Aug 9, 2018 at 06:31
While peak 30A's peak tourism seasons are spring and summer, autumn is another great time to visit 30A. The weather is a little cooler, the skies are still sunny, and the water is sparkling. In fact, the locals call autumn the area's "best-kept secret" and we're letting you in on it. Here are five reasons you should visit 30A in the fall.
1. Ideal Paddleboarding Conditions
Image Credit: @hardcorbin Instagram
If you love paddleboarding in the summer, you'll love paddleboarding in the fall! However, even if you've never tried it before, it's the perfect time to begin. The water is pretty still, which makes it easy for beginners to start learning. Additionally, the weather is still warm, but there's a nice breeze to keep you from getting too hot. Paddleboarding is one of the best things to do in the fall, especially if you're looking for a fun aquatic activity to try on your vacation.
2. The Flutterby Festival
Image Credit: @misstraceyleigh Instagram
Every fall, there is a huge migration of Monarch Butterflies that passes through South Walton on their way to Mexico for the winter. Each year, Watersound Orgins, one of the towns along 30A, holds the annual Flutterby Festival to celebrate the butterfly migration. The festival is an arts, crafts, and science festival for the entire family with art activities, live music, theatre and dance performances, art exhibits, and even a butterfly parade. You can attend this festival for free on Saturday, October 20th and Sunday, October 21st.
3. Harvest Wine & Food Festival
The Harvest Wine and Food Festival is a new festival on the Emerald Coast that you won't want to miss. The festival is held in WaterColor, which is another one of the coastal beach towns off of 30A. From Thursday, November 2nd, to Saturday, November 4th, people will have the opportunity to taste some of the world's finest wine and culinary creations. If you're a wine lover or a foodie, you'll definitely want to put this festival on your bucket list.
4. Bloody Mary Festival
Image Credit: @chezsilivia Instagram
While Sandestin isn't technically on 30A, it's very close, and they're holding their 4th Annual Bloody Mary Festival on Saturday, October 6th. All proceeds from the event will go towards Habitat for Humanity - Walton County. Pre-sale tickets for this event are just $40, but tickets can be purchased for $50 at the door. Admission into this festival included unlimited tastes of up to 25 of Northwest Florida's most incredible bloody marys. In addition to bloody marys, there will also be food, juice, coffee, and beer. There will also be live music, cornhole games, and live streaming of SEC football.
5. Beautiful Sunsets
Image Credit: @lauratidwellphotography Instagram
Even though the Emerald Coast is known for their sunsets all year round, any local will tell you that fall sunsets are even more vibrant and beautiful. Watching the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico is one of the most spectacular sights you'll ever see, especially in autumn.
30A is a beautiful area 365 days of the year, but it definitely has a special quality you'll want to experience in the fall. All in all, the weather in combination with the fun local events makes 30A an ideal vacation destination from September through November.