Santa Rosa Beach

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Tommy Crow/Visit South Walton
Photo provided by Tommy Crow/Visit South Walton
Photo provided by Zehnder/Visit South Walton
Photo provided by Visit South Walton
Photo provided by Visit South Walton
Brilliant white sandy beaches, aquatic sports and tranquil landscapes are plentiful in this portal to a Florida weekend escape. 

Once you find a place to park near Santa Rosa Beach, get out for a quick walk along the shore. Pass soft sand, crested dunes and tall desert grasses onto a white expanse of sand that fades into transparent blue-green water. Wade out into the waves or enjoy quiet sunbathing. Either way you’ll see why it’s easy to be happy at Santa Rosa Beach. 

Water activity around Santa Rosa is clustered in four main beach areas, including Santa Rosa Beach. At Grayton Beach State Park, look for small fish darting past your toes through inches of clear water near the shore. Topsail Beach State Preserve features an RV park and fantastic roads for road biking or leisurely walks. For a quieter beach to enjoy summer reading, try Deer Lake State Park.

Find your preferred way to tour this beach landscape. Saddle up on horseback and take a guided tour on dry land. Enjoy the novelty and fun of the Emerald Coast Pedal Tours, joining 15 other people on a pedal-powered mechanical wagon. Rent a bike and ride for miles along the shore enjoying gently breaking waves and salty air.

Get some exercise on a paddleboard and explore the marshlands. Increase the intensity of your beach experience on a surfboard or boogie board. 

The fun in Santa Rosa Beach extends beyond that of typical beachside getaways. Get back on to dry land and tee off at the Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club. Catch a live performance of sketch comedy at the Seaside Repertory Theater. Find your own adventure in a bar or restaurant in town. 

Fly into Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport in Panama City. Rent a car and drive 25 miles (40 kilometers) from the airport. Once you reach Santa Rosa Beach you’ll be able to walk between attractions.

Where to stay in Santa Rosa Beach

Seaside which includes a coastal town and general coastal views

Seaside

Seaside is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Seaside Beach and Seaside Repertory Theatre.

Seaside
Fort Walton Beach which includes a sunset and a sandy beach

Seagrove Beach

Travelers come to Seagrove Beach for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Seaside Beach and Seagrove Beach East while you're in town.

Seagrove Beach
Grayton Beach State Park showing a sandy beach

Watercolor

While visiting Watercolor, you might make a stop by sights like Grayton Beach State Park and Seagrove Beach West.

Watercolor
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Blue Mountain Beach

If you're spending some time in Blue Mountain Beach, Blue Mountain Beach and Santa Rosa Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Blue Mountain Beach
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Dune Allen Beach

While visiting Dune Allen Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Santa Rosa Beach.

Dune Allen Beach
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Gulf Place

Gulf Place might not have many top sights, but Santa Rosa Beach Golf Club and Santa Rosa Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Gulf Place
The Lodge 30A
The Lodge 30A
2 out of 5
4721 E County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
The price is P8,744 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
P8,744
P9,794 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 28 - Apr 29
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Rosa Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (407 reviews)
"We loved staying at the Lodge on 30a."

Reviewed on Apr 6, 2025

The Lodge 30A
Home2 Suites By Hilton Santa Rosa Beach
Home2 Suites By Hilton Santa Rosa Beach
3 out of 5
100 West Hewett Road, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
The price is P7,329 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
P7,329
P8,209 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 16 - Apr 17
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Santa Rosa Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (419 reviews)
Dog
"This property was really nice. My only issue was the we had a dog barking across the hall from us."

Reviewed on Apr 1, 2025

Home2 Suites By Hilton Santa Rosa Beach
WaterColor Inn & Resort
WaterColor Inn & Resort
4 out of 5
34 Golden Rod Circle, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
The price is P40,857 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
P40,857
P49,260 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 27 - Apr 28
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Santa Rosa Beach. Enjoy free parking, 10 outdoor pools, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Seaside Beach and Grayton ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (233 reviews)
"Perfect"

Reviewed on Apr 3, 2025

WaterColor Inn & Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Gulf Views, Pool & Free Beach Chairs - Seagrove Beach on 30A
Gulf Views, Pool & Free Beach Chairs - Seagrove Beach on 30A
4 out of 5
3768 E County Highway 30a, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Stay at this 4-star condo in Santa Rosa Beach. Enjoy furnished balconies, in-room washers/dryers, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Seaside Beach ...
9/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
"Beautiful view and quite area"

Reviewed on Mar 4, 2025

Gulf Views, Pool & Free Beach Chairs - Seagrove Beach on 30A
Hidden Beach Villas
Hidden Beach Villas
3 out of 5
3605 E County Highway 30a, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Stay at this 3-star condo in Santa Rosa Beach. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker, air conditioning, and outdoor pool access. Popular attractions Seaside Beach and ...
7/10 Good! (4 reviews)
"This is perfect for 1 or 2 people."

Reviewed on Mar 20, 2025

Hidden Beach Villas
Pinewood30A
Pinewood30A
3 out of 5
179 South County Hwy 393, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Stay at this 3-star condo in Santa Rosa Beach. Enjoy balconies or patios, in-room washers/dryers, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Santa Rosa ...
Pinewood30A
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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