25 Best & Fun Things to Do in Santa Rosa Beach (FL)

In search of the best and fun things to do in Santa Rosa Beach, FL?

Santa Rosa Beach is an independent community in Walton County, Florida. This City is Part of the Fort Walton Beach-Crestview-Destin, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.

This city covers a 26-mile stretch of the famous Northwest Florida Coast; Santa Rosa Beach is one of the sixteen distinct beach communities in South Walton County.

Santa Rosa Beach has various lovely attractions and traditions and lots of fun activities. This community is one of the best Beaches on Earth, and the city also has breweries, great dining spots, theatres, art galleries, state parks, museums, and many more.

Various outdoor recreational activities can also be performed at various locations in the city, like Grayton Beach State Park and Washington State Forest. Here are the best things to do in Santa Rosa Beach, FL.

Things to Do in Santa Rosa Beach

1. Grayton Beach State Park

Grayton Beach State Park is a fun park and has been ranked as one of the most beautiful and original beaches in the country, this state park also has lots of lovely places and activities apart from its beaches.

The western lake at this state park is a perfect location for fishing, paddling, and boating; there’s also a trail great for hiking, jogging, and exploration of the coastal forest filled with Magnolias and Scrub Oaks.

Grayton Beach State Park is also a great location to camp. They have different campgrounds and cabins (anyone you prefer). This park has over 50 campsites available with water and electricity.

This park is a fun place in Santa Rosa Beach, a visit here is one of the top things to do in Santa Rosa Beach, FL.

Address: 357 Main Park Road, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, United States.

2. Blue Mountain Beach

Blue Mountain Beach is a beautiful beach and a perfect spot for relaxation in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida; this beach was named after the blue lupine flowers found in the area.

This place has the highest elevation (approximately 65 feet) in the whole of South Walton; this beach prides itself on its magnificent beauty. According to legends, the first sailors who arrived at the community mistook the giant sand dunes covered in blue lupine flowers to be Mountains.

Three rare dune lakes can be found within the Blue Mountain Beach, the Big Redfish Lake, the Little Redfish Lake, and Draper Lake; all are great fishing spots. Blue Mountain Beach is a great place to relax in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

Address: Blue Mountain Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, United States.

3. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is a large gorgeous state park named for having the tallest dune in the preserve; the tallest dune looks like a ship’s topsail when viewed from the Gulf.

This state park offers lots of fun activities and adventures; the park has a 3.2-mile white sand beach with over 25 feet tall dunes. Fishing is a very popular activity at this park, and the most common fishes caught are; bream, panfish, bass, and catfish.

With the beautiful lake, old longleaf pines, pristine beaches, and pine scrub, this park is a great location to hike or bird-watch; this park has lovely trails, beautiful lakes, beaches, views of birds, mammals, reptiles, and many other wonderful features.

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is part of the Florida Birding Trail and should be added to your list of things to do in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

Address: 7525 West County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, United States.

4. Point Washington State Forest

Point Washington State Forest covers approximately fifteen thousand acres and twenty-seven miles of trails, and this forest area features swamplands, coastal scrub, pine Flatwoods, and wet prairie.

Visitors to this forest can explore three different trail systems and a horse trail off Bay Drive. Many outdoor recreational activities can be performed within the Point Washington State Forest area.

Some activities that can be performed at this place include off-road biking, hiking, hunting, and Jogging. The trail loops have a 3.5-mile, 5-mile, and 10-mile trail; camping areas are also available on the Eastern lake campground along the Eastern Lake Trail.

Point Washington State Forest is a great location to visit in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

Address: 5865 E U.S Highway 98, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459-6046, United States.

5. Elmore’s landing

Elmore’s Landing is an art gallery in Santa Rosa Beach; this gallery is named after Joe Elmore. Joe Elmore was a woodcarver, painter and sculptor, and he fashioned lots of paintings, carvings and artworks in his lifetime.

