Santa Rosa Beach, FL

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

4/5(1 area review)

This unincorporated area on Florida's Panhandle boasts a Seaside Farmers Market and a picturesque interfaith chapel. Explore the town center and stroll along pedestrian alleys radiating from the heart of the community.

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

Seagrove Beach

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

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

Seagrove Beach
Grayton Beach State Park showing a sandy beach

Watercolor

5/5(10 area reviews)

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

Watercolor
The Red Bar

Grayton Beach

You'll enjoy the beaches and bars in Grayton Beach. You might want to make time for a stop at Grayton Beach State Park or Grayton Beach.

Grayton Beach
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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

4.5/5(11 area reviews)

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

Dune Allen Beach
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
$105 nightly
The price is $118 total per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
$118 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (516 reviews)
"The hotel and service are great. The room is spacious, large counters/cabinet and convenient set up."

Reviewed on Jul 18, 2025

Home2 Suites By Hilton Santa Rosa Beach
The Lodge 30A

The Lodge 30A

2 out of 5
4721 E County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
$139 nightly
The price is $156 total per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
$156 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (498 reviews)
"The natural wood work throughout, and decor was very aesthetically pleasing. Very comfortable bed. Loved having a small kitchen area in room. Pool area was nice. Staff was friendly and happy to help with anything. Definitely would stay again if ever in the area!!!"

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2025

The Lodge 30A
30A Inn & Suites

30A Inn & Suites

3 out of 5
6904 W County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
$148 nightly
The price is $165 total per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
$165 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Santa Rosa Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and conference space. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (584 reviews)
"Last minute trip and this was the perfect location. Very close to the beach but not crazy expensive. We loved staying in a studio apartment style room so that we could make our own breakfast and snacks. Would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2025

30A Inn & Suites
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.
Hidden Beach Villas

Hidden Beach Villas

3.5 out of 5
3605 E County Highway 30a, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Santa Rosa Beach. Enjoy furnished balconies or patios, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Seaside ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (10 reviews)
"was the 2nd leg of a 4 leg stellar vaca & my wife is demanding a return!"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 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 ...
"Beautiful facility"

Reviewed on Apr 20, 2025

Pinewood30A
Bungalows at Seagrove by Southern Vacation Rentals

Bungalows at Seagrove by Southern Vacation Rentals

4 out of 5
198 Somerset Bridge Road, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Stay at this 4-star condo in Santa Rosa Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Seaside Beach and Grayton Beach State ...
Bungalows at Seagrove by Southern Vacation Rentals
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Santa Rosa Beach

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
70
5 - Excellent 73%
4 - Good
23
4 - Good 24%
3 - Okay
3
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

If you have the opportunity go to Christian International Vision Church in Santa Rosa Beach and receive a personal prophecy. They are a group of people who hear God’s voice.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

short trip, rainy day. not much time to visit things in the area

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I absolutely love Santa Rosa Beach and the entire area and have been many times.

5/5 - Excellent

Gigi

Move here!

4/5 - Good

Calli

beautiful beaches, lots of great restaurants and shopping.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Just beautiful. Big Bad Breakfast and Black Bear Bread Company are just a little drive and fantastic breakfast places. Bring your $ 30A is a bit expensive to dine out but well worth it.

Cities near Santa Rosa Beach