Introduction
When I first arrived in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, I thought I was simply headed for another beach weekend—sun, sand, and maybe a relaxed stroll. What I discovered, however, was a beautifully layered destination: sugar‑white sand, emerald‑green Gulf waters, rare coastal dune lakes, charming beachside villages, and enough activities to fill a memorable trip. Over a long weekend, I found new favorite spots, quiet nature escapes, and fun experiences I hadn’t expected. If you’re planning a visit (or just day-dreaming about one), here are the 12 best & fun things to do in Santa Rosa Beach, FL, drawn from my own personal journey.
12 Best & Fun Things To Do In Santa Rosa Beach, FL (2026)
1. Relax on the beach & soak in the Gulf views
One of the simplest—and still most awe‑inspiring—things you’ll do is simply spend time on the beach in Santa Rosa Beach. As the official tourism site notes, you’ll find “clear, emerald‑green water, miles of white‑sand beaches, and unspoiled nature preserves.”
I picked a stretch of sand early in the morning, walked barefoot while the Gulf quietly lapped, and appreciated how peaceful it felt before the crowds arrived.
Tip: Arrive early for best parking and quieter sand. Bring a good sun hat and plenty of water—Florida skies can surprise you.
See Also: 23 Best And Fun Things To Do In Fairfax, VA
2. Ride or stroll the scenic Timpoochee Trail
One of my favorite active experiences was exploring the Timpoochee Trail—a scenic, paved pathway that runs along scenic Highway 30A. According to travel guides: “biking the scenic Timpoochee Trail … is a fun and active way to explore Santa Rosa Beach … The flat trail is suitable for all ages.”
I rented a bike, pedalled out early, stopped at local cafés, and returned as the late sun warmed the dunes.
Tip: Choose a rental that delivers the bike to your accommodation. Plan for maybe 2‑3 hours so you can stop often.
3. Explore one of the coastal dune lakes
Something I hadn’t expected was the unique coastal dune lakes in the area—rare ecosystems where fresh and salt water mingle. As one guide explains, “Santa Rosa Beach is home to several of Florida’s rare coastal dune lakes … Visitors can rent a kayak or paddleboard…”
I rented a paddleboard on Western Lake, floated quietly, and watched birds among the reeds. A completely different vibe from the Gulf beach.
Tip: Choose a morning or late afternoon for calmer water. Know where to rent gear ahead of time.
4. Visit Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
For a nature‑rich, less crowded experience, I headed to Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. The park spans over 1,600 acres and includes sand dunes, lakes, and wetlands.
On one trail I wandered through scrub pines, reached the dune, and spotted the unique combination of lake and gulf nearby.
Tip: Bring insect repellent and closed shoes for trails. There are camping options if you want to stay overnight.
5. Enjoy the beach village vibe at Gulf Place
One afternoon, I wandered into Gulf Place—a charming “village” near the beach with shops, dining, live music, and local art. According to the guide, “Gulf Place … the perfect spot to grab a coffee in the morning or wind down with friends after a beach day.”
I found a café, browsed boutique home décor stores, and ended up on a patio with live acoustic music.
Tip: Visit during an evening event if possible—often there are outdoor concerts.
6. Discover historic charm at Eden Gardens State Park
For a slower pace, I ventured inland to Eden Gardens State Park. The park features the historic Wesley House surrounded by gardens and ancient oaks.
Strolling among moss‑draped live oaks and reflecting on the mansion’s history made for a deeply peaceful hour.
Tip: Pack a picnic and enjoy the gardens—and a side trip from the beach bustle.
7. Try water sports: paddle‑boarding, kayaking & more
If beach lounging isn’t enough, I decided to try stand‑up paddleboarding on the Gulf and in one of the dune lakes. One travel guide calls it “rent a paddleboard and go at your own pace…”
Floating over the emerald water as the sun warmed my board was one of the most peaceful moments of the trip.
Tip: Beginners may prefer a dune lake. For the Gulf, choose mornings when wind is lower.
8. Eat and shop in the local beach communities
One evening I treated myself to dinner at a seaside restaurant and the next afternoon went boutique‑hopping. The area supports “award‑winning cuisine… from casual coastal to fine dining” and “shops for clothing, coastal decor and more.”
From fresh grouper tacos to handcrafted beach decor finds, I found the mix memorable.
Tip: Book dinner if it’s a weekend. For shopping, head to independent shops for unique finds.
9. Catch a sunrise or sunset—on the sand or by the dunes
One of the simple joys was walking out just before sunrise and again at golden hour. The calm early morning, reflective water, long shadows—idyllic. The beach guides mention the relaxed vibe and photo‑worthy views.
Tip: Bring a lightweight blanket or chair. Sand gets cool after sunset so a light layer helps.
10. Visit family‑friendly parks & nature preserves
Beyond the beaches, I explored Bear Point Nature Preserve, Grayton Beach State Park, and Point Washington State Forest—all offering quieter trails, dunes, native plants, and wildlife. According to Visit Florida, “parks and natural areas” abound.
In Grayton, I climbed a small dune, watched tide pools, and felt a sense of discovery away from peer crowds.
Tip: Bring closed shoes for trails. Some parks have fees or limited parking—check ahead.
11. Try a guided adventure: fishing, eco‑tour or boating
For something memorable, I booked a half‑day charter for inshore fishing and a sunset cruise. The destination guide suggests “surf fishing along the beach … professional charters” are available.
Bringing home a photo of a framed snapper and watching dolphins alongside the boat made a strong impression.
Tip: Choose a morning trip for the best conditions and bring sunscreen, hat and a light jacket if sunset.
12. Unwind at a beach‑side spa or yoga on the sand
To round off the trip, I reserved a morning beach‑yoga session and later enjoyed a spa treatment with ocean sound in the background. The travel guide notes that Santa Rosa Beach offers “spa services … private beach yoga sessions” and “quiet natural areas.”
It was the perfect slow‑down after days of exploring.
Tip: Book yoga or spa ahead, especially in high season. Bring a light cover‑up for post‑treatment strolls.
Final Thoughts
My time in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida left me refreshed, inspired and already planning the next visit. What began as a simple beach stop turned into an immersive coastal escape: early morning dune‑lake paddles, scenic bike rides, beach lounging under emerald waters, boutique discoveries and meaningful quiet moments in nature.
If I were to pick a favorite memory, I’d say it was stepping onto a paddleboard on the dune lake at dawn, hearing the soft lapping, gliding through the mangroves and feeling truly away from everything. Another highlight: golden hour dinner by the Gulf, followed by a barefoot walk back to the sand as the sky blushed pink.
What stands out about Santa Rosa Beach is how it balances laid‑back charm with rich variety: you can sip a cocktail on the sand, then bike through dune forests, then browse art galleries—and still catch the sunset from a quiet dune. It’s part relaxed, part adventure, part boutique‑town charm.
If you’re planning a trip, I recommend staying at least 3 days—one full day for beach and dune lakes, one for biking and village exploration, another for adventure or pure relaxation. Build in extra time for spontaneous stops (that café looked good, that dune looked inviting) and keep your rhythm slow.
In your bag: sunscreen, water shoes or sandals for trails, a good camera or phone for emerald waters and dune lakes, a lightweight jacket (evenings can be breezy), and a mindset ready for restful discovery.