Joe Elmore started carving when he cut down a tree with his father and then saw a face in the wood. He was a famous and professional artist for over 40 years.

Elmore’s Landing is an art gallery where you can see lovely artworks and purchase them; many of the artworks belong to Joe Elmore and other local artists; they also offer liquid refreshments and sometimes entertainment on an outdoor stage.

Elmore’s Landing is a nice gallery filled with lovely and inspiring artworks and   a visit is one of the fun things to do in Santa Rosa Beach, FL.

Address: 24728 US-331, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, United States.

6. Justin Gaffrey Gallery

Justin Gaffrey is a popular artist who learned how to paint by exploring different techniques many of his favourite artists used.

Justin Gaffrey was given the artist of the year award in 2005; he is famous because his works combine his unique style and mixtures of many of his favourite artists.

The Justin Gaffrey Gallery is a great place to learn more about the man behind the arts and see the beautiful artworks.

Justin Gaffrey’s most recent works can be found in a home built by the artist and was once a restaurant; this gallery is open from 10:00 am till 6:00 pm from Monday to Saturday.

A visit to this art gallery is amongst the fun things to do in Santa Rosa Beach, FL.

Address: 21 Blue Gulf Drive, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, United States.

7. Watercolor Tennis

Watercolor Tennis is a tennis court loved by most tennis enthusiasts in Santa Rosa Beach; this tennis court has state-of-the-art facilities and lovely tennis programs. Watercolour tennis has five main Har Tru Hydro courts with its standard lights and grass-stepped porch where the game can be watched.

This tennis court also has a store on-site where professional equipment, merchandise, footwear, logos, and many more can be bought and rented. The courts are always well maintained and in standard playing conditions.

Watercolor Tennis is one of the best places to play tennis in the city, and they have really lovely and helpful staff, this tennis centre is located near shops and restaurants at the seaside. This centre also has lovely views and many fun dynamic drills.

Watercolor Tennis is a perfect place to have fun in Santa Rosa Beach, So  add to your list of things to do in Santa Rosa Beach, FL.

Address: 976 Western Lake Drive, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, United States.

8. Mary Hong Gallery

Mary Hong Gallery and Studio exhibit Mary Hong beautiful works of art; Mary is a popular entrepreneur and artist from Emerald Coast in Northwest Florida.

She travels a lot and has a Midwestern root making her creative in her recycled glass and glass mosaic niches.

After many recognition, including many awards, Mary decided to open her own Art Gallery in Santa Rosa Beach. This gallery has been operational for over five years, and an art studio was added about three years ago.

This famous gallery now serves as a source of tourist attraction; both visitors and locals visit this place for fun and to check out the unique exhibits. The “Perfect in South Walton” award has been given to this gallery.

This gallery is amongst the fun places to visit in Santa Rosa Beach, so do add to your bucket list of cool things to do in Santa Rosa Beach, FL.

Address: 26 Logan Ln, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, United States.

9. Don Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant

Don Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant offers lovely Mexican Food, and it’s located in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

The restaurant is a family-owned and operated establishment, and apart from their main menu, daily specials and catering options are also available at the restaurant.

Various delicious meals are available for customers like salsa, a variety of breakfast choices, and their specialty Mexican dishes. This restaurant is open between 7:00 am till 2:00 pm on Sunday and 7:00 am till 9:00 pm from Monday to Saturday.

Don Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant is also known for its pleasant atmosphere, affordable prices, and great staff. This is another lovely place to dine in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

Address: 4942 US-98 W, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, United States.

10. Grayton Brewing Company

This Brewing Company has a 30,000 square feet state-of-the-art production facility, the company’s taproom features over 20 unique brews, and it’s also located inside the company.

The taproom also has various games to entertain the guests, games as Corn hole, Darts, and life-size Jenga. This company and its taproom is kid-friendly and pet-friendly establishment.

