If you’re looking for a picturesque beach town with plenty of activities and attractions, then Rosemary Beach, Florida, is the perfect destination for your next seaside vacation. Located in South Walton County, this charming beach town is home to various attractions that appeal to everyone in the family.
Are you looking for an idyllic beach getaway? Something a bit more secluded than the popular beach towns in Florida? Rosemary Beach has your back! You’ll find yourself surrounded by cobblestone streets, colorful cottages, and old-world charm while being a few steps away from the beautiful sands and blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Whether planning a family getaway or a romantic excursion to the beach, read on to learn more about what Rosemary Beach in northwest Florida offers.
Rosemary Beach & New Urbanism
Rosemary Beach was designed with a New Urbanism philosophy, which makes it stand out from other beach towns in the region. This means that the architecture and design of the town are meant to closely reflect traditional European villages and neighborhoods. If you’ve never experienced the style, you’ll find that Rosemary Beach is a step back in time. The streets are lined with cobblestone, and the architecture looks like it’s been pulled from the history books – with watercolor carriage houses dotting the main streets. It creates an old-world charm and relaxed atmosphere that makes it a great location for a weekend getaway.
But don’t let the old charm fool you – Rosemary Beach is a spring break destination perfect for all ages. From the vibrant nightlife to the selection of restaurants, shops, and boutiques, this part of the Emerald Coast is sure to keep everyone entertained. Plus, the beach itself is stunning, with some of the most beautiful and serene sand in the region.
Boardwalk, Boutiques, and Beaches
You can start your day on the boardwalk, lined with quaint cafes and boutique stores, or take a leisurely stroll along the beach. If you’re feeling up for more adventure, there are plenty of water sports like paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling to explore nearby.
But that’s not all! It’s also home to some of the best golf courses in the country, as well as world-class restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood and local cuisine. After dinner, take a walk through the town’s many parks or check out some of the live music venues – and grab some local ice cream.
Across the county, you’ll find miles of stunning sugar-white sand beaches and over a dozen unique beach neighborhoods. From Santa Rosa Beach to Grayton Beach State Park, there are plenty of options for visitors to explore and enjoy the beautiful beaches around.
Rosemary Beach
This neo-traditional beach community offers a mix of design styles that place everything within walking distance, including shops, restaurants, and more. The concept creates an inviting atmosphere that combines elements of small, walkable downtowns with living spaces that all blend together to create a vibrant and cohesive environment.
Santa Rosa Beach
Santa Rosa Beach is an excellent destination for families or couples looking for a relaxing getaway. Those who want water without the sand can take advantage of five outdoor swimming pools throughout Santa Rosa Beach. Those who want to get out and explore will find shopping centers, golf courses, parks, and more. Santa Rosa Beach is at the top of the list for the top tourist areas in the region!
Grayton Beach State Park
Encompassing nearly 2,000 acres, Grayton Beach State Park is a top spot. The expansive stretch of unspoiled paradise is located along the Gulf Coast of Florida and offers plenty of outdoor recreation and exploration opportunities.
Vast dunes of snow-white sand make up its coastline, providing a beautiful backdrop for swimming, fishing, and other water sports. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the park’s winding trails, with views of wetlands, pine forests, and more. Wildlife is abundant in the area, including turtles, white-tailed deer, armadillos, and alligators.
Seacrest Beach
Seacrest Beach is a charming beach town, nestled between Camp Creek Lake, Alys Beach, and Rosemary Beach. It offers visitors and residents an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, with its sugar-white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and lush vegetatio.
It is also home to several lagoon pools perfect for swimming or lounging with friends, along with plenty of outdoor activities such as kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding, and more.
Alys Beach
Alys Beach is a luxury beach community located on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It features stunning architecture with stark white facades that seem to glow from within, secluded courtyards, and intimate green spaces offering a luxurious escape. Designed to be pedestrian-friendly, it features wide sidewalks and pathways connecting the town center to the beach.
Spending a day in Alys Beach can include cabanas, cocktails, shopping, restaurants, and much more. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, such as biking, walking along the scenic Highway 30A, or taking in the breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico from one of many public parks.
Seagrove Beach
This 2-mile-long beach community is known for its sprawling tree groves of native Live Oaks and windswept oaks – giving the area that “Old Florida” charm. Visitors here will find plenty of recreational activities, from swimming and surfing to birdwatching. The Seagrove Village Market, Surfing Deer, and Cafe Thirty-A offer plenty of food options to please any appetite.
Beyond The Beach
If you’re looking for fun, entertainment, history, or relaxation beyond the sun, sand, and surf, we have you covered!
Kayak Choctawhatchee Bay
Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts can explore the area’s wetlands and estuaries in a kayak with one of the local tour companies. Learn about local wildlife and plants that call it home. The bay overlaps both Walton and Okaloosa counties and offers plenty of opportunities for bird watching and fishing.
Visit Rosemary Beach Town Hall
This stunning European-style building serves as the town hall for Rosemary Beach and hosts many local events throughout the year. Check their calendar so you don’t miss out on any of the fun happenings! It’s also a great spot to show the kids more of the area’s historic architecture.
Dine at Pescado Seafood Grill & Rooftop Bar
With its expansive rooftop bar, delicious seafood dishes, and stunning sunset views, Pescado is a must-visit for foodies. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or an upscale dinner with friends, this restaurant offers plenty of incredible dishes to choose from. The contemporary atmosphere and menu make it a perfect spot to experience the town’s vibrant culture. Be sure to try out their signature cocktails, too!
Enjoy the Views from Rosemary Beach Nature Preserve
Whether you’re a casual sightseer or an avid hiker, this nature preserve is a great place to explore and appreciate the beauty of nature. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of town to enjoy a tranquil atmosphere and stunning views. If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of some of the area’s native wildlife!
Grab A Nightcap at Havana Beach Bar & Grill
After a long day of sightseeing or shopping, why not head over to Havana Beach Bar & Grill for a nightcap? This lively spot offers an array of drinks and delicious bar snacks that will give you the perfect end to your day. Plus, the outdoor seating area is ideal for catching up with friends or simply taking in the views, letting you take a load off and enjoy the moment.
Taste The Sweetness at Sugar Shak
Sugar Shak – one of the oldest candy stores in the area – is a must-stop for sweet tooths. The shop offers all kinds of classic treats, such as chocolates, fudges, and taffy that will make your mouth water. This location also has a great selection of old-fashioned sodas to wash it all down!
Enjoy Nature at Point Washington State Forest
This sprawling area offers over 15,000 acres of lush green space to explore and enjoy. With its gorgeous hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and abundance of wildlife, this is the perfect place to relax and forget all your worries. So put on your boots and get ready to experience nature at its finest!
Live The High Life Restaurant Paradis
Famed for its American cuisine and a taste of wine country, Restaurant Paradis is an essential stop on any trip to Santa Rosa Beach. With its sophisticated atmosphere and incredible views, this restaurant offers a refined dining experience.
Enjoy exquisite dishes made with the freshest ingredients while sipping a glass of perfectly paired wine. Restaurant Paradis is at the top of your dining list, from their signature steaks to succulent oysters!
Where to Stay
With so much to see and do, choosing a place to call home while you are in town is essential. Whether you want easy beach access, a place where you can take a bike ride to grab your morning coffee, a community pool, or a water view, we have you covered.
Our Florida Cabins for YOU properties are breezy and modern, with convenient amenities and a variety of sizes for your vacation group. Our team is always here to help make your vacation comfortable and stress free, helping you pick the perfect vacation rental and choose the best things to do.
Learn more about our Rosemary Beach rentals and plan your next trip today. Contact us with any questions about our vacation rentals, and let us help make your South Walton County vacation perfect!
