Are You looking for the best things to do in Rosemary Beach Florida?
As a 30A transplant, I have spent many wonderful days in Rosemary Beach making great memories with my family. This charming coastal community, nestled on the emerald coast of Florida, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by adventure seekers and relaxation enthusiasts alike. With a vast array of activities and attractions to choose from, visitors can indulge in the vibrant culture of the town, explore its pristine beaches, or simply relax and soak up the sun.
From Savoring local delicacies to embracing thrilling adventures, there are plenty of things to do in Rosemary Beach Florida that will leave you with lasting memories.
This Post is all about the best things to do in Rosemary Beach, Florida.
The Best Things to Do In Rosemary Beach
Rosemary Beach Restaurants
Playa Bowls
Welcome to Pineapple Land! This is the perfect place to cool off after a hot day at the beach. But be careful, it can get quite addicting. They have so many healthy options to choose from acai, pitaya, and oatmeal bases to numerous fruit toppings the possibilities are endless.
The staff is super friendly and helpful – my favorite is the Electric Mermaid, a huge bowl filled with their delicious Pitaya and topped with granola, kiwi, pineapple, mango, coconut flakes, and drizzled with honey. Not in the mood for a bowl, they also have a huge selection of smoothies and juices. There’s no reason not to get your daily servings of fruits and vegetables when vacationing in Rosemary Beach.
See Also: The Best Places to Shop on 30A
Brunch at LaCo
I mean, who wouldn’t want to start their day with shrimp and grits or lobster avocado toast? This is where the fusion of Florida’s coastal cuisine meets Latin-inspired fares. With their impressive menu, brunch at LaCo is a great way to start your day.
Havana Beach Bar & Grill and Rooftop Lounge
Located on the rooftop of the Pearl Hotel, the Havana Beach Bar and Grill is the ideal place for a date night or girls’ night out.
As soon as you enter the doors of Havana Beach Bar and Grill, you feel as though you have been whisked away to Cuba. The architecture, the decor, the pool area, and every detail has been perfectly thought of.
There is a view of the water from their rooftop bar, though only visible from a few tables. But not to worry, the pool area is quite remarkable and honestly one of the most instagrammable areas on 30A.
So, if you can’t score a table with a view, don’t fret, just grab a table with prime viewing of the pool area.
This is one of the best places to go for drinks at sunset. There’s something magical that happens to the 30A sky at sunset. You don’t want to miss it.
Drinks at Sunset at Pescada
Another great place for dinner or drinks with a view is Pescada. As the sun sets over the water, you can savor the flavors of the sea, perfectly complimented by fine wine and cocktails. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined, with a comfortable elegance that invites you to linger and enjoy the moment.
They also have an incredible family-friendly brunch if you can’t make it for sunset.
See Also: How to Visit 30A on a Budget
La Crema Tapas and Chocolate
Tapas at La Crema absolutely must be on your list of things to do while in Rosemary Beach.
Nestled in the heart of Rosemary Beach, La Crema Tapas, and Chocolate is a culinary experience that will transport you to the streets of Spain.
Their small plates are a perfect blend of traditional flavors with an innovative twist. They also feature a wide selection of fine wines, cocktails, and decadent chocolate desserts.
We always opt to sit outside on the cobblestone streets to add to the authenticity of the meal. A visit to La Crema is a journey into the heart of Spanish Cuisine, a celebration of life’s simple pleasures that lingers long after your meal ends.
See also: The Best Restaurants on Rosemary Beach
Cowgirl Kitchen
Right next to La Crema, you’ll find Cowgirl Kitchen. Located in the heart of Rosemary Beach, Cowgirl Kitchen is serving up delicious food in a laid-back atmosphere. Their menu features appetizers, fresh salads, sandwiches, tacos, and pizza.
They also have a great happy hour Monday – Thursday 3:00 – 5:00 featuring $8 nachos, $8 house wines by the glass, $5 libations, and 2-for-1 beer
Rosemary Beach Water Activities
Paddle Board / Kayak
Renting a paddle board or kayak is one of the most popular activities on 30A. Unless you are a seasoned paddler, you will want to make sure that the water is flat before you rent your board and head out. Even if it is a little rough, once you make it past the break, the water is really quite calm and peaceful.
If you don’t feel confident paddling in the ocean, you can also head over to one of the Coastal Dune Lakes at the State Parks nearby. They rent paddle boards and kayaks there as well and the water looks like glass most of the time. It will definitely be a much more relaxing experience.
Dolphin Tours
I still remember the time we took our kiddos on a dolphin cruise. It was the highlight of their trip.
Rent a Boat or Jet Skis
Renting a boat or jet skis can be a day of fun for the whole group.
Load up the ice chests and fishing poles! Pack the picnic basket, lather on the sunscreen, and head out for a day on the water. Chances are pretty good you will see plenty of dolphins and sea life during your excursion. It’s really sort of a two-for-one activity if you think about it. No need for a dolphin cruise.
If you’re up for a bit of a drive, you can rent a boat from Destin Harbor and head to Crab Island. Just be warned that Crab Island isn’t what I would call “family friendly” it can get a little wild at times.
