Seagrove Beach is nestled along Florida’s panhandle, halfway between Destin and Panama City. Part of a series of quaint communities that march along the coast, Seagrove Beach offers plenty for vacationers to enjoy: big spaces in small communities, as well as just enough noteworthy eateries to keep life interesting. Best of all, Seagrove Beach boasts long stretches of picturesque coastline. Ranging from exclusive and luxurious to quiet and humble, Seagrove Beach vacation rentals can easily become a home away from home, so book your stay today. Here are the top places in and around Seagrove Beach to check out.
1. Seagrove Beach
Seagrove Beach offers a range of beach house rentals. Walk from your backdoor through the white quartz crystal sand to the warm blue Gulf of Mexico waters. Your kids have plenty of sand with which to play, and you can sunbathe while they frolic. Start your visit with a satisfying meal at Angelina’s Pizza, and then visit Pedego 30A, a bike shop. Rent bikes and take to the trails at the Point Washington state Forest, opt for a guided tour, or just putter around town with the family.
2. Seaside
You can also explore nature at The Seaside, just west of Seagrove Beach along the coast. Teach your kids patience with some fishing. If you don’t have a tackle, Shallow Water Expeditions Guide Service provides it and more from fishing boats to advice. Because The Seaside abuts Grayton Beach State Park, you can easily take your family for some on-land adventures like camping and hiking. The one-mile nature trail – great for small children – meanders along the salt marsh and pine flat woods. The longer includes the Flatwoods Trail, Longleaf Connector, and Western Lake Loop, the last of which is a 9-mile round trip through the forest and around water. The picnic pavillions and restroom facilities make it the perfect place to take the family for a long day out.
3. Watercolor
Watercolor Beach also abuts the Grayton Beach State Park as well as Western Lake. A rental here gives you plenty of access to the great outdoors. Moor a rental at your dock, and boat to the state park. If you want a little more ocean, take a stroll to the beach. Although nature is plentiful, it isn’t everything Watercolor has to offer. You can visit the Red Bird Gallery or Anne Hunter Galleries to impart a little culture to your children, or stroll the Central Square shops, and visit an eatery for a quick meal.
4. Grayton Beach
Grayton Beach lies happily between the Grayton Beach State Park and Grayton Beach State Park Outstanding Florida Water, which basically means that you have plenty of room to explore. If you have a boat, you can dock it at your waterside rental. If not, you can rent one to explore both halves of the western lake and the rivers threading through the state park. Charter a boat at Family Tradition Charters, and explore the Gulf of Mexico. If fishing is your thing, red snappers are plentiful. Break up your days on the water and beach with a frolic through the sand dunes, a perfect place to search for shells and other sea treasures.
5. Watersound
Watersound lies just to the southeast of Seagrove Beach along the coast. Boardwalks snake from the sidewalks through the dunes to the beach so that you can easily reach the water. Choosing a vacation rental home here puts you within walking distance of Deer Lake State Park, acres of coastal dunes threaded with trails and boardwalks. Point out the rare spoonflower, Gulf Coast lupine, and pitcher plant to your kids, and keep your eyes peeled for migrating butterflies. Cool of with a swim in Deer Lake before heading home.
6. Seacrest Beach
Seacrest Beach gives you access to both Camp Creek Lake and the Gulf of Mexico. If you have a boat, opt for a rental on the lake, and stroll down to the beach for fun in the sun. After wearing your kids out frolicking in the sand and water, spend some adult time at Camp Creek Golf Club.
7. Alys Beach
Alys Beach also puts you within a few minutes of the golf course as well as a creek and nature trail, a perfect place to introduce small children to the wonders of nature. A biking and hiking path runs along the county highway that parallels the coast. Rent a bike at Alys Beach Bike Shop, and tour the small towns along the coast. Stop at Charlie’s Donut and Yogurt Truck before you start out to fuel your ride.
8. Rosemary Beach
If you want a little more city action without the bustle of an urban landscape, settle down in a rental at Rosemary Beach. Plenty of public beach access means that no matter where you rent, you have a way to the white sand and turquoise waters of the Gulf. Stop over at Main Street for a stroll to the shops and a wealth of dining options from Summer Kitchen Cafe and Cowgrill Kitchen to the decadent La Crema Tapas and Chocolate. Hike at Camp Helen State Park, or take a day trip about half an hour south along the coast to Panama City for a bit more action.