Santa Rosa Beach vacation rentals

Experience Santa Rosa Beach from vacation home rentals

Sitting on a peninsula along the Gulf of Mexico, Santa Rosa Beach features long stretches of sand and clear blue seas. Staying in Santa Rosa Beach vacation rentals gives you time to explore the coastline, from the town through to the untouched protected areas where sea turtles and exotic fish can be spotted. A family-friendly vacation spot, Santa Rosa Beach offers plenty to do, from snorkeling to hiking and fishing, or enjoying the local arts scene. There's a lively town center with artisanal boutiques and designer shops, as well as restaurants that serve local specialties such as freshly-caught seafood.

Sightseeing near Santa Rosa Beach vacation rentals

If you can pull yourself away from the sandy beaches, the small town of Santa Rosa Beach has lots of local culture, from small art galleries to theaters. The Repertory Theatre is set next to the beach, with indoor and outdoor shows, from live music to family-friendly productions. Elmore's Landing is a lively art gallery showing work from local artists, as well as hosting live music at night. You can find out what's going on during your trip by visiting the friendly South Walton Visitor Center, which also has information on the best local attractions.

Things to do near Santa Rosa Beach vacation homes

As the town's name suggests, Santa Rosa Beach is surrounded by some spectacular coastline. Grayton Beach State Park is an unspoiled area with long stretches of almost white sand, sitting on the edge of shallow, turquoise seas. There are 2000 acres of walking trails through dense forest, which lead to the quiet beaches where you can swim, snorkel or just enjoy the views. Stay in nearby Santa Rosa Beach vacation rentals, and you'll also be close to Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, which is made up of lakes, woods, and beaches, ideal for fishing, swimming or sailing.

Best time to travel to Santa Rosa Beach vacation homes

Santa Rosa Beach's position on the Gulf of Mexico gives it pleasant, sunny weather and, on average, 229 days of sunshine a year. The hottest months are July and August, which reach the 90s, often with high humidity. However, the warm weather lasts from around April to as late as November, so there's a long period in which to enjoy the sunshine. While the temperature drops from December to February, it can often reach into the mid-60s, so you can still enjoy the outdoors in comfort.

Bays, bayous and beaches close to Santa Rosa Beach

To the north of Santa Rosa Beach is Choctawhatchee Bay, a peaceful inlet that's popular for sailing and fishing, where you'll find many Santa Rosa Beach vacation rentals. This leads into the Hogtown Bayou, a marshy and humid area of wetland. It's often full of fishing boats, and you might spot ospreys in the surrounding woods. Just a short walk from town is a long promenade, with large beach houses and seafront restaurants. Here you'll find the town's namesake beach, with lightly colored sands and calm, clear waters that are warm enough for swimming in for most of the year.

Beaches near Santa Rosa Beach vacation homes

Santa Rosa Beach boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the area. Vacation homes are available near places like Inlet Beach, a white, sandy beach with a relaxed atmosphere and classic cottages, and Seagrove Beach, a sheltered cove beach with calm waters for children. Blue Mountain Beach is a mellow beach that’s popular for watersports and sunbathing.

Traveling to and around Santa Rosa Beach

The nearest airport is in Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS), located 20.3 mi (32.7 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you can also fly into Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (DSI), which is 14.4 mi (23.2 km) away.

Regional cuisine in Santa Rosa Beach

The rich bounty of the sea has a huge influence on the cuisine in Santa Rosa Beach. Like most of Florida, the culinary culture in Santa Rosa Beach is a fusion of traditional southern cuisine and Caribbean flavors, such as coconut, cassava, bell peppers, plantains, and rice with shrimp, oysters, and saltwater fish. You can also find a rich blend of other culinary influences in restaurants and eateries near your vacation rental.