Things To Do in Santa Rosa Beach (as told by a local of 17 years)

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida: a 26-mile stretch of emerald green waters and snow-white sand. Located in the southern part of Walton County (South Walton), and nestled between Destin and Panama City Beach, Santa Rosa Beach has a local population of about 14,000 people (as of 2019) and about 2.5 million visitors every summer.

After moving to the area at the age of two, and moving away at nineteen, I have compiled a list of my favorite things to do while back home in SRB.

GO TO THE BEACH

There are several beach accesses in the Santa Rosa Beach area, most of them off of Scenic Highway 30a. Most of them have public parking, and depending on the time of day, there should be an open spot. Try to go a little bit early to find a spot to park.

Put on your favorite swim suit, grab a towel, and an old bed sheet to lay on and enjoy a couple hours laying on the beach and swimming in the crystal clear water. Make sure to keep an eye on the beach flags as well.

GO TO A STATE PARK

There are three state parks in South Walton: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Grayton Beach State Park, and Deer Lake State Park. These parks offer a number of things to do including camping, hiking, and birdwatching.

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park has over 15 miles of marked hiking trails and is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. THPSP offers a number of campsites that are rentable year-round. They have 156 RV sites, 22 tent sites, and 32 cabins. You can also enjoy freshwater fishing in one of the coastal dune lakes, or saltwater fishing on the 3.2 mile-stretch of secluded beach. Topsail also offers kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard rentals every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Grayton Beach State Park has a one mile trail and a 9 mile (round-trip) trail. It has 59 campsites that can be used as RV or tent sites. There is a 100-acre coastal dune lake called Western Lake. Bring or rent a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard. These can be rented daily at the ranger station. Call the park office at 850-267-8300 for rental rate. Western Lake is also great for fishing! Just make sure you get the proper fishing license. A fishing license can be purchased at a local Walmart or at https://myfwc.com/license/

Deer Lake State Park has a 1.5 mile trail that is good for bird-watching. Birds you may see are piping plover, little blue heron, reddish egret, white ibis or black skimmers. DLSP is good for surf fishing. Again, a fishing license can be purchased at a local Walmart or at https://myfwc.com/license/

To make reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.

WALK AROUND BAYTOWNE

10 minutes away from Santa Rosa Beach is the neighborhood of Sandestin. On the bay-side of Sandestin is a little area called Baytowne Wharf. With rows of outlet shops and boutiques, and over 20 restaurants, you can find something for the whole family. Shop for your perfect vacation memento and your favorite beachwear while dad watches the kids on the playground. Go ice-skating during the winter, or catch live music in the wharf or at Marina Bar and Grill.

GO TO A FARMER'S MARKET

There are a number of farmer's markets in the area with fresh

The Grand Boulevard Farmer's Market is at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin in Grand Park located at 600 Grand Boulevard Miramar Beach, Florida 32550. This farmer's market is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday year-round. For questions, contact 850-499-4697.

The Seaside Farmer's Market is also offered every Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is located on 30a in Seaside behind the Raw and Juicy trailer in the Seaside Ampitheater. If you have questions, or something to sell at the market please contact Jenifer by emailing jlkuntz@mac.com

The Market at Gulf Place Farmer's Market & Artist Bazaar specializes in homegrown and handmade products, crafts, jewelry and original art from locals around Northwest Florida.

Hours of operation year-round: Summer hours (March-September), Sundays & Third Thursdays 3pm-7pm; Winter hours (November-December), Sundays 12pm-4pm, THIRD Thursday 3pm-7pm. CLOSED January & February except for special events.

GO BAR HOPPING AND ENJOY THE LOCAL BEERS

While it's not a great area for night-life, Santa Rosa Beach has a number of bars and restaurants that are great for going out. There are several distilleries in the area and are offered at the local bars and restaurants. Some local beer companies include Grayton Beer Company, Idyll Hounds Brewing Company, and Growler Garage. Listed below are some of my favorite bars.

Hurricane Oyster Bar & Grill is open daily from 11am-9pm, with happy hour every day from 3pm-6pm. It's located at 37 Logan Ln, Grayton Beach, FL 32459. http://hurricaneoyster.com/

The Red Bar is located at 70 Hotz Ave, Grayton Beach, FL 32459. It is open Wednesday-Sunday 11am-10pm and has live music all the time. https://theredbar.com/drink/

Johnny McTighe's is open every day from 11pm-2am with happy hour from 3pm-6pm Monday-Saturday. It has a great bar and food selection, as well as a game room. It is located at 2298 W Co Highway 30a, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459. https://www.johnnymctighes.com/

AJ's Grayton Beach is located at 63 Defuniak St, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459. They offer fresh oysters and sushi, as well as a great full-service bar with live music almost every night.

https://ajsgrayton.com/

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