Summer is almost here, and you know what that means… It’s the beginning of beach season! All along the gorgeous Gulf Coast, 30A’s vibrant communities are gearing up for another spectacular summer season full of festivals, events, and exciting things to do. From Brandi Carlile’s Mothership Weekend to family-friendly fun at The Big Chill or simple days spent relaxing on the shore, no matter what your beach vacation looks like, you’re sure to have a fantastic time here. As you start planning your summer getaway to 30A, take a look at some of our most anticipated activities and make sure you’re in the know so you can enjoy them all.
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Top Summer Festivals in 30A
From music to food, summertime in 30A means festivals galore. Whether you’ve planned your vacation around a specific event or you get lucky and stumble upon one while you’re here, incorporating some of these things into your visit is a great way to do something unique while you’re at the beach. One of our favorite summer festivals in 30A has to be the relatively new Mothership Weekend held in Miramar Beach. Hosted and headlined by the incomparable Brandi Carlile, the weekend is a great way to celebrate Mother’s Day. This year’s lineup features Bonnie Raitt, Sara Bareilles, The Hanseroth Twins, and more, making it a can’t-miss!
For a delectable festival, South Walton’s Wine and Food Fest takes place April 25-28th on Grand Boulevard. Featuring more than 600 wines and spirits, as well as delicious food pairings and treats, it’s an opportunity to mingle with top vintners and chefs as you sample unique vintages, craft cocktails, and mouthwatering bites.
Rounding out our favorite summer festivals, this one is for the art aficionados. The 36th Annual ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival is slated for May 4th and 5th, promising a weekend full of exceptional creations from national and regional artists. Browse ceramics, sculptures, photography, mixed media, and more. The festival features a juried art show and is a great place to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs to commemorate your vacation.
With a festival for every kind of beachside vibe, you can choose the one that’s right for you. As you’re planning your summer trip to 30A, if these are on your agenda, be sure to snag your tickets before they’re sold out!
Best Things to Do in 30A During Summer
No summer trip to 30A is complete without ample time spent in the gorgeous turquoise water. Whether your beach day is full of splashing in the waves or you prefer to just relax on the soft, white sand, making sure you plan for some well-deserved R&R is a must. To make your beach day planning easy, remember the essentials: sunscreen, snacks, drinks, your favorite book, towels, a hat, and sunglasses. Of course, if you’re staying in one of our 30A Luxury Vacations rentals, if you happen to forget something, it’s a breeze to pop back to your private beach access home and retrieve it.
Aside from the beach, other top things to do in 30A this summer include hitting the links at area golf courses, enjoying fantastic shopping and restaurants, indulging in luxurious spa days, visiting local farmers’ markets, and taking advantage of epic community events like the ones held at The Big Chill. With multiple food vendors, bars, coffee shops, and stores surrounding their communal greenspace, it’s a great spot to gather and enjoy daily entertainment from March through September. Featuring family-focused festivities, you’ll be treated to live music, movie nights, sports viewing parties, yoga, DJ dance parties, and a host of other activities, all designed to add a special magic to your 30A getaway.
For more top things to do this summer, keep up to date with popular 30A events and activities when you view our 30A Area Guide!
Book Ahead Activities in 30A
One of the perks of a beach trip is a loose schedule. After all, you’ve been hustling all year; you’ve earned a break. To make sure you don’t stress during your 30A vacation, there are some things you can do in advance as you start planning. First, remember this is peak tourist season, so everything will be more crowded. If there’s a restaurant you’ve been dying to try, make your reservation now. If there’s a concert or show you want to attend, go ahead and buy those tickets. Do you need special concierge services or beach equipment rentals? Check out what’s available through our VacayZen partnership and make your selections before you arrive. The same goes for leisurely activities. Setting your tee times early and booking your spa treatments before you arrive means from the second you get to your 30A vacation rental, you can fully sink into relaxation.
Speaking of your rental, that’s something you definitely don’t want to put off until the last second. Booking in advance and directly with a property manager means you have access to the largest inventory selection and the best rates. Unlike online travel agencies, which can withhold properties and tack on hidden fees and extra taxes, going directly to the property manager means you can bypass all of that overhead.
Find Your Dream 30A Vacation Rental
At 30A Luxury Vacations, we have vacation rentals in the most sought-after communities on the Gulf Coast. Whether you’re looking for Rosemary Beach rentals, Seacrest Beach rentals, Seagrove Beach rentals, or homes in any of the other picturesque towns, we can help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Search by community or amenity to find your ideal home away from home for your summer vacation, and start planning your perfect 30A getaway today!