Grayton Brewing Company is open between the hours of 11:00 am till 5:00 pm on Tuesday to Saturday; visitors can also join tours of the facility led by a Grayton Beer Ambassador by contacting the Brewery.

A visit to this Brewery and tap-room is amongst the top things to do in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

Address: 217 Serenoa Road, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, United States.

11. The Underwater Museum of Art

The Underwater Museum of Art is located in the Gulf of Mexico, off the Shore of Walton County. This Museum is the first permanent underwater sculpture garden in the Country.

This unique museum and eco-tourist attraction are 58-feet deep beneath the surface of the ocean and a mile off the shores of the famous Santa Rosa Beach’s Grayton Beach State Park.

Sculptures are specially selected from artists worldwide yearly to be installed in this museum. These sculptures serve as a way to attract marine life forms, and over time they transform into living reefs.

Visitors who want to explore this place in depth have to be certified divers. The Underwater Museum of Art is a unique location and a visit is amongst the cool things to add to your bucket list of things to do in Santa Rosa Beach, FL.

Address: 357 Main Park Road, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, United States.

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12. YOLO Board and Bike

YOLO Board and Bike is a great place to shop in the city for outdoor activities gear and activities; this establishment sells various types of equipment like cruisers, tires, paddles, electricity, boards, gears, coffee, and many others.

Bikes are available for sale and rent at affordable prices; they have different, comfortable bikes for everyone and every kind of road.

Even if you don’t know the bike that suits you, an expert will be available to help you pick the best bike that suits your style. Whether you’re renting or buying, the staff should be told the type of bike you need or love so you can get the necessary advice and expert opinions.

YOLO Board and Bike is a great place to shop in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

Address: 95 Laura Hamilton Boulevard, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, United States.

13. The Workshop by Ginger Leigh Designs

The Workshop by Ginger Leigh Designs is a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs for friends and family. These workshop gifts are mostly artworks, mainly beautifully painted wood created by Ginger Leigh.

Other items for sale at this store includes Ornaments, flags, stationery, candles with pleasant natural scent, and more. The staff at this place are also super helpful and very knowledgeable.

The Workshop is open from Monday to Thursday between the hours of 10:00 am till 3:00 pm. Designs made by Ginger Leigh are sold online and in some shops across the country. The Workshop is one of the to attractions in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

Address: 416 S N County Highway 393, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, United States.

14. Modus Photography

Modus Photography is one of the best places to take a great picture at Santa Rosa Beach; they cover occasions like birthdays, special events, and weddings, or also solo pictures.

Modus Photography is a famous photography company known for its excellent performance in delivering outstanding outcomes and long-term satisfaction among its customers.

The majority of the company’s clients are friends and family who wish to have a memorable picture of the city with lovely attractions as a background.

Apart from the regular photography services they offer, you also get to see some of the best pictures of clients and beautiful attractions. These lovely pictures help guarantee you a good result when using their services.

Modus Photography is amongst the cool places to visit in Santa Rosa Beach, and should make your bucket list of fun things to do in Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Address: 39 Logan Lane #9, Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, United States.

15. Distillery 98

Distillery98 is a distillery in Santa Rosa Beach and offers tours, tastings and merchandise sales; this company was created as a means to connect people and places.

Their products are hand-made from locally made ingredients and farmed crops, and they also have a tasting room and shop that are open to the public. One of their most popular drinks is the famous Dune Laker Vodka.

Distillery 98 products can be bought online (on their website) and at local restaurants and stores. Visit during their operating hours and get free tastings and tours of the facility.

A visit to Distillery 98 is amongst the unique things to do in Santa Rosa Beach, FL.

Address: 835 Serenoa Road, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, United States.

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16. Christina D Swim and Resort

Christina D Swim and resort is an excellent resort in Santa Rosa Beach, and it’s located at 3925 W County Highway of Santa Rosa Beach.

