Balling on a Budget does not have to be hard when you rent a vacation rental! This blog teaches you how to take the ultimate beach vacation without breaking the bank on the Emerald Coast. If you are looking to enjoy some family fun in Florida on a budget, then you have come to the right place!
For more ways to make the most of your trip, be sure to request access to our complimentary Vacation Guide!
Pick the Right Beach Location
Consider coming on down and enjoying one of our gorgeous Emerald Coast condos or a fantastic townhouse located across the road from the Gulf of Mexico! You’ll be amazed by the incredible Gulf Views you can enjoy from a balcony across the road from the beach, and the amenities at many of our condos are 100% top shelf! If you opt for a home that doesn’t have a Gulf View, you still win because the rate is super sweet, and you’re always within walking distance to the Beach. Each of our homes offers a patio or balcony with a private seating area to relax and enjoy the salty ocean breezes.
Renting on the beach means you don’t have to drive to the beach every day and pay for parking or beach access. You can also easily cart your beach supplies, so you don’t get stuck paying crazy rates for chairs and umbrellas!
Some of the attractive options across the road from the beach.:
GULF WINDS EAST TOWNHOUSES in Miramar Beach, FL
Beautiful 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath vacation rentals. Many of these beautifully designed homes have gorgeous Gulf Views. The community offers a large pool and private beach access with a beach gazebo. The location is excellent for nearby area attractions.
BEACHSIDE VILLAS CONDOS off 30A in Seagrove Beach, FL
Excellent 2- or 3-bedroom beachy condos spacious enough for large families or groups, and smaller cozy condos ideal for 1 or 2 guests. Got a family member with a furry coat? Bring them too! We have pet-friendly condos at this location. If you’re a bike enthusiast or just enjoy a casual roll or even a stroll, this is an ideal location for you. The Timpoochee trail runs the entire length of 30A, and we’ve got bike rentals for our guests at a meager rate for even more savings!
Stay with us during the offseason
From mid-August to early March, prices for vacation rentals plummet due to the lack of demand. Even though these months are pretty warm, they are not “in-season” and thus draw fewer tourists. Take advantage of the fall and winter rates if you’re looking to be a snowbird for the week.
During the fall and winter, you can access exclusive events that were previously meant for locals only. From the Destin Seafood Festival in October to the Baytowne Sparkling Wine and Holiday Lights of November, the fall and winter are hiding some fun events that are worth booking a trip around.
Take advantage of free fun!
We have so much to do here on the Emerald Coast! Did you know that there is an excellent variety of activities in our area that are absolutely free?
The Harborwalk Village, located just at the foot of the Destin bridge at East Pass, offers many great options for fun and a feast of excitement for all 5 senses! See, hear, touch, smell, and taste the pleasure of the place called Destin, all in 1 place! Located directly on the Harbor, enjoy gorgeous water views while taking in a free concert or a football game on the big screens located outside at AJ’s or Tailfins!
Football isn’t the only open-air activity here. The Harborwalk Village also offers free concerts! Spend the day strolling the village, taking in the sights, and see what was brought in for the catch of the day along the docks. Watch as they weigh in the winner of the Fishing Rodeo.
This exciting event runs the entire month of October every year, and many significant events surround all the excitement. It’s kind of a big deal around here, and we’re sure you’ll love it too! Just keep in mind if you park at the Harborwalk Village, there may be a parking fee, but if you’re staying close enough, you may just walk or ride your bike on over.
Biking and walking are great ways to spend your time here on the Emerald Coast! Pick one of our public access trails in Grayton Beach and bike to your heart’s content! The Emerald Coast is close to several forests that make for great day trips for hiking.
Cook Your Own Meals and Watch for Restaurant Specials
Cooking your own meals is a great way to save money while on vacation. Going out to eat can be prohibitively expensive, and doing that twice a day for a week can seriously kill your budget. Bringing or buying your own groceries and cooking them in a vacation rental is a highly cost-effective option, especially when you bring the entire family.
If you don’t want to cook, we have another money saver tip for you. Enjoy area restaurant’s lunch specials and happy hour deals. Some of our favorites for happy hour specials include 790 on the Gulf in Crystal Beach, WOB at the Destin Commons, Cuvee 30A, Flemings at Sandestin, and Destin Craftbar. This is not for drinks only; great deals for foodies too! Get special discounts on meals at Restaurants.com. Another tip, order take-out, and enjoy delicious food in your beautiful home, maybe alfresco style and take advantage of that private balcony! Or better yet, grab a beach towel and a fork, and eat at the beach! Don’t forget to also bring your favorite drink.
Free concerts and Outdoor Events in the 30A!
If you like free events, you will love the Village of Baytowne Wharf. At Seaside, in particular, you will find lots of goings-on for free events on the Seaside lawn. You will likely end up spending your whole day there because the area will draw you in with all kinds of excitement! Delicious food, unique shops, and a gorgeous beach make this a must-do for everyone who comes to the Emerald Coast. The same goes for the Village of Baytowne Wharf.
This whimsical place makes for a full day of fun! There is even an ice-skating rink set upright in the middle of the Village in the Fall and Winter months! Ride the beautiful lakefront Carousel, sit and watch the kids play on the playground, and walk along the gorgeous Choctawhatchee Bay. You’ll have a blast, and you don’t even have to spend a dime if you just come and take in the sights and free events. If you want to dine out, don’t forget, lunch specials are the best for savings. Happy hour specials are happening daily on 30A and at the Village of Baytowne Wharf.
Book Your Harmony Beach Vacations
You and your family can find the perfect vacation rental for your trip with Harmony Beach Vacations. Our selection of condos and homes in Destin and 30A offers guests excellent amenities, convenient locations, and customer service that is second to none. Are you ready to have a big baller family vacation on a budget in the 30A?
Start planning your trip by booking one of our properties. We look forward to welcoming you to the Harmony Beach Vacations family.