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 showing 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 Seagrove Beach West.

Seaside
Fort Walton Beach featuring a beach and a sunset

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 featuring a 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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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

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
The Lodge 30A

The Lodge 30A

2 out of 5
4721 E County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
The price is P7,176 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
P7,176
P8,038 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
includes taxes & 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! (508 reviews)
"Great location and lots to do. Beach access in less than a 10 mins walk!"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 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 P5,990 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P5,990
P6,709 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & 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! (530 reviews)
"Amazing property and also they accept pets"

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Home2 Suites By Hilton Santa Rosa Beach
30A Inn & Suites

30A Inn & Suites

3 out of 5
6904 W County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
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! (598 reviews)
"It was clean, cute, and in a great location—just a short drive to Santa Rosa Beach and a 20 min drive to Destin. Check-in was easy with a door code, no need to go to an office. Would definitely stay again!"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 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.
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 ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"Beautiful facility"

Reviewed on Apr 20, 2025

Pinewood30A
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (11 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
Beachside Villas - Minutes to The Beach - Ground Floor - Pools & Tennis

Beachside Villas - Minutes to The Beach - Ground Floor - Pools & Tennis

3 out of 5
11 Beachside Dr, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Stay at this 3-star condo in Santa Rosa Beach. Enjoy balconies, in-room washers/dryers, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Seaside Beach and Alys ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"This 1013 beachside dr is a wonderful place....interior and exterior looked great and brand new...! My family and I very enjoy it. The beach so clear and sand looks so white...I love it...Thank you so much!!!"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Beachside Villas - Minutes to The Beach - Ground Floor - Pools & Tennis
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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