Florida’s year-round sun and warmth make it the ideal getaway no matter what time of year you’re looking to get away. It also means virtually pristine weather and conditions for your summer escape this year. The summer heat cranks up, as do the fun and exciting activities and events along Historic Route 30A. Check out one of the best summer events on 30A below!
Farmers Markets
Each of the beautiful beach towns along 30A celebrates summer with a farmers market. Each runs on its own schedule, but they all include an array of homemade or locally-made art, crafts, fresh produce, and more. Check the calendar of each town, but these events run throughout the summer and into the fall, meaning you’re likely to be able to attend at least one during your trip, if not more!
Summer Concert Series
The towns along 30A host summer concert series events throughout July and August featuring all sorts of music styles from jazz and blues to bluegrass and more unique offerings like “arcade sounds” and more. Check each town’s schedule of events to find your favorites and make sure they’re part of your 30A summer activity itinerary.
Junior Summer Golf Camp
If some of the adults in the group are golfers, and the kids want to join them on the course, first they’ll likely need some lessons. Baytowne Golf Club, part of the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, offers regular lessons at their golf academy for all ages, a junior golf program that caters to kids 17 and under. A special summer golf camp for the kids at the Raven caters to kids aged 7-13. Classes are from 8:30-11 a.m., and the remaining dates are July 11-13 and July 24-26. Drinks, snacks, and all golf equipment will be provided. Only 15 spots per camp are available, so contact the course to make your reservation soon!
Summer Movie Series
Just like live music, the towns along 30A celebrate cinema in the summer, too! Some offer showings of some of the most popular films, along with classics the whole family will enjoy. Each town hosts the event on different schedules, so make sure to find your favorite movies and make them a part of your summer visit. Offerings include the 2016 Pete’s Dragon, 2019’s Lady & the Tramp, and others.
All American Thursday
The series at HarborWalk Village and the Destin Harbor runs June 1 – August 10 and is a can’t-miss to add to your summer event schedule. The vintage airshow is a tribute to our heroes and is accompanied by other events like live music, fireworks, and a fire-spinning show. Parking is $20. The event runs 6:30-9 pm each night.
Baytowne Art and Food Fest
A fun and delicious way to wrap up summer takes place at the Village of Baytowne Wharf Labor Day weekend. Spend the day strolling the village streets, browse a variety of art pieces from local and regional artists, and best of all – enjoy delicious food! Participating restaurants as well as local food trucks will be offering some of their most delicious offerings during the event. Along with the food and art, you’ll enjoy live music throughout the event each day. The festival ends with a bang and a fireworks spectacular over the town lagoon on Sunday at 9:30 pm.
Boomin’ Tuesdays
It’s not just the 4th of July that’s celebrated with fireworks and fun. The Village of Baytowne Wharf lights up the sky each Tuesday throughout the summer with Boomin’ Tuesday. As the sun sinks below the waters of the Gulf, turn your eyes skyward as the night lights up. Fireworks shows start at 9:15 pm over the lagoon. Come early and dance to the tunes spun by DJ Mike Whitty at the DJ Dance Party in the Events Plaza starting at 7:15 pm.
Adventures in Alys
Throughout the summer, the REP Theatre takes the stage at the Alys Beach Amphitheatre for a fun storytelling experience. Mondays at 10 am, actors perform improvised stories based on audience suggestions. The show at 10 am on Wednesdays is the Alys Improv Hour featuring unscripted, interactive, improv games for the whole family. Best of all – the event is free!
Fun Summer Events on 30A
Begin and end every day of your summer respite along 30A in a vacation rental by Dune Vacation Rentals. There is plenty of space for everyone to enjoy time together or make their own summer fun for a vacation that’s unique to them. Choose from homes all the way up to 10 bedrooms for a summer family or group getaway that fits everyone for a dose of Florida-style summer events and excitement. Simplify your stay with fully equipped kitchens, beautiful and comfortable rooms, open living spaces, and more to bring the feeling of home away from, no matter how long you stay with us. Step outside and enjoy private patios or balconies, and other outdoor fun. Choose a premium rental for upgrades like stainless steel appliances, sprawling master suites, flatscreen TVs, a private pool or spa, and more.
