Last Updated on December 22, 2023
Santa Rosa Beach is one of 16 unique beach neighborhoods in South Walton County, along a 26-mile stretch of the Emerald Coast in Florida.
This beach town is known for its natural beauty, turquoise waters, and white sugar sand beaches.
Our Travel + Leisure magazine friends named it one of the “Best Beaches on Earth” for families. We agree!
Things to Do in Santa Rosa Beach
While there are so many great things to do in Santa Rosa Beach, the team at Authentic Florida narrowed it down to our favorite ten.
Blue Mabel Smokehouse & Provisions
This locally owned and operated restaurant works based on a “from scratch mentality” meaning that everything from the house-made sauces to the smoked meats is carefully sourced and made in-house.
Blue Mabel’s is beautifully built, with stunning architecture and an elevated menu with something for everyone. Guests can dine indoors or in the open outdoor seating when the weather is nice.
Blue Mabel Smokehouse & Provisions Address: 2260 W County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Learn more on the Blue Mabel Website.
Blue Mountain Beach
This beach gets its name from the blue lupine flowers of the area and the fact that the South Walton area’s highest elevation is here (65 feet).
After your sunny relaxation on the beach, make sure to stop by Blue Mountain Creamery for homemade ice cream, or Red Fish Taco for fresh Gulf seafood and live music.
The best part of Blue Mountain Beach? It generally draws in far fewer crowds than other spots on the Emerald Coast (Shhhhh).
Blue Mountain Beach Address: 475 Blue Mountain Rd, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Don Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant
Local and family-owned Don Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant is the perfect spot to go if you’re looking for Authentic Mexican food in the Santa Rosa Beach area.
Not only will you see delicious and familiar Mexican dishes on the menu, but you’ll also find several breakfast choices.
Try tasty huevos rancheros and breakfast burritos, or go all-American with breakfast sandwiches, omelets, and pancakes.
Don Pedro’s is known for its outstanding services and affordable prices and is open from Monday – Saturday, 7:00 am – 9:00 pm, and Sundays, 7:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Don Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant Address: 4942 US-98 Suite 7, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Eden Gardens State Park
Located on 163 acres that were once a part of the Wesley Homestead, Eden Gardens State Park still features the stunning and renovated 1897 mansion.
This beautiful house features two stories with white columns and a wrap-around porch near a forest of mossy live oaks.
The home was bought in 1963 by Lois Maxon, who initiated the renovations and created a space to show family heirlooms and antiques to visitors.
Guests can not only take a stroll through the gardens or have a picnic meal but can also take a guided tour of the Wesley House as well.
Eden Gardens State Park Address: 181 Eden Gardens Road, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Learn more on the Florida State Park’s Website.
Grayton Beach State Park
Did you know Grayton Beach is consistently rated as one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the US?
This state park is over 2,000 acres and offers more than simply relaxing in the sun.
The nearby Western Lake offers fishing, paddling, and 4 miles of coastal trails through the scrub oaks and magnolias.
In addition to the 4-mile trail, Grayton Beach also has a 1-mile nature trail at the parking area for the beach.
The outdoor fun includes bicycling, birding, boating, camping, fishing, paddling, swimming, and wildlife viewing available as well.
If you want to spend the night, Grayton Beach State Park has a unique accommodation of onsite cabins minutes from the Gulf and white-sand beaches.
These two-bedroom, one-bath duplex cabins can accommodate up to 6 people.
Address: 357 Main Park Road, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Learn more on the Reserve Florida State Parks Website.
Grayton Beer Company
The Grayton Beer Company is a must-visit location if you’re a craft beer fan. Inside the company’s 30,000-square-foot production facility, the Grayton Beer Company also has a taproom to showcase its beer for visitors.
Not only does their tap wall consist of over 20 unique beers, but you can also play various games like Jenga, cornhole, darts, and more.
If you have little ones or furry friends – no worries. The taproom is pet- and kid-friendly and is open Tuesday – Saturday from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Grayton Beer Company Address: 217 Serenoa Rd, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Point Washington State Forest
This state forest is a 15,000-acre preserve with various outdoor recreation types. Generally, most people visit the forest for hunting, off-road bicycling, and hiking.
One of the most popular hiking trails in the forest is the Eastern Lake Trail System, which consists of three double-track loop trails at 3.5, 5, and 10 miles.
Overnight camping is also available at Eastern Lake Campground, part of the Eastern Lake Trail.
You will be able to see multiple types of flora like Flatwoods and cypress swamps, and you may even spot some threatened or endangered animals like the American kestrel, gopher tortoise, Flatwoods salamander, and more.
Point Washington State Forest Address: 5865 E US Hwy 98, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Learn more about the forest on the FDACS website.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, located in Santa Rosa Beach, gets its name from the unique white quartz sand dunes located on the beach.
These dunes also create a rare ecosystem – freshwater dune lakes full of unique wildlife.
If you choose to watch through the state park forests, you’ll see even more interesting species like the Choctawhatchee beach mouse.
Other amenities of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park include bicycling, camping, hiking, swimming, birding, fishing, paddling, and more.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Address: 7525 W. County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Check it out on the Florida State Parks Website.
The Underwater Museum of Art
This museum in Santa Rosa Beach is unique, and even though it is only available to visitors with a specific skill set, it had to be mentioned.
The Underwater Museum of Art, as the name suggests, is a permanent underwater sculpture garden 58 feet below the ocean’s surface.
Due to the museum’s depth and being on Emile off the shore of Grayton Beach State Park, visitors should be certified divers to enjoy the art.
The sculptures chosen for the museum attract marine life and eventually turn into a living reef.
The Underwater Museum of Art Address: Gulf of Mexico, off of Walton County, Florida.
The Workshop by Ginger Leigh Designs
Locally owned by Ginger Leigh, The Workshop is a fantastic spot to find unique art and gifts. Ginger herself creates the art, generally, paintings done on wood.
You can also buy ornaments, stationery, candles, and more.
If you’re visiting in person, The Workshop is open Monday – Thursday from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm with friendly staff ready to help you discover that next treasure.
The Workshop by Ginger Leigh Designs Address: 416 S County Hwy 393 Unit 7.2, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
NOTE: You can purchase Ginger’s works on her website if you’re not in the Santa Rosa Beach area.
If we missed one of your favorites, let us know in the comments, or share photos on our social media pages using #AuthenticFlorida.
Looking for other things to do in Northwest Florida? Check out:
- Experience Authentic Pensacola (& Pensacola Beach)
- A Sugary Beach on Florida’s Panhandle You’ll Want to Discover: St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
- 13 Unique Airbnb’s Not To Be Missed in Florida
- 23 Best Roadside Attractions in Florida
- Our Top 4 Tips for a Perfect Visit to Crab Island
- Best Fishing Spots in Destin