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10 Things to Do in Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Photo by Skye Marthaler

Santa Rosa Beach, FL, is a treasure trove for beach enthusiasts, offering a multitude of stunning beaches. One of the top things to do in Santa Rosa Beach, FL, is visiting Grayton Beach State Park, a beautiful expanse that offers more than just sunbathing. Here, visitors can engage in fishing, paddleboarding, and exploring scenic trails. 

Another must-visit is the namesake Santa Rosa Beach, where the long stretches of powdery white sand and emerald waters create a picture-perfect setting. Additionally, Blue Mountain Beach is not only visually stunning with its blue lupine flowers, but it also offers a peaceful retreat from the more crowded beaches, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.

State Parks and Nature Preserves

For those who love to immerse themselves in nature, Santa Rosa Beach does not disappoint. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, known for its white quartz sand and lush surroundings, is an excellent place for hiking and enjoying the outdoor ambiance. Deer Lake State Park, another significant spot, showcases the natural beauty of Santa Rosa before development. 

Exploring these parks is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. Additionally, Point Washington State Forest provides a massive area for hiking, biking, and experiencing the local flora and fauna, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Unique Attractions in Santa Rosa Beach

Unique attractions abound in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. The Underwater Museum of Art, located off the shores of Walton County, is a spectacular destination for certified divers, offering a first-of-its-kind underwater sculpture garden. Another unique venue is The Workshop by Ginger Leigh Designs, where visitors can find exceptional gifts and artworks, adding a creative touch to the list of things to do in Santa Rosa Beach, FL.

Things to Do in Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Santa Rosa Beach, FL is a beautiful place to visit with a lot of activities to do. Here are some of the things to do in Santa Rosa Beach, FL:

  • Visit the beautiful beaches of Santa Rosa Beach, FL, such as Top Sail, Opal Beach, and Santa Rosa Island, Florida.
  • Explore the beautiful nature of Santa Rosa Beach, FL, such as Topsail Hill State Park.
  • Rent a boat or a kayak and explore the beautiful waters of Santa Rosa Beach, FL.
  • Go fishing and enjoy the beautiful waters of Santa Rosa Beach, FL.

1. Top Sail

Top Sail is a beautiful beach located in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun. The beach is known for its white sand and crystal-clear water. There are many activities to do at Top Sail, such as swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. You can also rent a boat or a kayak and explore the beautiful waters of Top Sail. To get to Top Sail, you can take Highway 30A and turn onto Top Sail Road.

2. Opal Beach

Opal Beach is another beautiful beach located in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun. The beach is known for its white sand and emerald-green water. There are many activities to do at Opal Beach, such as swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. You can also rent a boat or a kayak and explore the beautiful waters of Opal Beach. To get to Opal Beach, you can take Highway 30A and turn onto Gulf Shore Drive.

3. Santa Rosa Island, Florida

Santa Rosa Island, Florida is a beautiful island located in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun. The island is known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear water. There are many activities to do at Santa Rosa Island, Florida, such as swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. You can also rent a boat or a kayak and explore the beautiful waters of Santa Rosa Island, Florida. To get to Santa Rosa Island, Florida, you can take Highway 98 and turn onto Santa Rosa Boulevard.

4. Topsail Hill State Park

Topsail Hill State Park is a beautiful park located in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the nature. The park is known for its white sand dunes and emerald-green water. There are many activities to do at Topsail Hill State Park, such as hiking, camping, and fishing. You can also rent a bike and explore the beautiful trails of Topsail Hill State Park. To get to Topsail Hill State Park, you can take Highway 30A and turn onto Topsail Hill Road.

5. Eden Gardens State Park

Eden Gardens State Park is a beautiful park located in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the nature. The park is known for its beautiful gardens and historic Wesley House. There are many activities to do at Eden Gardens State Park, such as hiking, camping, and fishing. To get to Eden Gardens State Park, you can take Highway 98 and turn onto County Road 395.

6. Grayton Beach State Park

Grayton Beach State Park is a beautiful park located in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the nature. The park is known for its white sand beaches and emerald-green water. There are many activities to do at Grayton Beach State Park, such as hiking, camping, and fishing. You can also rent a bike and explore the beautiful trails of Grayton Beach State Park. To get to Grayton Beach State Park, you can take Highway 30A and turn onto DeFuniak Street.

7. Deer Lake State Park

Deer Lake State Park is a beautiful park located in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the nature. The park is known for its beautiful lake and white sand beaches. There are many activities to do at Deer Lake State Park, such as hiking, camping, and fishing. You can also rent a kayak and explore the beautiful waters of Deer Lake State Park. To get to Deer Lake State Park, you can take Highway 30A and turn onto County Road 395.

8. Glamping

Glamping is a great way to enjoy the beautiful nature of Santa Rosa Beach, FL. There are many glamping sites in Santa Rosa Beach, FL that offer a unique experience. You can enjoy the beautiful nature while staying in a comfortable tent or cabin. To find the best glamping sites in Santa Rosa Beach, FL, you can search online or ask the locals.

9. Fishing and Water Activities

Fishing and water activities are very popular in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. There are many places where you can go fishing or enjoy water activities. Some of the popular places for fishing and water activities in Santa Rosa Beach, FL are:

  • Choctawhatchee Bay
  • Gulf of Mexico
  • Western Lake
  • Eastern Lake

You can rent a boat or a kayak and explore the beautiful waters of Santa Rosa Beach, FL. You can also go fishing and catch some of the local fish. There are many fishing charters available in Santa Rosa Beach, FL that offer a great fishing experience.

10. Gulf Place

Gulf Place is a beautiful outdoor shopping center located in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. It is a great place to shop, dine, and relax. The shopping center is known for its unique boutiques and local art galleries. There are many activities to do at Gulf Place, such as shopping, dining, and enjoying live music. You can also rent a bike and explore the beautiful trails of Gulf Place. To get to Gulf Place, you can take Highway 30A and turn onto Gulf Place Drive.

Conclusion

In summary, Santa Rosa Beach, FL, is not only a destination rich in diverse attractions and activities but also an increasingly popular choice for new residents. Movers have noted a significant uptick in the number of people relocating to this idyllic locale. This surge in interest is undoubtedly due to the area’s enchanting beaches, vibrant cultural scene, and a plethora of outdoor and recreational activities. Whether one is seeking a peaceful beach retreat, a cultural haven, or an adventurous outdoor experience, Santa Rosa Beach offers a compelling mix of all these elements. This makes it not only a perfect vacation destination but also an attractive place to call home. The growth in its population is a testament to the allure and livability of Santa Rosa Beach, making it a standout choice in Florida’s pantheon of beachfront gems.