Fishing
The Florida Panhandle offers some of the best fishing in the world. If there is some fish you have been wanting to catch, chances are you can find a charter boat that will take you out to catch it.
See Also: The Best Coffee Shops on 30A
Guided Kayak Tour of Cypress Springs
Take an all-inclusive guided tour of Cypress Springs. You choose a SUP, kayak, or canoe. It’s just a short paddle to the springs where you can use their underwater scooter, or snorkel to explore the springs. From chairs, and towels to underwater scooters and GoPros, Coldwater Excursions provides everything you need for the day.
Though this activity isn’t in Rosemary Beach per se it still bears mentioning because it is one of the coolest excursions you can do while visiting the area.
Florida is home to some beautiful natural springs and exploring them is fun for the whole family.
Rosemary Beach Family Activities
Rosemary Beach Racquet Club
After a few days on the beautiful beaches, you’re going to want to get in some physical activity. Rosemary Beach Racquet Club is the perfect place to work on your forehand. With 8 clay courts, you won’t have any excuse not to improve your game while on vacation. Whether you are looking for a private lesson, a doubles clinic, or just a friendly game with friends, Rosemary Beach Racquet Club has just what you need no matter your skill level.
Alys Beach
Take a walk thru Alys Beach and enjoy its architecture. The architecture and style of Alys Beach makes you feel like you are in the Mediterranean – most specifically Greece. From the homes to the businesses, everything is a beautiful white stucco.
Long Walks on the Beach
It doesn’t matter how busy or relaxing our days are, we always find time for at least one and hopefully two long walks on the white sand beaches. Our favorite times are early in the morning when we have the beach all to ourselves and then sunset, for obvious reasons. It just feels like the best way to start and end our days.
There’s nothing quite as relaxing as the cool breeze, the sound of the water rolling in, and the feel of the water as you walk ever so closely to the water’s edge.
Watch the Sunset
Sunsets on 30A and in Rosemary Beach in particular, are stunning. The sky turns a bright shade of orange and then fades into pink. Whether you are watching from a rooftop bar or sitting on the beach with friends, you definitely want to catch the sunset every evening.
Ride Bikes
When visiting 30A bicycles are quite often the preferred mode of transportation. It’s always fun to ride down the main street and thru the town center, but our favorite bike ride is thru all the different neighborhoods, over to Alys Beach, Seacrest Beach, and into Kaya. Bike riding is one of the best ways to really get to see and know the area.
If your rental doesn’t supply bikes, you can easily rent them from Bamboo Bicycle Company.
See Also: The Best 30A Restaurants
Rosemary Beach Shopping
Rosemary Beach Farmers Market
Rosemary’s 30A Farmer’s Market is a must-visit! Browsing thru the vendors you will find everything from home-baked breads, pastries, and candy as well as fresh fruits and vegetables and my personal favorite, fresh flowers.
It’s the perfect way to help support the local community while you are visiting. So take home a bag of fresh produce to add to your dinner menu.
The Hidden Lantern Bookstore
I am a sucker for a good bookstore and let me tell you, The Hidden Lantern is no ordinary bookstore. It has so much charm and character it just brings out the book lover in all of us.
One of my favorite things to do is stop in The Hidden Lantern on the first day of our trip and let everyone pick out a good book to read on the beach. How relaxing does that sound?
Rosemary Beach Spas
I know! I know! You’re on vacation at the beach! That’s supposed to be relaxing!
But in all honesty, sometimes vacations can be a little stressful. Trying to make sure everyone has everything they need and taking care of all the coordinating from meals to activities, it can really pile on the stress.
So, maybe a spa day is just what the Dr ordered? Rosemary Beach has two incredible spas to help you relax and enjoy your vacation. Click to Book your spa treatment today.
Vivo Spa & Salon
Spa at the Pearl Hotel
See Also: 30A Happy Hours
State Parks Near Rosemary Beach
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Topsail is a short drive from Rosemary Beach but it is well worth it. You can take your bike and explore their many bike trail, or hike, or head to their beach area.
Topsail is probably one of the least crowded beaches on 30A. Once you exit the boardwalk, there may be people in that area. But if you walk down the beach a little ways in either direction, you will likely have the entire beach to yourself. And that is well worth a little effort.
Camp Helen State Park
Camp Helen at Inlet Beach is one of our favorite state parks and beaches. It has great hiking and their beach is typically not very crowded. This is also one of the areas that has an inlet where the coastal dune lakes connect with the Gulf of Mexico, hence the name Inlet Beach.
This is an incredibly peaceful area where oftentimes you can avoid crowds and maybe even have the beach all to yourself.
There used to be an old fishing pier here that was great for photographs but unfortunately, they have removed it.
See Also: 50+ Beach Essentials for the Perfect Day at the Beach
This Post was all About the Best Things to Do in Rosemary Beach, Florida
Next time you find yourself in the charming beach town of Rosemary Beach, I know you’ll spend plenty of time on the beautiful beaches enjoying the crystal clear water. But I hope you will try a few of these activities along the way. From delicious restaurants and live music to great hiking and biking areas, this small town has so much to offer when it comes to things to do on your vacation. Leave a comment below and let me know your favorite thing to do when visiting Rosemary Beach.
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