South Walton has increasingly become a more popular year-round tourist destination due to the buzz of activity in the area during the Winter. Sure, it may be a little chilly to splash in the gulf, but there are still plenty of other events and happenings to fill your days. Pair that with fewer tourists, lower prices, and milder temperatures, and it’s easy to see why 30A is still an ideal Winter vacation spot. Here are a few of our favorite events happening on 30A in the Winter.
Wine, Wine, Wine
Rosemary Beach Uncorked
Seeing Red Wine Festival in Seaside
30A Wine Festival in Alys Beach
Multiple wine and food festivals happen all along our beautiful Gulf coast during the Winter months. Featuring live entertainment, delicious food pairings from local restaurants, and wine from all over the world, these events also always help raise awareness and funds for chosen charities. These various festivals are some of 30A's most popular events year round and consistently sell out, even months in advance, with visitors from all over coming to the beach.
New Years Eve in Seaside
The vibrant and trendy town of Seaside is one of 30As most iconic communities. Most notably known as the town from the Truman Show, Seaside is as picturesque as a small beach town comes. On New Year's Eve, the town gathers together on the green for an epic end of the year celebration. Live music, children’s activities, street performers, and more are out for the entire family to enjoy. Bring a blanket or a chair and end the night with a countdown to midnight capped off with a dazzling display of fireworks lighting up over the beach.
30A Songwriters Festival
The 30A Songwriters Festival is perhaps the most popular Winter event in South Walton. Over 25 venues of all shapes and sizes participate in this weekend-long experience spanning the distance from Rosemary Beach to Miramar Beach. The weekend of music showcases more than 175 artists and 225 performances guaranteeing that there will be an artist for everyone to enjoy. This year is the festival’s 10th anniversary and includes headliners as renowned as Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile, and Roseanne Cash. Whether you prefer a more intimate performance in a small cafe or one full of energy at a huge grassy amphitheater, the songwriters festival truly brings the entire 30A community together to celebrate art, music, and blossoming talent.
Take it Slow
Take advantage of the slow season to do all of the things you can’t do in the Summer! Rent a bike and ride the 19 mile stretch of coastal Highway 30A without traffic. Visit our year-round farmer's markets in Rosemary and Seaside and support local businesses. Eat at the restaurants that frequently have extended wait times in peak season. Find an actual parking spot in Seaside square for a day of shopping. Picnic on the beach in seclusion. The days may get shorter, but time slows down too, and the sunsets are always better in the Winter.
Florida still promises abundant sunshine and the same breathtaking views even when the temperatures drop. Fewer crowds and less humidity make it easier and even more enjoyable to spend time exploring the area via hiking trails, long walks on the shore, and scenic drives with the windows down. We have hundreds of 30A rentals for you to choose from based on whatever Winter activity suits your fancy the most. Book one with us today and come see why the white sand beaches of 30A are the best version of a “White Christmas”!
