First Timer's Guide to Santa Rosa Beach

As one of Travel + Leisure’s Top 5 “Favorite Towns in America,” Santa Rosa Beach exceeds all of your vacation expectations. Visiting Santa Rosa Beach for the first time? Here’s what you need to know.

Touching both the Choctawhatchee Bay to the north and the Gulf to the south, Santa Rosa Beach offers an incredible amount of diversity. Stretching all the way from Sandestin to Inlet Beach, there are plenty of things to do in Santa Rosa Beach for first timers and repeat visitors alike.

Santa Rosa Beach is home to three state parks: Grayton Beach State Park, Deer Lake State Park, Eden Gardens State Park and a state forest, Point Washington State Forest, so if you enjoy hiking and biking through miles of scenic trails and soaking up the views, add these spots to your Santa Rosa Beach itinerary.

Whether you choose pedal power or an electric option, there’s no better way to explore the scenery than biking in Santa Rosa Beach. Companies like Eventure Tour Co. offer guided tours of local hotspots like art galleries, restaurants, breweries and the state forest via electric bikes.

Stop by for an Eden Gardens State Park tour when you visit. Tucked away in Point Washington State Forest, Eden Gardens offers a peaceful retreat into the past. Stroll through the historic Wesley House or just spend time meandering through the camelias for the perfect afternoon escape.

Hungry? Head to North Beach Social for fresh, modern flavor on the spacious deck or go for sushi from the sophisticated menu at The Bay. For a more casual setting with seafood classics and sides that hit the spot every time, Goatfeathers is a must-visit.

And while fresh Gulf seafood is the go-to along the coast, dining in Santa Rosa Beach offers any type of cuisine your heart desires, from mouthwatering Mexican to rustic Italian.

For nightlife in Santa Rosa Beach, Farm and Fire is a must for live music and signature cocktails at sunset. Looking to unwind with a stout or sour? Settle in at Idyll Hounds Brewing Company and let the expert staff guide you through the tap menu and find your perfect pint.

With so much to do, you’ll stay as busy as you care to be, whether that’s exploring, shopping, dining out or just lounging on the beaches of Santa Rosa.