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- We skipped the crowds of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Instead, we had the best vacation in a small town on Florida’s coast. (businessinsider.com)
Local Family Discovers Emerald Coast Gem: Rosemary Beach Offers Relaxed Luxury
Rosemary Beach, FL – For Florida residents accustomed to the Sunshine State’s myriad staycation options, finding a truly standout destination can be a delightful surprise. One local family, familiar with the bustling scenes of South Florida cities, recently ventured west to the Emerald Coast’s 30A stretch and unearthed a tranquil retreat in Rosemary Beach, declaring it their favorite vacation yet.
The family, hailing from Tallahassee, typically opts for popular spots like Fort Lauderdale or Miami when hosting out-of-town relatives. However, for their in-laws’ annual March visit this year, they sought a different experience.
Influenced by social media buzz surrounding the charming communities along 30A, the stretch of scenic highway between Destin and Panama City Beach, they settled on Rosemary Beach. The decision proved to be a resounding success, leading to what they described as “one of the best vacations of our lives.”
European Charm Meets Florida Relaxation
Rosemary Beach distinguishes itself with its unique architectural style, a blend of European inspiration evident in its cobblestone streets and gas lanterns, seamlessly integrated with the quintessential Florida feel provided by abundant palm trees. The town exudes a relaxed atmosphere, a stark contrast to the lively pace of larger metropolitan areas.
Its highly walkable layout makes it particularly appealing for families. Traveling with a two-year-old, the family found it effortless to navigate to playgrounds, boutiques, restaurants, and the beach without ever needing a car.
Their accommodations, a villa near the Amphitheater at St. Augustine Green, offered convenient access to both the town’s amenities and private beaches reserved for Rosemary Beach guests.
Even a seemingly distant walk to the water proved to be a pleasant 15-minute stroll. Mornings on the beach often presented a serene, uncrowded experience, allowing for quiet enjoyment of the pristine white sand and clear blue waters.
The Amphitheater also provided a variety of entertainment options, from magic shows to live concerts, easily accessible from their rental.
Culinary Delights and Sunset Views
The culinary scene in Rosemary Beach offers a diverse array of options to satisfy various palates. La Crema, a Spanish restaurant, was a family favorite, known for its shareable tapas and decadent chocolate desserts, including a fondue that delighted their daughter. Cowgirl Kitchen provided a more casual, family-friendly setting with tacos, sandwiches, and salads, with the queso earning high praise.
For adults-only evenings, Gallion’s offered a modern take on an old-school supper club, serving up coastal cuisine and a selection of cocktails. Pescado, a seafood restaurant, became the go-to spot for dinner and drinks, boasting a rooftop bar that provided unparalleled sunset views overlooking the beach. Daily coffee runs were made to Amavida Coffee Roasters, a local Florida café favored for its iced coffee and baked goods.
Boutique Shopping and Beach Reads
Beyond dining, Rosemary Beach offers an array of shopping experiences. The Hidden Lantern Bookshop was highlighted as a perfect spot for finding beach reads, with a wide selection of new releases for adults and an extensive children’s section.
Patchouli’s, a boutique, impressed with its selection of popular makeup and skincare brands, alongside its own line of handmade soaps, essential oils, and candles. For souvenirs and merchandise, Rosemary Beach Trading Co. was a recommended stop.
A New Family Favorite
While destinations like Fort Lauderdale and Miami remain excellent choices for those seeking vibrant nightlife and a typical “spring break” atmosphere, Rosemary Beach presents itself as an ideal alternative for a relaxed, multigenerational family trip. The convenience of its walkability, contributing to the town’s pleasantly unhurried pace, combined with quiet beach mornings, leisurely downtown strolls, and scenic sunset dinners, left a lasting impression.
The family expressed their enthusiasm for this newly discovered gem, anticipating many return visits in the years to come. Their trip to Rosemary Beach was, in their words, “not our typical Florida staycation – it was better.”