Late summer and early fall vacations to 30A/South Walton
For most of the country, August signals a winding down of summer. The holiday fireworks have come and gone and back-to-school plans are well underway for most families. Although the weather is still warm and breezy, and Labor Day plans are still in the works, Autumn, and the slightly cooler temperatures that come with it, are right around the corner.
Here at Dune Allen Realty, we have been welcoming visitors to our sandy shores for over 60 years. And while we love the hustle-bustle of the busy summer months, we also appreciate the tranquil hush that falls over our pristine coast in mid August, September and October. The weather is as about as close to perfect as it can be, the sunsets are simply stunning, and the sugary beaches and clear turquoise water feel like they belong to only you.
Late summer and early fall is the ideal time to visit South Walton if you’re looking for a serene and calming vacation, and more so if you want to take advantage of our low off-season rates. Consider visiting the Emerald Coast with your special someone during this time—you’ll both have unlimited opportunities to create lasting memories and experience peaceful, meaningful connections on the most beautiful beach you can imagine.
Here are four great ideas for soaking up the endless summer of South Walton:
Indulge at a Spa
South Walton is home to some fantastic, full-service day spas. Whether you’re looking for a quick pedicure before heading to the beach or you want to spend the day indulging in a full-body treatment, there are plenty of options to choose from.
At Ocean Elements Wellness in Santa Rosa Beach, indulge in a sea salt or sugar exfoliation treatment, full-body detox and contour wrap, or a Reiki energy healing session. Focusing on wellness and total relaxation, Ocean Elements Wellness enhances your South Walton vacation experience; you want to get away from it all, and for 30, 60 or 90 full minutes, you most definitely will. The heavenly Ocean Elements Relaxation Ritual Massage comes highly recommended—a combination of aromatherapy, hot towel compresses, Swedish massage, gentle compression and rocking, foot Reflexology and Indian head massage. Pure bliss! Mention Dune Allen Realty’s Beach Talk when booking your spa experience at Ocean Elements Wellness and receive a 10% discount.
Do Some Yoga on the Beach
From beginner to advanced, Angela Ragsdale offers private personal and group lessons on the beach and in private residences, tailored specifically for you and your needs. She earned her 200RYT Yoga Alliance and has been teaching in the area for the past twelve years. Featured in Coastal Living, Angela is currently pursuing her 500RYT advanced certification. Forever the student, Angela continues to deepen her understanding and love for this ancient art by studying and learning from her world-renowned teacher, Tiffany Cruikshank, and attends various retreats and workshops with other teachers such as Kathryn Budig, Doug Kellar, Amy Ippoliti, Bryan Kest, and Seane Corn among many others.
Relax into your breath as you gaze out at the tranquil Gulf of Mexico. And downward facing dog with the chance of dolphins swimming past? Sign us up!
Get Lost in a Good Book
The quiet beaches during this time of the year are perfect for getting lost in a great novel. And why not dive into a book that takes place right here on the shores of Scenic Highway 30A—you’ll find it at the ever so charming Sundog Books in Seaside. Grab a book, a comfy beach chair, a wide brim hat, and a cool drink. Dig your toes in the sand and immerse yourself in a juicy novel. Make a note, Sundog’s book club meetings take place the third Wednesday of the month beginning in September!
Enjoy a Romantic Dinner
There is no shortage of fantastic dining options along Scenic Highway 30A. For an intimate meal with your sweetheart, consider these romantic locations:
Edward’s Fine Food and Wine in Rosemary Beach
With an elegant dining room decorated with striking lighted shell sculptures, Edward’s boasts a fine-dining feel but encourages diners to be casual and comfortable. Try the Lobster Baked Oysters, Seared Diver Scallops, and creamy Parmesan Grits. One happy diner recently called Edward’s “the perfect date night.”
Cafe Thirty A in Santa Rosa Beach
The ambiance of Cafe Thirty A is “island-y yet sophisticated” with vaulted ceilings and cozy lighting. Their dynamic menu changes daily with fresh ingredients, and if you’re lucky enough, you’ll catch the Prince Edward Island Saffron Mussels or the Gulf Shrimp Linguine in a classic lemon and white wine sauce. Don’t miss $5 Martini Night every Tuesday and Thursday night!
One recent reviewer called Bijoux “the best meal I’ve ever had!” and it’s easy to see why. They offer “coastal cuisine with a New Orleans flair.” Their dining room is luxurious and a bit more on the formal side—they ask that you leave the beach attire and cut-offs at home. Try their Grouper Almandine over Carolina Gold Rice, or the Black Skillet Filet Mignon with Buttermilk Gruyere Mashed Potatoes. Leave some room for the Carmelized Pear Bread Pudding!
If candlelit romance isn’t what you have in mind, but old-Florida casual fun is, try Stinky’s Fish Camp. Located in Dune Allen Beach, Stinky’s Fish Camp is one of 30A’s most popular seafood and wine bars. Overlooking the beautiful and rare-to-the-world coastal dune lake, Allen Lake, the atmosphere at Stinky’s Fish Camp provides an evening of fresh and delicious seafood just steps from your after-dinner stroll on Dune Allen Beach—now that’s romantic!
Snorkel an Artificial Reef
Since July 2015, the South Walton Artificial Reef Association (SWARA) has established about 700 artificial reef structures at 16 different sites along South Walton’s coast. These include four snorkel reefs that have an ideal depth for kayakers and paddleboarders—and gorgeous views of colorful fish, sponges and anemones making their home on the new reefs. There are also nine diving reefs for novice or advanced scuba divers and many nearshore fishing opportunities that continue to grow with each new reef that is installed.
With a mission of “Conservation, Education, Recreation, and Research” SWARA is improving the waters off the South Walton coast for generations to come. Constructed of a combination of steel, concrete and Florida limestone, the snorkel reefs are easily reachable via kayak or paddleboard from most public beaches along 30A. For more info on experiencing the reefs, visit the SWARA website.
Catering to everyone from beginners to those who dream of TEC diving, Emerald Coast Scuba is proud to share with you their expertise in diving—quality service, safety and a lot of fun is what you’ll discover on your Emerald Coast Scuba underwater adventure. Mention Beach Talk and receive $10 off your Gulf of Mexico dive trip.
Find a Great Place to Stay
The endless summer of South Walton means that it’s always a good time to visit us. Our weather and beaches are gorgeous and temperate year ‘round. But locals will tell you that the serene hush of August, September and October is a welcome reprieve from the high season. Book a trip to South Walton during this time if you’re looking for a peaceful getaway, where your only goals are to unplug and relax.
Let our local experts at Dune Allen Realty help you find the perfect 30A vacation getaway to experience the endless summer bliss of South Walton. Discover our vacation homes in your favorite South Walton beach community and get ready to bask in the calm of the 0ff-season.
