Situated along the Emerald Coast of Florida, Rosemary Beach is a hidden gem that has the perfect blend of coastal charm, vibrant community life, and an array of exciting activities.
Whether you’re looking to relax on pristine beaches, partake in outdoor activities, or visit a farmer’s market, there’s something for everyone in this picturesque town.
But what are all the things to do in Rosemary Beach, FL? This curated list should answer that question. You’ll discover various activities showcasing the best of what this town has to offer, where to stay, and some FAQs.
So, let’s dive in!
Pssst: Before you head out on your adventure, check out the most Instagrammable places in Rosemary Beach for unforgettable photo opportunities.
Things to Do in Rosemary Beach
Rosemary Beach, Florida, is a haven for those who enjoy a combination of peace and excitement.
From beach bumming and yoga classes to outdoor movie nights and more, you’ll find plenty of activities to fill your days.
Whether visiting with family and friends, or on a solo trip, this coastal town promises a delightful experience with its wide variety of things to do.
Without further ado, here are the top 10 things to do in Rosemary Beach, FL.
#1 Have a Spa Day at Spa Pearl
First things first, treat yourself to a day of pampering at one of Rosemary Beach’s luxurious spas.
Spa Pearl, located at The Pearl Hotel, offers numerous services, including massages, facials, and body treatments.
The spa is known for its therapeutic oceanic elements, intimate poolside experience, and unique blend of treatments.
You can choose from available spa packages and incorporate numerous two to four-hour experience options.
Relax and rejuvenate in a serene environment, and let the stress melt away as you indulge in some much-needed self-care.
Seasonal hours are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, and appointments are recommended.
#2 Enjoy an Outdoor Movie Night
One of the must-do Rosemary Beach activities is to go to an outdoor movie night regularly scheduled on Thursdays.
Unlike other parts of the world, Florida’s weather is nice enough that the Rosemary Beach Moonlight & Movies event is a year-round experience.
There are also some fun activities to get into beforehand, like face painting and balloon art.
If you’re interested in seeing a movie under the stars, head to St. Augustine Green in Rosemary Beach.
The movies usually start around 7:30 p.m. and are family-friendly movies like The Lion King or Maleficent.
#3 Go Shopping at a Farmers’ Market
The 30A Farmers’ Market is a great way to get a hold of local produce and support vendors in the area.
Held every Sunday, this market is brimming with fresh produce, artisanal goods, homemade treats, and handcrafted items.
Some goods include fresh local seafood, organic juice, pickles, jellies, and pastries, to name a few.
Stroll through the stalls, chat with local vendors, and sample some of the delicious foods on offer.
With fresh ingredients and unique souvenirs to take home, the farmer’s market is a must-visit.
Note: The market is open from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm year-round.
#4 Relax on the Beach
Along Highway 30A, Rosemary Beach is one of many white-sugar sand beaches between Panama City and Destin.
However, the beautiful beach town of Rosemary boasts some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico.
You can lounge on the soft sands, take refreshing swims in the blue waters, or enjoy sunbathing.
The serene beach environment is perfect for unwinding and soaking up the sun.
Don’t forget to stay for the spectacular sunsets that cover the sky in hues of purple, pink, and orange.
#5 Explore Scenic Bike Trails
Rosemary Beach is a bike-friendly town with numerous trails that are suitable for riding around on two wheels.
You can rent a bike from the Bamboo Bicycle Company or one of the local shops and ride along the scenic 30A Timpoochee bike path.
This trail has gorgeous views of the coast and connects Rosemary Beach with other charming beach communities.
It runs between County Hwy 30A near US 98 (Dune Allen) and 10952 E County Hwy 30A (Inlet Beach).
It’s a great way to discover the area at your own pace, enjoy the fresh air, and get some exercise.
There are also plenty of stops along the way, including beaches, lakes, restaurants, and more.
#6 Have Coffee and Treats at a Popular Café
There are several cafés worth checking out when in Rosemary Beach.
First up is the 3rd Cup. It’s a cute and affordable coffee shop that serves a wide variety of coffees and teas.
It also sells pastries from local bakeries, like Blue Mountain Bakery.
Then there’s Amavida café, which sells specialty organic, free-trade coffee from Mexico, Kenya, and beyond. Their coffee is notably fruity and offers decaf blends.
They also sell loose-leaf teas and iced teas.
Finally, Crackings eatery in nearby Santa Rosa offers a wide range of delicious breakfast foods, including cinnamon rolls, lobster gouda grits, and the usual beverages from coffee to juice.
#7 Get Zen With a Yoga Class
When you’re in a peaceful beach town like this one, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of the yoga classes that are available.
You won’t have a hard time finding places that offer all types of classes.
MYST 30A, for instance, offers a modern yoga style designed to strengthen your mind, body, and spirit. The establishment offers Hot Vinyasa, Yoga Sculpt, and Yin Yoga classes, to name a few.
There’s also Beach Yoga 30A, which provides private beach yoga classes year-round in Santa Rosa Beach. You can choose between gentle yoga or dynamic Vinyasa flow.
Practicing yoga with the sounds of the waves and the feeling of soft sand beneath your feet is a wonderful way to start your day.
Local instructors offer classes for all skill levels, so whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a beginner, you can find a session that suits you.
Read Next: Is Rosemary Beach Worth It?
#8 Grab a Morning Acai Bowl
When the sun’s out, what’s better than a refreshing breakfast treat?
