Things to Love About Rosemary Beach Florida

There are many lovely beach communities situated along scenic county 30A.

Rosemary Beach Florida is at the far eastern end of the this 18 mile stretch of road and is, in our opinion, one of the prettiest and most livable of the beach towns.

Here are just a few of the MANY things to love about Rosemary Beach Florida!

The Amazing Location

Rosemary Beach is on one end of the scenic 30A which is a county highway that runs near the beach in the panhandle of Florida.

All of 30A is beautiful! And in our opinion Rosemary Beach Florida is one of the most easily accessible of the communities on 30A.

It is only a 30-minute drive from the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport which makes it the easiest of the 30A communities to get to if you are flying into that airport.

Because it is on the end of 30A it is also enables you to avoid the often busy traffic on this beautiful stretch of road.

Architecture and Natural Beauty

Rosemary Beach Florida is one of the newer communities along 30A. Construction on the project began in 1995.

Like the nearby 30A town of Seaside, Rosemary Beach was intentionally designed to create a sense of community and walkability as well as to take advantage of the natural beauty of the area.

Architecturally it has a sort of European feeling, mixed with the West Indies and a bit of the French Quarter in New Orleans.

Rosemary Beach is absolutely charming, crossed by brick sidewalks, cobblestone streets, winding paths, and expansive green spaces.

In fact, my favorite thing about Rosemary Beach is the greenery. The foliage here is particularly lush and many of the streets are lined with gorgeous oak trees.

Boardwalks and paths wind through the landscaping between the cottages. You will find hidden miniature parks with interesting public art as well as large lawns perfect for family picnics with room to throw a Frisbee.

It is due to all of this attention to detail that CNN has name Rosemary Beach Florida one of “America’s Most Romantic Small Towns.” 

Rosemary beach florida one of the best beach towns in 30A
Photo Credit: Julianna Arjes – unsplash

Wonderful Accommodations

Most of the lodging on Rosemary Beach is in cottages or carriage houses. You can find some of these vacation rentals on Airbnb or VRBO.

However, you may find it easier to find a place to stay by going through a local vacation rental agency. Many of the home owners don’t use the huge companies to rent their homes.

Just google lodging in Rosemary Beach Florida and some local agencies will pop up.

There aren’t many hotels in 30A and one of the most famous and most luxurious is located in Rosemary Beach.

The Pearl is a gorgeous boutique, award winning hotel that has been named one of Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Hotels.” It is known for its lovely architecture and black and white awnings.

The Pearl hotel in Rosemary Beach
Photo Credit: Caitlyn Wilson – unsplash

The Beaches

Of course anytime you are staying on 30A you are mostly there to relax on the beach. The sand is glistening white and the water is a clear azure blue.

I would definitely recommend renting some beach chairs and umbrellas for your stay in Rosemary Beach Florida. They will be set up in the morning and taken down in the evening for you. Just contact the Rosemary beach service.

On many summer days the water is calm enough to paddle board. If you have good weather and good balance you might want to rent one of these as well!

These are truly some of the most stunning beaches in the US.

Beaches at Seaside Florida and Rosemary Beach Florida
Photo Credit: Peggy Paulson – unsplash

More Things to Love About Rosemary Beach Florida

The Rosemary Beach Farmer’s Market

Every Sunday from 9-1 there is a Farmer’s Market held in the square at Rosemary Beach. A number of venders bring in fresh fruits and vegetables, home made items and honey.

It is such a pleasure to join the happy crowds and shop under the shading oak trees.

amazing Swimming pools

Even though the beaches are gorgeous sometimes it is nice to relax near or in a swimming pool. Rosemary Beach Florida has four of the best and most beautiful pools on 30A and guests in the Rosemary Beach Community are given access to them.

The Sky Pool serves as a year round pool with a motorized roof that can be opened and closed depending on the weather. The Coquina pool is beach side. There is also the Barbados Pool and the family friendly Cabana Pool.

Each of the Rosemary Beach swimming pools are beautiful and unique.

Walking and Fitness Trails

Rosemary Beach is an amazing walking community. Paths and boardwalks lead all over the area between the cottages and past secret gardens, parks, and pools to the town center or to the beach.

As an added bonus there is also a 2.3 mile fitness trail that has a mixture of sand paths and boardwalks . This leads through the greenery of Rosemary Beach and has 4 fitness stations along the way where you can do a variety of exercises.

Biking

All of 30A is great for biking. The paths are both pedestrian and bike friendly and you can take the paved Timpoochee Trail 18 miles to the end of 30A.

Some of the vacation rentals provide bikes but if yours doesn’t you can rent some from the Bamboo Bicycle Company which is the exclusive provider of bikes on 30A.

Bikes on 30A in Rosemary Beach Florida.
Wonderful Boutique Shopping

In our opinion Rosemary Beach has some of the best shopping of any of the 30A communities.

  • Looking for something for the kids or grandkids? Check out Gigi’s
  • Want some beach gear or a T-shirt? Go to 30A Gear. Their items are cute, comfortable, and some are sustainably produced from plastic bottles.
  • Women’s Clothing? Disco
  • Men’s Clothing and Accessories? Tidwell and Son
  • Want to take home some fine art? Definitely go to Curate Gallery.
  • Skin care and Beauty Products? Patchoulis
You Can Treat Yourself To a SpA Day

There are several places in Rosemary Beach to relax with a spa treatment. You can have a luxurious experience at The Spa Pearl in the Pearl Hotel or at Vivo Spa.

For a great mani or pedi check out Nail Garten.

Pocket Parks

Not all the homes in Rosemary Beach Florida have ocean views but they do have access to a multitude of intimate “pocket parks.” These are accessed via the boardwalk that runs throughout the community.

Many of these lovely small parks have fountains along with lawns, and seating areas. Live oaks give many of these parks a shading canopy.

In the northwest corner of Rosemary Beach is a beautiful butterfly park. It contains both butterfly attracting native plants and colorful perennials.

It is a joy to stumble upon each of these gorgeous little parks. If you want to learn more about them check out the book Rosemary Beach by Richard Sexton.

Delicious Restaurants

You can always find a great place to eat in Rosemary Beach. Some of the best restaurants with ocean views are also found here. Here are a few of the best restaurants in the community:

  • Pescado Seafood Grill and Rooftop Bar
  • Havana Beach Lounge
  • La Crema Tapas and Chocolate
  • Cowgirl Kitchen
  • Edwards Fine Food and Wine
  • Amavida Coffee Roasters
Rosemary Beach Racquet Club

Are you a tennis player? If you are staying in Rosemary Beach Florida you should check out the Rosemary Beach Racquet Club.

Outdoor Movie Night

In the summer months Rosemary Beach offers Moonlight and Movies on the western green on Thursday evenings. This is a family event and you are welcome to bring your own blankets and lawn chairs.

You will find so may things to love about Rosemary Beach Florida and so many wonderful things to see and do in all of 30A!

Check the links below for more information about this extra-special area of Florida!