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 Theatre. 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 kilometres) 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 Seagrove Beach West.

Seaside
Fort Walton Beach which includes a sunset and a beach

Seagrove Beach

5/5(1 area review)

Seagrove Beach is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Seaside Beach or Seagrove Beach West.

Seagrove Beach
Grayton Beach State Park showing 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

If you're spending some time in Dune Allen Beach, Topsail Hill Preserve State Park and Santa Rosa Beach are top sights worth seeing.

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
The price is RM741 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
RM741
RM830 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
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! (488 reviews)
"Clean and very nice breakfast"

Reviewed on 26 Jun 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
The price is RM949 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
RM949
RM1,062 total
7 Jul - 8 Jul
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! (472 reviews)
"Great stay and service!"

Reviewed on 22 Jun 2025

The Lodge 30A
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! (570 reviews)
"We had a wonderful stay at this hotel with our toddlers. Everything was very clean and comfortable — we truly felt like we were at home. It was a perfect place for a family, and we felt so at ease throughout our stay. We will definitely choose this hotel again in the future!"

Reviewed on 24 Jun 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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (9 reviews)
"Very accommodating and the location couldn’t have been more perfect. Great for any beach goer"

Reviewed on 2 Jun 2025

Hidden Beach Villas
Barsala At Jewel At Santa Rosa Beach
Barsala At Jewel At Santa Rosa Beach
4 out of 5
158 Malachite Way, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Santa Rosa Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room washers/dryers, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Seaside Beach and ...
10/10 Exceptional! (3 reviews)
"This was a very nice place to stay. Brand new with crazy amenities in a great location."

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Barsala At Jewel At Santa Rosa Beach
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 20 Apr 2025

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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