From warm, sunny weather to white sandy beaches and adventure spots, there is so much to love about living on Florida’s Emerald Coast. Yet, of all the communities in Northwestern Florida, one of the most beloved and beautiful is Rosemary Beach. Set along Highway 30A, Rosemary Beach is often considered one of the most stunning and pristine beach towns in Florida’s Panhandle.
With its convenient location between Destin and Panama City, Rosemary Beach is easily accessible for both residents and visitors alike. Every year, an estimated 2.5 million visitors come to the 30A area, and Rosemary Beach is among the most popular destinations. For many people, Rosemary Beach is such a special place, they begin searching for Rosemary Beach homes for sale and aiming for a life in paradise.
So, why are so many people enchanted with this beach town? Here are some of the main reasons why people love living in Rosemary Beach.
Charming downtown area
Photo courtesy of The Pearl
If you stepped into Downtown Rosemary Beach, you might believe the town has been around since the early 1900s. With architecture reminiscent of some of the country’s most historic southern towns, you might be shocked to realize how new Rosemary Beach really is. The town was developed in 1995 and was originally part of the old Inlet Beach neighborhood. Set on over 105 acres, Rosemary Beach is a master-planned community designed by Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company, featuring over 300 home sites and a charming downtown square with shops, restaurants, and other commercial spaces. With cobblestone roads and meandering alleyways, Rosemary Beach takes its design inspiration from charming southern cities like Charleston or St. Augustine.
At the heart of the downtown area is The Pearl, one of the town’s most beautiful hotels. The Pearl features beautiful suites with magnificent vistas, a courtyard, an outdoor pool, exquisite dining spots, and easy access to the beach.
White sandy beaches
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Of the many reasons why people love the Emerald Coast, the stunning beaches are one of the biggest draws to the area. Rosemary Beach is no exception to this rule. Rosemary Beach has some of the most naturally beautiful beaches in Florida, with sugar-white sand and sparkling blue water.
Located just steps from the downtown area is Rosemary Beach, a premier private beach with glorious waves and gorgeous sandy shores. Residents can enjoy relaxing under the sun, or the adventurous at heart can head out for water-based activities, such as swimming, kayaking, fishing, and more. Plus, biking along the scenic sidewalks is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the breeze off the ocean. Other nearby beaches include Inlet Beach and Alys Beach, just minutes away.
Spectacular dining options
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Along with white sandy beaches, Rosemary Beach is well known for its fabulous selection of cafes and restaurants. La Crema Tapas & Chocolate, a Spanish-themed restaurant, is a popular destination for date nights or just hanging out with friends. Try some of their delicious tapas or paellas. Of course, a trip to La Crema isn’t complete without dessert. Their chocolate fondue or their sipping chocolate are some of their most popular desserts. For scenic rooftop dining, try either Pescado Seafood Grill & Rooftop Bar or Havana Beach Bar & Grill, which offers picturesque views of the Gulf of Mexico. From casual cafes to upscale dining, Rosemary Beach has tons of dining options for residents and visitors alike.
Beautiful nature parks
From lush gardens to spectacular state parks, one of the greatest appeals to living in Rosemary Beach is its greenery, starting with the downtown area. Rosemary Beach has beautiful gardens and green spaces that residents love to stroll by to enjoy the gorgeous sunshine. The lush greenery adds to the ambiance and charm of living in Rosemary Beach.
Beyond the manicured gardens, Rosemary Beach is just minutes away from some of Florida’s best nature parks. Point Washington State Forest, located just 10 minutes north of Rosemary Beach, is an outstanding nature park with numerous trails, camping sites, and picnic areas. Explore the Eastern Lake Trail system or the Longleaf Greenway Trail to roam through glorious pine trees, sandhills, flatwoods, and prairies to become one with nature. The forest is also a popular spot for fishing, biking, and horseback riding.
World-class golf
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Golf lovers rejoice! Rosemary Beach has easy access to some of Florida’s best golf courses. Just minutes from Rosemary Beach is Watersound Club, home to three award-winning golf courses set along the Emerald Coast. Watersound Club is a private beach and golf club featuring three courses: Shark’s Tooth Golf Course, Camp Creek Golf Course, and Origins Golf Course. Each golf course combines Florida’s natural pines with stunning waterfront views. Members can even take private lessons to improve their golf game. Whether you are a novice or a pro, Watersound Club has courses for all skill levels.
At first glance, Rosemary Beach might seem like a small, touristy town that’s nestled in between two larger cities, and yet, there is so much more than meets the eye. It is a beautiful, welcoming community with some of the most spectacular restaurants, beaches, and parks in Northwestern Florida. It is also a wonderful place to live, with many fantastic homes, from charming condos to seaside single-family homes. If you find yourself falling in love with Rosemary Beach, then it might be worth looking at the Rosemary Beach real estate options. Whether you love beaches or shops, Rosemary Beach is a wonderful place to call home.
Considering moving to Rosemary Beach? Smith Burke is your expert in Rosemary Beach real estate. Whether you’re searching for a condo, townhouse, or beachfront home, trust Smith to help you find your dream home. Contact Smith today to get started on your house hunt.
*Header photo courtesy of Unsplash
*Header photo courtesy of Unsplash