My husband Carson and I began traveling to Rosemary Beach in 2014. Now, it's a family tradition we look forward to each summer. This quaint beach town serves as a picturesque, romantic getaway for two, but is equally well-suited for families. The shaded streets are lined with unique, charming homes that light the night with gas lanterns. I love taking photos of the architecture and local scenes with my petite camera which is perfect for travel. The beaches on 30A are beautiful — featuring clear blue water, gentle rolling waves and soft white sand.
The town of Rosemary Beach is great for walking and biking to nearby local businesses. I love waking up early and riding my bike to the local coffee shop in the town square. You can ride or walk to beach access points as well as local shopping and dining. We also enjoy the short ride over to Alys Beach for additional shopping and restaurant options.
In this article, I'll share the tried and true recommendations we've curated through our visits over the last eight years from Rosemary, Alys and Seaside, all in hopes to help you plan a 30A getaway you'll remember for ages.
When To Plan Your Visit —
If you're looking to avoid the heat and crowds, the end of April is the absolute best time to book your trip, though the ocean water will be chilly. October is a perfect month for Rosemary. The weather is gorgeous, the crowds are gone, hurricane season is over and the water is perfectly warm for swimming.
Where To Stay —
Carson knows the Rosemary Beach rental scene. He searches for hours each year to find the perfect stays with the amenities and locations we want most. Most of these options sleep four to six guests, however I included a few that will sleep up to twelve. I'll list each house we've booked or strongly considered. I'll include the links so you can review more information about each one.
TIP: The walkovers located at the beginning and end of Rosemary are best to book near because the beaches are less crowded. The closer you get to the town center, the more crowded the beaches will be!
This is the house we most recently stayed in during our trip last month, and we enjoyed so many things about it. It featured a one minute walk to the beach (walkover A and B), one minute walk to the Coquina pool, playground across the street, two bikes included, garage parking, washer and dryer, gas grill.
Where To Eat —
We were a bit disappointed in some of our typical 30A favorites this past trip, so I'll list only the ones that've never failed us below!
Cafe Tango - A quaint, cozy restaurant in one of the oldest cottages on the scenic highway. Truly one of the best meals we've ever enjoyed. Cafe Tango creates an intimate and romantic dining experience for its loyal patrons. The atmosphere is relaxing and refined while enjoying European-inspired fare. They use fresh, local ingredients to create authentic dishes.
The Citizen - After a few of our typical favorites left us feeling disappointed, we were completely refreshed when we tried The Citizen, located in Alys beach. Everything we ordered was delicious. The atmosphere was modern and clean and our experience with the staff was a ten out of ten.
Creative Crepes - A great spot for a quick breakfast! Savory and sweet options made fresh right in front of you. Try and stop in early as it gets crowded mid morning. There's a Starbucks next door with plenty of outdoor seating which was nice!
Shade's Bar & Grill - This is our favorite casual spot for days when we want to roll off the beach and easily grab some good food. We also like to order pizza to go for an easy beach picnic!
La Crema Tapas & Chocolate - Located in the town center of Rosemary, it's the perfect cozy cafe to sit with friends and chat for hours. They serve Spanish small plates and chocolate confections, plus wine and other drinks. I personally have a special place in my heart for their classic warm cookies and milk.
The Bay - A great casual spot for couples or families! The Bay is a waterfront restaurant that features Southern gulf coast cuisine, sushi, a 12-draft beer system, excellent wine selections, and inventive bar-crafted cocktails. Table and bar seating is available inside and outside on the deck overlooking Choctawhatchee Bay.
Great Southern Cafe - We've eaten here a handful of times over the years and the food has always been good! Located in Seaside, most of the time there's a significant wait. If you can arrive early or make a reservation, I'd recommend doing so.
The Meltdown on 30A - We enjoy a casual lunch or dinner by visiting the food trucks in Seaside. Usually Carson wants to eat seafood, but if you want a classic grilled cheese or a simple hot dog, this is a great place to go. Several quick options that are sure to appeal to everyone!
Bike Rentals —
Our daughter Meriwether loves riding bikes through the shaded streets of Rosemary. They have scrub oaks lining the sidewalks, creating a pleasant ride for everyone. Bikes are usually included with your stay, but for the last few years we've rented a kids trailer. As we ride, you can hear her squealing and laughing the whole way.
We've had good experiences with Bamboo Bicycle Company, conveniently located in Barrett Square. They also have various items for rent for babies (cribs, high chairs, strollers, etc.) in the event you'd like to avoid packing them.
Umbrella & Chair Rentals —
Carson books our umbrella and beach chairs through Rosemary Beach Service. We've always had a great experience with them and they issue refunds when the weather gets inclement.
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