Easter is drawing near, and Scenic 30A is the perfect place to celebrate this blessed holiday that coincides with Spring. Rivard by Ocean Reef Vacation Rentals has many fine, distinctive beach homes and condos available along this route. Scenic 30A is an idyllic world of its own with serene natural beauty and picture-perfect coastal villages.
Eden Gardens State Park
Springtime is a wonderful experience along Scenic 30A with azaleas and other flowers in full bloom. Eden Gardens State Park on the Choctawhatchee Bay in Santa Rosa Beach is a must-visit and is open daily from 8:00 am to sunset. The lavishly landscaped grounds of this former timber plantation estate span across 163 acres. The gorgeous grounds include flowering azaleas, camellias, a heritage rose garden, a butterfly flower garden, lush lawns, a long reflecting pool with lily pads, koi fish, majestic ancient Live Oak Trees, and Magnolias. You are invited to picnic anywhere on the grounds, and outdoor tables are available. The elegant antebellum-styled white house with columns is open for one-hour tours on Thursdays through Mondays with tickets, which are $4 for adults and $2 for children.
Grayton Beach State Park
April has sunny weather throughout the month, with temperatures in the mid-70s during the day and around 60 at night. There is no humidity this time of the year, so the sky usually sparkles an azure blue. The crystalline white beaches shimmer in the sun, and the glistening gulf glows in colors ranging from emerald green to brilliant turquoise. The nationally acclaimed Grayton Beach State Park is about the halfway point on Scenic 30A close to many of our vacation rentals. Forbes Magazine named this beach one of the most beautiful shorelines in America. The expansive criteria for this study included natural beauty, sand quality, cleanliness, annual weather temperatures, number of sunny days, average water temperatures, sand color, water color, the width of the beach, varieties of wildlife, vista views available, and onsite amenities. This distinction is an incredible tribute since the United States coastline covers 12,383 linear miles.
This beautiful, captivating beach park spans across 2,000 acres and includes forested shores that embrace Western Lake, which encompasses 100 acres. Coastal dune lake treasures of this kind are only found in Madagascar, parts of Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Northwest, and Scenic 30A, where they run parallel along the coast. This lake flows into the gulf, creating a unique, magical blend of fresh and saltwater with the tides. This supports a vast habitat for wildlife, waterfowl, and fish. Both saltwater and freshwater fish are available to catch, including bass, bream, catfish, white-speckled trout, redfish, and flounder. You may try your luck at fishing since licenses are relatively inexpensive and easily obtained online. Many of our guests enjoy exploring coastal dune lakes like this one via paddleboard, kayak, or canoe. Watercraft rentals are available at the park’s ranger station. You may also enjoy a nature trail that meanders on a nine-mile loop along the shoreline and through the woods. The extensive forest includes towering Loblolly Pine Trees, Scrub Oaks, Magnolias, Palmettos, Rosemary Bushes, Blue Lupine, and other Wildflowers. You may spot wildlife that includes Deer, Grey Foxes, Squirrels, American Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, Snowy White Egrets, Pelicans, Ducks, Osprey, and sometimes even an Alligator or a Florida Black Bear.
There are a number of festive events happening along Scenic 30A for Easter 2024, and here is a look at each one:
30Avenue Concert Series
The 30Avenue Concert Series at Inlet Beach kicks off on Friday, March 29th for their spring festival week from 6:00 pm till 9:00 pm on the village lawn. You may bring a blanket, chairs, a picnic basket, and a cooler to enjoy while watching the show. 30Avenue is a picturesque retail village at the very end of Scenic Hwy 30A on the Emerald Coast Parkway (Hwy 98). The palm-lined village includes lush lawns, fashion boutiques, and specialty shops, along with Gourmet Asian, Mexican, Italian, and Gulf Seafood restaurants. Friendly bars serve martinis, margaritas, daiquiris, craft cocktails, wine, and freshly brewed local beers. The concert will be held every night from 6 till 9 through Saturday, April 6th.
Lakeside Songwriters Concert Series
Lakeside Songwriters Concert Series at Old Florida Fish House in Seagrove Beach will be held on Friday, March 29th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. This unforgettable musical concert experience is held every Friday night at the Old Florida Fish House with shows from many popular artists. Tickets for this memorable concert and private dinner are $249 and may be obtained online. The ticket price includes a complimentary glass of champagne, wine, or beer, along with a meet and greet with the featured artists. It also includes a delicious Five Course Dinner, which will be served during the private concert.
Great 30A Easter Race
The Great 30A Easter Race will be held at the Topsail Hill Preserve State Beach Park on Saturday, March 30th, starting at 7:00 am. This race is sponsored by the Good News Church in Santa Rosa Beach, and registration can be obtained online. There will be a “Clean Feet” 5K Run, a “Stinky Feet” 10K Run, and a “Dirty Feet” 10K Run. The Clean Feet 5K course is on a paved trail through the woods past one of the coastal dune lakes. The Stinky Feet 10K uses the same trail but includes two laps around. The Dirty Feet 10K run is the most challenging race since it includes paved trails, dirt nature trails and the sandy beach. The course runs through old-growth forests, past coastal dune lakes, down sugary dunes, and along the bright beach. Awards will be given at the end of the races, and all participants will receive a fine Boca Gear running hat. Registration for your entry packet is $45 for the Clean Feet 5K Race and $50 for the Stinky Feet and Dirty Feet 10K races. A 25% discount is provided to all active-duty military, police, sheriff’s deputies, fire personnel, and paramedics. A 15% discount is provided for retired military, police, deputies, fire personnel, and paramedics.
Rosemary Beach Egg Hunt
The enchanting Dutch Colonial-style village of Rosemary Beach is having its annual Easter Egg Hunt on the lawns of this idyllic community. The festivities start around 9:30 am on Sunday, March 31st. Complimentary mimosas will be served at the Summer Kitchen café. They also serve sandwiches, burgers, rollups, salads chips, salsa, guacamole, tuna dip, hummus, and desserts. Thousands of eggs will be strewn across the lawn, and the Easter Egg Hunt will begin at 9:45 am. This is a BYOB affair, meaning Bring Your Own Basket! The Easter Bunny himself will be arriving at Gigi’s Fabulous Kid’s Fashions and Toys shop right after the egg hunt and will be available for photo opportunities.
Easter at Gulf Place
Gulf Place, the renowned Santa Rosa Beach coastal village center, is planning a number of activities for Easter Weekend from Friday, March 29th through Sunday, March 31st. Lots of activities are being planned, including a Bunny Brunch, a food festival, an outdoor amphitheater concert, family lawn games, and DIY crafts.
Take some enjoyable time now to book your Easter beach vacation with Rivard by Ocean Reef Vacation Rentals. Besides the great weather to pursue fun outdoor activities and planned Easter festival events, you will pay lower rental rates compared to the summer season. To assist in landing the perfect vacation rental, our user-friendly website will provide property details, vivid images, a bird’s eye view of each location, rental rates, and available calendar dates for reservations. Happy Easter to you and yours!
