As Halloween approaches, 30A transforms into a bewitching playground for families seeking a coastal twist on traditional trick-or-treating. This scenic stretch of the Florida Panhandle boasts an array of neighborhoods and events that promise a delightful experience for Halloween enthusiasts. Whether you’re drawn by the charm of a quaint community or the excitement of a festive celebration, a 30A Halloween has something to offer for every Halloween aficionado.
Family-Friendly Halloween Fun in 30A
You can kick off your 30A spooky adventure in the charming neighborhood of Seaside. Known for its scenic setting and vibrant community, Seaside pulls out all the stops for Halloween. The cobblestone streets, lined with colorful cottages, become an All Hallows Eve haven with residents eagerly participating in the festivities. Kids of all ages can enjoy the lively atmosphere, complete with creatively decorated homes and an abundance of Halloween treats.
Next on the list is Rosemary Beach, where the Halloween spirit comes alive with a delightful blend of elegance and excitement. The town’s classic Dutch West Indies, New Orleans, and St Augustine architecture and well-manicured streets set the perfect backdrop for a magical Halloween experience. Families flock here for the annual Rosemary Beach Halloween event, which features everything from trick-or-treating to themed activities and a parade.
For a slightly different vibe, you can head to the renowned WaterColor community. This breathtaking 30A resort town is famous for its scenic beauty and family-friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for trick-or-treating. WaterColor hosts a festive Halloween event with a safe and inviting environment for little goblins and ghouls to enjoy. The neighborhood’s well-lit streets and welcoming residents ensure a pleasant and enjoyable trick-or-treating experience.
Another must-visit location is the popular 30Avenue shopping district. This mall in Inlet Beach offers a unique twist on Halloween with its lively events and themed activities. 30Avenue’s Halloween celebrations often include costume contests, live music, and special treats from local businesses. The vibrant atmosphere here provides a fantastic alternative to traditional trick-or-treating routes, making it a fun destination for families looking to mix things up.
Don’t miss out on the fun in the Blue Mountain Beach area, known for its friendly and community-oriented vibe. This neighborhood stands out for its welcoming spirit and well-decorated homes that turn Halloween into a festive celebration. Blue Mountain Beach’s low-key charm and enthusiastic residents create a delightful setting for trick-or-treaters. The area’s less crowded streets offer a relaxed and enjoyable experience for families with young children.
If you’re looking for a more expansive trick-or-treating adventure, you may consider the Santa Rosa Beach area. This location is known for its spacious homes and wide streets, perfect for exploring in costume. Santa Rosa Beach’s Halloween festivities often include neighborhood gatherings and special treats from local shops. The open layout and active community of Santa Rosa Beach ensure a fun-filled Halloween evening.
Lastly, the town of Alys Beach offers a unique Halloween experience with its distinctive architecture and upscale ambiance. Alys Beach goes all out with Halloween decorations, creating a visually stunning backdrop for trick-or-treating. The town’s exclusive atmosphere and meticulously maintained properties make it a standout destination for families seeking a more refined Halloween experience.
In addition to these top spots, multiple local businesses and organizations host Halloween-themed events throughout the 30A area. Keep an eye out for pumpkin patches, haunted houses, and community festivals that offer additional opportunities for Halloween fun. These events often feature activities like face painting, costume contests, and seasonal treats, adding an extra layer of excitement to your Halloween vacation.
Elevate Your 30A Halloween Getaway Courtesy of Our Vacation Rentals
After exploring the best places to trick-or-treat in 30A, you can make your Halloween vacation even more memorable by staying in one of our stunning accommodations. Our 30A rentals offer the perfect blend of comfort and luxury, which ensures you have a relaxing retreat after a day of festive fun.
Each of our vacation rentals in 30A features spacious living areas, ideal for gathering with family and friends. You can enjoy a movie night on plush sofas or cook up a Halloween feast in a fully equipped kitchen with modern appliances. Our 30A vacation homes are designed with an open floor plan, making it easy to socialize while still enjoying individual space when needed.
