Fall along 30A is a season like no other. The crowds thin, the air turns crisp, and the community comes alive with festivals, concerts, and coastal adventures. From local restaurants serving up seasonal flavors to hidden trails perfect for exploring, autumn is one of the best times to experience all that our area has to offer. This guide is your go-to resource for fall events, dining, activities, and new spots to check out around town. We’ve also included a few favorite weekend trip ideas for when you’re craving a quick getaway. Whether you’re a longtime local, a frequent visitor, or simply dreaming of life on the coast, there’s something here for you. And if thoughts of making 30A your home are on your mind, we’d love to help you explore the possibilities.
Fall EVENTS
Moon Crush: Avett Moon
October 3–5, 2025 | Miramar Beach Regional Beach Access
A beachfront music weekend featuring The Avett Brothers, Sierra Ferrell, Larkin Poe, and more. Enjoy VIP “Reserved Coves” with chair service, food and drink delivery, and prime view access.
Cars of 30A
October 3–4, 2025 | Alys Beach
A sophisticated luxury car showcase: over 150 rare and highperformance vehicles. VIP preview night with cocktails and gourmet bites, followed by a family-friendly Grand Tour on Saturday.
Baytowne Beer Festival
October 10–11, 2025 | Village of Baytowne Wharf
The 17th Annual Grand Tasting features 150+ brews, live music, and festival flair—perfect for craft beer lovers.
Sandestin Beer Festival & Launch Celebration
October 9–12, 2025 | Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
A four-day beer lover’s paradise with a beer dinner, live music, BBQ, tastings across resort venues, games, and fun competitions.
Watersound Origins PorchFest
October 12, 2025 | Watersound Origins
A relaxed, family-friendly music stroll where front porches become mini concert stages throughout the charming community.
Harvest Wine & Food Festival
October 16–19, 2025 | WaterColor
A foodie favorite: four days of wine tastings, gourmet bites, celebrity chef pop-ups, and lawn-party vibes. Great for couples and wine lovers.
Fall EVENTS
Halloween on 30A
October 31, 2025
From family festivals and trick-or-treating to lively costume parties, Halloween on 30A offers something for everyone up and down the coast.
Flutterby Arts Festival
November 9, 2025 | Watersound Origins
A whimsical, family-friendly celebration of monarch butterflies featuring live music, art booths, kids’ crafts, and a butterfly parade.
Mountainfilm on Tour Festival
November 7–8, 2025
WaterColor Marina Park Amphitheater
Outdoor “movie nights under the stars” with documentary shorts focused on culture, environment, and adventure. Bring a blanket, bring inspiration.
30A BBQ Festival
November 8, 2025 | Grand Boulevard
A smoky, vibrant evening of all-you-can-eat barbecue from local pitmasters, live music, and a silent auction benefiting the Sonder Project.
Sparkling Wine & Holiday Lights
November 22, 2025 | Village of Baytowne Wharf
An elegant kickoff to the holiday season with bubbly tastings, hors d’oeuvres, and festive light displays along the water.
30A 10K Thanksgiving Day Races
November 27, 2025
A Thanksgiving morning tradition featuring a 10K, 5K, and 1-mile fun run through scenic Rosemary Beach, with proceeds benefiting local charities.
Restaurant RECOMMENDATIONS
Raw & Juicy Pizza Night
Every Thursday evening from 5–9 p.m., guests can enjoy Pizza Nights with Chef Phil McDonald at the Grayton Beach location of the Backyard of Love at Hibiscus Guesthouse. The cozy setting makes for a perfect date night or a fun evening for the whole family. Reservations are required, and availability is limited.
O-ku
Modern Japanese meets new urban architecture in the heart of Alys Beach. Overlooking the town’s iconic Amphitheatre, O-Ku is a stunning new dining experience welcoming guests with warm hospitality and authentic Japanese cuisine.
Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar
Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar is a popular 30A spot for locals and visitors alike. Named after the legendary offshore reef, it serves up classic coastal cuisine and southern hospitality, with daily live music and panoramic Gulf views over the sugar-white sand.
Donut Hole
The Donut Hole has been a beloved 30A staple for decades, drawing both locals and visitors with its hearty breakfasts, freshbaked pies, and famous donuts. This classic diner-style spot combines comfort food favorites with a welcoming atmosphere that keeps guests coming back year after year.
