Plan Your 30A Arts Stay with Royal Destinations

Each spring, Florida's Scenic Highway 30A and the surrounding South Walton community celebrate one of the Gulf Coast's most distinctive cultural traditions — the Dine and Dive fundraiser benefiting the Underwater Museum of Art. Presented annually by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and the South Walton Artificial Reef Association, this immersive evening of fine art, cuisine, wine and live music serves as the official kickoff to Art Month Walton County and draws guests from across the region to Grand Boulevard Town Center in Miramar Beach.

The Underwater Museum of Art is the nation's first permanent underwater sculpture museum, located less than one mile off the coast of Grayton Beach State Park at a depth of approximately 58 feet. Recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the 100 World's Greatest Places, named a National Geographic Best Trip and honored with a CODA Award, the UMA is one of the most celebrated cultural attractions on the Gulf Coast — and Dine and Dive is one of the only opportunities guests have to see new sculptures in person before they are permanently deployed to the Gulf floor.

Attending Dine and Dive means more than a great evening out. Every ticket purchased and sponsorship secured directly funds the next wave of sculptures added to this growing underwater collection, supporting both artistic expression and marine habitat conservation along Florida's Emerald Coast. Whether you are a devoted art lover, a food and wine enthusiast or simply someone who wants to experience 30A at its most vibrant and purposeful, this is one event worth planning your vacation around.

With Royal Destinations' collection of 30A vacation rentals near Grand Boulevard and throughout South Walton, you are always perfectly positioned to enjoy everything Art Month Walton County has to offer.

Dine and Dive UMA Fundraiser Event Details:

• Date: Annually each spring — most recently held Wednesday, April 30; typically held in late April to early May
• Time: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
• Location: Grand Boulevard Town Center, Miramar Beach, FL (near Sandestin)
• Sculpture Preview: Exclusive up-close preview of new UMA sculptures before they are permanently deployed to the Gulf — one of the only public opportunities to see the works in person before submersion
• Meet the Artists: Mingle with UMA sculptors from current and previous installations throughout the evening
• Food: More than a dozen tasting stations from South Walton's most celebrated restaurants and chefs — included with ticket price; past participating restaurants have included The Bay, Cantina Laredo, Cinders and Salt, The Citizen at Alys Beach, Grayton Beach Catering, Iron and Grape, Marrow Private Chefs, Roux 30A, Surfing Deer and more
• Wine: Extensive curated wine sampling from featured vintners — included with ticket price
• Bar: Full cash bar with specialty cocktails and craft beer on site throughout the evening
• Live Music: Continuous live entertainment from nationally recognized headliners; past performers have included J and The Causeways and Cousin Curtiss
• Silent Auction: Art Month Silent Auction held during the event featuring unique art pieces and experiences
• Tickets: Available in advance at CulturalArtsAlliance.com; advance pricing is $100 per person and day-of pricing is $125 per person if available — this is a sell-out event and early purchase is strongly recommended
• Benefiting: The Underwater Museum of Art — the nation's first permanent underwater sculpture museum, jointly produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and the South Walton Artificial Reef Association with support from Visit South Walton, the National Endowment for the Arts and community partners
• About the UMA: The museum's sculptures lie within one mile of shore at approximately 58 feet deep off Grayton Beach State Park; the collection has grown to more than 50 deployed works and expands each year through events like Dine and Dive

Reserve Your 30A Stay for Dine and Dive with Royal Destinations

Dine and Dive is just the beginning of one of the most culturally rich seasons on Florida's Scenic Highway 30A. Art Month Walton County brings a full calendar of events, exhibitions and experiences to South Walton each May — and the best way to enjoy all of it is from a beautifully appointed Royal Destinations vacation rental. Browse our 30A vacation rental properties near Grand Boulevard and throughout South Walton and reserve your stay today.