Things to Do in Santa Rosa Beach

Many neighborhoods have popped up on 30A over the years but Santa Rosa Beach is one of the oldest. The tried-and-true charm of Santa Rosa Beach keeps people coming back, year after year. It also makes this town a great entry point for first-timers to 30A!

Want to see what all the hype is about? Maybe you’re already looking for Santa Rosa Beach rentals! Read on for All 30A Properties’ curated list of the best things to do in Santa Rosa Beach.

Best Restaurants in Santa Rosa Beach

One of 30A’s many charms is the delicious food. If you’re curious about the best restaurants in Santa Rosa Beach, here are three must-visits you should have on your itinerary.

Chanticleer Eatery

Chanticleer Eatery is one of the best spots for lunch or dinner. It’s a quirky but not too in-your-face restaurant serving American, steakhouse, and cajun cuisine, all with a slightly upscale twist.

Lunch favorites include the Chanticleer Grilled Cheese, Happy Tuna Poke, and Southern Summer Salad. Dinner is a bit fancier, where you’ll find fare such as ribeye, baked lobster tail, and flavorful jambalaya.

Bayou Bill’s

As far as seafood goes — and even just overall — this is one of the best restaurants in Santa Rosa Beach. Bayou Bill’s uses the freshest, locally-sourced fish and shellfish.

If you crave seafood, that craving will definitely be satisfied here. On the menu, you’ve got a special crab feast, down-home po’ boy sandwiches, and even alligator meat! The highlight here, though, is undoubtedly the raw oyster bar.

Donut Hole Bakery Cafe

For breakfast, brunch, or dessert (they’re open late!), Donut Hole Bakery Cafe is the place to go. This eatery is one of the most popular in the area; it’s got three locations along 30A!

This cafe’s namesakes — the donuts — are definitely worth the hype. There are so many varieties, from red velvet to maple glazed.

There are many more awesome selections here, especially for a hearty breakfast. Expect a long line when you visit!

As one of the biggest and oldest 30A towns, there are plenty of things to do in Santa Rosa Beach! Here’s a short list to get you started.

Go Golfing

Golf lovers will definitely want to see what’s up at the Santa Rosa Golf & Beach Club. It’s a private, member-owned golf course and beach club right beside white-sand beaches.

Here you’ll find an 18-hole, par 72 championship course, as well as a short 6-hole course. At the beach club, there’s beach access and a private pool, as well as fine dining at the club’s restaurant: Vue on 30A.

Visit the Historic Wesley House

If you’re a history buff, consider a trip to the Eden Gardens State Park to visit the Wesley House.

It’s a Victorian-style manor that has been updated with an antebellum flair. Inside, you’ll find antique furniture and decor from the 18th and 19th centuries.

On a guided tour, you can learn the story of the area, the original owners (the Wesleys), and Lois Maxon, who purchased and renovated the home.

Tour Local Craft Breweries

Wine is big in 30A but Santa Rosa Beach takes its beer seriously, too! There are many craft breweries and pubs in town, each with its own unique offerings.

Russian River Brewing Company is a standout location, with numerous beer awards under its belt. Third Street Aleworks is another one that should definitely be on your list, mixing classic and experimental brewing styles.

Events in Santa Rosa Beach

Being one of the largest beach towns along the 30A, there are always a plethora of events in Santa Rosa Beach, as well as in the smaller surrounding neighborhoods, to keep you entertained.

Sandestin Gumbo Festival (February)

If you’re a foodie, you can rest assured that there’ll be plenty of events in Santa Rosa Beach that cater to you. One such event is the annual Sandestin Gumbo Festival, a weekend-long affair held in late February.

Judge a gumbo cook-off, watch live music performances, take part in family activities, and — of course — sample gumbo from restaurants in and around Sandestin, near Santa Rosa Beach.

Moon Crush (April)

Every April in Miramar Beach (just west of Santa Rosa Beach) one of the hottest music festivals in 30A is held. Moon Crush prides itself on being a “music vacation”, rather than just a festival.

Pop, rock, and country singers and bands come from all over to put on an amazing four-day experience. It’s a family-friendly festival that emphasizes spending time with those you love.

Christmas Fest & Art Show (November)

Each year, usually on the weekend after Thanksgiving, the Artists at Gulf Place put on one of the best events in Santa Rosa Beach. Get the whole family involved for the holidays by visiting the Christmas Fest & Art Show.

At this event, you can take part in tons of arts and crafts classes (for both kids and adults!). These range from crafting ornaments, to firing snow globes, to making your own skincare products!