Santa Rosa Beach Vibe

One of my favorite areas to visit while staying in the Gulf Coast is Santa Rosa Beach! The trendy, coastal outdoor atmosphere offers visitors award winning restaurants, and perfect spots for shopping, beaching or just hanging out. There is so much to this area, so here are just a few we have loved throughout the years!

Santa Rosa Beach is located around 20 miles from Fort Walton Beach.

The Shard Shop

When leaving Fort Walton, you will pass Grayton Beach area. We often plan a stop before going on into Santa Rosa or stop after we leave Santa Rosa. The Shard Shop is just one of the several retail shops located at The Shops of Grayton.

The Shard Shop is great place to visit on a rainy day and take a bit of the beach back home with you!  The shop offers 1-hour classes for entire family to make creative art with glass and resin! 

Creativity is so much fun here!  Make a beach scene or select a seasonal theme!  Our family visit this shop often and have shared our love for the experience with friends!

The Shard Shop is located in an outdoor mall area with all kinds of local galleries and designers.  Great place to shop and spend time!  Unique beach artwork, women's clothing boutiques and locally designed jewelry entices the most seasoned of shoppers!

You can sign up for classes online through their website.

The Shard Shop Grayton - Friendly DIY Art Classes

Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar

When we visit the area, we normally take a glass at The Shard Shop (early AM) then head to Shunk Gulley for lunch. They are very busy in the evenings, so we prefer to visit for lunch. They are not on open table and do not take reservations. But they have a great bar (2 actually) and plenty of comfortable outdoor seating while you wait.

This beautiful 2 story beach lovers restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating.  Sitting on the 2nd floor provides a view of Santa Rosa Beach.  Live music almost everyday makes for a true vacation good time!  Lots of cocktails and good food. 

Our favorites include their famous crab bisque, yellow fin tuna dip, sweet tea chicken fingers, duck fat fries and beignet fries for dessert! 

SHUNK GULLEY OYSTER BAR AND RESTAURANT ON 30A

Old Florida Fish House

While this is a fantastic seafood and sushi restaurant, this this family-owned business is so much more than a restaurant. There is a definite coastal flair to this venue that includes a bar, live entertainment, unique shopping and recreation, including glass making!

Online Reservations are available through their website: www.oldfloridafishhouse.com

Check out this Instagram video highlighting the grounds

Old Florida Fish House | Experience the magic of our restaurant through the eyes of our incredible guests! 🎥🤩 #30a #30arestaurants #30afoodie #30aeats… | Instagram

WaterColor

Once you are in Santa Rosa, you must continue down 30A and visit the beautiful sights of the WaterColor community! The unique features of this coastal delight include shopping, bike rentals, restaurants, trendy food trucks and park that will amaze. While driving around this area check the homes aptly painted pastel colors that lends to the chic feel of the community. Don't miss a visit to Cerulean Park, and its cascading fountain that runs the full length of the park.

Check out this 30A Ultimate Guide to WaterColor

Where to Eat, Stay and Play in WaterColor, Florida - 30A

Santa Rosa and surrounding communities offer visitors a close up look at Coastal Life on 30A. The communities and the local people are always so welcoming and make everyone's visit memorable. Take a short trip to Santa Rosa and share what you love the most! Did you try a spot and want to share with our guests? We look forward to hearing, you too,

---

have fallen in love with Santa Rosa Beach!