Things to do this Winter on 30A

Kids are back in school, the weather is cooling off, and the traffic is dying down along the Gulf Coast. But does that mean this gorgeous area won’t have as many visitors during the colder months? Of course not. Every season is wonderful in Northwest Florida and that includes winter. Each month brings its own festivities and there is fun to be had all throughout the year. If you are planning an end of the year trip, here is a look into some things to add to your itinerary.

Arnett’s Gulfside Farm & Stables is a 20 acre horse ranch in Santa Rosa Beach where you can camp or take a trail ride. Thursday-Sunday you can sign up for a nice horseback ride along Arnett’s trails. There are also spots along Point Washington State Forest for camping with a pavilion to grill. The Gulf of Mexico is less than a ½ mile away. If you go to the stables, keep an eye out for Frank, their 20+ year old miniature donkey! 

Plan a beach bonfire. When there’s a chill in the air, most of us start craving roasted marshmallows and s’mores with hot chocolate. You can still enjoy the beach when the temperatures are lower. Bring some blankets and chairs to surround a nice beach bonfire. Remember, there are rules for bonfires though. Fire permits are required and applications can be submitted to South Walton Fire District for approval. You must provide your own container and materials and be sure to clean up the area of trash and debris afterwards.

Take up biking and hiking. Sometimes we forget about the trails you can find in South Walton. There are 200 miles of trails nestled throughout Walton County winding through state parks, forests, and preserves. Hop on your bike (or rent one) and take a nice ride with the cool air on your face or hike a trail with the family. Geocaching spots can be found in the area which would be a fun treasure hunt for all ages. 

Go shopping! The holiday season involves gift giving so why not catch up on your gifts here? The Silver Sands Outlet Mall is a premier shopping center with 110 designer and name-brand stores. There’s also a number of art galleries, upscale boutiques, and specialty shops to find unique gifts for someone special. Take home some 30A Gear or a cute memento from Seaside. Or bring some tasty treats from Deep South Market back to share. 

There are a number of luxury 30A rentals available with Gulf views or in close proximity to the beach. Take a relaxing break from a busy year and enjoy the gorgeous Gulf Coast. You can also check out South Walton events to see what special activities will be coming up or seasonal festivals you can attend. We hope to see you this winter!

Published on Tuesday, October 17, 2017