Things to Do Near Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
Santa Rosa Beach is located on Florida’s famous 30A and features calm turquoise water, soft white sand, and peaceful beach towns. Visitors of the city explore art galleries, local cafes, and trails through the pine forests and dune lakes. You can enjoy both adventure and calm in the natural Gulf.
Public beaches are open from sunrise to sunset. You can swim, paddleboard, hike, and kayak around Western Lake. All beaches remain free of charge for entry. Public parking areas are located not far from beach access points to give travelers access throughout the day.
Grayton Beach State Park
Grayton Beach State Park is located along Florida’s Emerald Coast, which is widely known for its white sand, calm waters, and tall pine trees. The visitors explore an unusual coastal dune lake in Western Lake, suitable for kayaking and paddleboarding with shaded trails.
The park offers camping grounds and cabins for a tranquil overnight stay surrounded by wildlife. It is ideal for families, photographers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking natural beauty and relaxation. Entry costs $5 per vehicle. The park opens from eight a.m. to sunset daily, with public parking near all main access points.
Seaside Town Center
Seaside Town Center, located on Scenic Highway 30A, captures the charm of old Florida with pastels, cobblestone streets, and ocean breezes. People go to local shops, eat at Bud & Alley’s and relax in the outdoor theater for family movie nights.
The area has walking paths and offers bike rentals and artisan markets that ensure the town stays lively all day. Parking is available near Central Square with easy beach access. Entry remains free for everyone. Stores and cafes to open from 10 a.m. to 9 pm for full-day fun.
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is a 1,640-acre natural area with tall dunes, beautiful coastal lakes, and peaceful beaches. Visitors discover hiking trails under the shade of pine trees and kayak over the calm water, which also has wildlife.
The park provides cabins, parking, and picnic spaces for longer stays. Families like biking, swimming and fishing around Campbell Lake. Entry costs $6 per vehicle. The park opens at eight a.m. to sunset daily. Parking is located near the entrance and the main trailheads for easy access to all activity areas.
Ed Walline Regional Beach Access
The Ed Walline Regional Beach Access, located in the center of Santa Rosa Beach, features beautiful white sand, shallow waters, and clear waves. Visitors swim and paddleboard or rest under umbrellas with calm coastal views. For safety, lifesavers are on duty and picnic tables with shade provide comfort for families throughout the day.
The beach opens daily from sunrise to sunset. Entry stays free for all visitors. Swimming, sunbathing and paddleboarding are some activities. A public parking lot sits next to the access area near Gulf Place Town Center for dining and shopping.
Gulf Place Town Center
Gulf Place Town Center is a fun little community along Scenic Highway 30A filled with shops, restaurants, and galleries. Visitors enjoy outdoor markets, live music on the lawn, and local art festivals that bring life to your town. Restaurants such as The Perfect Pig and Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar serve up fresh seafood and regional favorites. Entry stays free for all guests. The area is open every day from 8 am to 10 p.m. Activities include dining, shopping, and music events. Free public parking sits around the plaza for convenient entry.
Point Washington State Forest
Point Washington State Forest is a beautiful woodland consisting of 15,000 acres of tall pine trees and calm walking trails. Visitors can hike, cycle, or horseback ride along lovely paths within forests of native birds and plants.
There are several trailheads located along Highway 30A that offer easy access for travelers on 30A. Animal lovers observe wildlife and enjoy peaceful views over expansive pine flatwoods. Each visitor pays $2 to enter, which is open daily from 8 AM to sunset. Free parking areas are available near main trailheads.
Magic & Comedy Show by Bart Rockett
Magic Comedy Show by Bart Rockett’s is a mixture of magic, comedy, and audience participation. It is performed in a small theater setting where every seat is near the stage, creating a lively and personal evening’s entertainment for all ages. The performances are energetic, funny, and full of big illusions that create unforgettable memories.
The venue for the performance is The Palms Destin Resort in Destin, Florida. Tickets are available at usatourtickets.ticketspice.com/httpsusatourticketslive. The entry ticket costs about $35, starts from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. There is free parking available for visitors.
The Underwater Museum of Art
The Underwater Museum of Art is situated in Grayton Beach. The seafloor sculptures are artistically stunning. The artworks sit about 60 feet underwater and serve as an artificial reef for fish and corals to flourish. This lively canvas is open for exploration by divers as well as snorkelers.
The museum near Grayton Beach State Park opens every day for qualified swimmers. The cost of a ticket starts at $30 through local dive operators, with parking at the Grayton Beach launch area.
30A Scenic Highway Drive
30A Scenic Highway runs along the Gulf Coast and connects the beach towns of Dune Allen, Seaside, and Rosemary Beach. The drive travels along white shores, turquoise waters, and artsy communities that create a relaxing coastal charm.
Travelers stroll through the colorful streets, stop for a coffee at the roadside café and take pictures at beachside viewpoints. Driving along this scenic route is one of Florida’s top things to do.
There is no entry fee. The highway stays open all day. Activities include sightseeing, dining, and photography. Free parking is available at public beach entry points.
Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club
Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club is a scenic 18-hole golf course along the Gulf of Mexico with lovely ocean views and a peaceful environment. The layout has rolling greens, pine trees, and sea breezes, which make each game enjoyable.
Visitors engage in golf and tournaments or dine at Vue on 30A, a seaside restaurant specializing in fresh seafood. The club also arranges local events throughout the year.
Entry fees start around $120. The club opens from 7 AM to 6 PM. Parking is free for guests and members.
Dune Allen Beach
Dune Allen Beach is located on the distant western end of 30A. This peaceful beach offers soft white sand and calm emerald waters. This area is calm, making it a great place to take a walk and spend a peaceful day on the beach.
Visitors go paddleboarding, fishing on the coastal dune lakes, or eating fresh fish at local restaurants. It creates a peaceful spot perfect for lovers and nature birds.
Entry is free for all visitors. The beach opens every day from sunrise to sunset. Restrooms and public parking are provided at the entry points.
