Sunny beach vacations at Santa Rosa Island
One of the Florida Panhandle's most picture-perfect resort areas, Santa Rosa Island beguiles visitors with its soft, white sands and aquamarine waters. Surrounded by idyllic Gulf shore beaches, Santa Rosa Island vacation rentals provide an idyllic coastal escape. There is something for everyone here – from chic modern condos on contemporary resorts to sprawling beachfront properties with private pools and sweeping ocean views. With glorious beaches, upscale dining, and family-friendly gulf shore attractions to enjoy close by, a Santa Rosa Island vacation will tick all the boxes.
Family attractions near Santa Rosa Island
Navarre Beach Marine Park, just to the west of Santa Rosa Island vacation rentals, has some of the most gorgeous sandy swathes in Florida, and is the perfect spot for a romantic picnic. If you're staying at your Santa Rosa Island vacation rental with kids, why not drive another 10 minutes to the small but family-friendly Gulf Breeze Zoo? Its 50 acres are home to many different animals including hippos and zebras. Over in the opposite direction, Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park in Destin offers family fun of a different kind. Splash down giant slides, float down the lazy river and enjoy the many other attractions.
Coastal allure on Santa Rosa Island
Santa Rosa Island's biggest draw is the long sprawl of coastline. From your Santa Rosa Island vacation rental you can easily indulge in water sports, including sailing, boating and kayaking on the Santa Rosa Sound. Its sheltered shoreline is perfect for swimming. Fishing charters run from the harbors at Destin to the east and Pensacola to the west, each just a short drive from Santa Rosa Island vacation rentals. Try your luck with sport fish including marlin, tuna and snapper, while some charters offer dolphin cruises, letting you see these beautiful creatures playing in the emerald waters of the Gulf.
Santa Rosa Island through the seasons
Like so much of Florida, Santa Rosa Island is a fabulous vacation destination whatever the time of year. With warm sunny days reaching highs in the 80s during the summer months, choosing a Santa Rosa Island vacation rental with its own private pool is a great option. Even during the winter months, you can expect daytime highs in the high 50s and 60s, offering a pleasant year-round warmth. Nearby Pensacola Beach offers a packed program of seasonal events – including a 4th of July firework show and an annual airshow in July that you'll be able to enjoy from your Santa Rosa Island vacation rental.
Exploring the beaches and other natural features in Santa Rosa Island
Travelers enjoy Santa Rosa Island for its seaside, island views and sunsets. Whether you're looking for exciting outdoor activities or just want to spend some time taking in the scenery, you'll be sure to find the perfect setting for your vacation in Santa Rosa Island. Here are a few of the area's noteworthy natural features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Navarre Beach (8.1 mi / 13 km)
- Fort Walton Beaches (0.2 mi / 0.3 km)
- Okaloosa Island Beach (7 mi / 11.3 km)
- Fort Walton Beach Park (9 mi / 14.5 km)
- Destin Harbor (13.6 mi / 21.9 km)
- Opal Beach (14.1 mi / 22.7 km)
