Santa Rosa Beach offers a wide range of activities shaped by its coastal setting, preserved natural areas, and local businesses that emphasize regional character. When exploring things to do in Santa Rosa Beach, you will find beaches, outdoor adventures, shopping districts, and dining options that highlight the area’s relaxed yet engaging lifestyle.
Spend the Day at Blue Mountain Beach
Blue Mountain Beach stands out for its slightly elevated dunes, which offer scenic views often not found along other stretches of the Gulf Coast. Visitors enjoy a wide shoreline with soft white sand and clear, calm water.
The neighborhood surrounding the beach includes small eateries and locally owned shops.
Blue Mountain Creamery is a popular stop for homemade ice cream and baked goods. If you enjoy walking, you can explore residential streets lined with native landscaping, giving you a quieter introduction to coastal life.
Explore Grayton Beach State Park
Grayton Beach State Park offers a mix of beaches, lakes, and trails. The beach inside the park is vast and natural, featuring dunes and a gentle shoreline. Western Lake, a coastal dune lake, provides opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding. These lakes are rare ecosystems found mostly along this stretch of the Gulf Coast.
Hiking trails showcase longleaf pine forests, palmettos, and a diverse array of wildlife. The nature trail loops are short enough for beginners yet scenic enough for more seasoned hikers. Birdwatchers and photographers often spend hours in the park due to its unique habitats and calm setting.
Visit Gulf Place for Shopping, Dining, and Events
Gulf Place is a compact entertainment district located near the beach, featuring restaurants, art galleries, and boutique stores. The central green area hosts markets, live music, and small community events. Its walkable layout makes it a convenient place to spend an afternoon sampling local food or browsing handmade goods.
Restaurants such as
Shunk Gulley offer Gulf views and fresh seafood. Gulf Place also features local artists who display paintings, ceramics, and jewelry in small kiosks. The mix of shops and casual eateries makes it a popular gathering spot.
Paddleboard on the Coastal Dune Lakes
Santa Rosa Beach is renowned for its unique coastal dune lakes, shallow bodies of water that occasionally connect to the Gulf through natural outflows. Paddleboarding provides a calm way to explore these ecosystems. Western Lake, Eastern Lake, and Allen Lake are among the most accessible.
Rentals are often available near entry points, and experienced guides offer insight into the lakes’ formation, plant life, and wildlife. You might see fish moving between fresh and saltwater or observe shifting sandbars as the lakes open and close seasonally.
Stroll Through Eden Gardens State Park
Eden Gardens State Park sits near Tucker Bayou and features a historic mansion, expansive gardens, and towering oak trees. The
Wesley House anchors the property, surrounded by manicured lawns and flower beds. Although the interior is open for periodic tours, many visitors prefer to walk the grounds and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Picnic areas and shaded paths make the park a low-key place to spend time. The bayou provides gentle water views, and benches throughout the park allow you to take in the scenery at a relaxed pace. The park highlights the region’s heritage and natural appeal.
Enjoy Local Cuisine at Distinct Santa Rosa Beach Restaurants
Dining is a major part of the Santa Rosa Beach experience. Local restaurants emphasize fresh seafood, Gulf Coast ingredients, and laid-back atmospheres.
The Bay, situated on Choctawhatchee Bay, offers excellent views and a diverse menu featuring grilled fish, sushi, and Southern-influenced dishes.
Goatfeathers serves seafood sourced directly from the Gulf and includes a market where you can purchase fresh catches.
Stinky’s Fish Camp is another popular destination known for its oyster bar and fish specials.
Bike Along the Timpoochee Trail
The
Timpoochee Trail runs along much of Scenic Highway 30A and connects neighborhoods, beach access points, state parks, and shopping areas. The paved route is suitable for both casual and experienced cyclists, offering a safe and scenic way to travel through the region.
You can bike through areas such as Dune Allen, Blue Mountain Beach, Grayton Beach, and Seaside. Along the way, small cafés, boardwalks, and lookout points offer opportunities to take breaks and appreciate the surroundings.
Take a Boat or Kayak Out on Choctawhatchee Bay
While the Gulf attracts most visitors, the bay side of Santa Rosa Beach provides calm water for boating, kayaking, and fishing. Launch sites are available on both public and private properties. Bay waters are ideal for catching redfish and speckled trout, and boaters often explore hidden coves and marshes.
Nearby restaurants with bay access allow you to dock and dine, creating a relaxed boating culture. Kayakers appreciate the quiet water and scenic tree lines, offering a different perspective than the open Gulf shoreline.
Shop Local Art and Goods on 30A
30A is known for its artisan presence. Small studios, pop-up markets, and boutique stores display handmade pottery, paintings, jewelry, and coastal-inspired décor.
The Shard Shop offers classes where visitors can create art from glass fragments, giving you a chance to bring home a customized souvenir.
Galleries in Grayton Beach, including fine-art studios featuring regional painters, contribute to the area’s creative energy. These stops are ideal for those who enjoy meeting local creators and exploring one-of-a-kind pieces.
Start Exploring Santa Rosa Beach
Santa Rosa Beach offers a wide range of activities, natural attractions, and local experiences that shape its coastal lifestyle. If you want guidance on homes near beaches, parks, or scenic neighborhoods, the
Abbot Martin Group can help you explore the community with expertise and ease.