This resort is open to everyone regardless of age, and it’s a great place to spend time with friends and family members.

You can enjoy the splash and many other water activities at this resort. The water is neat crystal clear, and it’s in a hygienic environment.

Apart from its excellent resort services, this site sells many water merchandise, like swimsuits and more. Their products have various sizes, ensuring everyone has a perfect fit regardless of age or size.

Christina D Swim and resort offers a chance to enjoy the river in the city, and this is another excellent place to spend time in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

Address: 3925 W County Highway 30A Suite G, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, United States.

17. Blue Sky 30A Fishing Charters

Blue Sky 30A Fishing Charters is another lovely establishment in Santa Rosa Beach; they are one of the best fishing charters in the city. This fishing charter won the Trip Advisor’s Travelers’ Choice award in 2020.

They offer a fun, family-friendly experience from the sandy beaches of Santa Rosa to the excellent and clear Panama City Beach, Florida. They offer a memorable fishing experience and also an intellectual experience for people trying to become professionals at the art.

Blue Sky 30A Fishing Charters will teach you how to catch and clean your fish for you before leaving. They offer an interactive fishing experience; the guide will put you right into the action and find the best spots for catching quality fish.

This fishing charter is a great place to have a fun, memorable, and exhilarating experience, This answers what to do in Santa Rosa Beach, FL, for a fun time, do add to your checklist of things to do in Santa Rosa Beach, FL.

Address: 605 N County Highway 393 a1, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, United States.

18. The Shard Shop

The Shard Shop is a unique gift shop in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. This gift shop has some of the best gift ideas and artwork displays.

The Shard Shop is a prominent art destination in Santa Rosa Beach that created different artworks using unique materials. The artworks aren’t regular paintings because liquid art materials weren’t used in their creation.

Like the famous Mary Hong Gallery, The Shard Shop also uses recycled glass, shells, and other objects that can be used as Art.

The expert’s creative mind has created a unique understanding of the artworks for the people; the Shard shop also shares their skills with those interested in learning and becoming experts.

The Shard Shop offers art lessons to enrol yourself or your children to learn how to create stunning artwork. Visit the Shard Shop to see the various artworks and discover your potential by learning how to create them.

Address: 26 Logan Lane, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, United States.

19. Goatfeathers Seafood Market East

Goatfeathers Seafood Market East is a great place to shop for all your cooking necessities at an affordable price. If you prefer to cook indoors with your family, you can purchase all your needed fresh products at Goatfather Seafood Market East.

Goatfeathers Seafood Market east has every seafood meal you may need, like snow crab legs, scallops, King crab legs, oysters, lobster tail, sashimi, yellowfin, crawfish, camp, tuna, lumberjack, pomp and, grouper, mahi-mahi, flounder, red snapper, and many more.

Apart from raw meals, you can also get ready-to-eat meals at Goatfeathers Seafood Market East; they also have a great wine collection with some of the best wines perfect for family dinners.

Goatfeathers Seafood Market East is one of the best places to shop in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

Address: 4042 E County Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, United States.

20. The Repertory Theatre

The Repertory Theatre was established in 2001 and has become one of the best professional theatres in Northwest Florida.

This theatre offers excellent, quality entertainment in Santa Rosa Beach and attracts talented professionals from around the country.

The theatre has over 18 seasons under its belt. It has a mission to feature entertaining programs and productions that offers a meaningful and helpful contribution to the people’s way of life.

The Repertory Theatre is also known for bringing new programmes venues, broadening horizons, and entertaining people of all ages. This theatre is a lovely and should be added to your list of fun things to do in Santa Rosa Beach, FL.

Address: 216 Quincy Cir, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, United States.

21. Deer Lake State Park

Deer Lake State Park is another beautiful state park in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. This state park contains beautiful sights like the rare coastal dune lakes, beautiful southern magnolias, woody goldenrod, scrub oaks, and golden asters.

