Explore Rosemary Beach: A Charm on Florida’s Gulf Coast

The entire area known as the Florida Panhandle has been on my Bucket List for a long time. And within the Panhandle an area to visit is the “30A”, a scenery route you cannot miss. Today I invite you to discover the first stop we will make on this 30A: Rosemary Beach. Whether you’re looking to enjoy its beautiful beaches, biking, or simply relax with a refreshing drink, explore Rosemary Beach because it has something special for every visitor.

Explore Rosemary Beach

Located on the picturesque coast of the Gulf of Mexico, Rosemary Beach is a destination that will make you fall in love with and want to go back many times. With its neoclassical architectural homes, cobblestone streets, cozy shops and restaurants, this small beach community offers the perfect setting for a quiet and relaxing Florida getaway.

Location and How to Get There

As I mentioned before, Rosemary Beach is located on the famous Scenic Highway 30A in northwest Florida. The small town is between Panama City Beach and Destin, making it an ideal spot for those visiting that area.

Explore Rosemary Beach
30A
  • Distance from Orlando: About 400 miles (644 km) to the northwest, which can be about 6 and a half hours by car.
  • From Destin: About 25 miles (40 km) to the east.
  • Closest Airport: Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) in Panama City Beach is just a 30-minute drive from Rosemary Beach.

If you visit by car from Orlando (or further south) -like we did-, I recommend dividing the road trip in 2 so you can take advantage of visiting other charming places such as Wakulla Springs or the highest waterfall in Florida: Falling Waters. This way, your road trip is not so exhausting and you get to explore more.

Explore Rosemary Beach

What to do in Rosemary Beach?

Although Rosemary Beach is relatively small, it offers a wide variety of activities and attractions to keep you busy during your visit. Here some ideas:

1. Enjoy the Beaches

The main attraction, according to me, about Rosemary Beach is its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, paddleboarding or simply relaxing. Unlike other busier beaches, Rosemary Beach is quiet, making it an ideal place to escape the crowds. Of course, I have to clarify since I learned this while visiting, the local beaches are private, only for those who live or stay there. But a few minutes away we found public beaches and easy access such as Inlet Beach in Panama City Beach, which was the one we visited for 1 day, with ample parking, showers and restrooms.

Inlet Beach, nearby

2. Explore on a Bike

One of the best ways to get to know Rosemary Beach is by bike. You can rent bikes in the community and stroll along the paths that wind between classic-style houses and perfectly manicured gardens. You can also travel down Highway 30A to explore other small beach communities nearby like Alys Beach. We strolled around the town, we parked the car (it was easy perhaps because it was not high season: August) and it was very comfortable to stroll and check out the town. On another trip, I will try to take my bike to enjoy the city in a different way. Even some of the beaches that you find between Rosemary Beach and Seaside on 30A have a small space to leave bicycles and I rarely saw parking for cars.

3. Visit the Stores and Galleries

Rosemary Beach features a variety of unique boutiques, gift shops, and art galleries that reflect the vibrant local culture. It’s a great place to shop for unique souvenirs or enjoy a relaxed afternoon of shopping. I don’t remember seeing chain stores or well-known names, which I love, all very local. Bookstores, restaurants, clothing, home decor and much more.

4. Enjoy the Food

The area has an excellent selection of restaurants offering everything from fresh seafood to international cuisine. Some popular places include Restaurant Paradis and Cowgirl Kitchen, where you can enjoy good dishes with beautiful view or in the heart of the town.

5. Events

If you are lucky enough to visit Rosemary Beach during a special event, be sure to participate. The community hosts art festivals, outdoor concerts, and other events that enhance its relaxed and artsy atmosphere. The Rosemary Beach Uncorked is one of the most popular culinary events, where you can taste wines and gourmet dishes, although you have to buy tickets in advance. This year 2024 the festival takes place on November 2 and today (Oct. 29) there are no longer available tickets.

Fun Facts about Rosemary Beach

  • Unique Design: Rosemary Beach was designed by Andrés Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, who also participated in the planning of Seaside, another famous destination on Highway 30A that I will tell you about in another post. The design of Rosemary Beach is inspired by the neoclassical architecture of the peoples of the Caribbean and Europe.
  • Green: One of the most characteristic points of Rosemary Beach is its “Green”, an open space located in the center of town where community activities and events take place, ideal for having a picnic or relaxing.
  • Walkable Community: This destination was planned with the intention of being a “pedestrian village”, where people can walk or cycle without the need for a car, encouraging a more relaxed and ecological lifestyle.

Rosemary Beach is one of those destinations that makes you feel like you’re in a small European coastal town, but with all the charm of Florida. Whether you’re looking for a family vacation or a romantic retreat, Rosemary Beach offers the perfect environment to unwind, enjoy nature, and immerse yourself in its architectural and cultural beauty.

If you are traveling on a budget, this city may be beyond your limit. However, we found a good option very close in Santa Rosa Beach at The Lodge 30A. You can also look for cheaper options in Panama Beach City or off Route 30A, and visit Rosemary Beach for the day. Another option could be to spend the days in Destin and from there, take a day-trip to Rosemary Beach and all the towns in 30A.

The entire 30A is stunning and obviously Rosemary Beach is a small spot of paradise that will leave you wanting to return again and again!

Don’t forget to visit this blog often to learn about other wonderful places on 30A, the Florida Panhandle and more in this charming state.

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Author: WandererYoss

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