When it comes to getting bang for your beach, the locals know best. And according to them, Fall brings the bang. And the boom. Here’s the local lowdown.

Fall sunsets are more vivid, and the weather is amazing. ~ Phillip Todd, local since 2004

The humidity takes a hike (yellow flies are gone!), and everyone takes a sigh of relief.

Check out some cool beach sunset shots on our Instagram feed.

Fonville Park in Alys Beach is a nice outdoor fall treat.  ~ Jenna Nerstad, local since 2012

Grab some warm coffee, a book, and a bench and let the kids take on Fonville Park.

Halloween is huge.  ~ Catherine Matthews, local since 2009

From the Witches of South Walton bike ride down 30A to Seaside’s town wide trick-or-treating and costume contest, it’s a night of ghostly fun.

Family Camping in Grayton Beach is a blast in the fall.  ~ Atha Vermillion, local since 1975

With camping sites near Western Lake, everyone in the family (even the four-legged ones) can be one with nature and enjoy the view.

It’s the best time of year for beach bonfires.  ~ Crystal Lilavois, local since 2014

Snuggle by a crackling bonfire with friends, make s’mores with the kiddos, and sip wine in the brisk, salty, night air. 30A Tours can set one up for you.

Watercolor has an annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving mornings. ~ Kristina Peele, local since 2009

Beat the Turkey Day pounds to the punch with this annual 5K/fun run event. Get in some exercise and community camaraderie, and count the number of desserts you’ve burned and earned.

The Destin Fishing Rodeo goes on the entire month of October. ~ Amy Owens, local since 2009

Head down to the docks in Destin and check out the rodeo catch. Anglers, young and old, compete. And so can you.

Seaside’s Seeing Red Wine Festival is a can’t-miss event. ~ Crissie Sensing, local since 2010

Four nights of wine tastings, culinary events, music, and fun! Plan for it the second weekend in November.

Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival is October 12-13^. ~ Jake Hayden, local since 2015

Sample from over 200 beers and enjoy live music, while a portion of the proceeds go to charity.

Sipping coffee on the porch without sweating is now a thing.  ~ Denise Bock, local since 2005

So long summer sweat. All hail Fall!

Other terrific fall events are the 30A 10K and Fun Run on Thanksgiving Day and Bud and Alley’s Big Give (formerly called Hurricane Party) in September.

As for me, my favorite is….without the distraction of lots of people and goings-on, a long walk on the beach is best this time of year. The Gulf is calm, flat, therapeutic, and ripe for soul searching. ~ Chick Hughes, local since 2000

If we haven’t listed your favorite Fall event here at the beach, give it a shout out!

CHRISTY (CHICK) HUGHES is a freelance writer and a respiratory therapist living in South Walton. She and her husband moved to the beach in 2000.  One sunset…and the couple never looked back. Find her at her blog chickhughes.com.