We all know how stressful planning a vacation can be. You must pick where you will stay, what you will do, what you will see, where to eat and more. This can transform something that was supposed to be fun and enjoyable into a difficult task that can prevent one from really savoring the anticipation. It’s especially difficult for an area like 30A, where there are untold things to do in the various towns along the way. For this reason, we have gone ahead and done the hard work and put together a three-day winter trip full of things to do on 30a in winter!
Day 1: Explore the Coast With These Things to Do Along 30a
One of the biggest benefits of coming to Florida in the winter is that you can still enjoy the outdoors and wilderness that many of us find especially rejuvenating. While we would say it’s a good bet that you won’t want to jump into the water, you can still see the pristine beaches that people come from all over the world to lay eyes upon. For instance, make sure you check out the well-marked Long Leaf Pine Trailhead, which will provide a vigorous 4.1-mile in and out hike. While on the longer side when considering a round trip hike, you’ll find it’s well maintained, making it perfect for any skill level. Enjoy walking amongst the pines and oaks as you meander through the coastal forest.
If you still have some energy and are looking for some breathtaking views, you can head on over to Grayton Beach Hike and Bike Trail, which is routinely rated as one of the most beautiful and pristine areas in the United States. Enjoy four miles of trails for you to walk along as you admire the natural wilderness of Florida’s coast. You’ll pass through coastal forests, scrub oaks, magnolias, and if you are especially lucky, you just might catch a glimpse of white-tailed deer, gray foxes, or even a Florida black bear!
More than likely by this point your stomach will be rumbling something fierce, so make sure you head on over to Runaway Island, where you can enjoy an awe-inspiring coastal sunset from the beautiful deck. While you gaze across the Gulf, dig into local seafood cooked to perfection. You’ll find everything from crab cakes to fish tacos to fish platters at Runaway Island. Not only this, but oftentimes you’ll find that they have live music which is sure to have your hips swaying to the rhythm in no time and will mark the perfect end to and even more perfect day.
Day 2: Enjoy Carefully Crafted Local Brews
While many don’t realize it, 30A has quite the number of fine breweries, all of which take great pride in their process and only present the best of the best to their thirsty patrons. While you’re here, make sure to take advantage of the various breweries and make an entire day of it. Make sure you try the Grayton Beer Company, which offers a wide selection of different brews. For instance, you’ll find the 30A IPA or the Staff Pale Ale; however, these are just two of over 20 different beers they keep on tap, and which are always changing, ensuring every time you visit is just as mystical as the first. Considering they are both kid and pet friendly, and even offer lunch at their Brewpub, they are sure to be a stop the entire family will appreciate.
After this, if you still have the energy and mental capacity for more fine brews, head on over to the History Class Brewing Company, who pride themselves on their in-depth knowledge and rare photographs and artifacts regarding their proud city of Panama City Beach. While enjoying the staff’s intriguing history lesson, enjoy one of 15 on tap beers all which are locally brewed. You’ll find everything from Wheat Ales such as the Jewel’s Hibiscus Wheat to the English porters such as The Hero and even hard seltzers like the Dr. Booth’s Lime. If you happen to find your tummy rumbling, enjoy one of their small plates such as a giant pretzel with gooey beer cheese, a spicy chicken sandwich, pork rinds, truffle fries, and other comfort bar foods.
While these breweries do offer food, make sure you save room for dinner, as you’ll be keeping the theme going by dining at the British Eatery, which hosts a variety of classic English cuisine. You’ll find the all too familiar fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash (sausage and mashed potatoes), and more! Not only do they offer these favorites but also some more unique and specialty items such as The Frankenstein Burger which is a combination of elk, veal, and venison. You could even start the meal off with a fried pickle or some poutine.
Day 3: Enjoy the Fun of Panama Beach City
As you explore deeper into 30A, you’ll most likely soon notice that many eye-catching events take place at this end of the route, and for good reason too. Panama Beach City is home to a wide array of various activities, events, and things to do on 30a in winter that are sure to lure you in and make you wish you could spend several more days here just to see a fraction of what there is to do.
For instance, take the family to ZooWorld and gaze in wonder at a large selection of different exotic animals. What truly makes them special though is the wide range of interactive tours you can take part in. How many people can say they held and fed a baby kangaroo or a bearded dragon, or have had a chance to feed an alligator and giraffe in the same day? Plus, imagine the stories you’ll be able to tell when you take part in their interactive lion exhibits!
After this, head on over to Pier Park and explore 124 different stores ranging from art to home décor, furniture, gifts, and everything in between! Not only this, but you’ll find that there are several unique activities to be found inside. Let the competition and combat begin as you take each other on in laser tag, or perhaps you’d like to take on the mirror maze and relish a fresh challenge. You might even like to take part in the XD Dark Ride Experience which offers 3D along with motion and wind effects, scents, and all the interaction of a video game in this unique, immersive experience!
End your final day in luxury and elegance by dining at the casual and elegant Firefly. Enjoy an intimate dinner under the watchful gaze of their ancient oak tree as you feast upon seafood, steak, and expertly prepared sushi. Enjoy the fine flavors of steak and fish that is locally caught and ingredients which are fresh as can be. However, what truly sets them apart is their expansive selection of top-shelf vodka, bourbons, and rare scotches. It really comes as no wonder that they have won the OpenTable Diner’s Choice Award 20002, the Best of Bay award, and many others, making it the perfect place to mark the end of your exploration of 30A!
Now that you have an idea of all the things to do along 30a and have gotten a taste of the various fine restaurants, make sure to turn dream into reality by giving Vacations Perfected a call at (844) 478-2972 or booking your stay online today!