Additionally, once you step outside, you’ll discover private outdoor spaces that are perfect for both relaxation and play. Most of our 30A rentals boast inviting patios or decks where you can savor the crisp autumn air or cozy up by a fire pit. Several even offer private pools, adding an extra layer of luxury to your stay, where you can take a refreshing dip or lounge in style.
Book Your 30A Halloween Getaway Stay at Our Stunning Vacation Rentals
With its charming neighborhoods and festive spirit, 30A offers a Halloween experience like no other. From enchanting trick-or-treating routes to vibrant community events, every Halloween moment in 30A promises fun and excitement. If you’re ready to make your 30A Halloween getaway unforgettable, you can contact us today to book your stay in one of our stunning 30A vacation rentals.
There is so much for you to do in the Sunshine State all year round, but the summer can be hot—what now? You came prepared, with tons of sunscreen, bathing suits, and hot-weather clothes. Still, the triple-digit temperatures are sometimes just too much. We love the long days of sunshine, great sunsets, cool breeze on our faces, and sand between our toes. However, finding summer-friendly activities before you visit the Sunshine State is a must. Check out the top 30A summer activities to beat the heat, stay cool, and have a fun time with your family.
Live Music
One of the best things to do with your friends or family this summer vacation is to listen to some live music outside as you sip on an ice-cold beer, eat fresh seafood, and watch the sun go down over the water. Head to the WaterColor Beach Club to listen to Monday’s live music to start your week off in the right way. Or check out Russ Whitten by the Lake at the Old Florida Fish House to keep the live music vibes going.
On Tuesdays, we love going to Huck and Lily’s Music Performance at the Seaside Amphitheater to support the local community and bring your kids to a family-friendly event. Once that ends, you can head to Red Fish Taco to listen to Casey Kearney Band or the Red Bar Jazz Band at the local just down the street.
If you are in 30A on a Wednesday, going to The Courtyard at Pescado is a must-do to listen to TJ and Brad. You can then check out the Palm Folly Hard Seltzer party, enjoying trivia with your best mates and slices of pizza to see who is the smartest in the group!
Thursday is the first day of the long weekend, so head to North Beach Social to listen to Donnie Sudnal and continue the live music given by going to the Big Chill to listen to live music on the stage. You can also visit the nearby Sandestin Wine Festival if you are keen to try some pinot noir and pinot gris in the hot weather.
Now that the weekend is finally here, tons of bars and breweries offer live music on Friday nights. We love going to AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar, Rum Runners Dueling Piano Bar, Peddlers Pavilion, and Fish Out of Water to listen to some of the best local musicians in the entire state of Florida.
On Saturdays and Sundays, go to Watersound Town Center to participate in the Block Party, Growler Garage for some tasty drinks, and The REP Theatre, all popular sports among tourists and locals alike.
Take Your Kids to the Waterpark
Not sure where to go with your kids for a family-friendly day with your young ones? We have the perfect idea in mind. We know that it can be too hot for kids to spend all day at the beach. That is why going to the nearby water park is the ideal way to cool off, have fun with your kids, teach your toddlers how to swim, and get a tan in the process.
Head to Big Kahuna in nearby Destin to see what people have been raving about for over 25 years. Slide down the slides, relax in the lazy river, and take a break from the crowded beach to head here and chill out. You can also visit Shipwreck Island in nearby Panama City Beach if you don’t mind taking a drive from chilled-out 30A to experience this incredible waterpark with tons of slides, rides, lounge chairs, pools, and wave pools.
Grab an Ice Cream Cone
Your kids will love you if you suggest getting an ice cream cone during a hot day in 30A, Florida. We love going to Pecan Jacks Ice Cream and Candy on Santa Rosa Beach for a treat. Pecan Jacks is right off the County Highway and features pralines, brittles, toffees, chocolates, gummi bears, sauces, and gift items to bring back home. We recommend getting the gourmet chocolate pecans box!
Another great spot to check out is Ice Cream Shoppe at 30A. The ideal spot to get a tradition comes with your choice of toppings to cool off during a hot day. This shop offers dozens of flavors and is open all day long so that you can head here any time for a mid-day break from the heat. We love the blueberry cheesecake and bourbon flavors for a sweet treat.