Wine Bar
The Wine Bar in WaterColor is an iconic gathering spot for repeat visitors and homeowners along 30A. Known for its relaxed yet refined atmosphere, it offers an extensive wine list, craft cocktails, and fresh coastal-inspired dishes—perfect for unwinding in the heart of WaterColor.
Restaurant RECOMMENDATIONS
Redfish Taco
Redfish Taco is a lively 30A favorite, serving up Mexican-style eats with fresh coastal flavors. A go-to for both locals and visitors, it’s known for creative tacos, cold drinks, and a vibrant atmosphere with live music that captures the spirit of the beach.
Amici 30A Italian Kitchen
Amici Italian Kitchen, located in 30Avenue at Inlet Beach, serves authentic Italian with a coastal twist. Known for wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a go-to spot for relaxed yet flavorful dining.
Fonville Press
Fonville Press Market Café, nestled in Alys Beach, offers a coastal-chic gathering spot where the community comes together. With a thoughtfully curated market, allday café and bar, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a morning coffee, grab a bottle of wine, or savor a flatbread on the plaza.
Daytrader Tiki Bar
Daytrader Tiki Bar, the newest hot spot in Seaside, brings tropical vibes to the heart of town. Known for creative cocktails, fresh bites, and a lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to unwind, soak up the sun, and enjoy fun with friends.
Local ADVENTURES
Beach Bonfire
Cooler evenings are perfect for a permitted bonfire right on the sand—bring s’mores and blankets.
Scenic Bike Ride on Timpoochee Trail
Cruise along the Timpoochee Trail, a 19-mile paved path that runs along 30A connecting the beach towns.
State Park Exploring
Grayton Beach State Park –hiking trails, kayaking on Western Lake, birdwatching.
Eden Gardens State Park –historic Wesley House, gardens, and walking trails.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park –pristine beaches, hiking trails, campgrounds.
Kayak or Paddle Board the Dune Lakes
Rare coastal dune lakes like Western Lake and Camp Creek Lake offer serene paddling experiences.
Fishing Charters & Bay Adventures
From inshore fishing on Choctawhatchee Bay to deep-sea excursions, fall is a great season for anglers.
Many studios offer morning yoga sessions right on the sand—perfect way to start the day.
Sunset Dolphin Cruise
Enjoy a magical evening on the water with a sunset dolphin cruise departing from Destin Harbor.
Day Trip to Shell Island
A quick boat ride from Panama City Beach, this untouched island makes for a quiet beach adventure.
Weekend Trips NEAR 30A
Apalachicola & St. George Island, FL
2 hours east
Wander historic Apalachicola’s charming streets, enjoy fresh oysters straight from local waters, and browse unique shops. Then head over to St. George Island for serene beaches, state parks, and postcard-perfect sunsets. Bonus: stop by our St. George Island office and say hello to our friendly team!
Fairhope, AL
2.5 hours northwest
This artsy town on Mobile Bay is perfect for leisurely strolls along the pier, popping into local galleries, and sipping coffee at cozy cafés. Don’t miss the chance to pick up a handmade find at one of the boutiques.
Pensacola, FL
2 hours west
Mix a little history with your beach time—tour historic forts, check out the National Naval Aviation Museum, and soak up the sun on Pensacola’s sugar-white sand beaches. It’s a weekend that’s part culture, part coastal relaxation.
New Orleans, LA
4.5 hours west
Let the energy of the French Quarter sweep you off your feet—live jazz, beignets, and colorful streets await. Perfect for a long weekend filled with incredible food, music, and unforgettable experiences.
Jacksonville, FL
4.5 hours east
Explore Jacksonville’s vibrant riverfront, local breweries, and art districts, or spend the day relaxing on the beaches. It’s a fun mix of city culture and coastal charm for a memorable weekend escape.
Ways toWORK WITH US
Life along 30A is all about the lifestyle, the community, and the experiences that come with home. If you’ve ever thought about owning a home here along 30A—whether as a full-time residence, a vacation getaway, or an investment property—we’d love to be your resource. We help buyers find the right fit, sellers showcase their home with standout marketing, and investors navigate opportunities with confidence. Wherever you are in the process, consider us your local guide to real estate on the coast.
Let’s find the place that feels like home along 30A.
