Santa Rosa Beach Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and everything you need to know for an unforgettable trip to Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.


Introduction to Santa Rosa Beach

Located on the Emerald Coast, in the Florida Panhandle, Santa Rosa Beach is a charming beach town that offers plenty of activities, attractions, and natural beauty. With its stunning white-sand beaches, crystalline waters, and a laid-back, small-town atmosphere, Santa Rosa Beach is the perfect destination for a relaxing vacation or an outdoor adventure.

List of Places to Visit in Santa Rosa Beach

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you’re interested in history and culture, Santa Rosa Beach has plenty to offer. Here are some of the best museums and historical places in the area:

1. Eden Gardens State Park

Eden Gardens State Park is a 163-acre park located on the banks of Tucker Bayou. The centerpiece of the park is the historic Wesley house, a two-story mansion built in 1897 that features beautiful antebellum architecture and antique furnishings. You can take a guided tour of the house, stroll through the park’s gardens, and enjoy a picnic by the bayou.

2. Point Washington State Forest

Point Washington State Forest is a 15,000-acre forest that offers a unique glimpse into the history and culture of the area. The forest has several historic sites, including the Porter House, a 1920s-era home that has been preserved as a museum, and the Morrison Springs cultural site, which features a prehistoric midden and evidence of early settlements.

3. Gulf Coast State College

Gulf Coast State College is a local college that has a strong focus on the arts and culture. The college has a beautiful campus that features several art galleries, including the Amelia Center Gallery, which showcases the work of local artists.

Natural Attractions of Santa Rosa Beach: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Santa Rosa Beach is known for its stunning natural beauty, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy it. Here are some of the best outdoor adventures and scenic views in the area:

1. Grayton Beach State Park

Grayton Beach State Park is a beautiful park that features a mile of pristine beachfront, crystal-clear waters, and towering sand dunes. The park is perfect for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and hiking, with several trails that wind through the park’s natural areas.

2. Seaside

Seaside is a charming beachside town that features beautiful architecture, a lively arts scene, and plenty of outdoor activities. You can take a stroll along the beach, browse the local art galleries, or enjoy the town’s vintage airstream food trucks.

3. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is a stunning park that features more than 3 miles of beachfront, towering sand dunes, and a rare coastal dune lake. The park is perfect for hiking, fishing, camping, and picnicking, with several trails that wind through the park’s natural areas.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Santa Rosa Beach

Santa Rosa Beach has plenty of hiking and biking trails that offer stunning views of the natural beauty of the area. Here are some of the best routes:

  • Point Washington State Forest Trail
  • Longleaf Greenway Trail
  • Timpoochee Trail

Best Things to Do in Santa Rosa Beach: Activities and Tours

Santa Rosa Beach offers plenty of activities and tours that are perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers. Here are some of the best things to do in the area:

  • Dolphin watching tours
  • Fishing charters
  • Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding
  • Scuba diving and snorkeling
  • Sunset cruises

Week-Long Itinerary for Santa Rosa Beach

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Santa Rosa Beach, here’s a sample itinerary to help you make the most of your time:

  • Day 1: Explore Grayton Beach State Park
  • Day 2: Take a walking tour of Seaside
  • Day 3: Visit Eden Gardens State Park and Point Washington State Forest
  • Day 4: Go fishing or take a fishing charter
  • Day 5: Take a dolphin watching tour
  • Day 6: Explore Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
  • Day 7: Relax on the beach and enjoy the local food scene

Food and Drink Scene of Santa Rosa Beach

Santa Rosa Beach has a diverse and vibrant food and drink scene, with plenty of options for every taste and budget. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Gulf seafood platters
  • Grouper sandwiches
  • Fried green tomatoes
  • Shrimp and grits
  • Smoked brisket

Local Beverages

  • Beer from Grayton Beer Company
  • Wine from Emerald Coast Wine Cellars
  • Rum from Timber Creek Distillery

Where to Stay in Santa Rosa Beach: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Santa Rosa Beach has plenty of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. Here are some of the best places to stay in the area:

  • Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
  • The Pearl Hotel
  • Seaside Cottage Rentals
  • Grayton Beach State Park camping sites

What to Buy in Santa Rosa Beach: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for souvenirs or local products to bring home, Santa Rosa Beach has plenty to offer. Here are some of the best places to shop:

  • Seaside Farmers Market
  • 30A Farmer’s Market
  • Art galleries in Seaside and Grayton Beach
  • Beach shops in Seaside and Grayton Beach

Local Culture and Customs of Santa Rosa Beach

Santa Rosa Beach has a laid-back, friendly culture that is reflected in the local customs and traditions. Here are some of the things to keep in mind:

  • Respect the local wildlife and natural areas
  • Follow the local dress code (casual, beachy attire is acceptable)
  • Be courteous to other beachgoers and residents

Best Time to Visit Santa Rosa Beach

The best time to visit Santa Rosa Beach is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November), when the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds. However, if you’re looking for a beach vacation, the summer months (June to August) are the most popular, but also the most crowded and expensive.

Do’s and Don’ts of Santa Rosa Beach

Do:

  • Do respect the local wildlife and natural areas
  • Do try the local seafood and craft beer
  • Do wear sunscreen and stay hydrated

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter on the beach or in the parks
  • Don’t disturb nesting sea turtles or other wildlife
  • Don’t drink and drive

Safety and Health

Safety in Santa Rosa Beach

Overall, Santa Rosa Beach is a safe destination for travelers. However, it’s always a good idea to take common sense safety precautions, such as locking your car, not leaving valuables unattended, and being aware of your surroundings.

Health in Santa Rosa Beach

Santa Rosa Beach has several medical facilities, including hospitals and urgent care centers, and is served by several pharmacies. It’s always a good idea to bring any necessary prescription medications with you.

Getting to Santa Rosa Beach: Transportation Options and Logistics

Santa Rosa Beach is easily accessible by car or plane. Here are some of the transportation options:

Airports Near Santa Rosa Beach

  • Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), about 30 miles east of Santa Rosa Beach
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS), about 50 miles west of Santa Rosa Beach

Bus Stations Near Santa Rosa Beach

  • Greyhound bus station in Fort Walton Beach, about 20 miles east of Santa Rosa Beach

Other Options

  • Renting a car in Fort Walton Beach or Pensacola
  • Taking a shuttle or taxi from the airport to Santa Rosa Beach

How to Get Around in Santa Rosa Beach

The best way to get around Santa Rosa Beach is by car, as many of the attractions and natural areas are spread out and not easily accessible by public transportation. However, there are several bike rental shops in the area, and biking is a popular and fun way to explore the local sights and attractions.

Where to Go Next from Santa Rosa Beach: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore more of the area, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Panama City Beach, about 30 miles east of Santa Rosa Beach
  • Destin, about 20 miles west of Santa Rosa Beach
  • Grayton Beach, about 5 miles west of Santa Rosa Beach

Conclusion

Santa Rosa Beach offers plenty of activities, attractions, and natural beauty, making it the perfect destination for a relaxing vacation or an outdoor adventure. Whether you’re interested in history and culture, outdoor activities, or simply soaking up the sun on the beach, Santa Rosa Beach has something for everyone.