?? DECEMBER 2025 EVENTS CALENDAR
30A • Destin • Miramar Beach • Fort Walton Beach • Freeport • DeFuniak Springs & More
All Month Long

Baytowne on Ice – Hours vary daily – Village of Baytowne Wharf

 
MONDAY, DECEMBER 1

5:00 pm – Free Beach Bonfire/SIN Night – Royal Palm Grille
6:30 pm – Trivia Night – Destin Brewery
7:00 pm – Trivia Night – Beachview Breakfast & Grill
7:00 pm – Trivia Night – Soundside FWB

 
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2

4:00 pm – Festival of Trees – Grand Boulevard
5:30 pm – Multi Chamber YP Ugly Sweater Holiday Party – 3rd Planet Brewing
6:00 pm – Karaoke – AJ’s on the Bayou
6:00 pm – Karaoke – Hooters Destin
6:00–9:00 pm – Karaoke – Fat Boys Destin
6:00 pm – Trivia Night – Rick’s Crab Trap FWB
6:30 pm – Fort Walton Beach Christmas Parade – Egli ...

If you’d rather skip the cooking (and the cleanup) this Thanksgiving, you’re in luck — our stretch of the Emerald Coast is serving up everything from beachfront buffets to chef-inspired holiday menus and even a few free community feasts. Whether you’re craving a cozy coastal dinner or a lively family-friendly celebration, here’s your complete guide to restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day across 30A, Destin, and beyond.
 

 
30A Favorites
 
The Perfect Pig – WaterColorEnjoy a cozy, coastal spin on your Thanksgiving favorites with seatings at 12PM and 2:30PM. Call (850) 533-1522 to reserve.
 
LaCo 30AA coastal buffet featuring roasted turkey, ham, seafood bisque, fried shrimp, and all the sides. Serving from 11AM–6PM. Email info@laco30a.com or call (850) 231-4021.
 
Cuvee 30AChef Tim Creehan’s signature Louisiana Fried Turkey and all the trimmings make for a refined holiday feast. Open 11AM–3PM.; ...

Scenic Highway 30A is a dream destination for homeowners and investors alike — a stretch of pristine Gulf coastline lined with charming beach towns, unique architecture, and a laid-back Florida lifestyle. But not every 30A community feels the same. Some offer peaceful, residential vibes perfect for relaxation and family life, while others buzz with vacation energy and rental activity.
If you’re considering buying along 30A, here’s a breakdown of which areas offer a quiet, residential feel and which are known for a lively, rental-driven atmosphere.
 

 
 
 
Quiet & Residential Communities
 
Blue Mountain Beach
Tucked between Grayton Beach and Gulf Place, Blue Mountain Beach is one of 30A’s most relaxed and residential areas. With its towering dunes, natural beauty, and locally owned shops and cafes, it’s ideal for those who want a slower pace and less foot traffic. Homes here often sit on larger lots, and while rentals. ...

The allure of 30A extends far beyond its stunning beaches, surrounding a vibrant tapestry of communities, each offering a distinct flavor of coastal living. For buyers considering a slice of paradise on Florida's Emerald Coast, understanding these unique characteristics is key to finding the ideal property that aligns with your lifestyle and investment goals. 30A offers diverse options, ranging from luxury beachfront properties to charming cottage-style residences, catering to a wide array of preferences and budgets.
On the west end, you'll discover the tranquility of Dune Allen Beach, known for its rare coastal dune lakes and calm beaches, offering a serene escape for nature lovers. Moving east, Blue Mountain Beach, nestled at 30A's highest point, provides a quieter ambiance and panoramic views, especially attractive to retirees seeking a peaceful coastal setting. Grayton Beach, one of 30A's oldest communities, boasts a distinctive blend of historic cottages and new homes, characteri ...

I flew down 30A to try to video how crowded the beach was and where chairs were set up and such. I could have been closer or shot it with something other than a GoPro. It’s easier to see full screen on the computer or on a TV.
Anyway, here is about 10 minutes of flying down the coast from Inlet into Destin. I didn’t speed it up or break it up, but you can jump to the area you want to see. I usually just pull out my phone and get clips when I want to share what a stretch looks like. When I do that, I get a much more zoomed-in look than the GoPro footage captured. I didn’t realize how distant it looked until I landed.
Bad weather rolled in over the next few days, and I had to get back to work. Also, this time of year there are a lot of banner tow planes and tour helicopters under the 1,000 feet I was flying at. I may get a better video later since I’m regularly flying around out there.
I think it’s fun to see 30A from the sky and where development is ve; ...