Planning your trip to 30A to kick-off the new year? Here are a few reasons why January is the perfect time to visit and enjoy all that our beach communities have to offer!

1. No Crowds

The holidays are behind us, so you can say goodbye to traffic, and the crowds have returned home. It’s a great time to put reality on pause for just a little bit longer and enjoy having the beach all to yourself. Talk a long walk or pull up a chair and fall in love with our beautiful beaches all over again. Winter sunsets are simply magical and worth the wait!

2. Sunny Winter Weather

Even though temps may drop, our perfect sunny days remain. Cure your winter blues by getting some sand between your toes with the sun shining down, glistening on those famous emerald waters. You may just want to bundle up with a new 30A sweatshirt, blanket, or beanie from one of The 30A Stores around town or online.

We prefer our white sandy beaches to white snowy roads, and our sand “snowmen” last way longer!

3. Beach Bonfires

Stay warm with friends and loved ones around a beach bonfire because when you bring together s’mores, watching the flames flicker, and the sound of the waves crashing on the beach, what could be better?

4. Jumpstart Your New Year’s Resolutions

The new year brings New Year’s Resolutions. Start yours the right way. If you’re looking to get (back) in shape there are countless classes and opportunities to get healthier along 30A, you can start your reading list at the iconic independent bookstore, Sundog Books (nominated as The South’s Best Book store by Southern Living), or even plunge into the Gulf while supporting the South Walton Fire District on the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Splash. For those who brave the winter waters, you’ll sure get your blood flowing and start the new year fresh!

5. Specials, Deals, and Discounts

If your resolution is be a little more financially savvy, then January is the time for you! Cottage and condo rentals are at some of their lowest rates – anywhere from 25% to 35% below peak pricing. No waiting at your favorite local restaurants and many have great BOGO deals and off-season happy hours.

6. 30A Songwriters Festival

Are you planning your getaway yet? Well, there’s one more BIG reason to travel to the 30A area in January – the 30A Songwriters Festival.

With more than 200 iconic artists including John Prine, Indigo Girls and Tanya Tucker, the legendary Brian Wilson, Don McLean and many more performing at 30 different venues each year, this is a truly can’t-miss event! Held annually during Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Weekend, thousands of music lovers make their way to our little town to enjoy some of the most beloved singers and songwriters of our time. The 30A Songwriters Festival is the major fundraiser for the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA), a private, non-profit 501(c)3 organization that champions the arts through leadership, advocacy, funding, programs and education.

Note: The 2021 event stands canceled due to concerns about coronavirus.

7. Any Time of Year is the Perfect Time

Why put a limit on your time on 30A? From January to December, there is no “bad” time to visit. We’re always on beach time and you can always expect our Southern hospitality when visiting – Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter!

What are you waiting for? We’ll see you soon!

Did we miss your favorite PRO or CON? Let us know at [email protected].

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