Bring your funky beach cruiser to the 4th annual 30A Sand Rover Rally in South Walton, Florida, on Saturday, April 8, 2017.
Every year, over 100 Land Rovers, dune buggies, Broncos, Jeeps and beach cruisers roll into town for trail rides, live music and more at this family-friendly event, presented by Land Rover Gulf Coast.
Spectators are always welcome, and there is no fee to participate.
This year, the rally will be held on the Gulf Place green and will feature live music.
Our official 2017 30A Sand Rover Rally shirts are now available for sale at 30Agear.com.
They’ll also be available at the rally, but only while supplies last.
SCHEDULE FOR SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 2017 (SUBJECT TO CHANGE):
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.: 2017 30A Sand Rover Rally
We’re expecting another big turnout this year, so if “getting a good spot” is important to you (or if you have a pristine show car that’s not ready for trail rides), you might consider skipping the trails and heading straight to the rally location at Gulf Place to secure a place. We really have no way of knowing for sure how many vehicles are planning to attend, but volunteers will be ready to help direct vehicles as they arrive.
Once the lawn fills up, parking will be available in the spots directly around the green and throughout Gulf Place. Just come prepared to HAVE FUN and bring your best casual beach attitude.
12 p.m. – 3 p.m.: Live Music by “The Industry”
8:30 a.m.: Trail Meeting
Once again this year, attendees who love to explore the trails are invited to meet in Point Washington State Forest at 8:30 a.m. CST. To find the meeting place, access the state forest from County Road 395 South at this entrance:
Lat: 30° 20′ 12.627″
Long: -86° 7′ 47.7726″
Once you turn off 395 into the state forest, slowly follow the dirt road. Please watch for hikers, cyclists and other drivers. When you come to the 3-way fork in the road, bear LEFT. We will once again meet in the large meadow at these coordinates on Road #13:
Lat: 30° 20′ 33.8274″
Long: -86° 6′ 53.391″
After a few minutes of photos and introductions, we’ll break up and you can hit the trails for as long as you like. All drivers are reminded to be responsible and courteous to other drivers and to state property. All activities should adhere to Tread Lightly principles.
We’ve been asked to remind everyone that DRONES are not allowed on any state property. Also, please note that NO ALCOHOL is allowed on state property. Officials will be on patrol in the forest to help ensure everyone’s safety.
South Walton features over 25,000 acres of protected land to explore, including Point Washington State Forest. But if getting muddy or dusty just isn’t your thing, no worries! You can hit the beach, cruise along Scenic Highway 30-A, or just head over to the official rally location at Gulf Place to hang out with other enthusiasts.
Some of the trails in Point Washington State Forest are very narrow (as in, “knock your mirrors off,” “scratch your paint,” and “tear your roof rack off” narrow). If your don’t like the sound of limbs scratching along the sides of your vehicle, we strongly recommend that you stick to the main dirt roads (see map below).
If you drive down narrow sand trails, you might not be able to back out, especially if you’re part of a long caravan. Please also note that anything on TOP of your truck (flood lamps, luggage, paddle boards, etc.) could easily be damaged on the narrow trails, so please take it slow and easy.
Please don’t feel pressured to venture onto these narrow trails. There are plenty of wide dirt roads to explore! This map shows the best access points for trail rides:
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PDF OF THE MAP
PRESENTED BY:
CAMPING:
Our local campgrounds fill up fast, so if you plan to camp, please make your reservations as soon as possible. Local camping options include:
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Point Washington State Park: $10/night (RSVP: 850-373-1801)
HOTELS & RENTAL HOMES:
South Walton is home to a very wide range of accommodations, from multi-million dollar beach front estates to cabins, studio apartments and boutique hotels. To find some great options, visit 30Ahotels.com and 30Arentals.com.
Here are some photos from the 2015 rally by Sean Murphy:
