Santa Rosa Beach, Florida is a laid-back coastal hub along Scenic Highway 30A in Walton County, known for sugar-white sand, emerald Gulf water, and easy access to the region’s most loved beach towns. This area is ideal for guests who want a true 30A rhythm—beach mornings, afternoon adventures, and evenings spent sampling local restaurants, browsing boutiques, or catching live music—without feeling locked into a single resort zone.
Walton County’s Santa Rosa Beach corridor also puts you close to the region’s signature natural features, including rare coastal dune lakes and the trails of Point Washington State Forest. Whether you’re biking sections of 30A, heading out for a fishing charter, or planning a day trip to Seaside, Grayton Beach, or Gulf Place, you’ll have plenty of options for both low-key relaxation and full itinerary days. Throughout the year, the community comes alive with seasonal markets, art events, food and wine festivals, and family-friendly celebrations that make 30A feel like more than just a beach—it’s a whole coastal culture.
Things to See & Do:
• Beach & Water: Santa Rosa Beach access points, Grayton Beach State Park, Blue Mountain Beach, Seaside Beach, Western Lake, Deer Lake State Park, coastal dune lakes (South Walton)
-- A signature 30A mix: wide-open beach days plus rare coastal dune lakes for paddling, kayaking, and scenic nature time.
• Museums & Culture: The Underwater Museum of Art (UMA) (Grayton Beach area), Curate30A (art gallery), local galleries in Seaside and Grayton Beach, The REP Theatre (Seaside)
-- Great options for a break from the sun—art, performances, and culture that still feels very “30A.”
• Golf: Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club, Burnt Pine Golf Club (Sandestin), Raven Golf Club (Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort), Baytowne Golf Club
-- Several strong course options nearby, from casual rounds to a more elevated golf day.
• Outdoor Adventure (Fishing, Hiking, Biking): Timpoochee Trail (30A bike path), Point Washington State Forest, Grayton Beach State Park trails, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, paddleboarding/kayaking on Western Lake
-- Perfect for scenic rides, shaded hikes, and getting out on the water.
• Local Restaurants & Shopping: Santa Rosa Beach makes it easy to mix relaxed beach days with great food and browsing—whether you’re heading into Seaside/WaterColor for a classic 30A afternoon or staying closer to home for casual bites, coffee, and quick shopping runs. You’ll find everything from iconic local spots to easy family-friendly favorites within a short drive.
Restaurants: Stinky’s Fish Camp (Dune Allen), The Perfect Pig (Gulf Place), Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar (Gulf Place), The Red Bar (Grayton Beach), Great Southern Café (Seaside), Bud & Alley’s (Seaside)
Shops: Gulf Place shops, Seaside shops, WaterColor Town Center, Grayton Beach boutiques, Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, Silver Sands Premium Outlets
Popular Sites & Activities:
• Grayton Beach State Park (nature + beach)
• Seaside, FL (classic 30A day trip)
• Gulf Place (shops, dining, laid-back vibe)
• Eden Gardens State Park (historic gardens and trails)
• Point Washington State Forest (hikes and nature)
Annual Festivals & Events:
• South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival (Walton County, spring)
• 30A Songwriters Festival (Walton County/30A, winter)
• Seaside Farmers Market (Walton County/30A, year-round, weekly)
• Rosemary Beach Farmers Market (Walton County/30A, year-round, weekly)
• Seaside Seeing Red Wine Festival (Walton County/30A, fall)
• Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach (Walton County/30A, spring)
• Baytowne Wharf Art Walk (Walton County/Sandestin area, recurring/seasonal)
• Baytowne Wharf Wednesday Night Concert Series (Walton County/Sandestin area, seasonal)
• Baytowne Wharf Boomin’ Tuesday Fireworks (Walton County/Sandestin area, seasonal)
• Walton County/30A holiday events and tree lightings (winter)
We provide a full list of Things to Do & See and local Restaurants & Shops to experience for our guests including in a personalized Guest Manual in your check-in details provided prior to your stay!