travel

The Summer We Turned to AAA

Staff Writer
AAA Staff Writer 4 Min Read
Group picture at The Pearl Group picture at The Pearl

A girls’ getaway to Florida’s scenic 30A, inspired by the world of Cousins Beach and made easy with the help of AAA. Discover must-see spots, hidden gems, and charming beach towns through the eyes of a planner, foodie, content creator and adventurer. The perfect inspiration for your next summer escape.

It all started with a shared love for The Summer I Turned Pretty & a little help from AAA to bring our bucket-list vacation to life.

What happens when four best friends hit the road with a shared vision, a thoughtfully planned itinerary, and cameras ready to capture every picture-perfect moment? You get a girls’ trip full of laughter, amazing food and the kind of energy you wish you could bottle for a rainy day.

Whether you're a die-hard fan of The Summer I Turned Pretty or simply craving a sunny escape, one thing’s for sure: Florida’s scenic 30A has something for everyone. Thanks to our AAA Membership, we spent three unforgettable days exploring charming beach towns and soaking in the magic that comes with a well-planned getaway.

From hitting the road in our Hertz rental, to mapping our route with TripTik, we uncovered hidden gems and enjoyed AAA Diamond Designated dining along the way. AAA made every step smoother, more enjoyable and totally stress-free.

It also helped that each of us brought a different strength to the table: the planner, the foodie, the creator and the adventurer. Together, we made the kind of memories you want to frame and keep forever.

Here’s our guide to everything you can’t miss during your own 30A escape.

Ayanna: The Planner

Ayanna Robinson photograph taken during the Summer I turned to AAA

As the group’s planner, nothing makes me happier than a well-thought-out itinerary. With AAA’s TripTik, I mapped out our route and added all the must-see stops. I also used Trip Canvas to compare hotel options, discover local favorites and pinpoint picture-perfect spots that brought our Cousins Beach dream to life.

 We landed on The Pearl, a AAA Four Diamond Designated Hotel in Rosemary Beach — and honestly, it felt like the main character energy we were going for. From its black-and-white coastal charm to the stunning Gulf views (hello, perfect golden hour photos), everything about

Girls photograph taken outside of car during the summer I turned to AAA

The Pearl set the scene for our dream girls’ trip. The cozy-yet-luxe vibe gave us that extra touch of indulgence without losing the quaint beach-town feel that makes 30A so special.

From early morning coffee runs to browsing local boutiques, every detail came together seamlessly. With AAA’s digital travel, planning felt effortless and seeing everyone have their own main character moment made it all worth it.

Giuliana: The Foodie

Giuliana Moreno in a dining booth during the summer I turned to AAA

Every trip has a flavor, and ours was a perfect mix of salty, sweet– and everything in between. Iced coffees, donuts, seafood and dinners with a coastal ambiance made every bite feel book-worthy. We discover local favorites along the way, like Charlie’s Delights, The Salty Bottle & Brew, and Fonville Press.

The standout of them all was our dinner at Havana Beach Bar & Grill, a AAA Four Diamond restaurant inside The Pearl Hotel, also a Four Diamond rated breathtaking property. Between the four of us, we shared hot grouper bites, mac & cheese and filet mignon with crispy Brussels sprouts and potatoes au gratin. Dessert was, of course, non-negotiable. We split the Lemon Cake and Chocolate Decadence, and they were just as delicious as they sound.

Photograph of food during the summer I turned to AAA

We ate well, saved along the way and savored every bite because of AAA. And don’t worry, I made everyone wait for Lindsey to snap a photo before digging in. Phone eats first, right?

Lindsey: The Content Creator

image taken during the summer I turned to AAA

Perfect lighting, coastal pastels and scenery that looks like it belongs on a TV set. Those are the moments I’m always chasing. This trip delivered all of that and more. I was able to focus on capturing moments of magic while everything else ran smoothly behind the scenes. From the rental car booking and dinner reservations to peace of mind on the roadside, we knew AAA always had our backs.

the summer I turned to AAA

Ayanna’s organized itinerary, made with AAA’s trip planning tools, gave us the perfect backdrop for capturing unforgettable moments. Whether I was filming our drive down the iconic palm-lined stretch of E County Highway 30A or catching the waves rolling onto the sand, it all felt straight out of The Summer I Turned Pretty. I captured every laugh, every smile and every “wait, don’t move” pose. Of course, always from the girls’ best angles. I know my audience!

Jessica: The Adventurer

Jessica Cunningham walking outdoors during shoot of the summer I turned to AAA

I’m the one who says yes to beach walks, ferris wheel rides, and anything that keeps us moving and making memories. With AAA, I found discounts on outdoor activities, like paddleboarding, and ways to add a little adventure between our relaxing moments.

We explored Pier Park, saw sunsets from amazing rooftop views, and already started dreaming up our next trip. There’s something special about saying being able to say yes to the adventure and soaking up a carefree summer feeling. AAA gave us that gift. 

SUP boards propped on the sand

Final thoughts

Four friends. One unforgettable road trip. AAA made every part of it smoother, from planning and booking to saving on great food and helping us find spontaneous adventures.

The best trips aren’t just about where you go. They’re about who you have the freedom to become along the way. We laughed, explored, created and turned 30A into our own version of Cousins Beach and the Summer We Turned to AAA

With the help of AAA, we got to live out the kind of summer we’ve always dreamed of. Our hope is that now, you can too!

Plan your trip today!

Florida awaits you!

Plan your next trip with your bestfriends to Florida or whever you want to go! 

Book Travel