The Ultimate Rosemary Beach Travel Guide: Discover Your Gateway to 30A
This post is your Ultimate Rosemary Beach Travel Guide.
Explore this Rosemary Beach Travel Guide and discover the best places to eat, shop, and stay in this idyllic beach locale. As a Panama City Beach local, Rosemary Beach is not just our closest 30A destination but also our personal favorite. We love visiting in the early morning on a random weekday. Once we have secured our cup of Joe, we take a leisurely stroll along the planked walkways and cobblestone streets to marvel at the gorgeous architecture, which exudes a distinct European charm.
The Best Rosemary Beach Travel Guide
Rosemary Beach Travel Guide Table of Contents:
Brief History
Rosemary Beach is a planned community of 107 acres, founded in 1995 by Patrick D. Bienvenue. Based on New Urbanism, Alys Beach and Seaside alike, Rosemary Beach was masterfully planned by the husband-and-wife team of Andres Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk. New Urbanism brings the idea of community and walkability to the forefront. This idea makes these beach towns the perfect place to park on arrival and only see your car once you have to leave 30A.
Getting To Rosemary Beach
The closest airport to Rosemary Beach is ECP (Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport), about a 30-minute drive away. The average Uber or Lyft will cost about $50 for four or fewer people to travel from ECP to Rosemary Beach and $75 for up to six people.
For a scheduled taxi/shuttle, I was recently quoted $70 for up to 6 passengers from 30A Airport Shuttle & Taxi (850-624-1009).
For a truly unique and adventurous experience, consider renting a Jeep or convertible Bronco for your 30A adventure. These rental services even offer to leave the vehicle at the airport, ensuring you’re ready to hit the road as soon as you arrive. Whether you choose Beach Jeeps 850, Panama City Beach Jeep Rentals, or 30A Beach Girls, you can expect a thrilling ride and the freedom to explore 30A at your own pace. Prices typically range from $125 to $250 per day, depending on the specific SUV you select.
Where to Stay
Deciding where to stay in Rosemary Beach will depend on your travel plans. Are you traveling as a couple or a family? Are you planning a family reunion or bachelorette party? I will offer my best recommendations based on all possible factors. I will link the direct Rosemary Beach sites below, but rentals are also available on Airbnb and VRBO.
Trip for two (or solo)
perfect for couples
The Pearl
This luxury hotel offers sophistication and comfort for solo travelers or romantic trips for two. Its incredible amenities include beach chairs and umbrella setup on its dedicated beach, complimentary mini-fridge stocked with bottled waters, sodas, and juices, and even a beach bag for use during your stay.
The adults-only hotel pool doesn’t disappoint, but if you need variety, you’ll have access to the 4 other pools located around Rosemary Beach.
Boutique hotel
Rosemary Beach Inn
The Inn is an 11-room European-style hotel situated above the popular shops and restaurants on Main St. This hotel offers beach chairs + umbrella setup, access to 4 community pools, tennis and fitness centers, and the #1 perk of breakfast at The Summer Kitchen Cafe.
I especially like being able to pick the exact room I’ll be staying in. Some rooms are “cozier” than others, so mind the square footage if you need more space. Rooms 201/301 are most popular with great space and lovely views.
Family of 3 or 4
Ideal for small families
Signature Carriage House
Rosemary’s carriage house additions were designed to not only add living space and hide parking but also to offer rental opportunities. So, take advantage of these cozy rentals, which are ideally located all over Rosemary Beach. They are the perfect size for a small family of three or four.
Most carriage houses will have a small kitchen area, one bathroom, a queen-sized bed, and a sleeping area befitting the kids. Also, you will have access to all the community pools, beaches, fitness, and tennis amenities.
Larger Families & Groups
the more the merrier…
Cottage + Carriage
Traveling with a large group or multiple families can be challenging to plan. But all you need is to rent out the whole cottage and the additional carriage house to boot. There are plenty of large rentals available to accommodate all groups. This is the perfect plan for family reunions, bachelorette parties, or even the annual Friendsgiving.
