Located along Highway 30-A, the historic community of Blue Mountain Beach offers incredible views from a high elevation along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Santa Rosa Beach lies to the west and Grayton Beach to the east, so there’s no shortage of family-friendly activities nearby. Find quaint shops, charming local eateries, and sandy beaches within walking distance of your . Plan for family fun on your next vacation with these 11 things to do in Blue Mountain Beach.
1. Enjoy the Beach Views
Grab your sunscreen and beach towel, and make your way to the sand. Relax as you take in the incredible ocean views. The charming blue lupine flowers give Blue Mountain Beach its name. For a unique experience, book a two-hour sandcastle lesson with Beach Sand Sculptures. The fun, knowledgeable instructors can meet you at your vacation rental and teach everyone in the family how to construct impressive sand structures.
2. Find Adventure on the Water
Experience the ocean like never before when you rent a Klear Kanoo from Clear View Canoe Rental in nearby Destin. Lightweight and constructed of polycarbonate, this completely clear watercraft lets the kids enjoy an up-close view of the marine life as you paddle along the shore. Your rental includes life vests, a paddle leash, and a whistle for safety. You can rent the Klear Kanoo by the day, half-day, or hour.
3. Explore a State Park
Take your pick from the variety of state parks that lie within a short drive from your vacation home. The 2,000-acre Grayton Beach State Park offers sandy white beaches, pine flatwoods, and picturesque sand dunes. Point Washington State Forest is a popular destination for hiking and biking, and pets are allowed on leashes. Choose from the 3.5-, 5-, or 10-mile loops, depending on your kids’ ages and energy levels. Enjoy a relaxing day on the historic and uncrowded beaches of Camp Helen State Park.
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4. Grab Something to Eat
When the bellies start rumbling, take the family to Basmati’s Asian Cuisine for lunch. Try the sushi and sake and enjoy the casual atmosphere. Grab ingredients to cook your own meal at For the Health of It, a natural food store that also features a juice bar and smoothie station. No trip to Blue Mountain Beach is complete without a stop at Blue Mountain Beach Creamery. Walk here from your vacation rental, and choose a homemade ice cream flavor.
5. Go on a Bike Ride
Bring bikes from your vacation home, or get rentals from Big Daddy’s Bike Shop in neighboring Santa Rosa Beach. Every rental includes a bike helmet, a basket, and a lock, and the friendly staff delivers directly to your vacation home. Rent beach cruisers if you plan to explore the neighborhood, or choose mountain bikes for an adventurous trail ride. Tandems and trikes are also available, as well as child seats or carriages for the little ones.
6. Visit the Butterfly Gardens
Delight the kids with a trip to neighboring WaterColor Beach to check out the tranquil butterfly gardens, or head west to Santa Rosa’s Rosemary Beach, where an elaborate butterfly garden sits on the northwest corner. Wooden walkways lead you through the stunning flowers that attract butterflies. Nearby Watersounds hosts a Flutterby Festival annually in November, which includes music, art, performances, and a butterfly parade.
7. Take a Walk
For a relaxing evening, take a walk around Blue Mountain Beach to explore the neighborhood around your vacation rental. The sidewalks are lined with quaint local shops, and the area’s elevation, while only 64 feet above sea level, gives you magnificent views of the sparkling turquoise waters of the Gulf Coast. Visit the two coastal dune lakes in the neighborhood, and spend some time on the nature trails.
8. Cast Your Line
Take the kids out fishing for some quality time together, baiting hooks and reeling in some big catches. Head to neighboring Santa Rosa Beach to book a fishing charter. Captain Mike from Trigger Happy Fishing knows just where to go for grouper, snapper, and king mackerel, and 30A Inshore Charters offers everything from crabbing charters to dolphin tours.
9. Browse the Shops
Always remember your stay at Blue Mountain Beach with a few unique souvenirs curated from the local shops and boutiques. Aloha Tropical Store has everything you need for a day at the beach, from toys and coolers to skim boards and floats. Stop by Furry Fanatics Pet Center to pick up fresh, home-baked treats to take home to your pooch.
10. Ride the Waves
If your little water lovers are interested in learning to ride the waves like a pro, spend a day at the beach in nearby Seaside, Florida, and book a lesson with Austin Magee’s Surf School at Seaside. The highly touted instructors here are patient and experienced, offering an exciting adventure for kids of any age.
11. Entertain the Family
Plan an entertaining evening with a trip to Destin, about 30 minutes from your Blue Mountain Beach vacation rental. This entertainment hub has it all. Escape Zone 60 is a fun escape-room experience for all ages, and Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park offers lots of water slides for a day in the sun. Destin Laser Tag is always a hit with the kids. Bowl at Hurricane Lanes, play skeeball at Fat Daddy’s Arcade, or challenge the family to mini golf at The Track.
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