Updated April 2023.
A not so hidden gem anymore thanks to the beautiful water, charming town, good food and overall dreamy vibe, Rosemary Beach in Florida is the perfect weekend getaway.
The DL: Rosemary Beach was created in 1995 and located between Panama City and Destin in Florida off of 30A. The beach was strategically designed to bring back the convenience of a community and neighborhood right on the water where residents can work, play, and live in paradise. White sand, teal water from the Gulf of Mexico, tree-covered sidewalks, and perfectly aesthetically pleasing designed town centers all makeup Rosemary Beach. The design of the town was supposedly inspired by the southern style of Charleston and New Orleans combined with the West Indies. There are no high rise condos and it is very walkable/bike-able. Most of the action takes place in the downtown.
Ideal for: Families, Girls Trip, Couples
How to get to Rosemary Beach:
Surrounded by multiple airports this spot is pretty easy to get to, a car is needed but if staying in downtown you will be able to bike everywhere if you shuttle in from the airport. Panama city is the closest airport but Destin is an option as well.
Where to stay:
Staying at Rosemary can be pricy (heads up) and I would say 85% of people rent one of the houses or condos, which are extremely nice and allow you to use all the pools in the community. Really the only main hotels are the Pearl (the most famous resort in the town, rates are around $500-700 pn, multiple restaurants, pool and rooftop, beach chairs), the Rosemary Beach inn downtown, and there is also The Pointe, which is not on the water but still in walking distance of a lot. If looking for a more affordable option you can stay in Seacrest which is literally in between the mile stretch of Rosemary Beach and Alys beach (which is even more luxury then Rosemary).
Many of the condos and rental are not on the water, but they are many walkable tree lined boardwalks with individual beach entrances. The neighborhoods feel very friendly, the houses usually have a balcony and rely on street parking for the most part when staying.
We have stayed in a house on Rosemary Avenue and S Green Turtle Lane, Tuckers Lane, and in Seacrest and it was super convenient to the downtown and beach.
Tip: If traveling in a smaller group, solo, or as a couple – check the carriage houses at many of the larger rentals to see if you can find a rental that way!
What to do in Rosemary Beach:
Friday
Check into where you are staying and head downtown, which should only be a short walk/bike if staying in the area. Tip: parking can also be a nightmare so if you can walk or bike do that
Good options for dinner:
- Edwards Fine Food and Wine – get any of the fresh seafood dishes ( I got the scallops)
- Paradis
- Cowgirl Kitchen for a more casual option
After Dinner Plans:
- Put your name down on the list for La Crema (it can be hours sometimes to get in) and take a walk on the beach. or hang out at one of the many green spaces.
- Go grab a drink at The Pearl at the downstairs bar or at their fun rooftop bar, make sure to try a frosé.
- Once you reservation at La Crema is ready, they are known for their chocolate fondue so make sure to get that and add peanut butter to make it even better.
Saturday
Morning
Walk the local Farmers Market on the main blvd, wander the tree lined streets and look at the beautiful houses, check out the shops in the town square or layout by one of the many pools in rosemary open to guests staying in the community.
There are also yoga on the beach options depending on the season.
Afternoon
Grab some lunch to go (feed and supply, cowgirl kitchen, summer cafe, chicken salad chick are just some options) and head down the beach
Tip – about 95% of Rosemary beach uses the rental chairs and there are certain areas you can rent if you want to be by the water and use your own chairs. To get in the first row make sure to rent these in advance of your trip, you can also rent once you get there but you might be a few rows back. Or if you bring your own chairs just know that you will have to sit a few rows behind the rental chairs or in a designated area. Also, the main downtown beach entrance has a ramp but many of the other side entrances are stairs only.
Dinner: Either Stay in Rosemary (see bottom of the blog post for full list) or head to Alys beach which is less than a mile away and will give you all the greek beach vibes you can get. I think everyone should visit Alys when staying in Rosemary, we usually bike over.
End the night with a bonfire on the beach – there are professional services you need to use. Better for large group because of the cost.
Alys Beach Dinner options:
- The Citizen
- Georges at Alys Beach – a great option for outdoor seating, wait in line when they open to put your name on the list
- Grab a drink or charcuterie board at NEAT
Sunday
Brunch at Pescado – must make a reservation and try to get a seat outdoors (this is also a great place to grab a drink at night!)
Spend the afternoon at the Beach, check out the downtown shops, or bike down 30a or around the neighborhood and see the amazing homes.
Where to Shop
- Rosemary Beach Trading – anything rosemary branded you will find here
- Hidden Lantern – Bookstore
- Disco 30A – clothing boutique
- Bombora sun and surf – get your sunscreen, higher end bathing suits (they have a good sale), anything beach wear you might need
- Gigis – kids fashion and toys
- Parish and Ex Voto – home/furniture
- Faherty – beach clothing on the more expensive side
- Patchoulis – botique
Tip: Most of the beaches have private codes or keys to get on the beach so if staying nearby but not in rosemary know that you might not be able to get on the main beach.
Get a later flight out if possible, so you can enjoy the full day
Other Places to Eat
- Amavida Coffee & Tea – breakfast
- Big bad breakfast – get a skillet and anything with bacon
- Wild Olives – dinner spot in downtown
- Havana – dinner spot located in the Pearl
- La Cocina – located in Seacrest which is walking distance, cheaper Mexican
- The Sugar Shak – candy
- The Daughters Kitchen – brunch
2 minutes away across HWY 9
- Amigos 30A
- Amici 30A
- 30A Burger
- Cuvee 30A
- Shades
Popular Picture Spots:
- Rosemary Beach Town Hall and Post Office
- Downtown Main Street
- The Pearl
- Any of the side streets off the downtown
- Rooftop at Pescado
- Beach Steps
Comment below some of your favorite things to do on 30A!
Planning a trip to Alys Beach instead? Read my weekend guide here.
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