Break at the Beach this Fall!

Fall Break at the Beach ~ Southern Vacation Rentals

Summer may be the big season here at the beach, but did you know fall is when things start to get truly exciting? From seafood festivals galore to 5K runs to get in shape for the holidays, there’s always something going on. In addition to all the fun fall events in Destin, Pensacola Beach, and more, fall break at the beach also offers a variety of other benefits! Mild weather, better rates, and a guaranteed spot in the sand are just a few of the reasons to visit the beach during the fall months. We’ve highlighted some of our favorite fall events below to make deciding on a trip to the beach for fall break that much easier.

Pensacola Seafood Festival

Known as the Gulf Coast’s best celebration of seafood, arts, and music, the Pensacola Seafood Festival takes place September 28-30th in Downtown Pensacola. If you’re staying in one of our Pensacola Beach vacation rentals, then you’re just a quick drive away! Enjoy a variety of seafood options curated by restaurant vendors all across Pensacola and Pensacola Beach. You’ll also be able to watch some of Pensacola’s best chefs in action at the Fiesta Seafood Grille! The Pensacola Seafood Festival is free of charge and open to all ages. You can find the festival in Historic Seville Square as well as Fountain Park and Bartram Park on Pensacola Bay. Learn more about the Pensacola Seafood Festival here.

70th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo

Ever wondered why Destin is known as “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village?” Stay in Destin for the 70th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo and see for yourself! This is Destin’s ultimate fishing tournament and most popular event of the year. Held the entire month of October, the Destin Fishing Rodeo is open to anglers of all ages. Participants have the option to fish on a registered charter or private boat. Anglers can also register for a kayak, paddleboard, pier, bridge, jetty, surf, or shoreline fishing for a fee. Weigh-ins are free and open daily to the public at AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar from 10 AM – 7 PM. The Destin Fishing Rodeo also hosts family-fun events, including “Shark Saturday,” a Kids FallFest, and Halloween Fireworks. Don’t miss out!

Destin Seafood Festival

Celebrate the Destin Fishing Rodeo with the Destin Seafood Festival! The Rodeo may be all month long, but the Seafood Festival only lasts one weekend a year, from October 5-7. Make room in your calendar for one of Destin’s oldest and most treasured events. Enjoy fresh local seafood, live music, art, and family fun. Admission is free for the whole family! You can find the festival at the Destin Harbor and the Harbor Boardwalk, right on Harbor Boulevard off Highway 98. For more information about the Destin Seafood Festival, visit here.

11th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival

The 11th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival is known as the #1 beet festival on the Emerald Coast, and for good measure! Held October 12-13 at the Village of Baytowne Wharf, the Beer Festival will feature over 40 on-site craft brewers, nearly 200 domestic and international craft beers, seminars, samplings, live music, and more! Friday’s event features samples from local breweries and live music, including samples from merchants in The Village of Baytowne Wharf. Then, Saturday’s includes a VIP event with exclusive beer tastings and great food from Marlin Grill. After the VIP event, enjoy a Grand Tasting accompanied by live music. Interested in more information? Visit Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival website for more details about the event.

47th Annual National Shrimp Festival

October is certainly the month for seafood festivals, but we aren’t complaining! Come down to Gulf Shores October 11-14 for one of Coastal Alabama’s biggest events. The 47th Annual National Shrimp Festival made the list as part of FlightNetwork.com’s “21 of the Best Food and Drink Festivals in North America!” Although shrimp is a huge component of the festival, the festival also includes crab cakes, conch fritters, and cajun pistols – stuffed crawfish beignets that you won’t want to miss out on! “Shrimp Fest,” as the festival is affectionately known, showcases seafood sampling, cooking demonstrations, and the annual Restaurant Challenge. Here, some of the region’s finest chefs will compete for a spot at the World Food Championship! Learn more about the 47th Annual National Shrimp Festival here.

7th Annual 30A 10K

Get ready to make room for that extra slice of pie on Thanksgiving with the 7th Annual 30A 10K. If you’re staying on 30A for Thanksgiving Break, you’ll certainly appreciate this event when Thanksgiving gets closer! The run takes place on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, bright and early at 7:30 AM. Not an experienced runner? No problem! You can also sign up for the 5K or 1-mile Fun Run. The 5K begins at 7:45 AM, but the one mile run starts at 9:30 AM. All races begin and end at Downtown Rosemary Beach. Enjoy a gorgeous scenic view during your run! Participants also have the option of walking during the event. The Packet Pickup and Race Expo takes place the day before, on November 21, at The Hub from 12-7. Come to pick up your race t-shirts and bibs, but stay for the expo with fun for the whole family, including shopping, dining, and entertainment for all ages! Register before October 15th to score an official 30A 10K t-shirt! Visit here for more information about the race and registration.

Don’t wait to book your fall break at the beach; you’ll be glad you did! We have tons of available vacation homes and condos for fall in Destin, Pensacola Beach, Orange Beach, and more! We’ll see you at the beach!