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A lot of our guests ask us, “When is the best time to visit 30A?” The easy answer is, “Anytime.” Every month offers its own unique benefits and experiences. Each season is full of treasures for you to explore. Plus with excellent weather (300+ sunny days a year) throughout, you might want to make your decision based on the activities you enjoy or whether you prefer busy, energetic beach crowds or quiet, wide open sands for yourself. Let’s take a look at each season, the pros and cons for visiting and local events that take place so you can decide the best time of year for a Florida Gulf Coast vacation.
When is the best time to visit 30A? Every season offers unique benefits and features. Check out our guide to learn them all.
A lot of our guests ask us, “When is the best time to visit 30A?” The easy answer is, “Anytime.” Every month offers its own unique benefits and experiences. Each season is full of treasures for you to explore. Plus with excellent weather (300+ sunny days a year) throughout, you might want to make your decision based on the activities you enjoy or whether you prefer busy, energetic beach crowds or quiet, wide open sands for yourself. Let’s take a look at each season, the pros and cons for visiting and local events that take place so you can decide the best time of year for a Florida Gulf Coast vacation.
Spring is a great time to avoid summer crowds but still take advantage of sunny weather and warm temperatures. We like to say April and May are the calm before the storm. It’s the perfect time to visit before school lets out and the busy season gets rolling. Enjoy quieter beaches and plenty of local activities to enjoy. Ride a bike down the main street in Rosemary Beach, Seaside or Seacrest Beach. Pop into local stores for some casual shopping. Stop at the farmer’s market in Rosemary Beach for fresh produce or sample local fare.
Spring also brings a selection of fun local events like the South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival where you can enjoy fine food, wine and live entertainment. If you enjoy live music, you’ll love the many restaurants that feature live music each week. Check the Alys Beach Amphitheatre schedule to keep up with the latest musical offerings. If you’re visiting over Easter, there are numerous local Easter events to enjoy with the family.
Summer is hands down the busiest time of the year to visit 30A. June-August is considered peak season along 30A. July is the busiest month of the summer which means rental rates are at their year-long high. Be prepared for traffic and some difficulty parking. You may want to opt for renting a bike or golf cart for faster transportation without the headache. With reliably hot temperatures, the beach is a busy, lively place to hang. If you enjoy the excitement of a crowd and the energy of fun-loving beach goers, summer may be the time for you. Expect a hot and humid summer. Don’t skip the sunscreen. You may want to dodge the mid-day heat and aim to visit the beach early in the morning or later in the afternoon, grabbing the last few hours of sunshine of the day.
Memorial Day kicks off the summer with loads of events along 30A but the 4th of July is by far the biggest days of the year. Enjoy BBQs, evening fireworks, parades and more. With events all along 30A, you’ll love the festive, patriotic vibe July offers. Summer also brings the popular Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic which draws sport fishers from around the world. It’s a serious competition for participants but also a fun event to spectate even if you aren’t a fishing expert.
With the end of peak season, by Labor Day most of the crowds have gone home. It’s the perfect time to enjoy lower 30A vacation rental rates and quieter beaches. Temperatures are still mostly warm, in the high 70s and low 80s, and the Gulf is usually warm enough for swimming. You’ll still get plenty of beach time but without the mad dash for the last free spot in the sand. October and September are ideal months for peace, rest and relaxation.
The slightly cooler weather brings the opportunity for local running events like the Sandestin Triathalon and 30A Half Marathon & 5K. Run a scenic course and enjoy a Gold award-winning South Walton “best event.” If you enjoy wine, be sure to visit Rosemary Beach Uncorked in November for delicious food, fine wine and high spirits.
Winter is the season when public beaches are so quiet they feel more like private beaches. Enjoy having the sand and sea all to yourself. Of course, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s, it may be too chilly for a dip. However, it’s a great time for biking, hiking and exploring the 30A area. Plus you’ll have the best vacation rental rates of the season. 30A vacation rentals are at their lowest rates so you can stay longer for less. And there’s still plenty to do and see! You won’t have to wait for a table in a busy restaurant or circle the block a few times waiting for a free parking space.
January is the 30A Songwriter Festival, the ideal time to listen to great music and new songs. The event is over three days and takes place in different locations along 30A. Check the event website and calendar for more information. In February, enjoy the 30A Wine Festival in Alys Beach and the Sandestin Gumbo Festival over President’s Day weekend. Live music, seafood boil and family fun—what could be better?
When you think of Fall, you may call to mind images of cozy cups of cocoa by the fireplace or a hike on winding trails, feeling the crunch of leaves underfoot. But have you ever pictured yourself relaxing on the beach with a good book as the waves crash before you? That’s a Florida Fall. If you’re looking for a departure from the typical Fall bucket list, a 30A vacation is a wonderful option whether you’re flying solo, as a couple or with the family.
Summer is just around the corner and we’re all itching to get out of our homes and into the great outdoors. There’s no better place to be than relaxing in the warm Florida sunshine. Plus we’ve got so many reasons to visit Florida’s Gulf Coast — great food, white sand beaches, charming architecture, luxury rental homes and so much more. 30A beaches are the perfect place to enjoy all the classic summer vacation activities like swimming, tossing around a ball, sunbathing, building sand castles and whatever else your heart desires!
Your 30A vacation is booked and now it’s time to make a list of things to do, of things to see! First on your list should be a visit to one of the many awe-inspiring state parks along Scenic 30A. From start to finish, the parks along 30A offer some of most visually spectacular landscapes you may ever encounter
Seaside, Florida is one of the most charming small towns in America. With picturesque architecture and beautiful weather, it’s a popular vacation destination for tourists from around the world. There are many reasons to love Seaside like delicious food, local restaurants and wonderful shops. We love exploring the area and learning more about its history. Here are some fun facts about Seaside you should know before your next (or first!) visit.
The summer crowds are long gone, the weather is cooler and hurricane season is wrapping upmaking October one of the best months to visit 30A! Make your mark as an autumn travel with a perfect getaway to one of the nation’s most scenic places. 30A is ready to great you to its breathtaking environments, gorgeous sunsets offering spectacular vistas almost every evening, beautiful and charming seaside towns and villages, and a fall schedule of lively events and festivals.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year on 30A. Sure, we don’t have the snow and the cut your own Christmas tree farms but, we offer a unique getaway from grey winter skies and freezing temps. Our winters are what most northerners would consider warm and we think everyone should try a winter holiday beach vacation at least once in their lives. Palm trees and white sands await but, 30A also has plenty of fun holiday events to choose from.