Finally, check out Coast Creamery and New Orleans-style Snoballs on Santa Rosa Beach. Are you in the mood for authentic gelato and sorbet? If so, this is the best place to stop on a hot summer day. Coast Creamery is open Thursday to Sunday after 4:30, so you can head here for a pre or post-dinner treat.
Book with 30A Beach Properties
Not sure where to stay for your upcoming vacation? 30A Beach Properties can help you find the best vacation rentals in Rosemary Beach for you and your group’s preferences, ranging from beachfront condos to Gulf front mansions.
Florida has no shortage of springtime events. The weather is perfect in the Sunshine State all year round, but spring is arguably the best time for you to come here. You can get warmer weather without being too hot, fewer people than you do in the summer, and fun events that only happen during March, April, and May. We love coming to 30A during the spring to hit the beach, relax, chill out, and have fun with our mates.
Let’s see a few must-do things for you to include on your 30A Spring Break itinerary during your spring trip to FL. No matter if you are here for a weekend and want to jam-pack everything into two days or you are here for two weeks, there is so much for you and your pals to do. We promise you will never be bored during your fun and exciting time in this vibrant coastal area.
30A Wine Festival February 20-23
Are you a fan of Pinot Grigio? Maybe you prefer a Cabernet Sauvignon with dinner before bed at night. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or have been drinking boxed wine for your entire life, you will love going to the 30A Wine Festival. Head here on Thursday to listen to live music, taste fresh oysters right for the water and sip on some champagne that pairs perfectly with the tasty seafood.
You can even come back the next day to listen to more live music, chat with locals, sample some local bourbon, taste craft beer from right around the corner, and eat Southern food. We love coming on Friday and listening to the talented musicians churn out song after song that has us up and on our feet. Saturday is also a great day to attend the festival if you are interested in learning more about the wine from each region early.
Finish out the entertaining and knowledgeable weekend on Sunday by sampling wine oeuvres, sipping on some cold rose, and sitting down for an afternoon filled with boozy brunch.
Sandestin Wine Festival
Did someone say more wine? Of course, we did! You can never have enough wine, especially when you’re on vacation. Head to Sandestin Wine Festival in April to sample hundreds of international and local wines. Every pour of wine is perfectly paired with the right type of food, featuring Gulf Coast seafood and fresh fruit.
The SeaLights Festival
Head to nearby Destin, Florida, to attend the monthly SeaLights Festival. This is a great spot to bring your kids so they can see over 1,000 handcrafted lanterns high up in the sky. This special event occurs one Friday per month during the spring season, so make sure you purchase tickets ahead of time and get here right at 5 pm to enjoy a less-crowded event.
Go Out for a Family Brunch
If you come to Florida with your kids and want to spend quality time with one another, you need to get out of the house and enjoy what is around you. Of course, we know that you want to stay at home in one of our lovely condos, but it can also be nice to explore the nearby town, walk around the downtown area, and see where you can go for a filling and healthy breakfast with your kids.
We recommend going to another Broken Egg Cafe for breakfast at least once during your stay here. We can’t recommend this spot enough, positioned perfectly right on Hutchinson Boulevard and churning out plate after plate, even on super busy mornings. Whether you are in the mood for a large egg-filled omelet, or your kids want something sweet, they have it all.
Try one of the brunch specialties, like the chicken and waffles with house-made chipotle honey, cinnamon roll French toast with cream cheese icing, or the country power bowl with cheddar jack cheese grits, baked bacon, huge buttery biscuit, and country ham. There are other specialty items that you won’t find elsewhere, like the crab cake benedict with jumbo lump crab, or the egg Blackstone benedict with grilled tomato slices.
Do your kids have a sweet tooth? Well, look no further. The Bourbon Street pancakes with topped bananas, pecans, and rum butter sauce will hit the spot. Or the apple fritter French toast with fried apples, bourbon cream sauce, and fresh blueberries is a sweet treat to start your day.
Stay with us at 30A Beach Properties
Are you coming to 30A to enjoy drinking wine, going to local restaurants, and dancing all night long at nearby bars? Or maybe you are interested in a laid-back vacation with your kids and want to build sandcastles, listen to live music, and go out to breakfast. No matter the reason, you will be able to find a perfect home for your unique needs with 30A Beach Properties.