One of the largest populations of some rare plants like pitcher plants, Gulf coast lupine, Curtiss’ sand grass, and spoonflower can be found in this state park. A boardwalk which offers a stunning view of the dune ecosystem is also available.

The boardwalk at this state park also allows easy access to the beach, where visitors get to perform various fun activities like swimming, fishing, birding, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. Deer Lake State Park is one of the best parks to visit in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

Address: 6350 E, County Road 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, United States.

22. Blue Mabel Smokehouse and Provisions

Blue Mabel Smokehouse and provisions are owned and managed locally; this restaurant has many specially sourced provisions.

The Restaurant has a mentality of making every one of their meals from scratch. Blue Mabel smokehouse and provisions are open between the hours of 11:00 am till 8:00 pm from Wednesday to Monday.

The restaurant has a casual atmosphere with beautiful architecture and delicious and enjoyable food. The restaurant has a very comprehensive menu with lots of delicious options.

Blue Mabel Restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating available; the outdoor seating is adorable when there’s clear weather, and you can enjoy beautiful views.

Blue Mabel Smokehouse and Provisions is one of the best dining options in Santa Rosa Beach, for a nice meal, add Blue Mabel Smokehouse to your bucket list of things to do in Santa Rosa Beach, FL.

Address: 2260 W County Hwy 30A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, United States.

23. South Walton Visitors Center

South Walton Visitors Center is a cool place to visit in Santa Rosa Beach; this centre provides you with every piece of information needed; it is located at the intersection of Highways 331 and 98 in the city.

This centre provides information about South Walton’s 16 distinct beach neighbourhoods and more info. The visitor centre has lovely and knowledgeable staff members willing to help visitors in the area.

South Walton Visitors Center has the best resources for finding out information about the county at large. They have various maps and merchandise to help settle into the area easier.

The staff members are happy to help visitors have a memorable experience, like finding the perfect beaches, gift shops, dining and shopping options, hotels and flights, and many more.

The South Walton Visitors Center is an accommodating in Santa Rosa Beach attraction, and should be added to your checklist of things to do in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. The Visitors Center is open daily.

Address: 25777 U.S. Highway 331 South, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, United States.

24. Eden Gardens State Park

Eden Gardens State Park is an essential place in Santa Rosa; one thing that stands out is the nicely refurbished two-story building.

The house is an 1897 mansion depicting a thriving era. It is designed with gorgeous white columns with a wrap-around porch. There is a setting of live oaks draped in moss.

Lois Maxon purchased and refurbished the home in 1963, providing a showplace for antiques and heirlooms belonging to her family.

You can embark on a guided tour throughout the Wesley House, including the gardens, and dock, with a place ideal for picnics.

Address: 181 Eden Gardens Road, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, United States

25. Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse

A lovely old-fashioned gateway in the middle of Grayton Beach, Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse is owned and operated by a family.

Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse has served visitors for almost thirty years offering accommodation for couples, travelers, and families.

The guesthouse offers thirteen uniquely designed lodging options, well furnished with a nice old Florida vintage touch.

There are three rooms that are pet friendly, while one is constructed to contain guests using wheelchairs. Hibiscus Coffee& Guesthouse offers a variety of comfortable queens rooms.

 Hibiscus Coffee & Guesthouse features a one-bedroom flat with a complete kitchen and king-sized beds.

Address: 85-117 Defuniak Street, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, United States

Have more time in Florida? Here are the best and fun things to do in Punta Gorda , things to do in Tallahassee and fun things to do in Lakeland for a memorable exploration of Florida.

Plan Your Trip to Santa Rosa Beach

Santa Rosa Beach has lots of fun activities and places. This city offers upscale dining, lovely beach houses, and a one-of-a-kind artist collection popularly known as Gulf Place.

South Walton is known for its natural beauty, and Santa Rosa Beach is not an exception to the beauty. Above are some of the top attractions in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

Happy Travels!