Contact us today to start planning your fun-filled summer trip to 30A!
News flash: Everyone’s favorite drinking holiday takes place on a Friday this year, negating the need to limit your indulgences because of having to go back to work the next day! St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and although it has never been considered a traveling holiday, perhaps we can entice you to take a trip down south to explore the beaches of 30A and the comforts of our Dune Vacation Rentals holiday hideaways. Offering sunny days, warm temps, and some of the best places to enjoy green beer in the country, your St. Patrick’s Day escape to Northwestern Florida will give you a break from your real life that is both exciting and relaxing; this guide to St. Patrick’s Day activities and events on 30A will give you a sneak peek into a vacation filled with fun!
St. Patrick’s Day Activities and Events on 30A
Before the nighttime fun begins, we do suggest you head to the white sand beaches we are known for to enjoy the most beautiful minutes of your life. Sunsets in Florida have been known to stop people in their tracks, lighting up the skies with a fiery display of color and drama and as you sip from your water bottle (hydration is important this thirsty night!) with your toes buried in the soft sugary sands, don’t be surprised if you find the need to applaud. Don’t fight the urge as you won’t be the only one clapping for Mother Nature’s most spectacular extravaganza! And once the sun has fallen into the sea and the dark skies are lightened with the twinkling of a billion stars, it will be time to start your night of excitement and Irish entertainment!
St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Show, Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse, 85 Defuniak Street, Grayton Beach
Families love 30A, and if you have brought yours along for this holiday escape, the St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Show is a family friendly event you will all love! Offering live music performed by local favorite Jody Lucas in their Backyard of Love, the backyard bar will be serving soft drinks, kombuchas, and of course, wines and beers and the dinner menu will provide all the flavors of Ireland that will make your stomach happy! Shepherds Pie, Bangers and Mash, and the classic Corned Beef Cabbage are just a few of your dining options, and as you enjoy a beautiful evening under the stars (the party lasts from 6:30 until 8:30) you may decide that St. Paddy’s Day on 30A will be your newest family tradition.
30A Growler Garage, 368 W County Highway 30A, Suite 101 in Santa Rosa Beach
30A Growler Garage in Santa Rosa Beach is THE place to be on a Friday night and St. Patrick’s Day is no exception! Offering live music performed by another local favorite group, Shack N Up, the green beer will be flowing freely, and even the non-green beer found in their 40 different taps will ensure that this holiday will be one that you will probably forget! (But isn’t that the idea of a St. Patrick’s Day celebration?) Sit, sip, and savor live music from ringside seats by the beach and discover the vibe that makes this part of Florida one of the most popular vacation destinations in Florida!
St. Paddy’s Day Delight – Paint the Village Green, The Village of Baytowne Wharf
Offering music, entertainment, and a belief that everything Irish is everything wonderful, painting the village green at the Village of Baytowne Wharf promises to bring color and excitement to your 30A St. Patrick’s Day celebration! Starting at 6 PM and ending at 9 PM on March 17th, Carpenter Academy of Irish Dance and Live Music from Shenanigans are just a few examples of what you can expect from your Irish getaway in paradise.
Stay Home with Dunes Vacation Rentals
Your real life is hectic and filled with drama and stress, so perhaps your Florida vacation should be filled with all the rest and relaxation that you need, even if it is St. Patrick’s Day! Start the day out with a run out to the Donut Hole in Inlet Beach and grab a dozen of their finest sweet treats (there are sure to be some holiday themed ones to enhance your day at home) to enjoy with fresh brewed coffee in your holiday hideaway. Our fully equipped kitchens come with all the small appliances (coffee makers, blenders) you need to stay hydrated, and the professional quality larger appliances will make it easy to prepare your own Irish meal of corn beef cabbage! Stream your favorite Irish music to dance to as you snack, play, and relax, knowing that the music will never have to end thanks to our high-speed internet, and when you can’t eat another bite or sip another sip, climbing between the linens of our premium beds will be the highlight of your adventures. Contact us today and Reserve your favorite St. Patrick’s Day escape today!