We offer luxurious homes right on the beach, cozy condos, and pet-friendly options. We take care of the details for you, so you can just relax and show up. Anything you need, we can get it for you during your stay. Contact us today to book your spring escape!
Cafe 30A Restaurant
One of the best local businesses in 30A that is a must-visit during your stay in Florida is the Cafe 30A Restaurant in Seagrove Beach, Florida, 30A! This fine-dining establishment features a local menu with nearby produce and vegetables, eclectic offerings, fresh red and white wine, exciting cocktail drinks, and fast service. This is the best spot for a date night when you really want to impress!
Start with the jumbo lump crab cake with simple greens and Joe’s mustard sauce to split with the table. Pair this with the Pt. Judith Calamari with pickled jalapeno, spicy aioli, and basil lemon sauce to enjoy the seafood fresh from the water right outside of the restaurant! Then, we love the Grilled Filet Mignon or the Sesame Crusted Bluefin Tuna for the main dish. The filet features loaded mashed potatoes, baby carrots, balsamic grilled jumbo asparagus, and Worcestershire sauce for a filling and tasty meal.
Amavida Coffee and Tea
Amavida Coffee and Tea at Rosemary Beach is a family-owned business that features its own coffee-making and roasting facility just a few minutes away from the flagship store location. We love going here for a cup of coffee in the morning to help support a popular local business and keep this family-owned cafe up and running! This coffee and tea joint is popular among tourists and locals, featuring an industrial vibe and artwork on the walls. We recommend getting an Americano with oat or soy milk to get a real feel for the strength of the espresso and beans here!
You can also purchase some coffee brewing gear and merchandise to keep the Business doing well, such as the carbon-neutral company T-shirt with recycled fabric, Hyper Pure ceramic thermos to keep your coffee warm and hot, and the Coastal Dune Lake camp cup for camping trips!
Black Bear Bread Co.
Another popular and local spot that features a Parisian-style bakery and local cafe is Black Bear Bread Co. owned and run by Chef Phil McDonald and Dave Rauschkolb. These two entrepreneurs paired with the infamous Stumptown Coffee Roasters to create Black Bear Bread Co. in 30A to churn out tasty drinks and pastries for locals and visitors alike. You can head to Black Bear in Grayton Beach for private events, Seaside Florida for a cafe and bakery, Grand Boulevard for tasty coffee and bread, and Grayton Beach for the second location.
We recommend getting an Avocado tartine with house pickles, Za’atar sauce, and multigrain bread for a healthy way to start our day. The banana tart with whipped ricotta, local honey sea salt, chili, pecans, and mint on country sourdough is another popular option!
Amore by the sea
Amore by the Sea is a local eclectic tiny shop filled with unique items, breach treasures, vintage crafts, handmade items, and much more for you to bring home to family and friends. We love this cool and cute shop in Santa Rosa Beach to bring back souvenirs and shop for items for your house back home to decorate it just like the beach at 30A!
Anne Hunter Gallery
The Anne Hunter Gallery in 30A is home to a New Orleanian artist who has made her works a huge staple among the crowd in Florida today. Nell Tilton, the owner, and artist, has worked on her pieces since the late 1960s, featuring incredible pieces that would look great on your wall back at home or even as a gift for someone special! The Anne Hunter Galleries focus on collaborative series that you can browse during your visit, exhibitions with local artists, featured works that are available for purchase, and much more.
Local Businesses in 30A to Visit: Cocina Cubana
The Cocina Cubana in Seaside, FL, is one of the most well-known coffee roasters and restaurants in the entire area; eating fresh food, Cuban influence, Southwestern spices, and strong coffee that is sure to keep you going all day long. The food menu features a “create your own bowl” option with rice, mixed baby greens, vegan sweet potatoes and chickpeas, your choice of meat, and beans.
You can also go simple and choose a sandwich, such as the famous spicy Cubano with pulled pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. Finish it off with an ice-cold beer for a fantastic lunch!
