement the artistic shared spaces, often serving as pleasant surprises for those less familiar with the area. Additionally, a 20-acre land preserve offers an escape from the expected. This protected green space was never intended for development and remains a promise of preservation to the community. Guests can bike and explore walking trails while basking in the green canopy of trees as the sun filters through.
Additional eco-friendly measures — such as hand-set cobblestone streets over deep layers of gravel, facilitating rainwater filtration into the water table — have been implemented. Furthermore, most of the plants in Alys Beach are native species, requiring minimal to no maintenance. Homes and amenities are built to capitalize on the Gulf breezes in much the same way as buildings in Bermuda. Cross-ventilation is incorporated into the garden walls, stairwells, courtyards, and zaguans — extended, covered entryways that often act as outdoor rooms. Caliza Pool & Restaurant and the Beach Club, for instance, are entirely open-air, with verandas and courtyards with built-in shade, open “windows” and elliptical cutouts for cross-breezes.
The Future
Alys Beach continues to witness a strong interest in new homes: the community will soon welcome The Della, a mixed-use condominium designed by architects Moule & Polyzoides, at the northern end of the Town Center Amphitheatre. Additionally, construction has begun on the final two mixed-use condominiums to complete the northern Town Center area around the Amphitheatre: The Dannelly and The Varian, both designed by Michael G. Imber Architects. Both structures will feature 18 total residences, located above a first-floor restaurant — in The Dannelly’s case — or above three retail spaces at The Varian’s ground level. Amenities like these have been on the rise as residents have clamored for more dining and shopping options within the community.
In alignment with the community’s spirit, town leaders established the Alys Gazette. Resembling the small-town papers that have become scarce, the Alys Gazette spotlights the events and personalities of Alys Beach. Unique Alys Beach events include Alys Beach Crafted, Alys in Winter Wonderland, and the immensely popular Digital Graffiti. This weekend-long juried festival celebrates original works of digital and projection art — displayed on the community’s white walls throughout the event.
As the Alys Beach community continues to evolve, there is a deep care and respect in preserving the natural setting for future generations.
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