Located on Florida’s celebrated Emerald Coast, Santa Rosa Beach, FL, is a haven for thousands of folks during wintertime. The reason why is simple: the city offers warm winter weather, minimal crowds, and truly gorgeous beaches. In other words, it’s a winter paradise! If you’re planning a vacation to Florida this year, the following information is just for you! It’s a list of the best winter beaches near Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, brought to you by the storage experts at Move It Storage. If that sounds like the sun-and-sand-filled information you’re searching for today, read on!
A Note about Florida’s Winter Weather
There’s no denying that many parts of the United States are cold, wet, and dreary during the winter. Depending on where you live, the dreary weather can last between three and five months, or sometimes even longer! Snow, sleet, ice, hail, and gray skies are the norm in the northeast, northwest, and many others areas.
During this time, the climate is amazing in Florida, with warm days, slightly cool nights, and generally low humidity. Even better, Florida’s oppressive heat during the summer is absent during winter. In short, Florida’s winter weather is perfect for enjoying the outdoors, taking long walks on the beach, biking, playing golf, and other outdoor activities.
The 5 Best Beaches Near Santa Rosa Beach
1. Grayton Beach State Park
This beautiful beach is known for its excellent campground, extra-large beach area, and serene lake for activities like kayaking. The beach has powdery sand, perfect for long walks, building sandcastles, or simply relaxing. Several nature trails are nearby, and the water is typically tranquil, making this beach the ideal place to chill, explore, and enjoy fun with your entire family.
2. Santa Rosa Beach
You can enjoy several activities at Santa Rosa Beach, including scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing. The beach is also one of the most family-friendly in the area and has several excellent shops and stores nearby where you can purchase a souvenir, get the kids some candy, or grab a delicious ice cream.
3. Blue Mountain Beach
Blue Mountain Beach is an excellent choice for more adventurous folks who enjoy a rugged, natural landscape. It’s got a higher elevation than most beaches, which gives you a stunning view of the Florida coastline. The views are even better in winter, thanks to the cooler weather.
4. Ed Walline Public Beach
Another beach beloved for its stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico, Ed Walline Public Beach is also one of the most accessible. For example, there’s a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk and a viewing platform, making it perfect for enjoying the emerald Gulf waters. This beach is one of the most popular in the area and, even in winter, can be a little crowded, especially on weekends.
5. Seaside Beach
Seaside Beach is probably the most quiet and quaint beach in the area and about as picturesque as they come. During the winter, the beach is usually deserted, making it the ideal place for a leisurely walk or a quiet afternoon reading your favorite new book.
The Top Activities to Enjoy in Santa Rosa Beach
There’s no denying this part of Florida offers an outstanding variety of outdoor activities. Even if you’re not a fan of the beach, you’ll find more than enough other fun activities to enjoy. Below are some of the best of them for your consideration.
1. Long Walks on the Beach
A few activities are more enjoyable than a long walk on a lovely Gulf Coast beach. The tranquil waters, beautiful sunsets, and massive amount of seashells make long walks enjoyable for the entire family, even your little ones!
2. The Underwater Museum of Art
This amazing and unique museum is the first permanent underwater sculpture garden in the United States. An eco-tourist attraction, it doubles as an artificial reef that promotes marine conservation. You should note, however, that the museum is only accessible to certified divers.
3. Justin Gaffrey Gallery
Local artist Justin Gaffrey uses his gallery to showcase his contemporary works of art. The artist is known for his bold, textured paintings and an unmatched emotional depth.
4. Point Washington State Park & Forest
With 1500 acres to explore and miles of trails, Point Washington State Park is simply amazing. Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding are all available, as well as several camping areas.
5. The Repertory Theatre
If you’re a fan of the arts and love quality theater productions, this is a must-see! The theater is pivotal in promoting the arts in this part of Florida.
Honorable Mentions
- Deep sea fishing
- Skiing and wakeboarding
- Dolphin tours
- Kayaking adventures
- Golf (and lots of it!)
- Beach volleyball
The Best Restaurants in Santa Rosa Beach, FL
Like nearly all the towns on Florida’s lovely Gulf Coast, Santa Rosa Beach offers various restaurants, cafés, eateries, and bars. Below are 5 of the best restaurants in the area, but there are many more to discover!
- Grayton Beer Company- 20 unique brews and a kid and pet-friendly atmosphere. Yes, please!
- Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar- A local favorite, thanks to its fantastic seafood options.
- Chanticleer Eatery- Your best choice in Santa Rosa Beach for Cajun and Creole dishes.
- Bijoux- A place for fine dining with various delicious seafood options.
- Vin’Tij Food & Wine- Tasty American cuisine and an excellent list of fine wines make this place a local favorite.
Store Your Belongings Safely in Santa Rosa Beach with Move It Storage
Need to store your belongings in Santa Rosa Beach? Maybe you need to store your boat or jet ski, or you’re running low on storage space. Whatever your situation, when you need to store your belongings safely in Santa Rosa Beach, you can count on Move It Storage. If you’re ready, you can reserve your Santa Rosa Beach storage units online, and they will be prepared when you arrive. Until then, we hope the information provided today about the best winter beaches near Santa Rosa Beach, FL, has satisfied your curiousity for some wintertime fun in the Florida sun!