Santa Rosa Beach Travel Guide

Tourist 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, Santa Rosa Beach and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park 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 ₹8,953 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹8,953
₹10,027 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Santa Rosa Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (513 reviews)
"Great stay couldn’t really find any negatives."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 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 ₹10,768 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹10,768
₹12,060 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Santa Rosa Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
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 16 Jul 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and conference space. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (581 reviews)
"Nice room, enjoyed the stay"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 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 coffee maker 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 11 Jul 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 coffee maker. Popular attractions Santa Rosa ...
"Beautiful facility"

Reviewed on 20 Apr 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 Wi-Fi, 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

Cities near Santa Rosa Beach