Hotels in Santa Rosa Beach

Discover Santa Rosa Beach: Where Pristine Shores Embrace Nature's Splendor

Nestled along Florida's picturesque Panhandle, Santa Rosa Beach is a serene escape where pristine shores meet lush landscapes. Renowned for its sugar-white sands and emerald waters, this charming beach destination invites relaxation and adventure alike. Explore the tranquil beauty of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park or indulge in upscale shopping and dining at Grand Boulevard. With its vibrant coastal flora and a laid-back atmosphere, Santa Rosa Beach is perfect for romantic getaways, family vacations, or nature retreats. Discover the allure of this hidden gem and create unforgettable memories in this coastal paradise. For the best hotel rates in Santa Rosa Beach, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Top locations to stay in Santa Rosa Beach

Some of the best places to stay in Santa Rosa Beach are Seagrove Beach, Watercolor and Crystal Beach. Seagrove Beach, Watercolor, and Crystal Beach are all fantastic destinations for travelers seeking beautiful sandy shores and vibrant coastal culture. Seagrove Beach offers a laid-back vibe, ideal for families. Watercolor features picturesque landscapes and upscale accommodations, perfect for a romantic getaway. Crystal Beach boasts charming cottages and a friendly atmosphere. Generally, you'll find a range of beach hotels and waterfront options in these areas. For first-time visitors, Watercolor is an excellent choice, blending relaxation with scenic beauty. Here are some of our travelers' favorite hotels in Santa Rosa Beach:

1. Seagrove BeachOpens in a new window: Known for its beautiful beaches and charming atmosphere, Seagrove Beach is a perfect destination for those looking to relax by the sea. It offers proximity to popular spots like Seaside Beach and Grayton Beach State Park. For accommodations, consider Hidden Beach Villas 215 by VacasaOpens in a new window, a 4.0-star hotel featuring entertainment options like Cable TV and Flatscreen TVs. Another option is The Lodge 30AOpens in a new window, which caters to beach lovers and business travelers alike, providing direct beach access and a business center.
2. WatercolorOpens in a new window: Watercolor is a picturesque community that combines stunning natural beauty with a vibrant community feel. It's conveniently located near Seaside Beach and Grayton Beach State Park, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Consider staying at WaterColor Inn & ResortOpens in a new window, a 4.0-star resort offering adventure sports and direct beach access, or Hibiscus Coffee & GuesthouseOpens in a new window, a cozy 3.0-star bed and breakfast that provides romance packages and nearby adventure activities like snorkeling and surfing.
3. Crystal BeachOpens in a new window: Crystal Beach is a delightful destination that boasts stunning coastlines and family-friendly attractions like Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park. This area is perfect for beachgoers seeking adventure and relaxation. You might consider The Henderson Beach Resort & SpaOpens in a new window, a luxurious 5.0-star resort with business amenities and outdoor recreation opportunities. Another option is Dunes of Crystal Beach by Destin GetawaysOpens in a new window, a 4.0-star hotel with a restaurant and bar, or Crystal Dunes 204 by Destin GetawaysOpens in a new window, also a 4.0-star hotel, providing guests with a variety of dining options and recreation activities.

Things to do in Santa Rosa Beach for first time

Santa Rosa Beach offers a perfect three-day getaway for travelers seeking sun-soaked beaches, serene lakes, and lush natural landscapes. Enjoy activities like surfing, boating, and hiking, while soaking in stunning sunsets that paint the sky. This enchanting destination is ideal for relaxation and outdoor adventures alike. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to Santa Rosa Beach:

• Day 1: Begin your beach getaway at Blue Mountain Beach, renowned for its stunning views and serene atmosphere. After soaking up the sun, head to Topsail Hill Reserve Beach, where you can explore picturesque trails and enjoy a picnic by the water. As the day winds down, treat yourself to a cooking class at Kitchenique, where you can learn to prepare local cuisine using fresh ingredients.
• Day 2: Start your day at Miramar Beach, a family-friendly spot perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Next, take a leisurely stroll along the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay, where you can enjoy beautiful views and perhaps spot some local wildlife. Conclude your day at James Lee Park, where you can relax at the beach, enjoy a sunset, and take advantage of the park’s amenities, including picnic areas and walking trails.
• Day 3: Kick off your day at Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, a vibrant area filled with shops and restaurants. After shopping, head to Alys Beach, known for its stunning architecture and pristine beaches. Finally, visit Rosemary Beach, where you can enjoy charming boutiques and a delightful atmosphere—perfect for an evening stroll and dinner at one of the local eateries.

5 tips to find a great Santa Rosa Beach hotel deal

1. Book for the cheapest times: The most affordable time to visit Santa Rosa Beach is during January, November, and December when hotel prices drop significantly. If you're traveling internationally, it's advisable to book your flight at least four months in advance to secure the best deals. To truly experience the beauty of this destination, plan for a stay of at least 2-3 days. You'll find great value for money as you explore the stunning beaches, picturesque nature, and serene lakes that Santa Rosa Beach has to offer.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: Looking for last-minute deals to Santa Rosa Beach? You could find great discounts on hotels by checking the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window sections on Hotels.com. These sections often feature competitive rates as your travel date approaches, and you might discover good availability for your stay. To stay in the loop, consider enabling email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com, which can keep you informed about flash sales and special promotions. Don't miss your chance to save!
3. Be flexible with dates: Hotel prices can fluctuate due to factors like location, star rating, and the season. So, if you’re flexible with your travel dates, you may save on hotel expenses in Santa Rosa Beach.
4. Consider your location: Staying near the city center and local attractions in Santa Rosa Beach is usually more expensive. If you opt for accommodations further away from the city center, you can use transportation options like a car to explore the area, which is often more likely to be affordable.
5. Upgrade with One Key: Book your next stay in Santa Rosa Beach and join Hotels.com’s One Key programme which allows members to earn and redeem rewards points for hotel bookings. Move through blue, silver, gold and platinum tiers and unlock benefits such as earning free nights, room upgrades, special discounts, and exclusive deals for members. Sign up now.

What to eat in Santa Rosa Beach

Here are a few top restaurants to try in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, United States of America:

• The Bay: This vibrant eatery offers a diverse menu that showcases fresh, local seafood, complemented by creative cocktails and a laid-back atmosphere. Their commitment to using regional ingredients makes each dish a delightful experience, perfect for enjoying the stunning views of the bay.
• Hurricane Oyster Bar: A must-visit for seafood lovers, this restaurant serves up delicious oysters and a variety of other fresh catches. With a focus on local flavors, Hurricane is known for its lively vibe and friendly service, making it a great spot to savor the taste of the Gulf Coast.
• La Chalupita Mexican Market: This unique gem combines a market and restaurant, offering authentic Mexican cuisine that highlights traditional recipes and local ingredients. Here, you can enjoy flavorful dishes while immersing yourself in the vibrant culinary heritage of the area.

Best time to go to Santa Rosa Beach

Santa Rosa Beach experiences its lowest average temperature in January, at 54.0°F (12.2°C), while August is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 83.1°F (28.4°C). August is usually the wettest month. March, June, and July are the peak travel months in Santa Rosa Beach, attracting a higher number of tourists. During this peak period, the weather is mostly sunny, with light rainfall. On the other hand, October to December tend to be quieter times to visit, marked by light rainfall and mostly sunny conditions.