Craving some sunshine, white sand and a dip in the Gulf? It’s never too late to plan a beach trip to Destin or 30A! There is plenty to do even if you don’t have reservations for restaurants or excursions booked. Here are some of our favorite activities that can be enjoyed on a last-minute vacation.
Relax by the Beach
No need to schedule beach time! Make your way to the sugar-white sand whenever the waves are calling your name. There are numerous public beach accesses up and down the coast. Just pack up you bag, chairs and sunscreen for a relaxing day on the coast.
Spend the Day Poolside
If you prefer to catch some rays by the pool, many of our vacation rentals feature community and private pools. Bring a good book and refreshing beverage and unwind under the Florida sunshine!
Go for a Hike
When you need a change of scenery, go for a hike on one of the trails near Destin or 30A. Enjoy a scenic stroll while exploring the natural beauty of Northwest Florida. With mostly flat terrain and a variety of trail lengths, hikers of all ages and skill levels will have a great time.
Shop ‘til You Drop
From swimsuits and souvenirs to kids’ clothing and unique art pieces, 30A and Destin are home to many unique stores. In addition to the large outdoor shopping centers with national brands, there are also locally owned businesses in these charming beach towns.
Discover Local Events and Activities
There are a lot of events throughout the year including annual wine, art and food festivals. In addition to these large, ticketed events, Destin and 30A offer numerous free activities such as live music at restaurants, art shows, workout classes and farmers markets. To find out what’s happening during your last-minute vacation, check out these resources:
SoWal.com and 30A.com both list events by date including live music at restaurants, weekly activities and annual events. They are very comprehensive, so you won’t miss a thing!
Facebook is also a great way to find events. If you allow it to know your location, you can see what’s happening nearby under the “Events” tab. You’re most likely to learn about large festivals and annual events that are coming up.
South Walton Visitor Center can also help you discover things to do during your last-minute vacation. It’s conveniently located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 331 and 98 in Santa Rosa Beach.
Enjoy Delicious Food in Destin and on 30A
No reservation? No problem! A last-minute trip doesn’t mean you’ll be missing out on the best restaurants in town. These are some popular eateries that don’t require advance notice. Whether you’re craving the best seafood in the area or want a quick grab-and-go lunch, you’re guaranteed to find something that will satisfy your taste buds!
The Pancakery. Looking to start your day in Destin with something sweet? The Pancakery offers pancakes, crepes, French toast and other breakfast favorites. These dishes pair perfectly with a mimosa or Bloody Mary!
Stiky’s Fish Camp. Located on the western end of 30A, Stinky’s serves Gulf to table seafood prepared just the way you like it (grilled, blackened, fried…however you want it!). They do not accept reservations, so it’s first-come, first-served. If you’re lucky, you might even get a table on the porch overlooking the lake!
Chanticleer. This Grayton Beach eatery has a laid-back atmosphere and delicious lunch and dinner menus. Enjoy sandwiches on freshly baked bread, perfectly grilled steaks, smoky jambalaya, decadent desserts made from scratch and much more.
Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant. Enjoy fresh, sustainable seafood with a view! At this casual restaurant, you order at the window then find a seat at one of the picnic tables on the dock overlooking Crab Island. It’s also a great place to catch the sunset!
Airstream Row in Seaside. For quick, casual fare along 30A, check out the Airstreams in Seaside. Choose between shave ice, grilled cheese, barbecue, gyros, crepes and more tasty cuisine. Find an outdoor table or take it to the beach!
Watch the Sunset
The best way to end a wonderful day on 30A is by watching the sunset. Whether it’s from the beach, the balcony of your vacation rental or a waterfront restaurant, there are numerous places to watch the sky change color and sun dip below the horizon.
Now that your itinerary is all set, let’s find you a place to stay! My Vacation Haven makes it easy to book the perfect vacation rental—even for a last-minute getaway. Easily search for available properties by date on our website, message our customer service team online or call/text us at 850-608-6078. Our friendly reservation team is here to assist you any way we can!