Outdoor activities in Rosemary Beach abound, with world-class opportunities for golfing, fishing, cycling, boating, and so much more.
The award-winning planned community in Walton County, FL, encompasses a 107-acre, gulf-front property that includes residential homes and an expertly-designed mixed-use town center. Designed with the aesthetically-pleasing architecture of New Orleans' French Quarter in mind, the heartbeat of the area offers spacious green open spaces, upscale shops, an exquisite hotel, chic cafes, and restaurants offering fine-dining experiences on open-air patios and waterfront locales.
Paved bike trails, easy beach access, coastal dune lakes, and year-round mild temperatures make exploring the outdoors in Rosemary Beach fun for everyone!
1. Spend a day at the beach
Being surrounded by white sand beaches and warm, emerald-green ocean water make spending the day at the beach a welcome treat. The crowd-free beaches in Rosemary Beach are only accessible to its residents and guests, making for a quiet and relaxing experience. Dune walkovers provide easy entry, and rental chairs, tables, and umbrellas are available for a small fee. All you need to bring is sunscreen and a good book to enjoy the tranquility of Florida's Emerald Coast.
2. Build a sand castle
Make memories the entire family will enjoy with 30A Sand Castle Lessons. Rated a #1 activity by Trip Advisor, the two-hour session is suitable for all ages and includes:
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Sand sculpting tips and techniques.
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A professional demonstration.
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All necessary tools and instruction.
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A completed 3-foot tall sand castle.
Instructors will guide participants through every step to ensure a sand castle worthy of fantastic photos.
3. Play a round of golf
If you've had enough of the sun and sand, schedule a tee time at one of the many championship golf courses in the area. The fabulous weather and endless days of year-round sunshine make Florida a golfer's paradise. The Emerald Coast has several pristine links, all within a 10- to 25-minute drive from Rosemary Beach. Some of our favorites include:
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Origins Golf Club.
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Santa Rosa Golf and Beach Club.
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Legacy Golf Club.
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Regatta Bay.
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Emerald Bay Golf Club.
4. Sign up for a first-class tennis match
The friendly and knowledgeable staff at the Rosemary Beach Racquet Club oversee the eight exceptional green clay courts to ensure they remain in peak condition. A fully-stocked Pro Shop, observation deck, and restroom/shower facilities are available, and four courts have LED lights to enable nighttime play. Although the courts are open to the public, tennis memberships are available, and reservations are required by calling 850-278-2061. Pickleball is not permitted.
5. Keep your body strong with outdoor fitness activities
The Rosemary Beach Fitness Center offers weekly yoga classes for $20 per session at their peaceful studio. The vinyasa flow techniques are suitable for all levels. Private sessions and massages are also available upon request.
Weather permitting, the courtyard is set up daily for outdoor workout sessions, with strength training, free weights, and cardio equipment available.
6. Explore Rosemary Beach by bicycle
There is no better way to explore the dune lakes, lavish forests, and calming ocean waters surrounding the stunning beach communities along Scenic Highway 30A than on two wheels. Several local companies offer reliable rentals for those without bikes, allowing everyone to enjoy the best bike trails in Rosemary Beach.
The Timpoochee Trail
The 18.6-mile flat, paved trail is heavily traveled and one of the most popular biking trails along Florida's Panhandle, letting bikers traverse the entire length of the Scenic Highway. The route features quaint beachside eateries and eclectic boutiques.
The Greenway Trails
The Longleaf Greenway Trails offer 27 miles of picturesque natural landscapes with lush vegetation, untouched wetlands, dunes, and ancient coastal Longleaf Pine Flatwoods. The trails wind through several local state parks and residential developments. Parking and restrooms are available at the trailheads.
Point Washington State Forest
The Eastern Lake Trail System offers 3.5-, 5-, or 10-mile double-track loop trails for hikers and bikers. Trailhead access is on County Road 395.
7. Don't let the big one get away - Ocean fishing
You don't need to be a professional angler to catch a fish in the Gulf of Mexico. Whether you want to cast a line along the shore, charter a private boat, or join a group on a deep-sea fishing expedition, opportunities abound in Rosemary Beach and the surrounding communities. Nearby Destin is known as "the world's luckiest fishing village."
Local waterways
The Choctawhatchee Bay and local lakes and bayous provide ideal locations for trying to reel in the catch of the day. Rosemary Beach has many well-regarded bait and tackle shops and charter outfits to meet your need for supplies and boat rentals.
Coastal dune lakes
Walton County has 15 coastal dune lakes, a unique geographical feature found only in Florida, Oregon, Australia, New Zealand, and Madagascar. The shallow, irregularly shaped depressions connect with the Gulf of Mexico, allowing for the exchange of freshwater and saltwater.
A Florida combo fresh/saltwater fishing license is required for all dune lakes. Common catches include speckled trout, mullet, flounder, redfish, catfish, and bass.
A Florida combo fresh/saltwater fishing license is required for all dune lakes. Common catches include speckled trout, mullet, flounder, redfish, catfish, and bass.
8. Row your boat
There are several public boat launches along Scenic Highway 30A, as well as local rental companies that supply kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards.
Public access points for coastal dune lakes in Walton County include:
Public access points for coastal dune lakes in Walton County include:
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Morris, Fuller, and Campbell Lakes (Topsail Hill Preserve State Park) – no private vessels, rentals only.
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Western Lake (Grayton Beach State Park) – county boat ramp, canoe rentals available, private boats permitted.
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Eastern Lake (Lakeview Drive) – county boat ramp, no rentals available.
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Lake Powell (Camp Helen) – boat launch for kayaks/canoes/stand-up paddleboards.
9. Ahoy, mate!
Spend the day at sea on a boat where you can enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of the Gulf of Mexico at your leisure. Several charter companies in the area offer guided tours or rentals, and local marinas have public boat launches if you have a boat.
While jet skis are not permitted on coastal dune lakes, other bodies of water in Rosemary Beach allow jet-propelled watercraft. Lake Powell is the most popular location for watersports.
10. Enjoy a romantic evening with a beach bonfire
Residents and guests of the Rosemary Beach community have exclusive access to a delightful evening under the stars enjoying a beach bonfire at the water's edge. A Rosemary Beach service attendant will take care of everything, so all you have to do is "show up and relax."
The 3-hour event can accommodate up to 20 people and includes:
The 3-hour event can accommodate up to 20 people and includes:
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Chairs.
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Cocktail tables.
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Banquet table with a tablecloth.
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Skewers.
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Bonfire pit with wood.
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Two tiki torches.
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Ice chest with ice.
Beverages and ready-to-eat food are allowed, but caterers require a special permit. Call 850-231-1860 to make a bonfire reservation, which is limited and based on availability.
Unlimited opportunities for enjoying outdoor activities in Rosemary Beach
Rosemary Beach is an idyllic location to live, work, and play in Florida. There are ample opportunities for outdoor offerings, including boating, cycling, bird watching, and so much more. Take the time to explore and enjoy the outdoor activities in Rosemary Beach, and contact The Gardner Group 30A if you need help finding a relaxing luxury property to call home in this little piece of paradise.
