At the far east end of 30A, just beyond the palm-lined stretch of Alys Beach sits the quiet enclave of Rosemary Beach. Developed in the mid-1990s, this master-planned community draws inspiration from several styles of architecture, creating a magical village that feels like it’s from another time and place. Buildings with colorful porches overlooking the main square are reminiscent of New Orleans’ French Quarter, while expansive “cottages” with cozy courtyards capture the look of traditional West Indies’ plantation homes with living spaces that tumble outside, inviting guests to soak up the Florida sun. Slim brick-lined alleyways and narrow streets meander between homes and carriage houses, beckoning visitors to scurry through and see what’s behind the next gate or around the next corner. These small passageways also encourage vacationers to ditch their vehicles in favor of walking or pedaling brightly-hued beach cruisers from point to point. In total, this community boasts twelve verdant park spaces, nine beach access points, four neighborhood pools, plus tennis courts and a fitness center. The quaint design and abundance of recreational spaces encourages people to slow down, relax, and unplug from the stress and hustle of modern city-life.
Places to Stay in Rosemary Beach
Highway 30A divides the community into two halves, creating a “Gulfside” and a “Parkside.” The Gulfside offers closer beach access, as well as a line of beachfront homes overlooking the pristine Gulf waters. If you don’t mind the short walk or cycle across 30A, Rosemary’s “Parkside” homes offer a quiet reprieve with views of lush grassy parks lined with live oaks and palmettos. For those who enjoy being in the heart of the action, the condos lining Barrett Square offer easy access to all the shops and restaurants.
If you’re planning a vacation to Rosemary Beach, you’ll find this community has an assortment of places to stay. In addition to three area hotels, you can also choose from twelve styles of homes for rent – with everything from small flats perfect for a romantic getaway to multi-story homes large enough to host a family reunion.
Vacation Rentals in Rosemary Beach
Most vacation rentals in Rosemary Beach have 7-night minimums during peak season, from May to September with a Saturday turn. Guests may rent select properties for fewer than seven days, but unless you have a time constraint, we recommend staying an entire week to get the full Rosemary experience!
Unlike with a hotel room, renting a vacation home gives you access to a kitchen, enabling you to prep some of your meals at home when you aren’t enjoying one of Rosemary’s delicious eateries. Renting a house also allows you to share a private space with your loved ones or friends – envision nights gathered around the coffee table playing charades or lazy mornings spent lounging together with coffee and mimosas in your cottage’s courtyard.
- Lofts: While a traditional loft might evoke images of an urban residential space carved out of a former commercial building, Rosemary’s lofts are quite different. These luxurious units are tucked into the arcade buildings and live/work units on the North and South sides of Barrett square and feature ample square footage and high-end décor. Units range from $377/night for a 2 bed/2 bath to $872/night for an exquisite 4 bed/4.5 bath condo that sleeps eight.
- Flats: Those looking to getaway with a smaller group might be interested in the flats nestled around St. Augustine Green in the northern reaches of Rosemary Beach. These 2 bed/ 2 bath units sleep anywhere from four-eight guests, making them ideal for a family with small children or even a girls’ beach getaway. Rentals start at $344/night.
- Carriage Houses: For a couple looking for a quiet getaway, a carriage house might be the perfect fit. These smaller properties, tucked above a garage, typically have 1-bedroom and sleep up to four. Many have private balconies, where guests can people watch or catch ocean views while enjoying a morning cup of coffee.
- Townhouses/Cottages/Courtyard Homes: Rosemary Beach features dozens of cottages available for rent throughout the community. Some cottages, like Providence on the Green, offer shaded courtyards and private pools, ideal for relaxing after hours in the sun at the beach. Others, like the Golden Life Cottage, have expansive porches and 2nd floor balconies that front Greens, where the adults can unwind with a glass of wine while the kids play in the park. These properties sleep larger parties, making them ideal for those vacationing with the entire crew.
Hotels in Rosemary Beach
For a quick weekend getaway, Rosemary Beach has two hotels that put visitors close to all the shopping and restaurants.
- The Rosemary Beach Inn: This European-style hotel sits in a pink stucco building at the end of Main Street, just across from the picturesque, beachfront Western Green. A boutique hotel, the property features just eleven simple, yet comfortable rooms with everything you need for a great vacation, including WiFi, free DVD rentals, and a Keurig coffee brewer. The Inn also sets guests up with free beach chairs and access to the Rosemary Racquet Club and Fitness Center.
- The Pearl: Across the street from the Rosemary Beach Inn, The Pearl offers more luxurious accommodations with 55 well-appointed contemporary rooms and suites. In addition to beautiful rooms, this hotel also has an on-site spa, where guests can indulge with their favorite treatments, an airy rooftop lounge, and the Havana Beach Bar & Grill. Rooms at this popular hotel start from $299/night for a standard guest room to $1299/night for The Pearl Penthouse Suite. All rooms come with complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas, a rainfall shower, and a complimentary mini fridge stock with goodies.
Things to Do in Rosemary Beach
Aside from spending time basking in the sun on Rosemary’s pristine beaches, there are plenty of other ways to pass the time while you’re here. Rent a mint-green cruiser from Bamboo Bicycle Company and pedal around town or cycle to the other end of 30A. Or, snag a great beach read from The Hidden Lantern bookstore on the northwest corner of Barrett Square. Take it easy at one of the communities four pools or work up a sweat with tennis lessons at the Racquet Club. For a full list of ways to enjoy your Rosemary vacation, check out this article.
Best Restaurants in Rosemary
For a small community, Rosemary Beach has an impressive culinary scene. Start your day with organic, fair trade coffee and scrumptious pastries at Amavida Coffee & Tea. For lunch, wander over to the Southside Slice Pizzeria where you can nosh on a single slice or chow down on an entire specialty pie. After the sun and surf have drained you of your energy, spend a relaxing evening enjoying tapas and fine wine at La Crema. For a full scoop on Rosemary’s best eats, check out this article.
Events in Rosemary Beach
Rosemary Beach has a full calendar of fun events throughout peak vacation season. During the summer months, families can check out Children’s Theatre productions in the park or the summer concert series, which features different musical acts each week. Read here to learn more about Rosemary Beach’s event calendar.