The Top Attractions in Santa Rosa Beach For Locals or Tourists

Nestled along Florida’s Emerald Coast, Santa Rosa Beach offers a blend of pristine beaches, coastal charm, and upscale living that draws both year-round residents and vacationers alike. With its laid-back atmosphere and access to world-class amenities, it’s no surprise that Santa Rosa Beach continues to grow in popularity as a destination for homebuyers, second-home owners, and tourists. Whether you're exploring the area for the first time or have lived here for years, understanding the top attractions in Santa Rosa Beach is essential to appreciating the lifestyle and value this coastal community provides.

From outdoor recreation to cultural landmarks and culinary experiences, Santa Rosa Beach offers something for everyone. Its location along Scenic Highway 30A connects it to a string of vibrant beach towns, yet it retains its own unique identity—rooted in natural beauty, artistic expression, and community-focused living.

Often cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States, Grayton Beach State Park is a standout among the attractions in Santa Rosa Beach. This 2,000-acre park offers sugar-white sand, emerald-green waters, and rare coastal dune lakes—an ecosystem found in only a few places worldwide. Visitors can swim, paddleboard, kayak, or fish, while miles of hiking and biking trails wind through pine flatwoods and coastal forests.

Locals often take advantage of early morning walks or weekend camping trips in the park, while tourists appreciate the park’s well-maintained facilities and peaceful scenery. Grayton Beach also connects directly to scenic bike paths along 30A, making it easily accessible without the need for a car. For homeowners nearby, this park becomes more than an occasional destination—it’s a daily retreat into nature and a powerful draw for property value.

Gulf Place is a central gathering spot that combines shopping, dining, and entertainment with a relaxed coastal atmosphere. This town center is not only a favorite among visitors, but it’s also a social hub for residents living in the surrounding neighborhoods. With an open green space that regularly hosts live music, artist markets, and community events, Gulf Place has become one of the most dynamic attractions in Santa Rosa Beach.

Boutique shops, coffee houses, casual restaurants, and beach gear retailers make it easy to spend an entire afternoon exploring. For those new to the area, it’s an ideal introduction to Santa Rosa Beach’s unique blend of culture and convenience. The accessibility of Gulf Place adds to the appeal of living nearby, whether for full-time residency or vacation home ownership.

Located directly across from Gulf Place, the Ed Walline Beach Access point offers one of the most popular and family-friendly ways to enjoy the Gulf of Mexico. With ample parking, picnic tables, restrooms, and an elevated viewing deck, it’s a convenient and comfortable location to spend a beach day.

Unlike more remote beach access points, Ed Walline benefits from its central location and walkability. Residents and visitors alike appreciate its ease of access, especially those staying in nearby communities. The iconic blue lifeguard stand, sugar-white sands, and calm waters make it a favorite among photographers and beachgoers, reinforcing its status as one of the key attractions in Santa Rosa Beach.

For those who appreciate unspoiled natural landscapes and active outdoor pursuits, Point Washington State Forest offers a vast, serene escape just minutes from the coast. Spanning over 15,000 acres, this protected forest features multiple trail systems for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

Locals often use the forest as part of their regular fitness or leisure routine, while visitors enjoy exploring its quiet trails and diverse ecosystems. The forest is also home to various wildlife species and plant communities, offering a different perspective of the area beyond the shoreline. Point Washington provides a strong reminder that attractions in Santa Rosa Beach extend beyond the beach and into the heart of Northwest Florida’s natural heritage.

For something truly unique, Santa Rosa Beach is home to the first permanent underwater sculpture museum in the United States. The Underwater Museum of Art (UMA), located off the coast in the Gulf of Mexico, is both an artificial reef system and a cultural landmark.

Accessible to certified divers, UMA features a rotating collection of sculptures placed about 60 feet underwater. Each installation contributes to marine habitat growth while also offering a one-of-a-kind cultural experience. Though not visible from the shore, the UMA is widely promoted throughout the area and adds an innovative layer to the region’s growing arts scene. It’s a testament to how attractions in Santa Rosa Beach can merge environmental responsibility with creative expression.

While technically located just a few miles east of Santa Rosa Beach, the town of Seaside is an essential part of the greater 30A experience. Known for its pastel-colored homes, iconic architecture, and role in the movie The Truman Show, Seaside is a must-visit for anyone exploring the region.

The Seaside Amphitheater regularly hosts concerts, movies under the stars, and community gatherings, while the town square features boutique shopping, food trucks, and gourmet dining options. It’s the perfect day-trip destination for locals and a favorite attraction for tourists staying in Santa Rosa Beach. Easy access to Seaside and the broader 30A corridor is a major benefit for homeowners in Santa Rosa Beach, adding to the area’s desirability and long-term value.

No exploration of attractions in Santa Rosa Beach would be complete without mentioning its vibrant culinary scene. From casual seafood shacks to upscale coastal cuisine, the area offers a wide range of dining experiences that cater to both locals and visitors. Popular spots like Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar, Local Catch Bar & Grill, and Chanticleer Eatery have become favorites for their fresh ingredients and beachside ambiance.

Weekly farmers markets and specialty grocers further support a community committed to quality food. Dining becomes a lifestyle here, with many residents building their weekly routines around neighborhood favorites and local events. For new homeowners or those considering relocation, the culinary scene adds both daily joy and social connection to the Santa Rosa Beach experience.

The best attractions in Santa Rosa Beach aren’t just places to visit—they're experiences that shape everyday life. Whether it’s a morning paddle through a coastal dune lake, an evening concert at Gulf Place, or a quiet afternoon in Point Washington Forest, the activities available here support a lifestyle rooted in balance, beauty, and community.

For locals, these attractions become part of daily routines. For tourists, they represent the best of what Northwest Florida has to offer. And for potential homebuyers, they provide clear reasons to invest in the Santa Rosa Beach lifestyle.

If you're considering making Santa Rosa Beach your home or investing in property near its top destinations, partnering with a local expert is the first step. Contact Abbott Martin Group to explore homes near the top attractions in Santa Rosa Beach, and discover how coastal living can offer more than just a beautiful view—it can offer a lifestyle.