With perfect temperatures all year long and gorgeous natural scenery, 30A and the South Walton area make ideal destinations for your vacation no matter what season. As the rest of the country settles into brisk fall temperatures and starts dreaming of the warm beach-going season, you can actually plan a beachside getaway! Even if you don’t feel like swimming, 30A has a lot going on during fall. Read on below to learn more!

Fall Activities on 30a: Celebrate Autumn 30A-Style

30A’s exquisite natural beauty shines through well into autumn. The sunsets are more intense, a plethora of bird species and Monarch butterflies stop here on their annual migration route, dragonflies are commonly seen dancing over the dunes, fish become easier to catch, the bike trails cool down, and sunset dinners out on the patio become that much more enjoyable.

Additionally, fall in 30A means more festivals, themed around subjects ranging from arts and culture to food and drink.

One of the many things to do in South Walton Beach FL: West of Dune Allen, the Festival of the Arts in Destin is a two-day event held on the fourth weekend of October each year, showcasing fine art from over two hundred artists hailing from across the nation and Europe to compete for $10,000.00 in prizes. However, the festivities include more than just fine art; festival attendees can enjoy live local and regional bands, as well as samples of local cuisine. Proceeds go toward arts education outreach for K-12 students, individuals with special needs, and active and veteran military personnel with TBI and PTSD.

The Harvest Wine & Food Festival takes place in WaterColor during the first week of November each year, pairing local restaurants with internationally-recognized wine makers for a delicious, palate-pleasing festival for a good cause: assisting children in need throughout northwestern Florida. Enjoy tastings and dinners over the course of this three-day event.

On the weekend following the Harvest Wine & Food Festival, Seaside holds its own Seeing Red Wine & Food Festival on the second weekend of November. The festival is a farm-to-table event with local restaurants and renowned vintners throughout the three-day event.

The Flutterby Festival is another fantastic fall activities on 30A that’s extremely family-friendly. Held on Rosemary Beach on the second weekend of November, festival-goers celebrate the migration of the Monarch butterflies with arts and crafts, with children creating their own unique wings to wear during the daily costume parade during this two-day event.