The Best Things to See, Eat, and Do on Your Trip to Rosemary Beach in Florida

With the same sugar-white sand and thoughtfully planned layout as its due-west counterparts, Rosemary Beach® makes a play for the distinction of “most quietly charming.”

The town’s iconic architecture draws influences from St. Augustine, New Orleans, and Charleston, with deep eaves, broad porches, and tucked-away gardens. Nothing is more than a five-minute walk from the town square, which is centered on a green space frequented by vacationers as they bike to and from the beach, play catch and boccie ball, or just chill in the middle of it all with a good book.

In between boogie boarding and bike rides, don’t be surprised if you stumble upon a nicely shaded, secluded bench. In fact, you might find yourself sitting a spell. This place has that kind of effect.

Start the day with a caffeine-filled kick from Amavida Coffee & Tea

A hidden network of secluded pathways winds throughout the town, encouraging you to explore at your leisure. Amavida Coffee & Tea offers cold brew and espresso shots to give you that morning jolt. This specialty coffee company serves some of the locals’ favorite java, sourcing its products ethically and sustainably to support several small producers in developing countries.

“Man, I have been waiting for this since we got in,” you'll hear a return visitor remark to the cashier on a breezy morning, a rolled-up newspaper tucked under his arm.

Hit the streets and all of the boutiques

The cobblestone streets are more than conducive for eating and shopping your way through the town. Start at Pish Posh Patchouli’s and rack up on artisanal soaps, skincare, and other apothecary items. Every scent feels special enough to bring home. Snag a beach read at The Hidden Lantern Bookstore and Gallery, and pick up goodies for the little ones at Gigi’s. Along the way, you’ll land on plenty of boutiques worth checking out.

Take in the 30A sunset at Pescado rooftop bar and restaurant

Late in the afternoon, you might see that same guy from the coffee shop at Pescado, a rooftop bar and restaurant right off the square. It’s the best place in Rosemary Beach to watch another beautiful day slowly fade into the pastel swirls of sunset. Grab yourself a cocktail (try the Summer Thyme—a refreshing mix of pisco, fresh thyme, grapefruit, and pineapple syrup) and take it all in.

During your stay, you’ll find yourself at Cowgirl Kitchen, Southside Slice, and The Summer Kitchen Café for more casual bites.

And you can get your sweets at The Sugar Shak for kid-friendly candies, The Daughters Kitchen (owned by Tennessee-based bakery, Five Daughters Bakery) for pastries, and La Crema Tapas & Chocolate for a more upscale dessert experience.

Book a room at The Pearl Hotel

The architecture seems the town’s biggest treasure. If so goes, The Pearl Hotel is its crown jewel. The 55-room hotel makes itself anything but scarce with grand turrets and terraces, black and white striped awnings, and private beach access with all the fixings. The in-house restaurant, Havana Beach Bar & Grill, certainly comes in handy, too. All in all, it’s fit for a prince—quite literally. (A few years ago, we hear that two princes from Bahrain came into town for the Ironman Florida race, renting out every one of the 55 rooms for nine days.)

Hit the courts at the Rosemary Beach Racquet Club

For tennis lovers and newbies alike, the Racquet Club offers something fun to do when you get weary of the beach. You can snag a visitor pass by the day or week, and those renting through the Rosemary Beach Cottage Rental Agency can take advantage of complimentary court time.

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In search of recommendations for your next beach read? We've got you covered. Pick a cozy bench and enjoy.