30A is a fantastic vacation destination throughout the year—tropical Gulf Coast waters against striking sugar-white sands make a stunning backdrop during any season, and the beach lends itself to a host of outdoor recreation, from fishing to shell-hunting. While you’re guaranteed to have a terrific time whenever you come, if you’d like to experience one of the most fun weekends of the year, visit 30A this Memorial Day weekend! Beach communities along 30A each have their own festive celebrations, whether it’s live music at beachfront restaurants or a bustling local farmer’s market, and it’s easily one of the most celebrated weekends of the year as it’s the unofficial start of summer for much of the country. With amazing local restaurants, lots of outdoor activities, and leisurely days spent on the shore, 30A is a highly desirable Memorial Day vacation destination!
Explore Beautiful 30A Beaches
On a popular weekend like this, hitting the beach is sure to be at the forefront of everyone’s mind—luckily, there are plenty of different spots depending on what kind of beach bum you are! The area of 30A is well known for our strikingly beautiful beaches, with turquoise clear water and palms lazily swaying in the ocean breeze. Wherever you stay, you likely won’t be far from beach access points, as there are more than 50 in the South Walton area alone! Nature lovers will lean towards more low-key spots like Seagrove Beach and Seacrest Beach, while those craving a bit of the city character will like Inlet Beach and Rosemary Beach. It’s going to be a popular weekend wherever you choose but know that your options will be plentiful on this gorgeous stretch of coastline!
Visit Local National Parks and Wildlife Watch
Nearby you will find two parks of interest, where you can wildlife watch and explore a network of hiking and biking paths. Deer Lake State Park is home to a stunning beachfront, along with a coastal dune lake situated along the shore, which is rare to observe worldwide. Deer Lake is home to a variety of unique plant life as well, and you might be able to catch a pop of color dusted along the dunes from summer wildflowers. The pristine beach makes for a great picnic spot, and you might spot some local wildlife, such as migratory seabirds. A short drive away from the Point Washington State Forest can be found, which offers several hiking and biking trails among a dreamy landscape of cypress groves and wet Flatwoods.
Get in Some Memorial Day Shopping
As 30A is made up of a collection of distinct communities, you’ll find plenty of Memorial Day shopping, from traditional shopping centers to local boutique shops. If you’re near Rosemary Beach stop by the upscale 30Avenue outdoor mall, offering a variety of exclusive 30A shops and dining. Artists at Gulf Place in Santa Rosa offers a variety of 30A-made goods, from well-made souvenir clothing to art and handmade home décor. The Hub can be found in Watersound and features a lively restaurant and bar along with a selection of trendy local shops—a great stop for both entertainment and shopping. You can also find convenient services like bike rentals there! Other great beach areas for Memorial Day shopping include Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach.
Dine Out at Amazing 30A Restaurants
Restaurants serving up freshly caught Gulf shrimp, eateries with seaside views, and lively bars celebrating the long weekend—this is what you can expect to find when you come to 30A, and you’ll have a variety of amazing restaurants to choose from up and down the coast. Stop by The Big Chill at The Hub for bites with live music or try The Red Bar in Grayton Beach for a local vibe that’s only a walk away from the beach. In Rosemary Beach, you can try the Havana Beach Bar and Grill for a venue with live music with an upscale atmosphere, and after you can wander a few blocks to the Peddler’s Pub, which is a bonus offers bike rentals!
30A Memorial Day Activities
All weekend long you’re likely to find an array of activities to keep you entertained, from live music to discount shopping. The Village of Baytowne Wharf, situated at the edge of the Choctawhatchee Bay, offers lots of shops and restaurants, along with live music on Memorial Day weekend. The Farmer’s Market at Grand Boulevard, Watersound Town Center, and Main Street Defuniak Springs are all taking place on Saturday and will be a great opportunity to shop local goods and grab a bite to eat—maybe even a few ingredients for a BBQ at your vacation rental later!
Reserve Your 30A Memorial Day Vacation Rental with 30A Beach Girls Today!
Memorial Day is a great time to take a vacation to 30A, and we have a selection of amazing vacation homes waiting to host you. Contact us to learn more about reserving yours today!