The Emerald Coast is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. With its gorgeous turquoise waters and white sand shores, you’ll wonder if you’ve been transported to the tropics on your vacation here! Conveniently located just a short trip from many US states, it's an ideal summer travel destination.
If you're planning to spend your summer on the Emerald Coast, you're in the right place. We've put together a guide with everything you need to know for an unforgettable vacation on 30A.
When To Visit
Summertime is the most popular time to visit the Emerald Coast, and it isn't hard to see why! From Destin to Panama City Beach, families are flocking to the Gulf’s scenic shores to enjoy their summer vacation. Buzzing with activity and life, summer is a great time to visit 30A. Restaurants are open for extended hours to accommodate visitors, and various festivals occur throughout the summer. You can rent a pontoon or explore other ocean sports during this busy season.
Of course, the exact time you choose to visit will depend on your schedule, but August is one of our favorite months to enjoy a vacation on the Emerald Coast. You’ll still have all the perks of visiting 30A in the busy season, plus some of the sizzling summer heat will have started to dissipate.
What's the Summer Weather Like?
The Emerald Coast's summer weather is hot and humid. Lucky for you, though, our Gulf Front vacation rentals provide refreshing ocean breezes to keep you cool on those scorching summer days.
If you make the trip down a bit later in the summer, in August or September, you can avoid some of the crowds and hotter temperatures. No matter when you visit, you can cool down in the ocean or at one of our rentals with a pool!
How Do I Get to the Emerald Coast?
Historically, 30A has been a destination families drive to. Many people travel from Southeast and Midwest states, meaning their drive isn’t too far.
If you’re looking to save some time and avoid a long drive, though, flying into the Emerald Coast is easily accessible. Major airlines fly directly into Panama City and Destin, making air travel easy and convenient.
There are two main airports you can fly into for an Emerald Coast Summer Vacation:
- Destin – Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS)
- Airlines: Allegiant, American, Delta, Southwest, United
- You’ll want to fly into VPS when traveling to one of our Destin Area Rentals.
- This is a bit of a longer drive to some 30A communities than Panama City Beach, but the Destin airport is smaller and less hectic. This is a great option if you’re staying in a community further east on the Gulf Coast of 30A!
- Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP)
- Airlines: Delta, Southwest, American, United
- Use this airport if you’re flying into one of our Panama City Beach Rentals or a 30A community on the western part of the Gulf Coast!
- Destin – Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS)
Both of these airports are within driving distance of our 30A rentals. Based on what works best for you and your family, you can choose between a slightly shorter drive (ECP) or a smaller airport with less congestion (VPS).
Celebrating Independence Day on 30A
The Gulf Coast comes alive with Independence Day celebrations, and there’s no shortage of fun festivities to choose from!
July 4th Celebrations on the Emerald Coast
- Rosemary Beach July 4th
- July 4th, 7:30 AM – 10:30 AM Bike Decorating & Parade, 8:45 PM Fireworks Show
- Where: Rosemary Beach, Town Center
- Decorate a bike and participate in Rosemary Beach’s bike parade and block party. Enjoy special sweet treats from Kona Ice, face painting, airbrush tattoos, balloons, colored hair spray, and more!
- Real. Fun. Fourth. 4th of July on Panama City Beach
- July 3rd- July 5th, 2024
- Panama City Beach has a fantastic Fourth of July celebration with fireworks galore! Experience the Gulf Coast's largest fireworks display spread over three exciting nights. For an extra special touch, tune in to local radio stations to enjoy a live music simulcast perfectly synced with the fireworks. It's a celebration you won't want to miss!
- Red, White, & Baytowne
- July 4th, 7:00 PM – 9:15 PM
- Celebrate 4th of July in Baytowne Wharf, just a short drive from Destin! There will be fun activities for kids, including crafts, face painting, and balloon sculpting.
- Enjoy live music from Below Alabama on the Events Plaza Stage from 7:00-9:15 PM, followed by the best fireworks display in town, lighting up the night sky at 9:15 PM!
Hidden Gems on the Emerald Coast
The Emerald Coast has become so popular in recent years that it can be difficult to find true hidden gems, but we’ve managed to uncover some!
Restaurants
If you’re looking for a restaurant experience different from your typical 30A top picks, you have to check out Red Bar on Grayton Beach. Red Bar is known for its eclectic décor, live music, and great cocktails. The Red Bar Jazz Band also plays almost nightly during dinner! Other picks for less touristy restaurant options on the Emerald Coast include Red Door Saloon in Destin and Red Rae’s Restaurant on PCB.
Shell Island
For an exciting adventure beyond the usual beaches on 30A, you can take a charter voyage or a shuttle to Shell Island, located across from St. Andrew’s State Park. Shell Island is an undeveloped 7-mile stretch of beautiful beach with pristine white sand and, you guessed it, shells! There are great snorkeling and kayaking opportunities here, and you can see rare coastal wildlife.
Underwater Museum of Art
One of our favorite true hidden gems is the Underwater Museum of Art. Located in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico off Grayton Beach State Park, the museum contains works by artists throughout the world. It's the first permanent underwater sculpture garden in the U.S., and we highly recommend a visit!
Book Your Summer Vacation on the Emerald Coast Today!
All things considered, summer is a great time to visit the Emerald Coast. From its sandy shores to exciting hidden gems, you’ll have an experience like no other! Benchmark Management has rentals spanning the entire Emerald Coast, from Destin to Panama City Beach. Browse our available vacation rentals now and book your Emerald Coast summer vacation directly today!