Discover 9 Unique Things to Do on 30A That You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
This post has extraordinary things to do on 30A.
Let’s dive into 9 different things to do on 30A that you’ve probably never heard of. These activities are not your typical tourist attractions, they are unique experiences that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
By now, most people have heard about 30A, that exclusive stretch of highway that offers pristine white sand beaches, luxury home rentals, and a family-friendly, albeit not wallet-friendly, summer vacation hot spot. You can’t go wrong planning a trip to any of the notable locales on 30A. And once you’re here, go down this Things to Do on 30A list and start making some memories!
Great Things to Do on 30A
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Things to Do on 30A Table of Contents:
Beach Bonfire
Nothing says summer vacation better than a bonfire on the beach as the sun is setting and the marshmallows are roasting. You can obtain a temporary beach bonfire permit from the South Walton Fire District with the proper application and $50. Or, hire a team to take care of all the details for you.
The going rate for most local beach bonfire companies is between $350-500 for a 4- to 10-person setup, which includes chairs, roasting sticks, a bonfire permit, and an attendant to start, tend to, and break down your bonfire.
Here are a few highly-rated companies:
Hire a Private Chef
Did you rent a breathtaking luxury home on the beach, and now you don’t want to leave it? Well, put that 5-star untouched kitchen to good use while you’re there. Hire a private chef to wine and dine you and your family for a spectacular night-in.
Here are three companies whose menus start from about $100 per serving and go up from there.
If you’re looking for something super unique, try Mr. Hibachi at home. This is a great idea if visiting with a large group.
Mr. Hibachi would be perfect for a bachelorette trip or family reunion.
30A Helicopter Tour
Most people will go through life having never had an opportunity to take a helicopter ride. For many, the thrill of seeing the coast from high above might be too much for a relaxing beach vacation. But for others needing a bit of excitement and a break from the mundane, two companies offer various tours.
Take a tour to spot stingrays and dolphins or get a bird’s-eye view of the Destin Harbor fireworks show.
Visit The Big Chill
Formerly The Hub, The Big Chill is an outdoor shopping and dining area located in WaterSound that will regularly host live music or show sporting events and movies on their jumbotron.
The Big Chill is a very family-friendly space with a Build-A-Bear, candy shop, ice cream parlor, and a new arcade.
There are multiple food options for all tastes, so every family member can grab a bite from a different restaurant and then meet up on the lawn to eat.
The last time we visited The Big Chill, the girls painted a couple sea turtles ($5/turtle) to support the South Walton Turtle Watch.
Check out The Big Chill’s event calendar to see what’s happening today.
Glamping
Get a little closer to the great outdoors at Fancy Camps in Topsail Hill Preserve State Park while still having the comforts of home with a secluded tent that includes a queen-sized bed, table and chairs, an area rug, and a heating/cooling unit. There is also a nice outdoor setup with exterior string lights, a picnic table, a fire ring, and outdoor lounge chairs.
Check out Fancy Camps on Instagram to see what you’re in for.
Your reservation includes two adult bikes, making the one-mile trek to the beach a breeze. It is important to note that the summer heat from June to September is no joke. The cooling unit in the tent can only be expected to lower tent temps by 10-15 degrees; the tents are not insulated. So, glamping is best done during the cooler months.
Rentals are $200/nt with a 2-night minimum. Just bring a cooler with your food and drinks, toiletries and towels, and a couple of trash bags. If you travel with your dog, bring them along as well since they are welcome.
Scuba Dive at the Underwater Museum of Art
In 2018, Walton County brought an art museum into the Gulf of Mexico, one mile off Grayton Beach, in 58 feet of water, creating the first underwater permanent art sculpture exhibit in the US.
The art exhibit serves multiple purposes, mainly acting as an artificial reef to attract and create protected marine habitats. But it also provides a creative, educational, and enjoyable attraction for residents, students, and visitors alike.
My husband, Scott, who is an avid scuba diver, had the opportunity to visit the UMA last year. He went out on this dive with The Big Blue Dive Boat and some friends. Scott mentioned that visibility could have been better, but that will vary from day to day. Despite this, he was captivated by the unique experience of exploring art underwater, and it’s an activity he highly recommends adding to your things to do on 30A.
The Big Blue Dive Boat leaves out of downtown Panama City, and the UMA dive is priced at $210/person as of June 2024.
Dive 30A is a company a little closer to the action. This dive will launch directly from the sand on Grayton Beach. The UMA dive is priced at $249/person as of June 2024.
Airboat Tour
There are plenty of boat rentals and fishing charters along 30A, but have you ever been on an Airboat? There’s more to the Florida panhandle than sandy beaches and emerald water.
Take a tour that goes only where an airboat can pass. Travel along the bay and atop marshes to see alligators, native birds, and even dolphins. I will mention three companies: two based in Panama City Beach and one in Santa Rosa Beach.
The Panama City Beach locations will bring you around the marshes and creeks of West Bay.
This Santa Rosa Beach company traverses Choctawhatchee Bay.
Check Out the Farmer’s Markets
Nothing is better than a crisp morning walk through a local farmer’s market. Luckily, 30A has a few markets to choose from. Since we live in PCB, we frequent the Rosemary Beach farmer’s market. It happens year-round, every Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm.
Another great farmer’s market located in Seaside occurs every Tuesday and Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm.
Gulf Place’s market is open year-round on Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm and Wednesday evenings from 4 pm to 7 pm.
Visit a Local Brewery or Winery
Duplin Winery is relatively new in the Panama City Beach area, but it is worth the drive from 30A to enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting and live music. The winery is open Monday through Saturday from 12 to 9 pm, with live music from 2 pm until 8:30 pm.
And I must mention my personal favorite beer, 30A Beach Blonde from the Grayton Beer Company in Santa Rosa Beach. Try it out at basically any restaurant in the area or visit the Grayton Beer Company Taproom. The Taproom is both child and pet-friendly, so go play some games, eat some pizza, and drink some beer! They are open Tuesday through Friday 11 am to 7 pm and Saturday 12 pm to 7 pm.
Things To Do On 30A Wrap-up
To sum up, this post was all about the unique things to do on 30A. Hopefully, I have given you some helpful ideas to enhance your 30A vacation and give you a break from the regularly scheduled programming. Comment below your favorite 30A activity. And check out the 7 Best Restaurants on 30A that you need to try!