Head to Playa Bowls’ Rosemary Beach location, which is open every day from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm.
This health food store sells mostly vegan food, the star of the show being the acai bowls.
These are essentially thick smoothie bowls, perfect for Florida’s weather.
They’re usually made with a base of frozen mango, berries, bananas, and coconut.
Playa Bowls offers many options, from the Coconut Power Bowl to the Mucho Mango Bowl, Nutella Bowl, and more.
Toppings include flax granola, berries, bananas, nut butter, honey, and seeds.
You can also buy smoothies, juices, cold brews, and cold-pressed juices.
Tip: While you’re enjoying your breakfast, have a look at the best camera gear for travel blogging.
#9 Experience a Nighttime Beach Bonfire
Bonfire nights on the beach are magical experiences that combine the beauty of the Gulf Coast with the warmth and ambience of a crackling fire.
Local outfitters like Light Me Up 30A and 30A Blaze can help you and your crew make this happen.
Light Me Up 30A has various bonfire packages.
The standard package includes essentials like firewood, chairs, tables, and s’mores kits.
They handle all the necessary permits and setup, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
You simply show up and enjoy the evening.
Similarly, 30A Blaze offers comprehensive bonfire packages that include everything you need for a memorable night on the beach.
These packages typically include firewood, seating, tables, and s’mores supplies.
The company takes care of all aspects of the bonfire, from securing the necessary permits to setting up and cleaning up, allowing you to relax.
#10 Go Kayaking at Camp Helen State Park
Head to Camp Helen State Park for a day on the water.
The camp, situated on the southwest shoreline of Lake Powell, comprises 185 acres and offers a wide variety of water activities.
The tranquil waters of the Gulf are ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking.
Rent a board or kayak from their website, Friends of Camp Helen, and explore the coastline from a different perspective.
It’s a fun and active way to enjoy the water, and you might even spot some local wildlife like river otters, herons, egrets, and occasionally dolphins.
You can bring personal equipment and go fishing on the lake as long as you have your Florida Fishing License.
Note: Rentals start from $50 for half day and $20 hourly.
Where to Stay in Rosemary Beach
Since there are only two public beaches available along the 30A, it might be a good idea to stay in accommodation on the beachfront.
By staying in a hotel or studio on the private beaches, you can avoid the crowds you would normally find at Inlet Beach and Santa Rosa.
Inn at Seacrest 210 ($$)
The Inn at Seacrest is a great accommodation option if you’re looking for a condo only a four-minute walk from Alys Beach.
Better yet, this three-bed, ocean-view studio is only a 12-minute walk from Rosemary Beach and its surrounding activities. Amenities include a hot tub, communal pool, Wi-Fi, and a full kitchen.
The Pearl Hotel ($$)
The Pearl Hotel is a well-known four-star, upscale hotel that’s only a two-minute walk from Rosemary Beach.
Services include daily full breakfast, housekeeping, free Wi-Fi, free parking, and on-site bars and restaurants. The rooms are plush and elegant, with high-quality linens and a well-equipped en-suite bathroom.
WaterSound Inn ($$)
The WaterSound Inn is a four-star, upscale golf hotel only three minutes from Alys Beach and close to Rosemary Beach and all its activities.
This pet-friendly hotel has a pool, bar, air conditioning, housekeeping, and Wi-Fi. You can get your laundry done, enjoy the two restaurants and the bar/lounge, or play 18 holes of golf.
FAQ About Things to Do in Rosemary Beach, FL
You may still have some questions about visiting Rosemary Beach and all the things you can do when visiting.
Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers about Rosemary Beach and what to do there.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Rosemary Beach?
The best time to visit Rosemary Beach is during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November), when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.
These seasons offer pleasant temperatures and a relaxed atmosphere, making them great for outdoor activities and beach days at a cheaper price point.
What Is Rosemary Beach Close To?
Rosemary Beach is close to several charming communities along Scenic Highway 30A, including Seaside, Alys Beach, and WaterColor. It’s also near Grayton Beach State Park and Deer Lake State Park.
For larger cities, Rosemary Beach is between Panama City and Destin. The nearest airports are Panama City (ECP) Airport (13.9 miles away) and Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (25 miles away).
Is Rosemary Beach Public?
No, most of the beaches along the 30A Highway are private and can only be accessed by residents or renters on vacation.
However, if you stay at a hotel, you can access the beachfront from there. There are two public beaches on the 30A strip: Inlet Beach and Santa Rosa Beach.
Can You Rent Beach Equipment in Rosemary Beach?
Yes, there are several places where you can rent beach equipment, including chairs, umbrellas, paddleboards, and kayaks.
Local vendors along the beach and in town make it easy to get everything you need for a fun day at the beach.
Wrapping Up: What to Do in Rosemary Beach
There you have it: all the things to do at Rosemary Beach.
If you think you’ll be into soaking up the sun on pristine beaches, exploring the town center on a bike, or doing some beach yoga, then Rosemary is the place for you.
This town offers a wealth of activities that cater to all interests and ages. No matter when you visit or who you’re traveling with, you’ll find plenty of ways to create unforgettable memories in this beautiful beach town.
So pack your bags, head to Rosemary Beach, and get ready for an amazing getaway!
Read Next: If you’re still unsure about planning a trip to this charming coastal town, check out if Rosemary Beach is worth visiting.
