30a is not synonymous with affordable. While you can certainly live it up in a beachfront home while noshing on food prepared by a private chef, you can also choose an alternative route: enjoy everything 30A has to offer without spending a fortune. If you want to know the insider tips for saving money during your vaca, read on.
1. KNOW THE SEASONS
Most vacation rental companies use what they call “dynamic pricing.” Pricing ebbs and flows based on demand. Demand is high during 4th of July and so are prices, for example. Getting a good deal on a vacation rental means knowing when to go.
Late summer offers deals and good weather. In September, temperatures usually hold around the high 80s and prices on rental units are reduced by as much as 30% over peak summer weeks. You will also find good deals on vacation rentals after Spring Break and before summer officially begins. Keep in mind that late spring is generally going to be cooler with temperatures in the high 70s to low 80s.
2. KID FRIENDLY HAPPY HOURS + FOOD
Once you’ve arrived, food can be a big cost. While I recommend splurging on a dinner or two, you can save money while eating your way through 30A.
First of all, most vacation homes include fully stocked kitchens. You can certainly buy groceries and prepare food to save money. But if you prefer to vacation without cooking, I recommend familiarizing yourself with local Happy Hours.
If you’re willing to eat at odd hours, there are several kid-friendly restaurants along 30A that offer Happy Hour specials on both food and drink. My personal favorite is Cowgirl Kitchen in Rosemary Beach. They serve $5 libations, house wines, and 2 for 1 drafts alongside food. For $5 you can purchase an order of queso and chips, spinach and artichoke dip, or tacos (you get two)! Happy Hour at Cowgirl is every Monday through Thursday from 3 pm to 5 pm.
The Craft Bar also has a Happy Hour. Their Happy Hour runs from 2 pm to 6 pm Monday through Friday. For $5, you can purchase the Craft Bar Mac & Cheese, Smoked Wings, Hot Chicken, a Soft Pretzel, or a Pulled Pork Quesadilla with Williamson Brothers BBQ Sauce.
If you want to eat during peak hours, Airstream Row in Seaside offers several casual eateries, and Mi Casita offers your typical Mexican fare. Mi Casita sells tacos for $2.50 each, burritos in the $7-$9 range, and they have a small kid’s menu.
3. FIND FREE EVENTS
The beach is free, the bike trails are free, but as much as you might want to, you can’t beach 24/7. Communities like Seaside and Rosemary Beach offer free events to all visitors while local venues like the Hub often have year-round entertainment. And yes, even if you choose an offseason month like April or September, you will still find free events. This past April, Seaside held free events like Stories by the Sea, Central Square Cinema, and multiple Children’s Theater Performances, for example. September is a little quieter, but there’s still plenty to do.
If you want to check on events before you book your stay, 30a.com has a helpful calendar that lists events by the day.
4. CATCH THE LATEST FLICK, ON A TUESDAY
If you want to watch a movie, do it on a Tuesday. The Carmike Grand Boulevard often has Tuesday specials like any movie for $5.00 and $2 specials on popcorn, candy, and drinks. This year, they even had a special kid’s event on Tuesdays. Every Tuesday at 10 am, they offered a children’s flick with a small popcorn and a small drink for just $4. Of course, as these specials change, I recommend you call ahead to confirm details.
Pro Tip: There’s a Redbox located at the Tom Thumb in Seagrove.
5. PLAN YOUR PURCHASES
When buying souvenirs, be wise. There are some good deals and some not so good deals. Expect branded t-shirts and hats to run around $25 and sweatshirts over $60. If you prefer to spend less, you can still find high quality, local items. The key to finding good deals is to shop small. The Deep South Market, for example, has several unique, local gifts such as the locally made Whodini Sisters Bloody Mary mix for $15.00. You can also find great deals on local art at stores like Big Mama’s Hula Girl Gallery and The Blue Giraffe. Of course, you can always swing in a local store to pick up our hand-illustrated 30A Coloring Book for $16.95. We may be a bit biased, but it is our favorite local gift.