Santa Rosa Beach Top USA Today Pick

We recently read USA Today’s top picks for Memorial Day and weren’t surprised to see our very own Santa Rosa Beach, Florida made the list. Renowned for its sugar white sand beaches, the author highlights Santa Rosa Beach’s natural assets, including state parks and expansive dune systems along the beach.

As one of South Walton’s 16 beach neighborhoods, Santa Rosa Beach features many treasures beyond its natural assets. While it’s fun to set out and explore on your own, we thought we’d share our top five Santa Rosa Beach hotspots to shop, dine and play.

1. Vue on 30A – This delicious Gulf front restaurant features panoramic views of the beach and the shimmering waters of the Gulf of Mexico within a climate controlled dining room.

2. Stinky’s Fish Camp – Don’t let the name fool you, restaurant owner Jim Richard brings his New Orleans heritage to the table for fresh culinary delights with Cajun influences. From Po’Boys to oysters all day, all ways to crispy catfish meuniere, every dish on the menu is made from the freshest ingredients.  

3. The Green at Gulf Place - A spectacular outdoor venue, the Green at Gulf Place hosts concerts and special events throughout the year, including a recent performance by the legendary Southern Rock Icon, Gregg Allman. Next up, former Bob Marley & the Wailers Band Member, Junior Marvin on July 5, 2014.

4. Artists at Gulf Place – Looking for a one-of-a-kind gift or souvenir, the Artists at Gulf Place is a great spot to start. Located in colorful buildings in the heart of Gulf Place, this artist collective features many art forms, ranging from painting to pottery to tie dye. Some artists offer weekly classes, giving guests an opportunity to uncover their own creativity.

5.Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club – Once called "The Purest Golf In the Florida Panhandle" by Golf Magazine, each hole on this eighteen hole course offers a fair challenge and scenic setting. Selected as a “Reader’s Choice” by Florida Golf Magazine, it is the only golf course in South Walton that has two Gulf front holes.

We invite you to find your own favorite treasures in Santa Rosa Beach and browse our selection of premier Santa Rosa Beach vacation rentals to find your perfect home-away-from-home.

We know Santa Rosa Beach is where’d you’d rather be!