These massive rentals have 5-star kitchens, tons of bedrooms, and some even have a private pool! All are in excellent locations, with many having Gulf views—definitely, no expense spared with these luxury accommodations.
Where to Eat
Are you only planning to use your two feet to get you where you’re goin’? No worries, Rosemary Beach’s restaurant scene has got you covered! With a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, you’re in for a culinary adventure. Still, if you are looking to branch out further down the road for your next meal, check out my post on the best restaurants on 30A.
Below, I’ve divided up the available restaurants for each meal time and their current hours as of July 2024. Please check their individual websites (which I’ve linked) to view the most up-to-date restaurant information.
Breakfast
Breakfast & Coffee
Lunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dinner
Grocery Stores
While eating out for every meal sounds perfect while on vacation, sometimes we want to prepare snacks or even a special dinner night-in for ourselves. There is a small store right on Main St. called Cowgirl Kitchen Feed & Supply, which will have the essential snacks, readymade items, plus beer and wine.
Additionally, Walmart and Publix are within a 10-minute drive from Rosemary. So, if you have a car and need a more significant grocery haul, the big box stores are conveniently located. One other local shop I want to mention is the upscale grocery store Destin Ice Market 30A. It is located in Inlet Beach next to the Donut Hole (less than a 15-minute walk from Rosemary). They have fresh Gulf seafood, fine wine and cheeses, and craft beer. They are undoubtedly a superior market!
Things To Do
In Rosemary Beach, it goes without saying that beach and water activities are always available, weather permitting, and are exceptional. Below are the main draws for choosing Rosemary Beach for your next stay. Furthermore, check out my blog post on Unique Things to Do on 30A, which covers 30A and the surrounding area.
Rosemary Beach Community Amenities
Above all, the Rosemary Beach Community Amenities take an ordinary beach vacation to the next level. It’s my understanding that complimentary access to these amenities is given to guests renting through the Rosemary Beach Cottage Rental Company, so I recommend booking directly.
Farmer’s Market
Our favorite activity that Rosemary Beach hosts every week is its Farmer’s Market. This market is open every Sunday from 9a to 1p. Vendors offer fresh produce, meat, seafood, eggs, baked goods, frozen treats, and various other things. Take advantage of Mano’s Mediterranean Hummus booth! It’s the best hummus and pita bread available—just ask my husband!!
Kid-Centric Activities
- July’s Where’s Waldo Search
- Rosemary Beach shops hide Waldo and invite the kids to search for him every July. Look for the Waldo sticker in the business windows, find Waldo, and collect a stamp.
- Story time at The Hidden Lantern Bookstore
- Rosemary has the CUTEST bookstore around. So, if you forget your kindle at home, stop by and find some great reads here or it’s a cozy place to catch up on emails while the kids are enjoying story time.
- Kids Theater
- Summer 2024 had weekly shows of Pinocchio
- Outdoor Movie Nights with face painting, popcorn, and hotdogs
- Don’t forget your blankets and lawn chairs
30Avenue
Technically, 30Avenue is located in Inlet Beach, but I’ll include it in the Rosemary Beach travel guide because it is easily walkable. 30Avenue is a lively shopping, dining, and entertainment district that is enjoyable for people of all ages. There are upscale shops and unique dining options. Also, they have a small arcade with an ice cream parlor that’s sure to please the little ones. The outdoor lawn sets the stage for live music and fun games for the whole family. Check out their event calendar here.
Events
Rosemary Beach Travel Guide Summary
This Rosemary Beach travel guide is everything you’ll need to plan the best beach vacation on 30A. Rosemary is more than just a destination. With its unique charm, stunning architecture, and endless activities, Rosemary Beach serves as the perfect introduction to the magic of 30A. Join me as I tour Alys Beach, Seagrove, Seaside, and beyond. Let me know down below which 30A beach town you want to visit next.
