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Summary

  • Rosemary Beach offers a range of activities and attractions, including beautiful white sand beaches, state parks, and water adventures such as dolphin tours and paddleboarding.
  • Visitors can also enjoy shopping for fresh produce and local goods at the 30A Farmer's Market, pamper themselves at Spa Pearl, and explore the natural beauty of the Timpochee Trail.
  • When it comes to dining, Rosemary Beach has options for every palate, from the award-winning Havana Beach Bar & Grill to the laid-back Southwestern bites at Cowgirl Kitchen. There are also various accommodation options available for different budgets in the area.

Florida is home to fantastic beach towns worth visiting, and Rosemary Beach is one of them. Nestled along Florida's Gulf Coast, Rosemary Beach offers an array of things to do. With an emphasis on community and aesthetic appeal, it's a haven for those seeking an upscale seaside getaway.

Things to do in Rosemary Beach encompass a delightful fusion of architectural marvels, lush landscapes, and vibrant communal spaces. As the sun-kissed waves meet pastel-hued facades, Rosemary Beach invites travelers to explore a world of enchantment and leisure, where every corner reveals new delights and unforgettable memories. Travelers can also check other beach towns on the Gulf Coast to find a perfect summer destination or weekend getaway.

  • Population: 526 people

UPDATE: 2023/08/07 18:27 EST BY LUANA FERREIRA

Rosemary Beach is a beautiful Florida destination. This post was updated to include information about its history and other significant details. Have fun, bring plenty of sunscreen, and enjoy the gorgeous weather!

White Houses on Rosemary Beach with yellow and blue flags in the background on a sunny day.

Photo by Kirk Thornton on Unsplash

White Houses on Rosemary Beach with yellow and blue flags in the background on a sunny day.

Bask In The White Sand Beaches

Rosemary Beach is located on the Gulf of Mexico in southeastern Walton County and shines with emerald blue water. Having a fantastic stretch of beach on the 30A, the fine powdered sand is white in hue, and there are barely any shells.

There are also pretty dunes in the area to explore around, and the beach shines throughout.

Most pets aren't permitted on the beach unless the homeowner owns a special permit.

Visit The Deer Lake State Park

A walkway to Rosemary Beach, Florida
Kirk Thornton on Unsplash
A walkway to Rosemary Beach, Florida

Visiting National and State Parks is always an excellent idea to enjoy the summer. Travelers visiting Rosemary Beach can discover the Coastal Dunes within the Deer State Park. Deer Park has a variety of plant species, such as pitcher plants, spoon flowers, Gulf Coast lupine, scrub oaks, golden asters, as well as wildflowers throughout.

Also, it has natural attractions such as dunes, flat woods, sand hills, a depression marsh, an estuarine tidal creek, and backwater streams. With an elevated boardwalk, it has access to the beach, which offers activities such as swimming and fishing. The park also has hiking trails, such as Orange Trail, giving a view of pines, deer, moss & other fauna, whereas Blue Trail exudes a scenic view of its northern part.

  • Hours of operation: 8 am to sunset daily
  • Admission Fees: $3 per vehicle

Related: 10 Epic Places To Celebrate Fall In Florida

Blue Dolphin Tours

A view of Panama City beach and the skyline from the water on a sunny blue day.
Photo by Craig Cameron on Unsplash
A view of Panama City beach and the skyline from the water on a sunny blue day.

Having an encounter with a dolphin sounds fun, right? The epic water adventure at Gulf World beckons! The Dolphin Tour, which is at Panama City Beach, is a short way from Rosemary Beach.

With dolphin shows, this tour also teaches one to interact with dolphins as well as provides an exhilarating ride.

  • Location: 15412 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach

30A Farmer’s Market

An open market in Rosemary Beach where one can shop a variety of farm produce and other merchandise, 30A Farmer’s Market is a buzzing place. Also a platform for local businesses to grow, this market has freshly cut vegetables, fruits, flowers, baked items, local grass-fed beef, bone broth, pork, eggs, honey, and more.

Also, the market has KETO-friendly and gluten-free items along with exotic items such as artisan bread, including ciabatta, focaccia, and cheddar jalapeño.

  • Hours of operation: Sundays, 9 am to 1 pm
  • Location: 28N Barrette Square
  • 30A Farmers Market, Rosemary Beach

Related: Kelly Park Is One Of Florida's Best-Kept Summer Secrets

Spa Pearl

A space for pampering yourself is nowhere better than Spa Pearl, located in the historic hotel, The Pearl. The private poolside treatment rooms emphasizing invigorating and therapeutic oceanic elements are their signature experience.

