Travel Tips, Local Favorites & Vacation Inspiration
Expert Vacation Tips for the Florida Gulf Coast
Explore the Gulf Coast like a local with the BellaMar blog
BellaMar Vacation Rentals shares vacation tips on the Florida Gulf Coast to help travelers make the most of every stay. From planning guides to hidden local favorites, the BellaMar blog is designed to inspire memorable getaways for families, couples, and groups.
Travel Tips, Local Favorites & Vacation Inspiration
Explore the Gulf Coast like a local with the BellaMar blog. Readers can find practical planning advice, discover the best dining and attractions, and get insider recommendations on everything from quiet beach spots to family activities. Each post is created with travelers in mind, offering simple guidance and fresh ideas to make every visit unforgettable.
Our Blog
The BellaMar blog highlights what makes the Florida Gulf Coast so special. Expect to see:
- Vacation tips that make planning easier
- Local favorites for dining, shopping, and exploring
- Seasonal guides to events and activities
- Inspiration for creating lasting memories by the sea
Santa Rosa Beach isn’t just another stop along Florida’s 30A—it’s where white-sand serenity meets small-town charm. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to your favorite stretch of the Gulf, these insider tips will help you experience it like a local. 1. Book Early, Especially in Spring and Summer Peak season runs from March through August. The best homes—especially those with Gulf views or private pools—book months in advance. Plan ahead for better rates and availability. 2. Visit in the Shoulder Seasons Fall and early spring are local favorites. The weather’s mild, the crowds are thinner, and sunsets paint the sky in quiet brilliance. 3. Skip the Chains, Eat Local Santa Rosa Beach thrives on locally owned eateries. Try The Perfect Pig for breakfast, Goatfeathers Seafood Market for the freshest catch, and Stinky’s Fish Camp for coastal flair that never disappoints. 4. Use a Bike or Golf Cart to Get Around 30A’s scenic byway was made for slow travel. Rent a bike or golf cart to explore hidden beach access points and cozy coffee stops. 5. Pack Smart for Beach Weather A light rain jacket and sunscreen are equally important. The Florida Gulf can be unpredictable, but that’s part of the charm. 6. Explore Beyond the Beach Head to Eden Gardens State Park for moss-draped oaks and historic southern charm, or kayak through the rare Coastal Dune Lakes —a natural wonder unique to this area. 7. Try a Beach Bonfire Yes, it’s allowed—with a permit. Local companies handle setup and cleanup so you can simply show up with friends and s’mores. 8. Respect the Dunes and Wildlife Stay on marked paths and avoid walking through dunes; they protect nesting sea turtles and native plants. 9. Plan a Day Trip to Seaside or Grayton Beach Both are minutes away and full of character—Seaside for pastel architecture and boutique shopping, Grayton for its artsy, laid-back vibe. 10. Unplug and Soak It In Santa Rosa Beach’s magic lies in slowing down. Trade your phone for a paddleboard and let the Gulf set the pace. Whether you come for the sugar-white sand or the soul-restoring sunsets, Santa Rosa Beach invites you to live the simple life—at least for a while.
Skip the tourist trail—Santa Rosa Beach is full of locally loved spots that blend coastal creativity with southern warmth. Here’s where locals eat, shop, and unwind when they’re off the clock. Eat: Blue Mabel Smokehouse: A chic spot for wood-fired barbecue and craft cocktails. Locals rave about the smoked wings and brisket tacos. Cafe Thirty-A: A long-time favorite for upscale yet relaxed dining. Their “2-for-1 entrees” nights are a local secret. Goatfeathers Seafood Market & Restaurant: Buy fresh shrimp or grouper to grill at home—or enjoy it fried with a view. The Bay: Set right on Choctawhatchee Bay, it’s perfect for sunset dinners and live music on the sand. Shop: The 30A Store: Perfect for grabbing your 30A gear and gifts made by local artists. Artists at Gulf Place: A collection of small studios featuring jewelry, ceramics, and coastal art. Modus Photography Gallery: Locally shot beach and surf photography that captures the soul of 30A. Explore: Grayton Beach State Park: Miles of natural dunes, hiking trails, and rare coastal dune lakes. Point Washington State Forest: Great for hiking or biking shaded trails through longleaf pine ecosystems. Paddle the Dune Lakes: Rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore Western Lake or Draper Lake—these brackish ecosystems exist in only a handful of places worldwide. Bonus Tip – Where to Catch the Best Sunset: Locals love the view from The Bay , Bud & Alley’s , or the public access at Ed Walline Beach . Santa Rosa Beach isn’t about flashy attractions—it’s about authentic experiences and friendly faces. Wherever you wander, you’ll find the kind of coastal charm that makes you want to come back year after year.
Santa Rosa Beach Through the Seasons: Your Year-Round Guide to Local Events & Activities Intro: From sun-drenched summers to crisp coastal winters, Santa Rosa Beach offers something special every season. Whether you love live music, food festivals, or just relaxing by the waves, here’s how to make the most of every visit. Spring (March–May): Coastal Awakening 30A Sand Rover Rally (April): Vintage Land Rovers and Jeeps gather for an off-road beach celebration. Digital Graffiti Festival (May, Alys Beach): Light art projected onto stunning white architecture—a must-see. What to Do: Paddle the dune lakes, visit local farmers markets, and enjoy perfect beach weather before summer crowds. Summer (June–August): Beach Days & Night Music 30A Songwriters Festival Summer Series: Local and visiting artists perform beachside throughout 30A. Fourth of July Fireworks: Multiple shows light up the Gulf—Grayton Beach and Seaside are top spots. What to Do: Early morning paddleboarding, sunset dining, beach bonfires, and family bike rides along 30A. Fall (September–November): Food, Wine & Fewer Crowds 30A Half Marathon & 5K: Scenic route, perfect weather, and community vibes. Harvest Wine & Food Festival (November): A multi-day culinary event in WaterColor and Seaside. What to Do: Enjoy mild weather for hiking, explore Point Washington trails, and indulge in fresh local seafood. Winter (December–February): Cozy Coastal Charm 30A Songwriters Festival (January): Nationally known musicians perform across intimate venues along 30A. Christmas on the Beach: Seaside and Gulf Place offer festive light displays and holiday markets. What to Do: Take quiet beach walks, enjoy off-season dining deals, and catch sunsets that seem to last longer this time of year. No matter when you visit, Santa Rosa Beach moves at its own rhythm—laid-back, creative, and full of local life. Each season brings a new reason to fall in love with this stretch of the Emerald Coast all over again.
