If you’re searching for the perfect spot to escape to right now, it doesn’t get much better than Santa Rosa Beach in South Walton. The gentle sea breezes, swaying palm trees, and vibrant local community will truly soothe your soul. It’s a place to go where you can still maintain safety and social distancing guidelines while you enjoy endless miles of pristine sandy beaches. Take a deep breath, let the warm turquoise water swirl around your ankles, and watch dolphins swim past from your private oceanfront balcony.
This week, we’re excited to highlight the heart of South Walton—Santa Rosa Beach, FL.
A Modest Beginning
The boundaries of where Santa Rosa Beach begins and ends have always been a bit fuzzy. Santa Rosa Beach was in fact once a working port in Choctawhatchee Bay for timber plantations. Huge steamboats would haul the timber across the bay to Pensacola, and from there the timber would be shipped throughout the country.
The area was also home to a booming turpentine business—a convenient by-product of all that timber. But the coastline was soon ravaged by tough economic times and a few severe storms. It was all but forgotten until the 1930s when tourists re-discovered the gorgeous, untouched shoreline.
So Many Neighborhoods—So Little Time
Santa Rosa Beach technically encompasses a sprawling 65 square miles, although there are many jewel-like neighborhoods tucked into the Santa Rosa zip code that maintain their own unique identity and personality. Here’s a quick peek at three of them:
- Not only does Dune Allen Beach have amazing access to some of the most beautiful gulf front shoreline you will ever see, but there are also three rare coastal dune lakes here—Oyster Lake, Stallworth Lake, and Allen Lake. They were formed over 10,000 years ago by coastal wind patterns coming in from the Gulf of Mexico, and are fed by rainwater and local streams. Their natural beauty and serenity elevate Dune Allen Beach to be the ideal spot for nature lovers.
It would be hard to imagine how to improve upon such a beautiful beachfront enclave. But just this past December, a new beach access point opened in Dune Allen Beach, making it even easier to access the powdery soft sand and warm, clear water. Located across the street from Stinky’s Fish Camp, this new beach access point includes convenient parking spots, a lifeguard station, clean restrooms, and fresh landscaping.
Dune Allen Beach sits on the quieter, western end of Santa Rosa Beach and is perfect for families seeking an authentic connection with nature and a stunning, world-class beach. Homes like About Time have enough space for a large family getaway directly on the Gulf—you’re never more than a few quick steps down to the snow-white sand. Another Dune Allen Beach home is Beach Front Cottage—a cozy spot directly on the beach with a large private porch to soak up the sun and watch for dolphins and sea turtles. View the beautiful green of Santa Rosa Beach golf course from your private pool in Beach Bliss, a Dune Allen Beach family home perfect a large family.
- The funky beach neighborhood of Grayton Beach can be summed up by its succinct motto: Nice dogs, strange people. Make sure to check out the local-favorite restaurant Chanticleer for delicious and savory Chicken Bruschetta Flatbread and the best Cobb Salad on 30A.
For a cool and eclectic trip to Santa Rosa Beach, consider staying at one of our luxurious Grayton Beach rentals. Arthur House is a stand out for that classic “old Florida” feel—with plenty of space for safe social distancing and peace and quiet.
- Although the “mountain” of Blue Mountain Beach only sits at a mere 65 feet above sea level, your whole family will be delighted by this friendly and laid-back enclave.
Home to some of the best ice cream on Scenic Highway 30A—at Blue Mountain Creamery—Blue Mountain Beach also has its fair share of world-renowned art galleries and award-winning restaurants.
You’ve Gotta See It For Yourself
It’s impossible to capture the vibrant beauty of Santa Rosa Beach through the written word. It is truly one of those places that you must experience first-hand in order to fully appreciate it.
From the warm, aquamarine waves lapping at the sandy shores, to the pastel-colored sunsets that light up the sky at twilight, to the endless amount of restaurants and sweet shops that are guaranteed to please, Santa Rosa Beach is truly the beating heart of the majestic South Walton coastline.
The experts at Dune Allen Realty have all the insider knowledge you need to plan the perfect trip to our sparkling shores. And our selection of luxurious homes offers all the pristine cleanliness of a five-star hotel while allowing your family to safely maintain social distancing guidelines and protocols.
Give us a call or drop us a line today, and let’s get started on planning an unforgettable trip to paradise for your whole family.
Or search our vacation rentals in Santa Rosa Beach, FL.
We can’t wait to see you.