With their facials, massage therapies, and signature body treatments for rejuvenation, one can also hang around Havana Beach Bar and Grill & Rooftop Lounge for upbeat vibes after the spa.

  • Location: 63 Main Street, Rosemary Beach

Enjoy The Timpochee Trail

Rosemary Beach Florida sunset
Photo by Mat Honan licensed under CC BY 2.0
Rosemary Beach Florida sunset

If nature awakens your soul, Timpochee Trail can lighten up your soul despite your hiking skills. A trail of 18 miles traversing through several forested areas, it surpasses gorgeous dunes, seaside, and marsh lakes.

Tracing the Gulf of Mexico shoreline and Scenic Highway 30A, the trail is near the top three State Parks: Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, Grayton Beach State Park, and Deer Lake State Park.

  • Location: It Begins where Highway 30A separates from US Highway 98, Inlet Beach

Adventure Of Water Paddleboards

The U.S. has many perfect spots for kayaking and paddle boarding. A state like Florida is bestowed with nature and also an adventure. If the latter ticks you, "Walkin' on Water Paddleboards" should be exceptionally fun.

Located in Panama City Beach, a little ways from Rosemary Beach, this adventurous activity is both for adults and children. Also, the level of experience is managed by the instructor. There are also paddleboard lessons, eco-tours among pristine lakes, rivers, and coastal waters, paddleboard yoga classes, and rentals, making it for everyone.

Places To Eat In Rosemary Beach

Building in Rosemary Beach
Photo by Kirk Thornton on Unsplash
Building in Rosemary Beach

Havana Beach Bar & Grill and Rooftop Lounge

An award-winning restaurant that exudes classic vibes & is primarily known for using organically grown ingredients. With its modern American cuisine infusing Caribbean essence, this place offers delectable breakfast, lunch, and dinner with its extensive menu options.

  • Hours of operation: 8 am to 10 pm

Cowgirl Kitchen

Serving pizzas, fresh salads, sandwiches, tacos, burgers, and desserts, Cowgirl Kitchen is located along the bustling street across from the Pearl Hotel.

The outlet has a quite laid-back vibe and is known for its Southwestern style bites. It has three outlets, including Rosemary Beach & Blue Mountain Beach.

  • Hours of operation: Sunday To Thursday, 8 am to 9 pm; Friday to Saturday, 8 am to 10 pm

Summer Kitchen Café

Known as the first restaurant in Rosemary Beach, Summer Kitchen Café offers homemade meals such as egg wraps, sandwiches, omelets, salads, fruits, and more. The restaurant also has private dining settings and also has a seasonal menu.

  • Hours of operation: Monday, Wednesday to Saturday (7:30 am-9 pm), Tuesday (7 am-3 pm), and Sunday (7 am-9 pm)

Small Cakes 30A

Offering cupcakes in 18 different flavors and ice cream in 15 different flavors, this outlet also has waffle cones, smash cakes, and milkshakes. Located near Rosemary Beach, this place is the best treat for dessert lovers.

  • Hours of operation: Monday to Sunday (8 am to 9 pm)

Places To Stay In Rosemary Beach

Building at Rosemary Beach
Image by Jeremy Sampson from Pixabay
Hotel at Rosemary Beach in Florida

Though the area isn't the absolute cheapest vacation spot in Florida, deals can still be found. Rosemary Beach has accommodation options for every budget, starting at $49 per night.

  • Hotels such as The Village of South Walton Beach, Caillon Beach Resort Inn, and Beachside Resort Panama City Beach start on a budget-friendly note.
  • Stays at WaterColor Inn, Watersound Inn, and The Pearl Hotel ascend towards the higher side of the budget.

The History Behind Rosemary Beach

Rosemary Beach has a recent history intertwined with its carefully planned development. Established by Patrick D. Bienvenue and Leucadia National Corporation, its creation commenced in the early 1990s and was officially founded in 1995. The town's architectural blueprint was masterminded by Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company, renowned proponents of New Urbanism. This movement prioritizes walkable neighborhoods, mixed land uses, and traditional designs to foster cohesive and vibrant communities.

Rosemary Beach, Rosemary Beach, United States
Julianna Arjes on Unsplash
Rosemary Beach, Rosemary Beach, United States
  • Rosemary Beach was founded in 1995
  • The city was planned to bring back the sense of community

Inspired by European coastal towns, Rosemary Beach's layout emphasizes pedestrian-friendly streets, courtyards, and communal areas. Diverse architectural styles, such as West Indies, Dutch, French, and Mediterranean influences, harmoniously converge in the town's aesthetic. A central square, the St. Augustine Green, is a hub for events and gatherings, reflecting the community-focused ethos.