As you can see, there are so many local businesses and family-owned spots in 30A that you should really try to go to during your vacation here. Supporting local businesses and keeping them afloat is key to keeping this Old-World Florida town low-key and laid-back when compared to the more overrun and commercial spots like Orlando and Disney. Head to 30A today to check them out! You can use 30A Beach Properties to plan the holiday of a lifetime and get started on your fun-filled fall getaway.
Just because you are in Florida, it doesn’t mean every single day is going to be full of sunshine and warm weather! Although the majority of your time is spent in this pristine coastal part of the United States, you might still get a few odd days where it is cloudy, rainy, or cold. What now? Don’t fret! There is still SO much for you and your family to do during your vacation in the beautiful 30A, even when it is raining, hailing, windy, cloudy, or snowing — except it never really snows, so you can wear shorts all year round!
Let’s check out some of the best family-friendly activities in 30A that are great for kids of all ages when it comes to spending quality time with one another while vacationing in the Sunshine State.
Head Out for Some Shopping
Whether you are picking up a few souvenirs to bring back home, unique clothes from locally sourced vintage shops, produce from farmer’s market stalls, or high-end clothes from boutiques, there is a never-ending shopping list that you are going to want to hit during a rainy day. We think that some of the best indoor shopping areas include Destin Commons, Silver Sands Premium Outlets, and Gulf Place. Stay under cover from the rain and shop around at boutique shops and designer stores while keeping your kids entertained with play places, cafes, dessert stalls, and much more.
Make Some Artwork!
Making artwork is a great way to bond with your family. We recommend heading to The Shard Shop to enjoy an afternoon inside, bringing kids of all ages. This art-centric spot is ideal for those who are interested in artwork, such as painting or drawing, but no creativity or artistic inclination is needed! Head here to enjoy meeting Mary Hong and getting ready to paint a masterpiece. Plus, you can go to any one of the locations at Destin, Grand Boulevard, or Grayton Beach.
Watch a Movie
There is nothing better on a rainy day than snuggling up with your loved ones, sharing a huge bowl of popcorn, slurping on a soda, and watching a movie on the big screen. Head to one of the numerous movie theaters in and around 30A to watch a PG flick with your kids and spend quality time together. We recommend going to The Boulevard 10 on Grand Boulevard or The Grand 16 in Pier Park in Panama City Beach. You can even see a 3D movie at Boulevard 10, complete with a full drink and food menu for the complete experience!
Mini Golf with Your Teens
Challenge your teenagers to a friendly game of mini golf to see who has the best putting skills and is the most like Tiger Woods! Head to Rainforest Blacklight Golf in nearby Miramar Beach. You can also head inside to stay out of the rain and check out the numerous arcade games and filling food.
View Marine Life Up Close and Personal
One of the best things to do on a rainy or cold day is to head to Gulf World Marine Park to make the most out of a dreary day outside. You can get up close and personal with amazing creatures, such as manatees, dolphins, and flora and fauna you wouldn’t see out normally. We love spending an entire afternoon walking around, watching the professionals during their shows, and learning about these incredible animals that hail from native Florida.
Mobile Massage Therapy
Is it so rainy and cloudy that you don’t even want to leave your beloved rental property? We don’t blame you! If you are tired, hungover, or you simply don’t want to head outside to brave the elements with your large family, then hiring a mobile massage might be a fun thing for the entire family! Even though your kids may have never gotten a massage before, they will enjoy the fun of pedicures, manicures, head massages, or light foot massages to make them feel like they are truly being given royal treatment at a nearby spa. You can even rent a movie for your kids while you get a massage to keep them entertained!
WonderWorks Museum
Last but not least, it is good to learn something during your holiday! Keep your kids entertained and active by bringing them to this educational institution that is super fun. Instead of reading boring descriptions and walking around a silent museum, the WonderWorks Museum features incredible challenges, exhibitions, hands-on activities, and entertainment that is fun for the entire family.
Doesn’t this sound like a fun vacation, despite the potential for rain and wind? We think so too! Rent a property from 30A Beach Properties to have the holiday of a lifetime with your entire family. We guarantee that kids of all ages will love these activities — you will even forget about the weather!