Incredible natural surroundings that mesmerize you with pristine, sugar-white beaches shining against the magnificent turquoise backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico, brimming with sport fishing opportunities and water warm enough for swimming most of the year; rare coastal dune lakes, maritime forests, and windswept sand dunes. Welcome to Seagrove Beach, Florida. With its own charm and personality, along with some worldly, exotic, and eclectic experiences. Whether you’ve booked a vacation rental in Fort Walton and are heading to Seagrove Beach for a change of scenery or you’re staying close by, keep reading for the best things to do in Seagrove Beach, FL.
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1. Grayton Beach State Park
Hit up Grayton Beach State Park. A beach neighborhood built around good, free spirited fun. Take home a piece of Grayton Beach by picking up a painting or figurine from the Grayton Artist Collective or stopover at boutique-like Petunia’s, to browse several gifts and treasures. Break free from all the commotion and take a hike through Grayton Beach State Park — from here, the sight of sand dunes will leave you in awe. At the end of the day, stroll along this beach’s sugar-white sand and watch the sunset. Grab a memorable meal at favorites like Coast or Hurricane Oyster Bar & Grill, and then listen to some live music at Red Bar or Pandora’s.
Grayton Beach State Park
Address: 357 Main Park Rd, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, USA
Hours: 8:00 am to 7:30 pm
Phone: +1 8502678300
Website: Florida State Parks
2. Eden Gardens State Park
Eden Gardens State Park encompasses roughly 163 acres (66 hectares) of land that used to be a portion of the historic Wesley estate. The focal interesting location of this park is the stunningly refurbished Wesley House, a two-story house with graceful white columns and wrap around porch. In a scenery of moss-draped live oaks, the 1897 mansion reminiscences an affluent era before the virgin forests of longleaf pine and cypress were exhausted in this part of the state.
In 1963, Lois Maxon purchased and renovated the home, creating an exhibition for her family heirlooms and antiques. Visitors can now come and enjoy a guided tour of the Wesley House, wander through the gardens and stroll down the nature trail, bring a picnic or go fishing off the dock in Tucker Bayou.
Eden Gardens State Park
Address: 181 Eden Gardens Road, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, USA
Hours: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm (Thursday - Monday)
Phone: +1 8502678320
Website: Florida State Parks
3. Deer Lake State Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Deer Lake State Park is a 1,920 acre (777 ha) park that shares its name with the coastal dune lake within its boundaries. Southern magnolias, golden asters, woody goldenrod, and scrub oaks can be seen in this coastal dune habitat. A boardwalk across the dunes provides easy access to the beach where visitors can picnic, swim, and fish. It also offers spectacular visibility of the dune ecosystem, one of the 11 natural communities found in the park.
The Deer Lake State Park is a beautiful beach park with pristine white sand, and has everything you need for a perfect vacation — all located within walking distance. A paradise designed to help you escape, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty all around.
Deer Lake State Park
Address: 6350 E. County Rd 30-A, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, USA
Phone: +1 8502678300
Website: Florida State Parks
4. Gulf Place
The promenade along Gulf Place’s sugar-white sand and lush green spaces is a casual beach place with a modern appeal, with open green spaces, trails and activities for all ages. When you have wandered to your heart’s content, come out and discern visually, the stores and restaurants at Gulf Place Town Center. Invigorate yourself with a refreshing session in the swimming pool, a game of tennis, or a jog along the Timpoochee Trail.
Eat, drink, and relax at a family-friendly spot like La Playa. Gulf Place is the perfect spot to please almost any palate, and laid back enough to welcome any type of visitor.
Gulf Place
Address: Corner of Scenic 30A and Hwy 393, 95 Laura Hamilton Blvd, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459, USA
Phone: +1 8502672562
Website: Gulf Place
5. Village of Baytowne Wharf
The vivacious pivot of the Sandestin experience is the Village of Baytowne Wharf. Discover the incredible assortment of accommodations that put you in the heart of it all, just steps from family fun zones, shopping, dining, street performers and live entertainment.
When the sun sets over Choctawhatchee Bay, things start pulsating at Sandestin in a whole new way. Twinkling lights, laughter and music fill the air in the Village of Baytowne Wharf, as restaurants and bars get the nightly celebration going. Venues like the Funky Blues Shack, Rum Runners and Hammerhead’s Bar & Grille blend cocktails, live music highlighting local and national acts and a healthy dose of good times together for an unforgettable experience. Add to the mix the seasonal extravaganzas and activities like a weekly concerts series, firework shows and even holiday season ice skating, and you can see why a night out on the wharf means endless fun for the young and old alike.
Village of Baytowne Wharf
Address: 9300 Baytowne Wharf Blvd, Miramar Beach, FL 32550, USA
Phone: +1 8502678000
Website: Village of Baytowne Wharf
6. Miramar Beach
Shop, dine and sight-see your way through this beautiful beach neighborhood and enjoy the turquoise gulf water, clear blue skies and the tranquil sounds of the beach before you are swept over by the panoramic views of the white sand that offers endless activities for all ages. Sitting along a wide, scenic boulevard right along the Gulf, Miramar Beach is a hub of activity. Visit this beach neighborhood’s colorful shops and extensive eateries; stay in a family-friendly resort or private beachfront home.
