Destin & 30A Spring Break - Pure7 Studios

Locals and snowbirds alike have plenty to choose from when enjoying Spring Break on the Emerald Coast. It can get pretty busy as it warms up, and while the beaches are welcoming there is also plenty to do that’s not right in the craziness of all the teens/young adults on Spring Break. Since so many of you love heading to Destin & 30A this time of year for some family fun and relaxation on the coast, we thought we’d share a few of our favorite family-friendly things to do around town, as well as this year’s list of notable college & high school Spring Breaks as shared by Walton County Sheriff’s Office.

COLLEGE SPRING BREAKS

March 4th -10th
Notre Dame, Auburn University, University of Georgia, Tulane, and the University of South Carolina.
March 11th – 17th
The University of Texas, Texas Tech University, the University of Tennessee, the University of North Carolina, Mississippi State University, the University of Kentucky, Duke University, University of Central Florida, Vanderbilt University, Ohio State, Troy State University, University of Nebraska, University of Mississippi, University of Alabama, Florida State University, LSU, Florida A&M University, University of Florida and the University of Miami.
March 18th – 24th
Clemson University, University of Arkansas, and Hofstra University.

HIGH SCHOOL SPRING BREAKS

March 11th- 17th
Houston Independent School District, Texas, Huntsville Alabama Public Schools, Tennessee (Bristol, Franklin, Nashville, Knoxville County, Shelby, Sevier County) Public Schools, and Bay County Public Schools.
March 18th – 24th
Walton County Public Schools, Okaloosa County Public Schools
March 25th – April 1st
Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and Birmingham Public Schools, Jefferson County Schools, Dothan City Schools, Alabama.
April 1st – 8th
Georgia (Atlanta Public Schools, Marietta, Dekalb, Cobb, Fulton, Forsyth, Gwinnett, and Valdosta), Houston, Texas County Schools, and Kentucky (Bowling Green, Jefferson County, Louisville, Lexington), Jefferson Parrish Schools, Louisana.
April 9th – 14th
St. Tammany Public Schools and East Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Spring Break Family Fun on the Emerald Coast

Long Days and Local Meals – There’s nothing better than having relaxed and family-filled days. Black Bear Bread Co in Grayton Beach is our go-to for coffee and breakfast. Nearby, the quaint, idyllic town of Seaside is home to some really eclectic shops perfect for spending an afternoon browsing. Our favorites include Sundog Books, Central Square Records, and Duckies Shop of Fun. Visit the amphitheater, take a walk through Ruskin Place, the picturesque art district or check out Airstream Row – a collection of food “trucks” offering everything from ice cream to grilled cheese to barbeque to hotdogs… and even healthy options! Dinner options are endless, with several spots offering the best of local seafood, great vibes & views!

Enjoy a Ride – For the more adventurous families, Watercolor is a great place to spend the day. You can rent bikes and check out the beautiful nature trails and fountains. Make sure to visit The Boathouse at Western Lake to try paddleboarding, kayaking, or fishing! Nearby, the Hub in Watersound is another great option for shopping, dining, and a big grassy area the kids can run around in. Panama City Beach has Pier Park, featuring an observation (Ferris) wheel with climate-controlled gondolas and great views, shops, restaurants, and more!

Get your Adventure On – Enjoy any of the half a dozen Florida State Parks from Destin to Panama City! Henderson State Park, Grayton Beach State Park, Eden Gardens, and St. Andrews State Park are among our favorites! For a few dollars per car, you’ll find ample parking, beautiful trails, and protected beaches to explore.

Get Sand Between your Toes – Speaking of beaches, be sure to get there early for a good spot at any one of our favorites. Funky meets a laid-back coastal vibe in Grayton Beach. Stay at the old-fashioned Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse for an authentic, “old Florida” bed and breakfast experience. Alys Beach offers strong vibes of paradise, with its palm tree-lined streets and beautiful landscaping.

Relax & Capture the Memories – All in all, Destin & 30A is the perfect spot for your Spring Break vacation. There’s so much to see and do on this idyllic stretch of coastline. Wherever you end up, we would love to help you capture your family memories. We’re family-owned and operated, and we tailor each session to meet your specific needs. Reach out today to schedule a consultation, and check out some of our family sessions photographed along the Emerald Coast!