Savor the Splendid in Santa Rosa Beach

Santa Rosa Beach is the oldest beach neighborhood in the South Walton area. Founded in 1910, Santa Rosa beach is still one of the most loved beaches on the Panhandle. Now a living before-and-after picture of a rich past and vibrant present, Santa Rosa Beach has been on the forefront of its transformation from a quiet stretch of sand to a world-class vacation destination.

Named one of the “10 Best Beach Destinations for 2011” by Yahoo! Travel, Santa Rosa Beach is recognized for its lapping waves, cool sand and endless array of activities offered. Santa Rosa Beach is also known for its luxury beach homes, upscale dining and beautiful Eden Gardens State Park.

Here are 10 things to do in the Santa Rosa Beach area:

• Play a round or two of golf at one of the many exquisite courses found in South Walton, including the spectacular Seascape Golf, beach & Tennis Resort
• Kayak, canoe or YOLO board on one of the rare coastal dune lakes in the South Walton area.
• Rent a couple of bikes and take a slow ride down Scenic Highway 30A.
• Take the family out for a delicious seafood dinner at Bayou Bill’s Crab House, featuring a raw oyster bar, crab feast, shellfish, fish and classic po-boy sandwiches.
• Attend a free concert, movie or performance staged in one of the local neighborhoods.
• Explore Topsail Hill Preserve, a secluded beach area in Santa Rosa Beach that spans over 3 miles of beaches, sand dunes, lakes, plant and animal life, wetlands and more.
• Enjoy a relaxing horseback ride through Point Washington State Forest in Santa Rosa Beach.
• Celebrate a special occasion at the Vue on 30a fine dining café with water views. The Vue is the only restaurant on Florida’s Scenic Highway 30A that has been voted as having the Best Waterfront Dining by Florida Travel + Life Magazine and most recently the “Best Place to Watch a Sunset” by the readers of Destin Magazine.
• Visit Eden State Park, a part of an estate owned by the Wesleys, a wealthy Florida timber family. Tour the beautiful turn-of-the-century Wesley Mansion, tucked away on the shore of the bayou.