Assess your stability during a stand-up paddle boarding lesson, or discover the perfect accessory at one of Miramar Beach’s hundreds of designer and branded stores. Start and end each day with a beautiful view of the sun shining against Miramar Beach’s turquoise water.
Miramar Beach
Address: Scenic Hwy 98, Miramar Beach, FL 32550, USA
Website: Visit Florida
7. Alys Beach
Entering Alys Beach is unmistakably stunning and wreaks of luxury when you arrive at this seaside town. You will know you have reached Alys Beach when you are surrounded by its signature palm trees, its iconic butteries and its stunning white stucco architecture. Alys Beach makes a strong, stylish statement. Experience the high-end yet low-key feel of this beach neighborhood.
Take a seat on a bench at one of Alys Beach’s many community green spaces, or, pursue some quiet time with a stroll along its stunning nature walk. This beach neighborhood includes a 20-acre (8 ha) nature preserve and celebrates its surroundings with winding trails, outdoor sculptures, and elegant landscapes. Whether you’re sitting on the sand or strolling along a quiet sidewalk, Alys Beach constantly offers a beautiful view at your disposal.
Alys Beach
Address: 9581 County HWY 30A East, Alys Beach, FL 32413, USA
Phone: +1 8667321760 (Toll Free)
Website: Alys Beach
8. Seaside’s quaint town square market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Good morning! It's a beautiful day to pick up some fresh, local goods while listening to Scott Rockwood jam live! We hope to see you soon!
Posted by Seaside Farmers Market on Saturday, August 26, 2017
The Seaside Farmer’s Market is across the road from the beach and four minutes’ drive from Seagrove. Set in the quaint town square, there’s often live music. It is not a huge market, but lots of shops, stalls, and stands have a large variety of food, crafts, and drinks. Enjoy the best of food, drink, and beaches. The market runs every weekend, even in winter. Organic foods, honey from the farm, fresh-baked bread and jewelry are on offer.
Visiting the market is a great way to spend a few hours just browsing, strolling around and enjoying the atmosphere. Combine retail therapy with beachside ambiance.
Seaside Farmer's Market
Address: Cr 30A, Seaside, FL 32459
9. Topsail Beach State Preserve at Santa Rosa
Drive 9 miles(14 km) from Seagrove to the Topsail Beach State Preserve at Santa Rosa. There are three miles of beach to enjoy. The dunes are protected and are very beautiful. Running, cycling and hiking is a nice way to spend the day. A tram transports visitors to the beach from the carpark. Access is free in summer and the white beaches are a perfect place to relax. If you want to stay longer, there’s a quiet and clean campsite and RV park. Unwind away from strip malls and souvenir shops. Walmart and restaurants are about two miles (3km) away
Topsail Beach State Preserve
Address: 7525 W. Scenic Highway 30A, Santa Rosa Beach
Website: Topsail Beach State Preserve
10. Seagrove Village MarketCafé
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Walton County may be peppered with countless restaurants, but Seagrove Beach’s very own Seagrove Village MarketCafé is something special. Some of this seafood restaurant’s bestsellers are fish tacos, gumbo special, crab cakes basket, and barbecue shrimp and grits. And since we’re talking about the Southern United States here, another must-try staple is one of their “Nibbles” or appetizers: hushpuppies! In case you’re not familiar, hushpuppies are cornmeal-based fried balls. Funny little things, they are! Stop by the restaurant for some grub.
Seagrove Village MarketCafé
Address: 2976 South County Highway 395, Seagrove Beach, Florida 32459
Website: Seagrove Village MarketCafé
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10:30am - 8pm; Sun: 10:30am - 2:30pm
11. Seaside Amphitheater
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Seaside Amphitheater on Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Not even a five-minute drive from Seagrove Beach is the small resort community of Seaside, where our next attraction is located. Seaside Amphiteater is one of the most frequented hangout in the area. If there are no events to fill up the amphiteater, it is open for everyone to enjoy. Visitors are welcome to bring their own seating and any other picnic needs. It is the perfect spot for you to wind down and mingle with locals after a day of swimming at the beach.
Seaside Amphitheater
Address: Seaside, FL 32459, United States
Website: Seaside Amphitheater
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
12. Café Thirty-A
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Anyone who wishes to experience dining at Seagrove Beach must try out Café Thirty-A, a casual dining restaurant on Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A, where it gets its name! Walk-ins are welcome, but if you’re on a tight schedule in town, you may want to call in advance to make reservations as it can get pretty busy at times. For the main course, their filet mignon is highly recommended! Although, we know you’re bound to have a happy tummy whatever food you order. The raving reviews alone should have you calling to reserve a spot!
Café Thirty-A
Address: 3899 East Scenic Highway 30A, Seagrove Beach, FL 32459
Website: Café Thirty-A
Opening hours: 4:30pm - 9:30pm (daily)
Warm up under a sunny, four-season Florida climate
If you didn’t know what to do in Seagrove Beach, Florida, well now you have a slew of options! Combine amenities like world-class sand beaches, shopping paradises in luxe settings, parks and worldly experiences that you and your family can enjoy, along with a thriving arts community, and a long list of exciting events and festivals, and you have the ultimate recipe for a perfect beach vacation! Enjoy your time at Seagrove Beach!
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