30 Fun Things to do in 30A
When you dream of Florida’s Gulf Coast, what comes to mind? Here in 30A, we think of sparkling emerald waters, rare dune lakes, the beachfront splendor of our luxury condos, and a wide variety of family-friendly things to do. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, gourmand, or parent searching for idyllic, unspoiled beaches, 30A is a one-of-a-kind destination that’s ideally suited to your wants and needs. Here are just a few things to do in 30A that will immerse yourself in our vibrant local culture!
Before packing your bags for breathtakingly beautiful 30A, Florida, be sure to create an itinerary. Planning a beach vacation that will please everyone can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! YFAB’s Vacation Guide is the area’s best resource for dining, shopping, adventuring, and lodging suggestions. Request access today and we’ll send you a complete list of the best things to do in 30A, Florida!
30 Fun Things to Do in 30A
Activities For Outdoor Enthusiasts
30A is a haven for lovers of the good life! The good life, of course, is one spent enjoying the great outdoors. Here, visitors can create their own adventure. Paddleboard across a rare dune lake, bike one of our winding trails, or have a picnic in a scenic public park. Our area is also ideal for lovers of golf, saltwater fishing, sailing, and kiteboarding! You can’t go wrong spending time outside in our Gulf-front paradise. What are you waiting for? Our sugar-white sand beaches are calling your name! Here are the top five outdoorsy activities to try while visiting 30A.
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Biking: Rent a bike with Rideit 30A and explore the area.
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Kayaking: Enjoy Destin Clear Kayak Rentals.
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Hiking: Discover nature on the many hiking trails in 30A.
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Dolphin Tours: Try Blue Dolphin Tours.
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Fishing Charters: Check out Just add Water and read more on local fishing charters.
Best 30A Bars & Restaurants For Foodies
Whether you and your crew prefer locally sourced seafood, delivery, fine dining, or sophisticated ethnic cuisine, you’ll find just what you’re craving along the scenic 30A corridor. Family-friendly options and a commitment to food quality set 30A’s world-class restaurants and cafes apart. The best aspect of 30A dining? So many top-rated eateries are within walking distance of your private vacation rental on the beach. What could be finer? Here are five of our favorite restaurants in 30A.
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Romantic spot: Dine at Pompano Joe’s for great seafood & wine in Destin.
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Bar & Restaurant: Discover The Red Bar & Piccolo’s Restaurant in Grayton Beach. (free shuttle offered!)
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Cozy Cafe: Cafe Tango in Blue Mountain Beach (near our Adagio condo rentals).
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Italian Dining: Borago in Grayton Beach.
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Dining with live music: The Bay Restaurant in Santa Rosa Beach.
Fun 30A Events & Festivals For Event-Goers
No matter what time of year you visit 30A, you’ll be greeted with plenty of lively events, festivals, and local happenings! Fitness aficionados will love the area’s running events and triathlons, while fashionistas will delight in South Walton’s Fashion Week festivities. Food and wine festivals, golf tournaments, fishing competitions, and special holiday events are just the beginning of what the region has to offer visitors. It doesn’t matter if you’re athletic, leisure-loving, young, or old — there’s a special celebration waiting just for you here! Here are a few events and festivals we can’t get enough of:
Annual Events in 30A
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January: Enjoy the tunes at the 30A Songwriters Festival in Walton County.
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February: Bottoms up at The 30A Wine Festival in Alys Beach.
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February: Seaside School Half Marathon & 5K Run in Seaside.
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March: Celebrate St. Patty’s Day with Paint the Village Green by the Village at Baytown Wharf.
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April: Jazz it up with the Seabreeze Jazz Festival.
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May-June: Tear up the dance floor at the Seaside Dance Festival.
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June: Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic – A huge fishing tournament in Miramar Beach.
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July: Enjoy the fireworks at Smoke on the Coast in Destin.
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August: 30A Art Walk – first Friday of every month!
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September: Walton Area Chamber of Commerce Cardboard Boat Race.
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October: Work up a sweat during the 30A Half Marathon & 5K.
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November: Imbibe with the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundations during the Harvest Wine & Food Festival.
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December: Support charity at the Annual Hilton Sandestin Beach Basketball Blowout
Activities For the Kids on 30A
There’s no better place for a family beach vacation than 30A! Kids love building sandcastles in our sugar-white sand, exploring in our crystal clear waters, and learning new things at our local museums and galleries. Our unique coastal communities are natural playgrounds for kids of all ages; there’s so much to discover here! Whether your family loves indoor activities or prefers having fun in the sun, your crew will approve of these kid-friendly 30A activities.
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Ride A Zipline at Baytowne Adventure Zone.
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Blast away at the Blast Arcade & Lazer Maze.
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Cool off at Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park.
Shops For Avid 30A Shoppers
While in sunny 30A, you’ll likely want to spend every moment enjoying tranquility from your comfortable beach chair, but there’s so much more to do and see! If you’re in need of some retail therapy, 30A is a great place to shop ‘til you drop. The area features countless local boutiques that cover a variety of interests. Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift, bait for your fishing trip, or some breezy beach clothing, you’ll find just what you’re looking for here! Be sure to check out these five shopping hot spots:
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Discover the Emerald Coast’s favorite shopping, dining & entertainment at Destin Commons.
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Explore the heart and soul of Sandestin at The Village at Baytowne Wharf Sandestin
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Admire local art, walk the trails and visit boutique shops in the Gulf Place Town Center.
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More than 1 million square feet of Pier Park Mall across from Panama City Beach!
Florida’s Gulf Coast Is Calling. Will You Answer?
When you visit 30A, know that you have a Friend at the Beach! We go the extra mile for you when you choose to stay with us. Amenities include an extensive concierge service, free WiFi, stocked kitchens, 100% cotton linens and towels, luxury interiors, Gulf-front pools, and stunning beach views. Our luxury condos offer perfect opportunities for families and friends to unplug, unwind, and simply enjoy one another’s company in sunny Florida. We welcome you to stay in one of our diverse properties in Adagio (on Blue Mountain Beach), San Remo, or Villa Coyaba (in Destin).