Top 5 Vacation Ideas for A Labor Day Vacation

Eco-Friendly Labor Day Vacation

If you’re seeking an environmentally responsible Labor Day vacation that will allow you to commune with nature, consider a 30A eco-vacation in Blue Mountain Beach. Stay at Sanctuary at Redfish along Highway 30A where you’ll overlook a nature preserve along with a rare coastal dune lake. The luxury resort places you in the heart of a nature lover’s paradise. Guests will enjoy recreational opportunities on the coastal dune lake, at the beach, as well as biking the 30A paved bike path and hiking within the nearby Grayton Beach State Park. In addition, miles of trails can be found just north of the resort within Point Washington State Forest, where nature seekers can catch a glimpse of native species including the carnivorous Pilcher Plant and the Blue Lupine plant, which the town is named after. Take your eco-vacation to the next level by vacationing forward while you’re here. Click here for a list of ways to lessen your traveler footprint while visiting the beaches of South Walton, including trash removal, preservation of sea turtle nesting habitats, partnering with 30A Sea Life Discovery Center, participating in the OYSTER shell recycling program with the CBA as well as purchasing local eco-friendly products including 30A suntan location that is less harmful to the environment.

Foodie Labor Day Vacation

If culinary delights are your path to happiness, an Emerald Coast Foodie Labor Day vacation may be a sweet spot. With an incredible array of culinary offerings, ranging from fine dining restaurants to roadside cafes to Gulf-front cantinas, the locals are ready to share their passion for infusing fresh local ingredients and produce with the abundance of fresh seafood from the Gulf. From Gulf to table, diners are treated to a wide variety of preparations for the day's local catch. Dining experiences are as diverse as the beach communities themselves. Culinary travelers can try a gourmet grill cheese prepared in an airstream trailer in Seaside for lunch or head down the street for an incredible fine dining experience at Edward's or Paradis in Rosemary Beach to name a few. There are also tons of beachy casual options serving everything from fresh fish sandwiches and oysters at Shunk Gulley to famous Grits A Yaya (shrimp and grits) at Great Southern Café. Vintij Wine Boutique is "THE" place to go for an incredible selection of wines and daily specials built around what is fresh and in season. Chef Emeril Lagasse even opened Emeril's Italian Coastal Cuisine to celebrate his love of fishing and cooking with fresh local seafood. Fresh seafood lovers can also head to the Destin Harbor for the freshest seafood right off the boats at Harbor Docks or Brotula’s, among many others. Don’t just take our word for it. Read South Walton’s blog “where the chef’s eat” to uncover the best local restaurants in South Walton and Destin, Florida. Stay at a 30A vacation rental to be near South Walton’s 30A and Santa Rosa Beach culinary delights or stay closer to the docks at a Gulf-front Destin vacation rental condo or home.

Adventure Labor Day Vacation

Some vacationers have a hard time sitting still and for these travelers, we recommend an adventure Labor Day vacation. By planning a visit to Northwest Florida for Labor Day, you’ll be near all kinds of exciting outdoor adventure options and watersports. Start with an exciting jet ski adventure with La Dolce Vita rentals or get a bird’s eye view of the area with a parasailing adventure (Be rewarded with free activities, including a parasailing tour when you stay with Newman-Dailey). Feeling more adventurous? Try hydroflight with Power Up WaterSports and soar high above the water with the help of a water-propelled jet pack.  In addition, diving and snorkeling adventures are just offshore and more accessible with the addition of numerous artificial reefs deployed off the coast. Do you prefer adventures on land? Hike or bike one of five state parks in the area or head over to Milton, Florida to zip line through the pines near Black Creek.

Cultural Labor Day Vacation

For those that prefer art and cultural activities, a Cultural Labor Day vacation may be the perfect reward. Kick-off Labor Day in Northwest Florida at Sandestin’s Perfect Hues: Baytowne Art & Food Fest. From 5-10 p.m. each evening, art lovers can stroll through the streets of the Village of Baytowne Wharf and browse a variety of artwork from local and regional artists, savor bites from some of the area’s best restaurants and food trucks and enjoy live music from popular local and regional musicians. In addition, the beach neighborhoods of South Walton are home to an incredible collection of talented artists and art galleries. Click here to view Visit South Walton's list of the art galleries and cultural offerings in the area, including North America’s first permanent Underwater Museum of Art! Consider staying at Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort to be close to the Art & Food Fest but tucked away from the crowds and bustle of the Village.

Family Labor Day Vacation

 While families may have taken a summer vacation already, many moms may want to plan a special Labor Day family vacation to celebrate the end of the summer and take one last break before fall school, sports and activity schedules fill families’ calendars during the fall months. Our top suggestions for a Labor Day family beach vacation include beach time, an electric bike ride along Scenic Gulf Drive or the Timpoochee Trail along Scenic 30A, watersports (local favorite—stand up paddle boarding), take a dolphin cruise, race go-karts at The Track, or hike within one of the area’s expansive state parks. After dark, families can head to the Destin Harbor or Village of Baytowne Wharf to enjoy fireworks and live music. 

Ready to book your Custom Labor Day Vacation?

Now is a great time to plan a Labor Day vacation to the beaches of Northwest Florida. In fact, Labor Day is within the late summer value season and vacation rental rates are discounted 20-30% off summer rates. View our selection of Sanctuary at Redfish vacation rentals online for an eco-vacation here or Click here to view Newman-Dailey’s full collection of South Walton and Destin vacation rentals to find one that accommodates your group and budget. Need help narrowing your search? Call one of our local vacation specialists at 1-800-225-7652.

See you @ the beach!